Science fiction has always included stories and landscapes beyond the reader’s imagination. In particular, a good science fiction work, despite the fact that it could not possibly be true, has a sense of overlap with the real world. I have selected here 3 science fiction manga with different atmospheres.
1. AKIRA
Title : AKIRA
Written by : Katsuhiro Otomo
Published by : Kodansha
Magazine : Young Magazine
Original run : 1982 – 1990
Volumes : 6
“AKIRA” is a science fiction manga characterized by a detailed drawing style and cyberpunk-like worldview that is hard to believe that it was created in 1982. Otomo’s realistic skyscrapers, figures, and elaborate mechanical vehicles such as motorcycles breathed new life into manga, where deformation had been the norm until then. The impact of his work at the time of its release was great, and it influenced subsequent manga and anime works.
2. PLANETES
Title : PLANETES
Written by : Makoto Yukimura
Published by : Kodansha
Magazine : Morning
Original run : 1999 – 2004
Volumes : 4
Set in a near future where space development is advancing, this science fiction manga depicts the major themes of what space is and what life is. It is not a generic science fiction, but a human drama with an emphasis on life and philosophy.
3. Parasyte
Title : Parasyte
Written by : Hitoshi Iwaaki
Published by : Kodansha
Magazine : Morning Open Zōkan(1988–1989), Monthly Afternoon(1990–1995)
Original run : 1988 – 1995
Volumes : 10
It is a masterpiece in the history of manga. It is a horror science fiction depicting the battle between parasitic organisms and humans, with philosophical themes at the heart of the story, questioning the reader about the value of human existence.
