Comic Review: Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit Vol. 10

Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit Volume 10

Story and Art by Motoro Mase

Review by Mara Wood

In order to maintain peace in a corrupt country, citizens are administered a shot that contains a nanocapsule that detonates at a predetermined time. On the surface, the purpose of these inoculations is to foster a country that values life. By valuing life, theoretically, each citizen would act to become a productive and active member of society.

Fujimoto works for the government as an Ikigami delivery man – the person charged with the responsibility of letting citizens know they have 24 hours before the nanocapsule in their body initiates death. In his work, he’s seen a variety of responses, including those to commit thought-crimes in their final hours. In an effort to combat the horrors of forced execution, Fuijimoto works behind the scenes to disrupt the system.

Volume 10 is the final installment of this mature manga series. As tension builds between the country and their ally, the citizens engage in riots and protests. The National Welfare Police (NWP) is in charge of keeping the peace in the country. One officer, Nakagami, uses his role in the NWP to unleash his violent frustrations. Nakagami’s story is tragic; as more of his background is revealed, readers are able to see the corruption and flaws in the country’s laws.

The final volume also resolves Fujimoto’s story as all hell breaks loose in the country. Fujimoto learns the true meaning behind the inoculations as politics and history work in tandem to destroy the nation.

Mase’s Ikigami has clean lines, detailed backgrounds, and facial expressions that convey the desperation many of the characters feel. The larger-than-average page sizes compliment the beautiful artwork and story features.

Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit Volume 10 does a great job wrapping up the series while also leaving an open ending in regards to a few elements. All ten volumes are available from VIZ Media’s Signature Imprint.