Title

Karneval

Also known as: カーニヴァル, ล่าทรชน, 카니발

by Touya Mikanagi

Score from AniList: 74/100finished28 volumes160 chapters

ActionFantasyMysterySci-Fi

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Nai–a young man who travels in search of another by the name of Karoku, a lone bracelet his only lead. Gareki–a willful young man who earns his daily bread by thieving and picking pockets. Thrown together at an eerie mansion, where they are entrapped and framed, Nai and Gareki are soon hunted down as criminals by national security forces. As they are driven into a corner, before them appears the most powerful defense agency in the country, “Circus”–!! (Source: Yen Press)

Chapters available: 160
Type: Manga

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 3.5/5

A stylish urban fantasy in which two young strangers are framed and hunted until the mysterious Circus offers them a way out, with a strong mystery and a charismatic cast.

Pros

An intriguing mystery around the Circus
Charismatic, contrasting leads
A complete 160-chapter run

Cons

The mythology can get dense
Some episodes feel busy

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Read the full take

Karneval introduces two strangers who are pulled together in a way neither expects. Nai is searching for another person named Karoku, with only a lone bracelet as a lead. Gareki is a willful thief who lives by picking pockets. Thrown together in an eerie mansion, they are framed and hunted as criminals by national security forces, until the powerful defence agency known as Circus appears before them. The premise is a stylish, mysterious set-up with a strong sense of danger.The series is most engaging when the leads' contrasting attitudes clash. Gareki's bite and Nai's quiet searching make a compelling pair, and the Circus adds a layer of intrigue that keeps the reader guessing.The weaknesses are a mythology that can grow dense and episodes that feel busy at times. Readers who enjoy stylish urban fantasy with a mystery will find plenty to like. Those wanting straightforward plotting may find it crowded, though the cast carries it.