Manga Review: Blue Exorcist

Ah fuck, Blue Exorcist is one seriously f*cked-up manga! You want a detailed review, you got it! So buckle up and grab some tissues, cause this shit is about to get real!

The story revolves around our main character, Rin Okumura, who discovers at the age of 15 that he’s not only the son of Satan, but also possesses demonic powers that he can’t control. Talk about a crazy adolescence, amirite? Anyway, Rin decides to enroll in True Cross Academy, a prestigious institution for exorcists, in order to rid himself of his demonic heritage and become a master of his powers. The only problem is, most of the students and teachers at the academy despise demons, so Rin has to fight like hell to prove his worth and earn their respect.

Now, let’s talk about the artwork. Holy f*ck, it’s stunning! The characters are drawn with such detail and fluidity that it’s almost hypnotic. The action scenes are dynamic and intense, and the use of color and shadow really brings the whole thing to life. You can tell that the author, Kazue Kato, put a lot of thought and effort into making each panel look as spectacular as possible.

The storyline, however, is where things start to get a little tricky. While the overall premise is pretty unique, there are times when it feels like the plot is dragging on, with too many filler episodes and not enough advancement in the main narrative. Plus, there are a few instances of cliche plot twists and characters that feel a little too one-dimensional.

But don’t let that deter you! The character development in Blue Exorcist is absolutely phenomenal. Each character has their own unique backstory and motivations, and watching them grow and evolve over the course of the series is genuinely fascinating. Rin himself is a complex protagonist, struggling with his dual heritage and the desire to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult. His relationship with his twin sister, Yukio, is particularly touching, as they navigate their complex bond while dealing with the demons (both literal and figurative) that surround them.

Finally, let’s talk about the humor. Blue Exorcist has a surprising amount of it, considering the dark subject matter. There are plenty of light-hearted moments that break up the tension and add some much-needed levity to the mix. From hilarious battle sequences to clever dialogue, there’s no shortage of laughs to be had in this series.

Blue Exorcist, or Ao no Exorcist, created by Kazue Kato, is a supernatural action manga that delves into the eternal battle between exorcists and demons. With a blend of exciting combat, dark fantasy, and personal growth, Blue Exorcist follows Rin Okumura, a rebellious teenager who discovers that he is the son of Satan. This revelation turns Rin’s life upside down, thrusting him into the exorcist world as he struggles to control his demonic heritage while training to destroy his father. The manga’s intricate world-building, complex character relationships, and thoughtful exploration of identity make it a must-read for fans of supernatural and action genres.


Plot Summary

Rin Okumura and his twin brother, Yukio, have been raised by a famous exorcist, Shiro Fujimoto. Unbeknownst to Rin, he possesses latent demonic powers. When Satan himself attempts to drag Rin into Gehenna, the demon world, Rin’s powers awaken, marking him as a target. To defy his dark destiny, Rin enrolls at True Cross Academy to become an exorcist and fight against his demonic lineage. Alongside his friends and under the guidance of his brother Yukio, who is secretly an experienced exorcist, Rin faces numerous challenges in mastering his powers, confronting inner conflicts, and discovering the true nature of family and belonging.


Key Characters

  1. Rin Okumura
    • Description: The protagonist, Rin, is a spirited teenager with a strong sense of justice, known for his blue flames and a fierce yet compassionate personality. Despite being Satan’s son, he strives to use his powers for good, wielding the demonic sword Kurikara to unleash his flames in battle.
    • Illustration: Rin’s illustration captures his wild, spiky blue-black hair, intense blue eyes, and the signature blue flames that emanate from his body during fights. His rebellious expression and stance reflect his internal struggle and determination.
  2. Yukio Okumura
    • Description: Yukio, Rin’s twin brother, is calm, collected, and a prodigy exorcist. Unlike Rin, Yukio lacks demonic powers but compensates with his exceptional skills and knowledge as a dual-wielding exorcist and teacher at True Cross Academy.
    • Illustration: Yukio is often shown with his round glasses and serious expression, reflecting his responsible, somewhat stern demeanor. His calm presence and sharp attire symbolize his disciplined approach to life and duty as an exorcist.
  3. Shiemi Moriyama
    • Description: Shiemi is a kind and gentle girl with a deep connection to nature, training to be a Tamer (a type of exorcist who summons familiars). Her innocence and loyalty make her a close friend and ally to Rin, although she sometimes feels insecure about her abilities.
    • Illustration: Shiemi’s illustration highlights her traditional Japanese dress and her bright, gentle eyes that convey her caring nature. Her close bond with her familiar, Nee, adds charm to her character design, often shown surrounded by plants and flowers that reflect her Tamer abilities.
  4. Mephisto Pheles
    • Description: Mephisto, the eccentric principal of True Cross Academy and a high-ranking demon, is one of the most mysterious figures in Blue Exorcist. Although he aids the exorcists, his true motives are often ambiguous.
    • Illustration: Mephisto’s design stands out with his flamboyant, colorful suit and his playful, devilish smile, symbolizing his unpredictable nature. His ever-present top hat and cane emphasize his quirky personality and hints at his magical prowess.
  5. Shura Kirigakure
    • Description: Shura is a skilled exorcist and one of Rin’s mentors, known for her brash attitude and unconventional teaching methods. She’s fiercely protective of Rin and Yukio and possesses impressive swordsmanship skills.
    • Illustration: Shura’s illustration showcases her wild red hair, tattoos, and her sword, which she can summon from a snake tattoo on her chest. Her confident, free-spirited appearance complements her strong-willed and fearless nature.

Art and Illustration Quality

The art of Blue Exorcist is dynamic and vivid, with detailed character designs and expressive action scenes that draw readers into its supernatural world. Kazue Kato’s style balances dark, ominous tones with lighthearted elements, especially in character interactions. The demonic designs, such as Rin’s blue flames and various summoned creatures, are carefully crafted to be both beautiful and unsettling, highlighting the conflict between good and evil. The academy setting is intricately designed, providing an immersive atmosphere that grounds the story’s fantasy elements.


Themes and Impact

Blue Exorcist explores themes of identity, family, and redemption, as Rin’s journey grapples with self-acceptance and the fear of becoming something he despises. The twin brothers’ relationship, especially as they come to terms with their shared yet contrasting destinies, adds a layer of emotional complexity to the story. Additionally, the manga touches on prejudice, loyalty, and the courage to defy fate, making it relatable for readers on a deeper level.

Overall, Blue Exorcist is a compelling mix of supernatural action and heartfelt storytelling. With a richly developed world, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes, it captures the challenges of self-discovery and the courage to shape one’s own path. This manga is highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories that balance action with character-driven narratives

In conclusion, Blue Exorcist is a rollercoaster ride of emotion and action, with stunning artwork, complex characters, and a plot that may occasionally stumble, but never loses its captivating charm. While it’s not perfect, it’s a manga that’s definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re a fan of action, demons, and dramatic tension. So go ahead and dive in – you won’t regret it!