Coengar2 takes a look at a new series that gives the gender bending genre a twist. One part romance one part psychological drama and all in all an interesting series to read

Title: After School Nightmare

Publisher: Go!comi

Genre: Romance, Drama

Age: Older Teen 16+

Volumes: 2 so far

Violence: Some

Sex/Nudity: Some fanservice, mild themes and dialog

Status: Ongoing series,still being published

For high school freshman Mashiro Ichijo his stay at an elite high school has taken a turn towards the dark side. Mashiro has a secret, one that he has carried with him his entire life, a secret that if revealed will destroy the very basis of who he is. Mashiro soon learns that he has been enrolled without his knowledge into a special class that meets once a week after school and he must pass this new class or he will never be allowed to graduate. He discovers that the class is for students having difficulties dealing with tough personal issues. The class functions by putting the students to sleep and placing them into a shared dream world where they are forced to take on the form of how they truly see themselves. Most of the students are warped and twisted versions of themselves and are difficult to figure out but Mashiro’s form still looks like himself and his secret is apparent to all the other students. The truth is that while Mashiro looks like a normal boy from the waist up, from the waist down Mashiro is a functional woman and with his first menstruation his female side is beginning to awaken. So Mashiro doesnt know if he is really a guy or a girl. To pass the class, each student is given a task based on whatever their problem is, they are not told exactly what the task is and must figure it out on thier own. Also, in the shared dream world, is hidden a key that if found will permit the finder to pass the class and graduate but no one knows just what exactly the key looks like. Since only one key exists which means that only one student can graduate they all must compete with each other to claim it. Mashiro’s life gets even more difficult as he begins to recognize his fellow classmates outside of the dream world and they recognize him. To add to the craziness two classmates, the boy hating Kureha Fujishima and school tough guy Sou Mizuhashi seem to be developing romantic feelings for him.

Good Points: I like the artwork and the story is good as well. It’ll be fun seeing in which direction Mashiro will develop in

Bad Points: Can be a bit too intense for younger readers. Has a dark overtone to the story that can put some readers off.

Overall Review: To be honest, normally this isnt really the kind of manga i get in to. I prefer comedies or better yet romantic dramadies which explains why i’m a bit amazed that i’m enjoying this series as much as i am. The dark tone to the story adds to the creepy but nice atmosphere of the setting, especially when you begin to read the backgrounds of the other students and get to see why they wound up in the class. The growing love triangle between Mashiro,Kureha and Sou is interesting to watch as Kureha is attracted to the male side of Mashiro while Sou is attracted to Mashiro’s growing femininity. This is definatly a series to check out,even if only at the bookstore but i think it’ll make a fine addition to your collection, especially if you enjoy dark psychological dramas.

Coengar2 says: You should really check this one out!