Unholy Blood: Vol. 4 Review

Nov 19

REVIEW

✦

REVIEW ✦

Unholy Blood, created by Lina Lim, is a gripping manhwa that intricately blends action, supernatural elements, and emotional depth. However, as the series progresses, it continues to draw readers in with its intense plot and dynamic character interactions. That being said, here are some of our major takeaways from this new collection of chapters.

Plot

In Unholy Blood Volume 4, the story intensifies as Hayan and Euntae embark on a relentless quest to track down Ash, the next Angel of Death. Their mission is fraught with difficulties, especially since they have scant information about their target. The plot thickens when Ash, possessing the ability to take on the appearance of others with a mere touch, preemptively finds them.

Using her power, Ash successfully masquerades as Hayan and plans to appear on national television under her guise, aiming to discredit Hayan and sow chaos. This unexpected twist creates a high-stakes scenario for Hayan and Euntae, as they must navigate this new threat while maintaining their mission's secrecy. And by the final chapters, the title masterfully introduces the next mission that requires an exciting change of scenery.

Characters

The protagonists, Hayan and Euntae, are central to the narrative, and their evolving dynamics drive the story forward. Hayan's determination and bravery are put to the test as she faces the cunning and deceptive Ash — though, sometimes it might seem a little too dangerous. Euntae's intelligence and strategic thinking complement Hayan's resolve, making them a formidable team. There’s also the fact that his support of her throughout the title feels like a key aspect of the story’s progression, ultimately validating this journey for readers.

The introduction of Ash as a shapeshifting antagonist also adds a new layer of tension and complexity. Her ability to mimic others not only creates dramatic irony but also challenges the protagonists to be more vigilant and resourceful as the story amps up the already high stakes. While it’s only temporary, it comes with some consequences which prevent Ash from being a one-off addition.

Art

After getting to really sit in this title’s art for a few volumes, I feel confident in saying that Lina Lim's visuals in Unholy Blood are some of the strongest examples of manhwa art currently in print. And when paired with the dramatic, rich colors of the title, it deserves major recognition.

The busy, yet balanced panel layouts and vivid illustrations effectively convey the intensity of the action scenes and the subtleties of the character’s emotions — often excelling in moments of fear and tension. The supernatural elements are depicted with an eerie elegance, enhancing the manhwa's overall atmosphere. More importantly, the art successfully complements the narrative, making each scene visually engaging and emotionally resonant.

Themes and Symbolism

Themes of identity and deception are central to Unholy Blood Volume 4. Ash's ability to take on different appearances symbolizes the fluidity of identity (through its supernatural backdrop) and the looming dangers of deception. This theme is carried out through Hayan and Euntae's efforts to uncover the truth and maintain their integrity in the face of manipulation.

The volume also delves into the importance of resilience (and to some degree, motivation by the end), as the protagonists must overcome numerous obstacles and adapt to unforeseen challenges. As if things weren’t complicated enough!