Title : PLANETES
Written by : Makoto Yukimura
Published by : Kodansha
Magazine : Morning
Original run : 1999 – 2004
Volumes : 4
What is the Universe?
Synopsis
In the 2070s, human beings are advancing space exploration and resource development on a commercial scale, such as Helium 3 mining on the Moon. However, space debris created in the shadow of the long history of space exploration overflowed into orbit and actually caused frequent collisions with passenger spacecraft, becoming a social problem. Hachimaki, an extra-vehicular worker on a space debris recovery ship, spends his days picking up space debris of all sizes, working only to achieve his goal of one day buying his own spacecraft. One day, a call goes out for crews for the “Von Braun,” a new type of spacecraft that aims to make a round trip to Jupiter and back.
Review
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. Above all, Hachimaki’s uncanny psychological portrayal is remarkable. Feel the unchanging human beings in the unknown world of space. The anime version also features original episodes and characters, so you can enjoy both the manga and the anime.
