The Summer Hikaru Died (光が死んだ夏, Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu) is a psychological horror and drama manga written and illustrated by Mokumokuren (モクモクれん). Set in a quiet rural town, the story follows Yoshiki (ヨシキ), who realizes that his best friend Hikaru (ヒカル) has been replaced by something inhuman after Hikaru’s mysterious death. As Yoshiki struggles between fear, grief, and love, the two navigate a hauntingly intimate relationship that blurs the line between humanity and monstrosity.
First serialized online in 2021, The Summer Hikaru Died quickly gained critical acclaim for its eerie atmosphere, emotional storytelling, and beautifully detailed artwork. Its blend of horror and quiet melancholy resonated deeply with readers, earning it multiple award nominations and an upcoming anime adaptation. With its mix of tenderness and unease, the series stands out as one of the most compelling modern works in psychological horror manga.
