Qualia the Purple

Qualia the Purple introduces Yukari, who sees everyone through uncanny purple eyes that make people appear to her as robots. Her talent is both a blessing and a curse: it helps the police judge threats by cataloguing people's quirks and capabilities, but it has cost her the friendship of her peers. One friend remains in her corner, Hatou 'Gaku' Manabu, who cares deeply for her. When Yukari is recruited into a secret project, the premise turns into a sharp meditation on what makes a person human.The series is most striking when Yukari's perception unsettles both her and the reader. The sci-fi concept gives every encounter a sense of unease, and the friendship with Gaku adds warmth to the darkness.The weaknesses are a short run that leaves some threads compact and some twists that can be predicted. Readers who enjoy philosophical sci-fi with a psychological edge will find a thought-provoking read. Those wanting a larger story may find it brief, though the concept is memorable.