The Horizon

I don’t often throw around the word “Masterpiece”, but I think it truly applies to this story.

In just 21 chapters, the author manages to build a believable post-apocalyptic world and attach you to the characters who are traveling through it. It does a fantastic job of tackling a variety of issues in the world today, addressing questions we must answer as individuals as well as those which we must answer as a collective. The art fits the story extremely well, with its dark, gritty style adding to the already heavy atmosphere of the story. It can be rather simplistic at times, but also very detailed when need be.

The Horizon does not hold back in addressing death, fears, and the darkest parts of the human existence, and is, at least through out the majority of the story, extremely nihilistic (or seemingly so). This is not a story for the feint of heart, but if stories with great depth or weight tend to resonate with you, I would consider this one the perfect read.

With a great emphasis on philosophy and addressing the questions that every person must deal with at some point or another, The Horizon is a brutal story on the surface that contains a very hopeful message. If you have ever pondered what death is like, why the world is such a brutal place, what can justify murder, and how loss of innocence can impact a child and follow them into there adulthood, this story can help guide you along the path to finding your own answers to these questions. The themes of this story are what make it what it is, especially when paired alongside with the graphic art and minimal dialogue.

This is a rather unique story, and quite different from most manga or manhwa around today. As I stated earlier, it is quite graphic, and there is very little speaking. The characters' names are never revealed, and so it leaves the reader with a strange feeling of connection, but also distance from the main cast. If you feel as though much of the current manga is too repetitive and uninteresting, I highly recommend you give The Horizon a chance. It almost feels like it could be a children's story thanks to the unique art and narration, and might be considered one if it were not for the merciless portrayal of life, death, and the weighty messages that come along with that.

It is a quick read, but has a lot to say. The author clearly has certain stances on these moral and philosophical dilemmas, and although he does bring them up for discussion and attempts to find answers for them, it never once feels as though he's trying to push his opinion on the audience. The reader is left with the final decision, and how to respond to your own fears and troubles is left up to you.

A 10/10, beautifully haunting story. If you’re considering reading, please check it out. You won’t regret it.