The Summer Hikaru Died Review: A Heart-wrenching Horror Story

The Summer Hikaru Died Vol. 1

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Mokumokuren

Artist: Mokumokuren

Publisher: Yen PRess

Release Date: July 18, 2023

Page Count: 180

Format: Manga

Equal parts horror and slice of life, The Summer Hikaru Died is a masterfully made manga about friendship, fear, and growing up. Its story will take you by surprise in many ways and you’ll have difficulty putting it down once you sink your teeth into it.

The Summer Hikaru Died Vol. 1

Review

Writer: Mokumokuren

Artist: Mokumokuren

Publisher: Yen PRess

Release Date: July 18, 2023

Page Count: 180

Format: Manga

Equal parts horror and slice of life, The Summer Hikaru Died is a masterfully made manga about friendship, fear, and growing up. Its story will take you by surprise in many ways and you’ll have difficulty putting it down once you sink your teeth into it.

Rating

9

Good

Manga often explores the nuances of adolescence, but The Summer Hikaru Died by Mokumokuren takes this to a chilling and thought-provoking new level. Equal parts horror, bromance, and coming-of-age, the series weaves an unforgettable story of friendship, fear, and the choices that shape us. For readers seeking a tale that blurs the lines between heartwarming and horrifying, this manga is an experience you won’t soon forget. Keep on reading for my full review of this fascinating manga! 

Overview

Set in a quiet mountain village, The Summer Hikaru Died follows Yoshiki and Hikaru, childhood friends who have shared everything since they were young. But one summer, Hikaru ventures into a forbidden area of the mountains and disappears. A week later, he returns—but Yoshiki immediately senses something is wrong. In a harrowing confrontation, Hikaru’s face grotesquely melts, and he admits, “I mimicked him perfectly, though…”

What remains of Hikaru is no longer human but a mysterious entity. Yet, rather than reject this creature, Yoshiki keeps its secret, deciding, “If Hikaru is gone, I’d rather have this fake version stay with me.” Thus begins a fragile coexistence between Yoshiki and the creature, a relationship that is as tender as it is unsettling.

Image: Yen Press

Review

The Summer Hikaru Died masterfully combines moments of quiet intimacy with an omnipresent sense of dread. While Yoshiki and Hikaru navigate seemingly ordinary moments—sharing meals, watching movies, and savoring the simplicity of summer—the undercurrent of fear is never far away. Through Hikaru’s words and actions, Yoshiki is constantly reminded that the being beside him is not the friend he once knew.

The tension escalates as supernatural elements seep into the story the deeper you get into it. The village lore surrounding “Nounuki-sama,” a symbol of terror feared by locals, intertwines with Hikaru’s presence. Inexplicable events ripple through the community, drawing others—like a spiritually attuned housewife and a mysterious outsider—into the web of unease.

Mokumokuren’s art plays a pivotal role in amplifying the manga’s haunting atmosphere. The relentless sound of cicadas and the croaks of frogs envelop readers in an almost oppressive soundscape, with abrupt silences heightening moments of terror. Distorted panel layouts and swirling text vividly convey Yoshiki’s internal struggle, while grotesque transformations punctuate the story with visceral horror.

Image: Yen Press

Yet, it’s not just the fear that lingers. The manga finds emotional depth in its exploration of life, death, and memory. One poignant moment highlights the humanity of a seemingly eerie old woman who first identifies Hikaru as an imposter. Her death initially feels like a supernatural phenomenon, but Yoshiki’s interactions with her grieving family remind readers of the love and loss inherent in all lives—human or otherwise.

At its heart, The Summer Hikaru Died is a story about relationships and the weight of choice. Yoshiki’s decision to stay by Hikaru’s side despite knowing the truth is both beautiful and tragic. The creature mimicking Hikaru expresses an innocent affection for Yoshiki, yet its understanding of love is ambiguous and otherworldly. This delicate bond raises questions about what it means to truly care for someone, even when that someone is no longer human. Yoshiki’s journey is also one of coming to terms with death and its aftermath. As the story progresses, he becomes increasingly attuned to the fragility of life and the impact of loss. It’s a tale of emotional growth that mirrors the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Image: Yen Press

Final Thoughts

The Summer Hikaru Died is a rare gem that transcends genres, blending horror, bromance, and coming-of-age into a deeply evocative narrative. Its richly detailed storytelling and striking visuals create an atmosphere that is equal parts tender and terrifying. For fans of introspective, thought-provoking manga, this series delivers a summer you’ll never forget.

Why You Should Read The Summer Hikaru Died

• The story’s quiet village shrouded in supernatural mystery creates a setting of palpable dread.
• Yoshiki and Hikaru’s relationship explores love, loss, and the gray areas in between.
• Visuals and design enhance the eerie mood, immersing readers in the story.
• Life, death, and emotional growth are interwoven into a narrative that lingers long after the final page.