【Mystery x Zombies......?】 The Moment You Realize the 'Idea' Behind This Work, It Becomes Fascinating! Shibatarian!

“Shibatarian” is a unique manga that blends a distinctive worldview with absurd horror elements. The story begins with 9th grader Sato Hajime meeting a mysterious boy, Shibata Hajime, who was buried under a cherry tree, and forming a friendship with him, eventually pulling the readers into unpredictable twists and turns.

The story begins in the spring of Sato's third year of middle school. The protagonist, Sato, discovers a mysterious boy, Shibata, buried up to his neck under a cherry tree. After rescuing Shibata, Sato deepens his friendship with him, and they become movie-watching buddies. However, not only is the movie they planned to screen at the cultural festival not accepted by those around them, but a creepy situation arises where none of Sato's classmates seem to know of Shibata's existence.

Eventually, the story jumps five years into the future. Sato, having reunited with Shibata after a long time, watches a movie at the cinema. However, when the lights come on after the screening, the theater is teeming with countless “Shibatas.” The nightmare that Sato once suggested—that “the whole world becomes Shibata”—has come true, and the multiplying Shibatas start killing off their classmates one by one, causing a panic. This twist will shock the readers, drawing them deeper into the story's profound eeriness.

“Shibatarian” stands out not only for its horror but also for its absurd worldview and unique pacing. The manga cleverly incorporates cinematic techniques, creating an illusion as if one is watching a film. Especially notable are the scenes where multiple Shibatas appear and the cinematic interactions with Sato, making it feel like a meticulously crafted work.

“Shibatarian” is distinguished by its unique art style and setting, setting it apart from other works. While the artwork may not be considered exceptionally skilled, its strong quirks match the atmosphere of the work, creating a distinctive charm. Additionally, this work blurs the line between horror and comedy, blending absurdity with seriousness, and maintaining an engaging narrative that keeps readers captivated.

“Shibatarian” is a work that offers not only horror elements but also an enjoyable strange and absurd worldview. Readers will be unable to take their eyes off the chaos triggered by the mysterious entity, Shibata. This work is highly recommended for fans of horror and unique manga. Stay tuned for the developments to come and see what unfolds next.