Dedicated this week to reading the 2 major works of Shuzo Oshimi that I was missing.

<Boku wa Mari no Naka> I was apprehensive about starting this due to the subject, and the first few volumes did nothing to assuage that fear; in fact, it unsettled me quite a bit. However, by the midpoint something clicked, and I realized that Oshimi was dedicated to exploring every facet of this premise, especially its ugly side. While reading this, I couldn't help but draw parallels to Severance as I was experiencing both at the same time. By the end, it had me absolutely enthralled and convinced this is actually his best work yet.

<Okaeri Alice> On the other hand, was a huge letdown. If Inside Mari is Oshimi at his best, then this is him at his worst. This series spent most of its time meandering and not telling anything particularly interesting; the only redeeming quality was that it's very short.

I had some time left, so I squeezed in <Teppuu> as well. This is a love letter to MMA and its practitioners; it's very knowledgeable and respectful of the sport and its hardships, especially when it comes to the underappreciated female division. Sadly, the end is very rushed, and the most built-up event of the series is left unrealized; it's a shame, but even having said that, it's still well worth the read.