Houshin Engi
Author |
FUJISAKI Ryu |
Artist |
FUJISAKI Ryu |
Primary Genre |
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Sub Genres |
Shounen, Fantasy, Adventure |
Volumes |
23 |
Licensed |
Yes |
| Publication History | |
Japanese Publisher |
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Serialized in |
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Serialization Start |
0000 |
Serialization End |
0000 |
US Publisher |
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| Series Summary |
Japanese Publisher: Shueisha Serilaized In: Shounen Jump 1996-2000 Ryu Fujisaki’s Houshin Engi is based on the ancient Chinese story of the same name. In Prehistoric China, Chuuou, an emperor of the Yin dynasty, has been seduced by the demon Dakki, who manipulates the emperor with her powers of temptation, leading the Yin to a slow but certain downfall. Meanwhile in the Sennin world (Sennins are superior beings who live on either the Kingou Islands, or Kongrong Mountain, both of which are landmasses floating in the sky), the leader of Kongrong has assigned Taikoubou the task of completing the Houshin project. He receives a list of names, which includes Dakki and her subordinates, who are to be killed and have their souls sealed in the Houshindai upon defeat. Taikoubou's mission is to remove the influence of Dakki from the Yin. Eventually though, his goal shifts from defeating Dakki to establishing a new dynasty to save a once great land. Houshin Engi is one of the most epic stories I have ever read in manga, and have ever read in general. The story takes you through the entire progression of the war against the Yin, and the conflicts between the two Sennin worlds. This is a Shonen manga which doesn't fall into the common clichés. The hero of the story doesn’t win his battles through physical prowess, but through outwitting his enemies. Throughout the series, a lot of the fun of the battles comes from the strategies Taikoubou uses to win. In fact, most of the fighting is done by his comrades and not Taikoubou himself. The characters even joke about how he doesn’t seem like a good main character. It’s the amazing character design and wonderful cast of characters that make this series great. For example, you have Bunchuu, who also wants to defeat Dakki but is so loyal to the Yin that he opposes Taikoubou; and Youzen, a genius Sennin with the rare power of shape shifting. The story is effective in making you feel something for the characters, whether it is hating Dakki, or laughing at her, or waiting to see how Taikoubou and his allies will defeat their next enemy. Fujisaki does a good job of making the villains' story just as interesting as the heroes'. I can't speak highly enough of this series. Action, fantasy, war, drama, comedy, it has it all. There is something for everyone in this 23 volume series. The story is very fluid and all the story arcs flow into each other. There aren't any completely isolated stories that will end after a few chapters. Things from past chapters resurface later on, and all the characters have their own secrets that are revealed as well. Truly a masterpiece of a manga, Houshin Engi is a story all manga fans should read Submitted by bahamut |
