Helter Skelter: Fashion Unfriendly

If you're expecting standard, tight manga-style, you won't see it in here. Okazaki spins a tale that makes you turn your head and watch - half celebutante train wreck and half car wreck. The art is looser in style (and has earned scorn from some readers as such), but really works. Personality and image are captured wonderfully - to my mind, particularly in the eyes. When I finished the book, I was hoping it had been serialized into volumes (as other manga stories have been), but was dismayed to find that the author had been in a car accident... I don't know if she has created anything else. The movie version of this manga received less popular reviews. This book did win an award in 2003 in Japan. It's fashion-model focused, revolving around a woman who has repeated plastic surgery to maintain her image. Ultimately, she is challenged by younger pretenders to the throne, starts to unravel (both physically and mentally), and is betrayed by the ones she trusts the most. She is loathsome and pitiful at the same time. Thoroughly engaging to the end. Have read it twice already since it came out!

Incredible story about what goes on behind the appearance of a famous, flawless, celebrity. While Liliko is abused and controlled to make as much money as possible before she's used up, she's far from a completely sympathetic character. She eagerly abuses her assistant with sadistic delight while she still has the power to, as her career and body fall apart. So gritty and disturbing, I feel like I want to take a shower after reading it.Content Warning: Although there's no direct violence shown, sexual abuse and violence are apparent. Includes body horror (like botched plastic surgeries).

Was really excited to purchase this book but it arrived damaged. I wouldn’t be so upset if it weren’t for the fact that it’s damaged on the front cover, spine, and back cover. The plastic wrap (that all 18+ manga have) was also torn upon arrival. The box itself was in perfect condition so it wasn’t damaged in shipping.

Pretty solid, loved the ending

I strongly recommend this to anyone interested in adult or underground comics. Or any other works by Kyoko Okazaki.It's a surreal disturbing tale on far one young starlet will go to grasp the perfect beautiful "body", and establish her worth as a product of pop culture. No matter what the cost and the devastating self destructive consequences that fall on her and the people around her.

Pretty amazing. Gory and depraved themes of a model's downfall, a shady plastic surgery operation, and even a touch of Twin Peaks in the investigation/intersection of seemingly unrelated events. The art is crude in some ways, but it goes perfectly with the theme, and the few color pieces of art are powerful. Riveting horror story. You somehow ending up rooting for a thoroughly rotted young lady!

Easily one of my favorite comics ever. It's a heavy read, one of the few times I actually had to stop reading and rest - feels like a whiplash start to finish in the best way possible.

great story i only wish the art was a bit better but it inspired me to draw/paint her in a better style to me.

read in one sitting and it made me feel ill in the way that good psychological manga always does. I didn’t think I would like the art but it strangely grew on me and really works with the theme of the book. Also came in very good condition which I appreciate because that isn’t always the case with books you buy online. Helter skelter is the type of book that gives you a stomachs ache and you feel like you’re watching something deteriorate, in an interacting way. Good read

Once again the folks at Vertical sought out and present a delightfully messed up Manga. the story of an obsessed fashion model, the less you know going in the better. The art has a loose, underground quality that most manga is missing, and the adds to the urgent feel of the narrative. The quality is top notch in all regards. If you enjoy more mature minded manga, I'm sure you will like this one.

Interesting, but kind of disappointed at the ending - especially knowing there's no sequel (and probably won't be).