Every now and then everyone wants a place that is just for them. A place where they can be alone and think. What if that place suddenly wasn’t so private? What if it was actually full of the makings of nightmares? If there was the possibility of madness and death in every corner? Would you go back?
The first volume of the manga for Otherside Picnic was published on February 25, 2017. The series was a hit with fans. Iori Miyazawa seemed to find the perfect balance of all the tropes used in the series. It is not an easy group to balance either. Here are just some of the themes; horror, fantasy, science fiction and thriller. I have heard rumors, while trying not to be spoiled, of some LGBTQIA+ content within the manga that I am hoping is true. In 2021 the anime of the same title was released, giving this wild story a chance to reach a greater audience.
Sorawo Kamikoshi is a typical university student on the surface. Sorawo has a secret though. She has found a doorway to the “Otherside.” Full of beauty but also dangerous, Sorawo finds herself continually drawn back to the Otherside. On one such trip she meets Toriko Nishina. The two young women bond after surviving a terrifying attack and agree to continue to return to the Otherside together. Toriko is the brawn and Sorawo is reluctant “expert” on all the myths, urban legends, and creepypasta that they seem to keep running into. As time passes the threats get bigger and more dangerous. Will Sorawo and Toriko be able to survive the Otherside?
Otherside Picnic is amazing to watch. The effects used for the Otherside and its monsters blew me away. It is creepy and beautiful all at once. The characters are not just well-drawn, but relatable and endearing. They are characters the viewer will really care about. I also really appreciate the mostly female cast who aren’t overly sexualized.
The music is great, including a real banger for an opening theme song. I went into viewing Otherside Picnic cautiously optimistic. Combining so many of my favorite things: anime, creepypasta, and urban legends, seemed risky to me. I am glad to report that I really enjoyed season one!
Would I recommend Otherside Picnic? Yes! I very much would. It is deep, beautiful, and creepy but also it is just a fun anime.
ALWAYS KEEP SPARKLING!
Real Women of Gaming 