Homunculus

Nakoshi has been living out of his car, which he has mostly stationed in between a park and an affluent hotel. He's not fully ready to admit he's homeless, instead escaping in a calming drive away from his temporary home. One night, Ito, a medical student, approaches Nakoshi and propositions him to undergo a dangerous treatment--drilling a hole into his forehead--to supposedly heighten his senses. In exchange, Ito will give Nakoshi a ridiculous sum of money. After initially refusing, Nakoshi finds himself on even harder times when his precious car, his final bastion of freedom, is towed. He has no choice but to take the deal. A short while after he wakes, he discovers he has the ability to see people's deeply buried subconscious manifesting as monsters, and even stranger, he seems to have the ability to help them. Yamamoto's beautifully detailed illustrations immerse readers and bring the characters fully off the page. While the monsters might be initially horrifying and reminiscent of some Junji Ito--level body horror, each one belies a deeper meaning that makes each terrifying form something tragic, mysterious, and intriguing. The philosophical conversation between Nakoshi and Ito elevates this story from pop horror to a true masterpiece. There are some sexual situations and some very complex psychological discussions, so this is best suited for adult readers.