I enjoyed reading most of the manga. However, in a sea of familiar stories – action tales where underdogs triumph over villains, romances where handsome characters fall for shy ones, or isekai adventures where protagonists reincarnate as villainesses only to become beloved heroines – discovering a manga like Shadow House feels like stumbling upon a hidden gem. Its creative mystery storyline truly captivates, leaving me curious about the author’s imaginative process.
One immediately notices the manga’s stunning artwork. The color and intricacy of the Book 1 cover are beautiful, with the cute art style of the female characters particularly striking, showcasing skilled drawing and meticulously crafted backgrounds.
The narrative begins with the revelation of a group of individuals masquerading as nobles. These individuals do not have faces. To compensate for their lack of facial features, the enigmatic “Shadow family” employs “living dolls” as both servants and visages.
One of the main characters is Emilico, a living doll completely devoted to her shadow master, Kate. Emilico’s innocence and loyalty to Kate are undeniable. She tends to act impulsively, always ready to lend a hand and trust anyone she meets. However, her pure-hearted nature starkly contrasts with the sinister undertones lurking within their surroundings.
Kate is portrayed as a quiet and thoughtful character. Being a shadow, she lacks a face and expresses negative emotions through the production of soot. Despite her authority as Emilico’s master, Kate never issues harsh commands and even apologizes to her when mistakes are made.
Shadow House, Episode 2. English translation: “I am Emilico, a ‘living doll’. I work as an attendant to Lady Kate Shadow.”
Initially, the manga explores Emilico and Kate’s interactions, offering glimpses into the vastness of their world. As the narrative progresses, new areas of the house unfold, introducing additional shadow characters and their corresponding living dolls. These dolls are tasked with household chores and caring for their shadow masters, who emit soot from their bodies, necessitating constant cleaning. Yet, beneath the surface lies a web of mysteries. What are the living dolls truly? What secrets lie within the shadows’ nature? What is the enigmatic Shadow House? With its beautiful artwork and gripping storyline, Shadow House is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
