Love and Three Chances

plz update other sites have almost reached 4000 chapters

Only 470 chaps, I cant even fill my stomach with that.

now that's a great start??when is the next update?

I had fun in these couple of chapters with ups and downs

Phoenix, crafted by the god of manga himself, Osamu Tezuka, transcends the label of a masterpiece. It is a work of art that everyone should experience. Even those who typically don't read manga should delve into these tales, as they warrant far more acclaim than they currently receive and should be recognized as one of the greatest series of all time.  
Story: 10. This manga is divided into numerous distinct stories set across various timelines, oscillating between the past and the future, yet the Phoenix remains a constant presence in some form within each narrative. Every story carries an underlying theme, such as absolute power corrupting absolutely, love driving people to commit terrible acts, and the quest for religious freedom, among others. Each tale is masterfully narrated, from its inception to its resolution, offering something fresh and avoiding redundancy.  
Art: 8. There isn't much to elaborate on regarding the art—it effectively fulfills its purpose, maintaining consistency throughout the manga. However, the backgrounds are stunning, and the design of the Phoenix itself is breathtaking.  
Characters: 9. The main characters in each story are superbly crafted; there wasn't a single protagonist I didn't admire (apart from the villains). While not all were equally well-developed—Benta, for instance, is the weakest-written main character but still serves his role effectively—each one is unique and distinct from the others. My favorite character is Inugami from "The Sun" story, whose struggles and triumphs are portrayed exceptionally well. Other standout characters include Gao from "Karma" and Masato from "Future."  
Enjoyment: 10. I cherished every story in this series. Although some were executed better than others, I still relished what each had to offer with their profound themes and compelling characters. Every story kept me engaged and eager to discover what unfolded next.  
Overall: 10. This manga represents the closest thing to a flawless story that I've ever encountered. It's a genuine masterpiece. No other narrative I've read matches the storytelling brilliance of Phoenix. To anyone reading this, I implore you to read this manga. It stands as one of the most significant mangas in history, and it deserves a wider audience. If purchasing the volumes isn't feasible due to their high cost, don't fret—Mangafox hosts the entire series. However, if you can afford to buy a volume or two, do so—you won't regret it.

<p>The revered "God of Manga," Osamu Tezuka, is rightly hailed as the greatest mangaka of all time. Influential creators like Hirohiko Araki, Naoki Urasawa, Kentarou Miura, and Yoshihiro Togashi might never have reached their current stature without his pioneering work. Indeed, the very concepts of anime and manga have been profoundly reshaped by his illustrious contributions to the industry. Tezuka was not merely a man who transformed two of Japan's three primary storytelling mediums but also a moral beacon who reinvigorated his war-torn nation with renewed hope after World War II. Among his extensive body of work, several series have proven highly influential, yet none are as prestigious or masterfully crafted as his definitive masterpiece, Phoenix.</p>

<p>Phoenix does not follow a conventional narrative confined to a single timeline; instead, it chronicles the rise and fall of civilizations, great figures, their reincarnations, and enduring ideals throughout history and into the present, all centered around the pursuit of an enigmatic phoenix possessing the hidden truths underlying human existence. It follows key characters as they, like the Phoenix itself, transcend time and space in their quest for eternal life and fulfillment of humanity's divine longing. This is a tale of lost religious traditions and the dominance of rational thought. It speaks to the decline of the human spirit amidst rapid technological advancement. Its story is not just moving—it is timeless, embodying a quality only a storytelling genius could create.</p>

<p>Many understandably hesitate to read this work due to Tezuka's untimely passing, leaving the narrative "unfinished." However, I passionately argue that this state of perpetual incompleteness is what truly completes the story. The purpose of Phoenix is not to detail humanity's fervent champions achieving immortality by capturing the Phoenix and uncovering its secrets. Instead, Phoenix explains why the Phoenix will forever remain beyond humanity's grasp. The Phoenix symbolizes Aletheia—always elusive, always deceptive. The Phoenix doesn't exist, has never existed, and never will. The Phoenix serves as both humanity's nurturer and destroyer. It represents an abstract ideal concerning the preservation and understanding of the human condition. To make sense of the world, humans break each other's hearts. To achieve immortality, we destroy one another. And that is why we were cast out of paradise. That is why Aletheia remains out of reach. That is why the Phoenix no longer shares its wisdom.</p>

<p>In essence, Phoenix addresses a paradox: humanity's self-destruction in the pursuit of eternal life. A fully completed "Phoenix" would merely be an incomplete "Phoenix."</p>

<p>Phoenix may not feature the best storytelling or characters you'll ever encounter. Other comics—such as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Berserk, Watchmen, and Monster—have reached greater dramatic heights. Nevertheless, Tezuka's Dostoyevskian and Homeric ability to peer into the heart of the human condition and craft such a bittersweet elegy for times long past, eras never known, and human yearning amidst the dawn of mechanistic thought and life, is unmatched by anyone who has attempted the art of comics. A frenetic yet concise magnum opus from one of history's greatest literary minds, Phoenix stands as one of Japan's greatest literary achievements.</p>

Deleted my old MAL account Kaushik17  
  
Phoenix. It’s a 10. Let's get that out of the way first. Moving on, Phoenix is a work crafted by the God of Manga, Osamu Tezuka, over more than two decades. He regarded it as his life's masterpiece, and having read it, I can affirm that assessment. I've had the privilege of exploring many mangas from this master across his nearly 40-year career, and I was eagerly looking forward to delving into this one. And indeed, it delivered in spades. From beginning to end, it ranks among the most ambitious works I have ever encountered.  
  
Set across a timeframe spanning from the 3rd Century AD to the 35th century, the narrative consists of self-contained episodes occurring in various periods within this vast timeline. All these stories are interconnected through the Phoenix, a mythical bird whose blood grants immortality. Numerous individuals throughout history have sought the blood of this legendary creature to escape the cycle of life and death. This premise is fascinating, as it allows us to witness different people striving to obtain the blood for diverse reasons. Their journeys transform them in ways they could never have foreseen at the outset.  
  
As for the world itself, most of the historical narratives take place in Japan, with occasional glimpses into other parts of East Asia. The stories often draw on historical or mythological references, and having a basic understanding of these can enhance your comprehension of the unfolding events. However, this knowledge isn't essential; it merely aids in grasping the political and social fabric of Japanese society during those eras. In contrast, Tezuka's futuristic tales unfold against the expansive backdrop of space. Here, we truly encounter the full scope of Tezuka's creative genius. Though I'm not typically drawn to science fiction, his stories rank among the finest I've encountered. His seamless transitions between the future and the past are nothing short of phenomenal, with certain character reincarnations serving as guiding markers along our journey.  
  
Tezuka's characters, while not his strongest suit, are perfectly suited to the worlds and themes he explores in his narratives. You won’t be overwhelmed by their personalities, but you will grow to empathize with their struggles to find meaning in their lives. Although some characters may appear one-dimensional at times, Tezuka dedicates sufficient attention to illuminating their motivations. Special mention must go to Saruta and his various incarnations. Witnessing the differing personalities and challenges faced by his reincarnations was an absolute delight. And I mean this in the most appreciative sense.  
  
The series' art style might deter potential readers due to its dated appearance. Early character designs often evoke the influence Disney had on him. Yet, given that this work spanned a quarter-century, we are afforded the opportunity to observe his evolution as an artist. Some of his later background art is breathtaking and significantly enhances the story's immersion. Another intriguing aspect is how his approach to paneling evolved over time, offering insight into what worked in the industry then and how it adapted to Japan's demographic shifts.  
  
Now, onto the most compelling aspect of the work: its themes. At its core, Phoenix grapples with the concepts of life, death, and immortality. Characters attempt to break free from the cycle of life and death by acquiring the Phoenix's blood, only to eventually realize the futility of such pursuits. Armed with this realization, they strive to secure their immortality through their deeds. This theme resonated with me, reminiscent of another great fictional work, the EPIC OF GILGAMESH, which explores similar ideas. Tezuka's depiction of the karmic cycle of life and death, akin to Buddhist philosophy, struck a chord with me as it’s a concept I find intriguing to ponder. Additional dharmic notions like the illusion of the world and the interplay of time and space further enriched my engagement with and appreciation of this already magnificent work. The statement, “In all ages, the deeds of men remain the same,” echoed sentiments from another of my favorites. His handling of time and space is particularly mind-bending. Readers accustomed to linear timelines might find themselves challenged by his disregard for conventional chronology in Phoenix. Due to the expansive timeframe covered, we also witness Tezuka's mastery of multiple genres, including horror, sci-fi, history, romance, and more. His endings align appropriately with each story, reinforcing the overarching themes rather than prioritizing happy conclusions for his characters. I could continue discussing this endlessly, but doing so might compromise the readability of this review.  
  
It is unfortunate that the work remains unfinished. Tezuka passed away before completing it, leaving us uncertain about the intended conclusion. However, based on the material provided, it's plausible to assume the ending would occur around the 20th century AD. Despite this, the incomplete status does not detract from the work's greatness, thanks to the self-contained nature of its individual stories.  
  
I highly recommend this work. It exemplifies what makes the manga medium exceptional, as demonstrated through the talents of one of its greatest contributors, if not the greatest. If you're searching for a work that combines the thematic depth of the EPIC OF GILGAMESH, the atmospheric quality of MUSHISHI, and the grand ambitions of GINGA EIYUU DENSETSU, look no further.

This review will contain spoilers  

Osamu Tezuka is a figure who, in my opinion, needs no introduction. Often hailed as the god of manga, his contributions to the medium are vast and legendary. From Dororo and Astro Boy to Message to Adolf and Buddha, his works have left an indelible mark on the industry. With a career spanning six decades, Tezuka crafted a legacy that endures to this day. Today, we delve into one of his most ambitious projects: Phoenix. Considered by Tezuka himself to be his life's work, Phoenix initially launched in 1956 but was soon canceled before being rebooted in 1967. It ran for over two decades, yet it remained tragically incomplete due to Tezuka's passing in 1989. Let's begin.  

Story:  

Phoenix is an anthology series. The central concept revolves around the titular bird of fire, which transcends generations and oversees all life. Depending on the characters who encounter the Phoenix, they may face eternal damnation, gain profound knowledge, or receive its aid. The Phoenix serves as the sole thread connecting these otherwise self-contained narratives, though the stories rarely reference each other. What truly elevates this series is the character of the Phoenix herself. She is a compelling figure brimming with wisdom that resonates not only with the characters but also with the reader. As an immortal entity, she has witnessed humanity's evolution and missteps across millennia, granting her unparalleled insight. Her philosophies provoke deep thought and reflection in a manner unmatched by any other manga I've encountered.  

The individual stories in Phoenix are consistently engaging, save for one exception (which I'll address shortly). Each tale offers something thought-provoking, contributing to a cohesive progression throughout the series. My least favorite story is the sixth installment, "Nostalgia." While it contains intriguing elements, I found its length excessive, leading to boredom midway through. Despite this flaw, the remaining stories more than compensate, ensuring the anthology remains captivating overall. If pressed to choose a favorite, I would select "Sun," the final story in the series. Set both in the past and future, "Sun" masterfully intertwines its dual narratives, showcasing how actions in one era ripple through time. Spanning two parts, "Sun" maintains unwavering interest from start to finish, offering a tightly woven epic that leaves a lasting impression. Overall, each story brings something unique to the table, preventing monotony and repetition. Excluding "Nostalgia," the pacing of these tales is impeccable, allowing them to achieve their intended impact.  

Art:  

The artwork in Phoenix is nothing short of spectacular. It embodies Tezuka's signature cartoony style, yet it is employed in a distinct manner compared to his other works. Landscapes, when featured prominently in panels, are rendered with striking realism, boasting intricate details—especially water, which is depicted with breathtaking skill through the use of shading. Occasional flashes of Tezuka's classic humor add levity, while his depictions of animals evoke a timeless Disney charm, unsurprising given his admiration for the studio. The appearances of the Phoenix herself are awe-inspiring. Tezuka employs shimmering sparkles to convey the ethereal quality of the firebird, making every encounter with her feel monumental, regardless of her limited screen time. Another standout feature is Tezuka's innovative paneling technique, where he divides a single image across multiple panels, enhancing the visual impact. The layout is commendable, avoiding clutter and ensuring speech bubbles are placed strategically without overwhelming the page. One minor drawback is the density of text necessitated by the complex themes explored in Phoenix, which can occasionally make reading slightly laborious. On average, it takes me an hour to an hour and a half to complete a volume, reflecting the depth and length of the stories. However, this is a minor complaint given the immense rewards and intellectual stimulation each story provides.  

Characters:  

As an anthology of extended narratives, Phoenix boasts a diverse and often multi-layered cast of characters. Many protagonists boast rich backstories, tragic circumstances, and relatable aspirations. To illustrate, I'll highlight three standout characters and their contributions to the overarching narrative.  

1. The Phoenix - Naturally, the firebird herself stands out as my favorite character. Beyond her philosophical musings, her presence imbues each story with grandeur and significance. Her words challenge me to think in ways few other manga ever could, solidifying her place on this list.  

2. Gao - Gao captivates me primarily through his role in the story "Karma." A one-armed man turned criminal, his destiny leads him to confront another sculptor whose arm he once stole. The structure and resolution of "Karma" elevate Gao into one of the most memorable characters in Phoenix.  

3. Sakon - Sakon, a female samurai, slays an innocent nun and subsequently pays for her crime by enduring perpetual death and healing others until the end of time. Her acceptance of her fate and dedication to repentance render her one of the most compelling figures in the series.  

In summary, Phoenix features an array of fascinating characters who enrich their respective stories and engage in thought-provoking dialogues with the Phoenix.  

Conclusion:  

Phoenix is a masterpiece worthy of being labeled as one's life's work. Tezuka poured everything into this series—the intriguing dialogues, the imaginative worlds, the robust storytelling, and the stunning artwork. Each story stands independently yet contributes to a larger, cohesive vision. This is one of the greatest works I've ever read, leaving me contemplating its themes long after finishing. Without hesitation, I award it a perfect score of 10.