Beastrings: A Visual Delight Hindered by Lackluster Storytelling

Discover the vibrant world of Juso City in Shikaku Yamamoto’s manga ‘Beastrings’, where stunning visuals captivate readers despite the narrative’s shortcomings.

Beastrings: A Visual Delight Hindered by Lackluster Storytelling

In the vibrant city of Juso, an unlikely hero turned mayor, along with his two secretaries, strives to transform their town into a desirable place to live. Meanwhile, a charming elf and her loyal wolfman butler embark on a real-life romantic comedy, and a dragonian wrestler forms an unconventional musical duo with a bard. Juso City is a melting pot of diverse beings, where harmony prevails, and everyday life is filled with surprises and adventures. However, as another calamity looms, will these citizens become part of a new legend?

Shikaku Yamamoto’s “Beastrings” is an ambitious attempt by the artist to create a manga, as revealed in the afterword. While the manga showcases Yamamoto’s undeniable talent as a visual artist, the storytelling aspect falls short. Nevertheless, the book still manages to captivate specific audiences with its unique charms, despite its narrative shortcomings.

The Visual Allure of Beastrings

The beauty of the full-color pages and the sharp visuals in “Beastrings” immediately catch the eye. Yamamoto’s skillful artwork allows readers to casually flip through the pages, appreciating the lush and detailed characters and backgrounds. The visual allure of the manga can temporarily mask the disjointed storytelling, giving the initial impression that the book demands engagement on an artistic level before addressing the narrative.

For a particular audience, “Beastrings” offers the allure of fantasy and anthropomorphized characters. The manga includes a “sexy mouse,” a dog/elf relationship, and fan service shots of various citizens of Juso City. While some may find the writing lacking, those seeking such content will be thrilled by these elements. Although crass and not overtly graphic, it caters to specific readers who enjoy this kind of material.

Lackluster Storytelling in Beastrings

However, for those seeking an engaging narrative, “Beastrings” disappoints. While the manga possesses a clear vision, its execution falls painfully short. Even with an anthology layout, which usually aids simpler concepts, the release becomes a tiresome read. Each segment adds to the overwhelming sense of uninspired and unskilled storytelling. Ultimately, “Beastrings” functions primarily as a showcase for Yamamoto’s artistic talent, with added appeal for fetishists. As a standalone narrative, it fails to deliver.

As a reader with personal preferences and tastes, I find the sexualization of animals in the manga/anime world to be questionable at best and disturbingly deviant at its worst. Moreover, writing will always take precedence over visuals, as a well-crafted story can captivate even with crude artwork. “Beastrings” did not resonate with me on an objective level, but I can acknowledge the visual prowess and potential appeal it may hold for others.

The Niche Appeal of Beastrings

Ultimately, “Beastrings” is a niche work that will either enthrall or bore its audience. Understanding the content and focus of the manga is crucial in determining its value. However, those hoping for storytelling to justify the fetishized art will find themselves disappointed. In future projects, Yamamoto should consider collaborating with a more skilled writer to establish his mark in the world of manga.