With classic shojo titles making a massive comeback—thanks to recent news surrounding series like From Far Away, Red River, and Please Save My Earth—fans of retro manga have plenty to celebrate. But among the legendary gems of the past, there is one masterpiece that truly stands out for its staggering philosophical depth and epic scale: Wakako Mizuki’s Itihasa.
Serialized between 1986 and 1999, Itihasa spans 15 volumes of grand storytelling. Set in ancient Japan 12,000 years ago, it bridges mythological fantasy with high-concept sci-fi, asking fundamental questions about humanity, faith, and the true nature of gods.
A Divine War Set 12,000 Years in the Past
The story begins in a peaceful village during an era when humans could still interact directly with the divine. The narrative follows three core characters:
- Takano: A brave young boy who rescues an abandoned baby girl.
- Tooko: The mysterious child raised as Takano’s younger sister.
- Aohiko: A wise, contemplative young man who acts as a mentor and elder brother to both Takano and Tooko.
Their peaceful lives are shattered when their village is attacked by followers of “visible gods.” Forced to flee, the trio is swept into a vast conflict between two factions of deities: those who can be seen and those who remain invisible. Unlike typical fantasy stories where gods are benevolent guardians, the deities in Itihasa are complex, imposing, and not necessarily on humanity’s side.
More Than Fantasy: Philosophical Sci-Fi at Its Finest
What makes Itihasa a true masterpiece is how it challenges readers to think deeply about existence and belief. The manga explores several profound themes:
- Visible vs. Invisible Faith: Why do humans worship physical beauty and power? The manga tackles ideas akin to modern lookism, questioning whether a god’s striking appearance reflects their true nature or merely manipulates human emotion.
- The Cost of Protection: To protect Tooko, Takano seeks martial power. Meanwhile, Aohiko abhors killing and struggles with taking part in a war between deities. Both paths carry heavy consequences.
- The Morality of Gods and Men: As secrets about the origin of the world and the gods are revealed, the line between good and evil completely blurs.
A Timeless Classic Ready for a New Era
Despite being written in the ’80s and ’90s, Itihasa feels remarkably modern. Its themes of conflict, authority, faith, and human agency resonate just as strongly today as they did decades ago. Wakako Mizuki’s breathtaking artwork renders the deities with stunning majesty and terrifying power, making every page a visual marvel.
As anime adaptations continue to breathe new life into beloved retro manga, Itihasa is a prime candidate for a modern animated series. For fans of deep, thought-provoking stories like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind or To Your Eternity, Itihasa is an unforgettable journey that deserves to be rediscovered.
Source: Yahoo News Japan