Love and Three Chances

Did he get back with iris young or did he start dating Cynthia?

Pls update asap....excited of SJ’s reaction and Elli’s father of the news....

The blurb didn't gave much information...but I loved how it started.. good job.. more updates ............

great. the suspense is unbelievable.   I like how it flows smoothly from chapter to the next.

While critics have showered this manga with praise, I risk alienating the anime aficionados by finding it rather lackluster, contrived, and repetitive.  

Art hasn't aged gracefully. The story is its primary appeal, yet while the premise is intriguing, it often falls back on one of the oldest clichés in history—desiring immortality due to human greed. Approximately 80% of stories start this way and rarely evolve significantly. There's always a character who seeks eternal life to become god-like or something akin. Worst of all, the Sun chapter is essentially a historical recounting of the conflict between Emperor Tenmu and Emperor Tenji, where themes of death, life, and mortality are overshadowed.  

The characters are often unlikable, reduced to embodiments of greed, ambition, or vindictiveness. While they do experience internal conflicts, particularly between good and evil, these struggles are frequently less pronounced than their negative traits. They also tend to lack significance since the chapters are typically episodic, and characters seldom reappear after their arcs conclude. Yes, everyone dies, but their unappealing nature makes readers glad when most meet their end, failing to evoke the intended moral struggle or exploration of life and death.  

The redeeming factor lies in Osamu's expertise in cinematic techniques and originality. The pacing surpasses many modern mangas, and stories are narrated with skillful use of camera perspectives—when a man despairs over being trapped in an insurmountable hole, you can feel the towering rocky walls pressing down on you. It's also refreshing that the manga has an overarching theme without repetitive storytelling; although it still revolves around human greed 80% of the time, it avoids the predictable formula of X causing Y and ending with Z every single instance. For me personally, the standout moment in the manga is the immortal space explorer—or whatever he may be—starting as an ordinary human and witnessing the full evolution of Earth before fading into the stars following a philosophical dialogue with the Phoenix. It’s a mind-blowingly ironic twist that he is one of the few to achieve immortality despite not seeking it initially. Unfortunately, not all chapters reach the heights of that particular tale.  

Still, I don’t regret reading it to cross one of the most celebrated masterpieces of manga off my list.  

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It should come as no surprise that Osamu Tezuka, the father of anime, crafted such a flawless manga. Despite its obscurity, Phoenix stands as one of the greatest manga series in existence. While the art style may feel dated, it is the storyline that truly elevates this series. Each volume presents a distinct story, yet all are tied together by a recurring theme: the quest for immortality.  

The first volume was released in the 1960s, so the art style naturally differs from contemporary manga. Initially, readers might not guess this series originated in Japan, as the characters bear a resemblance to Betty Boop. Tezuka's signature style exaggerates character features while maintaining beautifully detailed backgrounds. Those unfamiliar with the Astro Boy aesthetic might find the artwork challenging at first, but it grows on you over time.  

Some characters reappear across multiple volumes through reincarnation, though most are confined to a single volume. The narrative leaps through time, following various individuals striving to attain the phoenix's blood. Each volume tells a unique story, showcasing both the diversity of motivations behind seeking the phoenix and Tezuka's boundless creativity. Hooks and suspense abound, compelling readers to keep turning pages. The characters are diverse, and their personalities are well-developed. Although the series remains incomplete due to Tezuka's passing, it remains thoroughly enjoyable.  

The volumes are thicker than typical manga, yet only slightly more expensive. Recently released in North America, they can now be found easily in libraries and bookstores. Some Viz releases combine two volumes into one, making the series even more accessible and affordable.  

Fans of sci-fi or historical manga will adore this series. Though the artwork may appear simple, the storyline is profoundly deep. It's unfortunate that Phoenix hasn't received the recognition it deserves, as it deserves a place on every manga enthusiast's shelf. Be sure to give it a try.  

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It's been a while since I read this story (I think it was four years ago, but I might be mistaken), so I may have forgotten some details. This is because I've only recently decided to write some reviews on MAL.  

I do intend to reread it, though, because this manga is truly astonishing.  

As others have mentioned in their reviews, *Hi no Tori* consists of several different stories. To be exact, each volume presents a distinct set of tales. On rare occasions, the same character appears in two different volumes, but that's not common. However, it's not unusual to see the same characters reincarnated hundreds of years later. Death and rebirth are recurring themes in Tezuka's work.  

The story itself is incredible. In some cases, it doubles as a history lesson. Tezuka clearly had a deep understanding of Japanese history and its neighboring regions. I don't remember which volume (LOL), but one of them vividly portrays the Japanese invasion of the Korean Peninsula during the Baekje era. Tezuka also infused the stories with philosophy, existentialism, the importance of nature, the value of life, the meaning of life, and what it means to be human. Some of these moments feel deeply personal—Tezuka poured his profound thoughts into *Hi no Tori*. Despite declaring himself agnostic, he possessed a strong sense of spirituality.  

The volumes span across different time periods, jumping back and forth. It's worth noting that Tezuka planned to write a final volume, but unfortunately passed away before completing it. Thus, *Hi no Tori* remains unfinished—a significant loss in the history of manga. Tezuka left behind a synopsis for a story titled "Earth," set in the 1930s in Shanghai, during Japan's victory over Chinese forces in their war with China.  

Also, don't expect the entire series to be serious and somber. Tezuka includes plenty of jokes and anachronistic puns in the most unexpected moments. The most heart-wrenching tragedy can quickly transition into a humorous scene. That's just Tezuka's unique writing style. If you've read any of his other works, this won't come as a surprise.  

The characters are incredibly deep. Truly complex. They embody all the anguish, regret, guilt, compassion, contempt, anger, love, narcissism, selfishness, and redemption that define humanity. Simply put, they are genuinely human. Tezuka did an outstanding job developing them.  

All in all, *Hi no Tori* is one of the best mangas I've ever read.

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.