O.S.E by Loiki Nihon and Shaos, started in 2018 and published by Tartamundo, is a French manga where virtual and real mingle to allow everyone to face their fears safely… or almost. 
Paris 2022, a small group of friends: Loïc, Akiko and Bastien, received VIP tickets for the Asian Virtual Expo 2022 which is, for the first time, the scene of the global launch of a video game: O.S.E. The particularity of this app totally in virtual reality is that it allows you to face your fears with the help of an I.Has. very advanced. The event promises to be unforgettable but now, an error seems to have crept into the program.
A revolutionary game
O.S.E is a revolutionary game of its kind, created by the company Star Unique Soft whose technology makes the competition pale with envy. Totally in virtual reality, it allows everyone to face their fears or escape from their daily lives. Each player is accompanied by an AI designed to meet their physical tastes. AIs are either men, shino, or women: shina. Once equipped with the helmet, the player is no longer able to differentiate from reality. He can then face his deepest fears. O.S.E is expected worldwide and everyone wants to buy a copy. Also, the world presentation at the Asian Virtual Expo is an event not to be missed under any circumstances, and the three heroes Loïc, Akiko and Bastien taste the happiness of being among the privileged having access to the VIP lounge. Loïc and Bastien even have the honor of being part of the 15 people who will be able to test the game in preview in front of a conquered and impatient crowd. 
Facing his fears
Once the session begins, everyone is faced with their most secret fears, whether it is a phobia or trauma. O.S.E is there to repair beings and appease fears by not hesitating to jostle players, to push them ever further in their entrenchments. O.S.E knows everything about the one who participates and pushes him to question or surpass himself. The Shino and Shina are there for the purpose of accompaniment and support, but also as revealers of the truths that annoy. The fact that the mediator is virtual and external makes it easier for the player to address problematic topics. But is this AI as neutral as it says? O.S.E is very correct at the graphic level with very realistic Parisian or convention decorations and we recognize some brands or actors of the world of Japanese pop culture in France. The characters are, on the whole, well done with a realistic touch (especially for men) but we notice here and there some small stiffness. The scenario offers many characters, some of whom are not really sympathetic and the three heroes are propelled into a particularly inhospitable environment where enmities and rivalry seem to be legion. We skip the twists and turns of situations a little big to focus on what seems to be a sharp criticism of the world of conventions and video games where money and fame come before passion. The different phases of tension are punctuated by humorous scenes, especially between the couple Loïc and Akiko. After an unexpected turnaround, serious things seem to be coming for the participants in the second volume which, fortunately, is looming very soon. Practical information: Art: SHAOS Screenplay: LOIKI Nihon VF Editor: Tartamudo Type: Global-Manga Genre: Suspense, Science fiction Date published: August 24, 2018 Illustration: 240 pages b&w Origin: France – 2018 EAN code: 9782910867614
