10/10 for the manga, and for the anime.. even the film works well. The anime is the only case of a successful adaptation from a manga that manages a decent and (to me anyway) satisfying ending by changing the storyline, even changing the way the world it is set in works. It sounds like it could never work, and pulls the rug out from under your feet in a massive way, but the way it is done is such... 366uo

I would agree with the previous review and add that at some point the art style changes so much that it's hard to recognise people. It seems more like a different person writing it than just the mangaka being ill, but I guess people can change that much.

But still, the first 3/4 or so is awesome, a but derivative but so's everything.. and some really memorable fcked-up moments. and the anime is...

The world that this is set in is far more interesting and unique than the characters, but all that travelling alone through epic twilit landscapes with silly names, and unexpected monster-attacks at any moment, sets the atmosphere so well that you overlook that while reading it. Only afterwards do you realise how many potentially powerful moments are ruined by overdramatic crying and sudden...

but that's just the surface ..with really unique interesting art style, great human characters, decaying but dreamlike environments, and so much life and craziness and darkness. I love this manga. The anime film was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, but doesn't do the story justice.