Mob Psycho 100: Reigen Manga Review

Mob Psycho: 100 is a Supernatural action series by ONE, who’s also credited with creating the One Punch Man series. Fans of the anime and manga series will be familiar with Reigen, Mob’s “all-powerful” mentor and exorcist who helps out those in need no matter the issue (or cost). Those also familiar with the main series would also know that Reigen is a con-man with no powers that tricks people into believing he’s a psychic by using those with actual abilities to do his job for him (Mob being one of them).

Mob Psycho 100: Reigen is a spinoff manga series that focuses on the titular character and gives us a glimpse at how he works and his relationship with those around him.

Our Unlikely Heroine

The manga starts by poking fun at the clichéd ‘heroine running with bread in her mouth’ trope before introducing us to the actual heroine Tome Kurata, who, unlike Mob, is an ordinary starry-eyed high school girl that’s obsessed with the supernatural and the occult. So much so, that she fails to relate with her friends and other high schoolers like her. Her hobby leads her to become a part-time worker for Reigen at his exorcist store, ‘Spirits & Such’. Though she was never officially hired, nor were her services ever requested. Regardless, Tome insists on coming along with him on his exorcism jobs, despite constantly being told of the danger involved.

Tome clings to the notion that she can help in situations far beyond her abilities despite being powerless, and puts herself in danger multiple times throughout the manga. Reigen, on the other hand, seems unchanged from the main series at first, with his methods of trickery staying the same, but once we’re shown how he interacts with people such as other scam artists posing as exorcists, and especially Tome, we see a deeper part of the con-man we don’t get to see in the main series.

Paranormal Character Development

Both these characters contribute to each other’s character developments as Reigen not only cements himself as a quick-witted and intelligent person but also shows a level of empathy and concern for both Tome and his other employees, and even admits his flaws. On the other hand, Tome learns through Reigen and other characters like Serizawa and Dimple that the world isn’t as straightforward as she thinks it is and that she has a lot to learn about the field she’s forcing herself into.

As a fan of the series, I was glad to see many of the characters from the main series make a return, such as Serizawa, the former shut-in —now capable worker and exorcist, and the ever reluctant Dimple. ONE’s humor also comes across quite well as it consistently parodies tropes and popular media. However, compared to the main series, the spinoff is noticeably more down-to-earth and low-key as it chooses to focus more on the characters than a grand premise.

As for the art, I have to say ONE’s illustrations have progressively improved over the years. Though it may look rather simplistic and even ugly at face value, during intense moments in the manga, the art style really shines and showcases itself as truly unique and one that’s almost a signature for the mangaka. The manga’s translation was also well done and captured the tone and mannerisms of the characters quite well.

Mob Psycho 100: Reigen- Final Thoughts

Overall, the Mob Psycho 100: Reigen is a well-grounded, character-driven tale. While the manga is more heartfelt than exciting, it executes all the plot points it sets up quite well. If you’re a fan of the Mob Psycho series, I highly suggest you take a peek at Mob Psycho 100: Reigen.

Mob Psycho 100: Reigen is available to purchase right now from Dark Horse Manga.

A copy of this manga was provided for review by Dark Horse

Are you a fan of Mob Psycho 100? Are you intrigued by Reigen’s side story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.