The Summer Hikaru Died manga - has drawn attention for its intriguing premise—a horror story mixed with subtle LGBTQ+ undertones. However, many readers find the execution lacking in several areas, making this series a frustrating experience for those expecting a well-paced emotional thriller.

A Unique Concept That Falls Short

The Premise

At first glance, The Summer Hikaru Died presents a fascinating setup: Yoshiki, a quiet teenager, begins to suspect that his best friend Hikaru has been replaced by something non-human after a strange summer incident. This could have laid the foundation for a deeply emotional and suspenseful narrative, but it instead unravels quickly due to questionable choices in character behavior and pacing.

Quick Acceptance of Horror

Yoshiki’s reaction to Hikaru’s transformation is surprisingly calm. Rather than questioning the entity or searching for answers, he simply accepts that Hikaru is gone. This lack of fear, confusion, or even grief undermines the story's emotional core. For a horror manga, the absence of dread or disbelief from the protagonist weakens the immersion.

Storytelling That Overloads and Underdelivers

Info Dumps Instead of Suspense

One of the manga’s most significant flaws is its reliance on heavy exposition. Instead of letting the reader experience the mystery through subtle clues, the narrative often resorts to lengthy monologues about ancient myths and supernatural legends. This constant stream of information leaves little room for tension or imagination—key ingredients in any successful horror story.

Flat Supporting Characters

While Yoshiki and Hikaru receive some attention, most other characters exist purely to move the plot forward. They deliver exposition with minimal emotional impact and rarely show depth or personal motivation. This results in a cast that feels more like storytelling tools than believable people.

Tone Inconsistency in a Horror Framework

Jokes That Kill the Mood

A recurring complaint is the use of awkwardly placed humor. In the middle of scenes that should be eerie or emotional, a joke often breaks the tension, ruining the intended atmosphere. Perhaps the most glaring example is Hikaru’s death, which is played out with bizarre and almost comical elements. For a story that revolves around grief, identity, and supernatural dread, this tonal imbalance is jarring.

Romance That Doesn’t Go Anywhere

Although marketed as a queer horror manga, the emotional payoff between Yoshiki and Hikaru is almost nonexistent. Yoshiki’s supposed feelings for Hikaru are quickly brushed aside, removing a powerful emotional layer that could have enriched the story. What could have been a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss becomes a shallow subplot.

Final Verdict: The Summer Hikaru Died Manga Review

The Summer Hikaru Died manga had all the ingredients for a groundbreaking story—mystery, horror, and a complex friendship potentially blossoming into something more. Unfortunately, it struggles with tone inconsistency, weak character development, and rushed storytelling. While it may still appeal to fans of experimental manga, many will find it an unsatisfying read.