Title : No. 5
Written by : Taiyo Matsumoto
Published by : Shogakukan
Magazine : Monthly Ikki
Original run : 2000 – 2005
Volumes : 8
It’s not worth as much as a candy bar.
Synopsis
In the distant future, humans who have devastated the earth create people with special abilities through genetic manipulation. This is the International Peace Corps, headed by the special forces unit Nijigumi. One day, No. 5, a member of the Nijigumi, escapes from the Nijigumi, taking a woman, Matryoshka, with him. Following the old rule that “when a member of the Niji-gumi causes an incident, the other members must pursue him alone,” the other members chase after No. 5, but his pursuers are defeated by the excellent sniper No. 5.
Review
Taiyo Matsumoto’s masterpiece of science fiction action. It’s just super cool. Talking about “peace” and “love” is a courageous thing for an author to do, as it risks becoming preachy or clichéd. I am deeply impressed by the author who dared to depict such themes head-on. As you read the story, the reasons for No. 5’s actions are gradually revealed, but you will realize that the story centers on No. 1 and Matryoshka, not No. 5. When you read the story for the first time, you will not notice the meaning of some of the panels, but when you reread them, you will realize that they have a meaning and will be related later on. The more you reread it, the more you get hooked.
