This was my 1st book by Kago and I enjoyed the mish-mash of stories.
The art was very interesting, extremely gory and quite effective.
Since these are all very short stories, with each a great nugget of an idea, there is litlle time to develop the characters, and that is a shame since it would help deepen our attachement and our horror when everything invariably goes wrong.
I love Junji Ito and this book felt a lot like that, minus maybe some of the overarching cohesion that Ito's collections of short stories have.
I will be reading more from Kago and hopefully he has published some longer form stories.

Good stories/acceptable art. Ultimately, I don’t think there is much present in the book that will stay with me.

Shintaro Kago's Brain Damage is a disturbingly beautiful exploration of the grotesque. This collection of short stories delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, delivering a potent blend of body horror, dark humor, and surrealism.

Kago's signature art style is both mesmerizing and repulsive. His intricate line work and grotesque imagery create a visual feast that is as captivating as it is disturbing. The characters, often caught in bizarre and horrifying situations, are drawn with a level of detail that is both fascinating and unsettling.

While the stories themselves may not be for everyone, Brain Damage is a must-read for fans of extreme horror and experimental manga. Kago's ability to blend the horrific with the comedic is truly masterful, resulting in a reading experience that is both shocking and darkly humorous.

Shintaro Kago's "Brain Damage" is a visceral, unsettling manga that delves into themes of psychological trauma, bodily autonomy, and existential horror. This collection of short stories showcases Kago's unique blend of surrealism, gore, and social commentary.


Plot and Themes


1. Psychological trauma: Characters grapple with mental anguish, often manifesting physically.
2. Body horror: Graphic depictions of mutilation, self-mutilation, and bodily transformations.
3. Existential crises: Characters question reality, identity, and human connection.
4. Social commentary: Critiques of societal expectations, conformity, and control.


Art and Storytelling


1. Visceral illustrations: Detailed, unsettling artwork.
2. Non-linear storytelling: Disjointed narratives mirror characters' fragmented psyches.
3. Symbolism: Recurring motifs emphasize themes.


Strengths


1. Unflinching honesty: Kago tackles taboo subjects unapologetically.
2. Innovative storytelling: Experimental narrative structures.
3. Haunting visuals: Indelible, disturbing images.


Criticisms


1. Triggering content: Graphic violence, self-harm, and sexual assault.


Conclusion


"Brain Damage" is a challenging, thought-provoking work. Kago's unflinching exploration of psychological trauma and bodily autonomy makes for an unsettling, yet fascinating read.


Rating Breakdown:


1. Plot: 4.5/5
2. Art: 5/5
3. Storytelling: 4/5
4. Themes: 4/5
5. Originality: 5/5
6. Emotional resonance: 4.5/5
7. Overall enjoyment: 4.5/5