【Bullying x Retribution】 Melody of a School Revenge Suspense - Maria no Danzai!

“Maria no Danzai” is a manga depicting a shocking revenge drama that began serialization on May 5, 2023, in “Tonari no Young Jump.” Currently, three volumes have been published, and its captivating story has garnered much attention.

The story begins with an ordinary housewife, Nagare Mari, who loses her beloved son, Kiritaka, due to bullying. Her son suffered from severe bullying at school but endured it, trying not to worry his mother. However, a tragic incident claims his life. Upon learning the truth about her son's death, Mari, overwhelmed with deep sorrow, vows a cold-blooded revenge.

Two years later, Mari sheds her former self and, under the new name and guise of “Akeboshi Maria,” begins to track down the five high school students who drove her son to death. She becomes the school nurse at the high school they attend, skillfully executing her meticulously planned retribution.

Reading “Maria no Danzai,” I was drawn in by the beauty of the artwork and the darkness of the story. The intensity of the revenge plot is striking, and that's one of the charms of this work. Especially captivating is the protagonist Maria, who, while displaying a seductive side, advances her revenge with a mysterious allure.

The plot, where a mother who lost her son chooses not just revenge but “retribution,” is very intriguing. Her complex background, operating under her maiden name and having an ex-husband who is a detective, adds to the tension. Readers are also keen to see if her true identity will be revealed and what actions her ex-husband will take.

The scenes where Maria metes out retribution to the five one by one are thrilling yet chilling. In particular, the purging scenes of Kowase and Shikimi depicted up to volume 2 were shocking twists that did not disappoint the readers. It suggests that the remaining three won't be easy to deal with, making the story even more captivating.

This work, with its theme of “retribution” beyond mere revenge, leaves a strong impression on the readers. It sharply delves into the social issue of bullying, highlighting the lack of awareness among the perpetrators and the horrors of group psychology. It also portrays the modern fear of how easily videos and photos can be spread, adding a sense of realism.

Finally, what will remain for Maria once she has finished exacting retribution on all five? To witness that conclusion, you cannot take your eyes off the upcoming developments. Please do read on to see what lies at the end of the path of “retribution” chosen by this guilty mother, and the madness that awaits.