Sci-fi is a polarizing genre: some of the best works I have ever been a witness too belong there; as do some of the greatest wastes of time I've ever been a victim of. With that said, Blame! is among the works that make me want to take that gamble again. I love it and have never seen anything quite like it. I recommend giving it a try regardless of your taste as it is very unique. But if you happen to like it, know you will be very thankful to yourself for taking the time.
I've read practically all of Nihei's catalogue, from Blame! to Country of Dolls, with everything in between included. It is also worth knowing he graduated in architecture before writing this one. A very peculiar individual if I may say so. In my opinion, Blame! is both his debut and his Magnum opus, as the rest of his repertoire, sadly, falls off the further you go down. In case you wish to read more of him, Blame! is also a great starting point, as it will introduce you to many of Nihei's light motives that circle around all of his titles.
The world of Blame! is about size, abandonment, and even nihilism. There is enough space to not only feel miniscule, but to also feel it through the silence which fills the vast emptiness. The architecture is stellar, with some of the most memorable panels being of those very ruins. Unused facilities, gigantic towers, crumbled tunnels, sealed chambers... It is a rotting carcass through which the cast, small as ants, wander.
One, however, is not alone in this world. There are tribes of survivors, mechanisms in hibernation, cruel butchers which make the Sith look like children in comparison, as well as deities some would describe as divine... The diversity of encounters seems bizarre, and yet it feels right. There is a lot of unknown in this world, and by the very end a lot be left unanswered. Said lack of information adds to both tension and curiosity. Everything has a reason to be where it is, but you may never know it; and, quite frankly, you don't need to know it. The reader follows the cast who has a set goal, regardless of the info around them if it does not interfere with said goal.
It's worth noting Killy's journey spans over a VERY long time. What you are seeing are the "notable" moments between maybe even years of walking and waiting. The characters are ants walking down an enormous megastructure, not only miniscule in size and insight, but also compared to time. It adds a poetic aspect to the entire journey.
Stoic and calculated protagonist is a standard in Nihei's works, with Killy being the first among many. His character is not supposed to interfere with the world around him. Same applies for rest of the cast; their ambitions and goals are clear but will never be in the centre of attention. It adds to the impression of characters feeling small in comparison to their surroundings. I'd say it also adds to the maturity of the work alongside Killy's character.
The tempo of Blame! is a slow and steady one. Throughout most of it looms a sense of stillness and suspense. But, whenever any danger occurs, it breaks said rhythm, startling the reader. If we break up a scene as preparation, impact, and resolution, sometimes one of the three will be left out, making the scene feel snappy. Spectacle in Blame! is not only in explosions, but in said interruptions and sense of grandeur. And yet, through it all, I can't help but notice a string of calm in me, as again, all these characters are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Killy may be stronger than many, but he is still only one among many of whom most have failed. He is prone to failure equally to everyone else.
I've yet to read many titles in this medium, but I can safely say the art in Blame! is among my favourites in any manga I've come across; at the time of writing, it is probably my favourite. It is jaw-dropping. It can't be fully experienced on anything else than on paper in black and white. It is gritty and visceral, precise, often gory, dark with a noir feel to it, sometimes haunting and disturbing... Astounding in one word. Certain scenes are terrifying. The villains are sinister, filled with malice. The action is clean. The feel of motion is incredible. And to repeat: the architecture is staggering; again, some of the most memorable panels are those of just architecture. I hate to say that none of his future works came close to how stellar Blame! was in the art department. It is really one of a kind.
No work is perfect, of course. Sometimes the action gets confusing and cluttered, especially near the end. The story can sometimes be hard to follow. Fear of death will eventually wane due to Killy always having his trusty Glock. There is no real reason to worry whenever it's with him. Thou, I wouldn't call these deal-breakers; they are presently, but I don't think they interfere with what the manga is aiming for.
I view it as a story of indifference and perseverance; a story of a man with a mission walking down a road without knowing will he ever see the end of it, let alone will it be a happy one; a story about witnessing both the victories and regrets of, now sleeping, corpse of civilization; a story of hope and of passing the torch forward; a story about coming to terms with reality; a story with a tragic, unspectacular, and yet heart-warming ending...
There are also Noise!, Blame Academy!, a crossover with Knights of Sidonia, and a few other short stories. Of all listed Noise! is most notable as it is an actual story. I don't remember much about any of these, and I still believe the lack of information gives to the charm of Blame!; Noise! doesn't add nor subtract much. It's there if you want more. Academy is a spin-off joke manga where all the characters are students in an academy setting; thou not my humour, it's a charming little victory lap across the cast. And last up are the side stories, among them being Blame 2 acting like a true finale to the story. It's fine, but I like the original ending more, so I view these short stories as side content. All in all, none of the above are anything spectacular, but offer more to read if you happen to still be hungry.
Blame! isn't a perfect manga, nor do I think everyone will like it. I do, however, believe everyone should give it a try. It is unique and has a story to tell. Even if it's not your cup of tea, I doubt you will regret reading it. There is nothing that will appeal to everyone, but there are things everyone should try; that is what a work rated 10 out of 10 means to me.
Thank you for reading up to this point. I wish you all the very best. Kind regards.