Homunculus

A manga about a man who undergoes trepanation, a surgical procedure of drilling a hole in the skull, and becomes fascinated with the strange visions he begins to see.

Homunculus is a really interesting manga. It really explores this real life hypothesis researchers have about trepanation expanding your sixth sense. After the skeptical main character undergoes trepanation for money, he begins seeing people as strange forms or homunculus that reflect their inner selves. As the story enfolds the man investigates other homunculi while his mysterious background is slowly unraveled.

Homunculus is also a series that’s filled with some problematic content. There’s a story arc that covers some intense sexual assault and there’s a pretty outdated portrayal of a transgender person. Creator Hideo Yamamoto is known for his violent works like Ichi the Killer so I expected this book to be similar but since this series started in 2003 it more or less reflects the time period. I will praise Yamato for his fantastical designs for the various unique homunculi that are tied to character’s backstories.

It was recently announced that they’re adapting this into a live-action movie in 2021. I’m hoping buzz around the film will help Homunculus get an official English release!

~dakazu