Ilegenes is unfortunately one of those mangas that recieve very little recognition despite being a masterful piece of work. When I stumbled across this manga it was like finding a hidden gem. It is what motivated me to finally join this site just so I could write its first review.

What captured me most about Ilegenes: The Genetic Sodom, is the main character Fon. His charisma seems to affect everyone in his military school and it is also what captivated me. Fon's character, like the island of Ilegenes,consists of an intricate web of mysteries and secrets. As he tries to unravel the intrigues of his past , others begin to question whether such a character is really human or genetically engineered to physical perfection. Although Fon's psychological condition is far from perfect, it is his emotional flaws that defines his humanity even if he may have been artificially created. The major themes of this sci-fi work is presented through the ethics of genetic engineering, political intrigue, human corruption and the complications it creates in our society.

This manga is the perfect blend of sci-fi, adventure and psychological thriller topped with a slight hint of shounen-ai between Fon and Jacques to make things interesting. Although whether it is shounen-ai is certainly left up to the reader's interpretation I think it would give the manga more depth. The artwork is undoubtedly magnificent and the characters sketches incorporate even the minutest emotional detail. Hopefully in the recent future, Ilegenes will get the recognition it deserves as the masterpiece it truly is.