The 18+ rating and provocative visuals may give you the impression that Demonizer Zilch is a raunchy adult manga, but don’t be fooled by appearances. This manga has a peculiar mix of styles, with its childlike art, oversized eyes, and Amiibo-inspired character designs. While it may seem like something aimed at a younger audience, Demonizer Zilch is actually a thrilling and mature manga experience.

A Dark Past Unveiled

The story begins with a gripping flashback, transporting us to a mysterious laboratory where a young boy witnesses his sister and childhood friend being taken away by scientists in lab coats. Fast forward to the present, and that boy, now known as Haruomi, is haunted by faint memories of that traumatic event.

However, everything changes when Haruomi is unexpectedly attacked by a poorly drawn yet enigmatic girl in the men’s bathroom. Amidst the chaos, Haruomi manages to escape only to find himself facing more assailants. Just when things appear dire, another poorly drawn girl appears to save the day. This seductive savior introduces herself as Zilch Kanoa, the physical embodiment of the demon archduke ‘Astaroth.’

Unveiling the Secrets

As the story unravels, we discover that Zilch is a demon weapon created through a secret government experiment. However, she is relentlessly pursued by the church’s demon-hunting “annihilators.” Zilch also displays an overwhelming infatuation with Haruomi, teasing him relentlessly. But whenever Haruomi reciprocates her advances, Zilch’s demeanor suddenly shifts, revealing a shy and vulnerable side. The budding romance between these two is further complicated by the presence of Yakagi, a Christian demon huntress with ample bosoms, whose breast Haruomi inadvertently grabbed during their encounter in the bathroom.

A Battle Between Good and Evil

Demonizer Zilch weaves a narrative filled with Cabbalistic and Gnostic Christian references, immersing the reader in a world of mystical intrigue. The constant name-dropping of “Goetia,” “Qliphoth,” and “the Seventh Gospel Organization” adds depth to the story, while simultaneously blurring the lines between good and evil.

What sets Haruomi apart from other protagonists in similar manga is his cool demeanor. He deviates from the typical shy and blushing hero, bringing a refreshing change of pace to the narrative. However, even though the plot may be familiar to fans of this genre, one can’t help but be disappointed by the subpar artwork. The characters’ awkwardly drawn kisses resemble dolls’ faces colliding, and the manga’s repeated attempts to invite readers to imagine them engaging in intimate acts are simply absurd.

In a surprising turn of events, we discover that Milan Matra, the artist behind Demonizer Zilch, is not a novice, but a seasoned manga artist who previously worked on the equally lackluster Omamori Himari series. This disappointing revelation raises questions about the overall quality of the artwork.

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Publisher: Yen Press
Story and Art: Milan Matra
Rating: 18+