The Summer Hikaru Died
Synopsis
It has been six months since Yoshiki Tsujinaka's best friend, Hikaru Indou, went missing in the mountains and returned a week later with no recollection of what had transpired. Certain that it is not the Hikaru he knows who came back, Yoshiki finally asks Hikaru about it. Suddenly, "Hikaru" reveals his true monstrous form and begs Yoshiki to keep it a secret, as he does not want to kill him. Despite his paranormal nature, "Hikaru" seems almost innocent, full of childlike wonder and eager to experience the summer heat, the countryside, and all kinds of other things in a human body for the first time. And for Yoshiki, it matters little if "Hikaru" is a fake relying on stolen memories—as long as he never leaves again. As Yoshiki desperately clings to "Hikaru" in his intense grief, it becomes increasingly clear that something dangerous and supernatural may have descended from the mountains into their village. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The audience is largely captivated by 'Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu,' praising its artistic visuals, profound emotional depth, and effective horror elements. While some find the pacing slow or are hesitant due to the homoerotic subtext, the majority recognizes it as a unique and thought-provoking series. It's a series that demands attention and resonates deeply with those who appreciate its exploration of grief, identity, and the supernatural.
Strengths
- Stunning animation and art style, especially the use of realistic elements to enhance eeriness.
- Well-developed characters with amazing character development and exploration of complex emotions.
- Effective blend of horror and slice-of-life elements creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere.
- Thoughtful storytelling that delves into themes of identity, loss, and acceptance.
Weaknesses
- Pacing can feel slow and meandering at times.
- Some viewers may be turned off by the homoerotic themes or perceive it as BL.
- The story requires close attention and may not appeal to those seeking straightforward entertainment.