Reviews for Tsumi to Batsu no Spica

Dexter but anime style and female sociopath schoolgirl lead. - goes after criminals that sneak past justice system/are uncaught - mention of rules/"code" for killing - only kills bad guys (that have killed) - serial killer herself - normal "fake" personality/persona in school - fun twists, suspense, some of them do keep you guessing a bit You probably saw this manga on tiktok Aside from the righteous killing of random criminals which is very enjoyable to read, there is not much else going on currently in terms of plot. Every few chapters is mostly a "new criminal of the week" arc. Curious where this will go. (~26 chapters as of review) Some ofthe arcs are connected which seems like something bigger will happen

The first volume of Spica of Sin and Punishment is, with no hyperbole, one of the best manga openings I have ever read. It is a perfect twist opening. Beyond that, Spica of Sin and Punishment is a fun episodic thriller that I recommend if you're into that genre like I am. Each arc is its own self-contained mystery and so far they've all been enjoyable in their own way. There's hints of a bigger narrative building up, but it's too early to comment on that. Also, despite the premise, it has a far more lighthearted tone than you would expect. Spica so far is a greatprotagonist. I would best describe her as a manipulative ruthless murderer who is simultaneously a decent person. She's the perfect lead character for this kind of episodic mystery/thriller. Aside from her, the male lead(?) Tohakari is fun. He's essentially a chuuni who larps as a serial killer, but is really a good kid. Think Kyoutarou from The Dangers In My Heart, except he's in a thriller instead of a romcom.

Let me finish off by saying that, despite the overall positive tone of this review, I have very mixed feelings on Hajime Inoryuu as a writer. I think he is very, VERY good at making unexpected twists that keep your attention and make you want to keep reading. He is not so good, in my opinion, at crafting an cohesive overarching narrative around those twists. I think My Dearest Self with Malice Aforethought is a good example of that. Despite that, I still do recommend Spica of Sin and Punishment. I think (hope?) that the more episodic format he's going for here will play into his strengths as a writer rather than his weaknesses. You can get away with wild out-of-nowhere twists when it's confined to an insular story arc a lot more easily than in a more serialized narrative like Malice Aforethought. Only time will tell, but I am looking forward to seeing how this one plays out.

Also the art is good. I should mention that too.