I was under impression that Mauro had no initial idea for this one, as far as outcome is concerned. It fluctuates between his tendency to shock the reader, and his attempts to convey a more profound story.

You will often notice themes such as moral perversion, hardship of an unorthodox situation, dysfunctional relationship, deprivation of human needs, and many other under scrutiny. Problem is that they are often, not really abruptly, but still interrupted by superfluous visuals of sexual nature. Due to it, reader could end up repelled and miss the excellent story hidden beneath Mauro's psycho-sexual outburst.

On the other hand, the detailed art and his well polished sense for anatomy are adequate to keep you immersed till the end. You could even say that his style is borderline poetic expressionism, that is, when he steps away from what I mentioned before.

As far as characters are concerned, they serve more or less as conveyance tools for those themes I listed previously. They aren't that defined, devoid of development, and situational. From the way story is presented, you can't even expect more, nor is it a necessity.

Despite its apparent esoteric nature, Imomushi can easily be recommended to casual readers, albeit they could be forced to keep one eye closed. Even so, this story by Rampo, embellished by Mauro's art is an extraordinary work. Guro with brains I'd say, I mean, just look at the ironical title.