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"Touge Oni: Primal Gods in Ancient Times" takes us on a journey to a mystical world rooted in Japanese folklore, set in the land of Wa, which was the oldest name for Japan and likely around the mid-6th century. The story introduces us to Miyo, a young girl from a remote village that worships local gods. She is chosen as a sacrifice for the village god, seemingly resigned to her fate until the arrival of the mystic En no Ozuno and his apprentice Zen.
At first, Ozuno and Zen appear as charlatans selling questionable medicine to the villagers. However, their encounter with the local god on the day of Miyo's planned sacrifice sets the stage for a surprising turn of events. Miyo begins to realize that there is more to these two strangers than meets the eye.
Consequently, Miyo makes a bold decision to break free from her predetermined fate with the help of Ozuno and distance herself from her home and god. "Touge Oni" combines Japanese folklore, slice-of-life mysticism, and horror elements in a historical context. These genres may pose a challenge to resonate with an international audience, but the manga's storytelling successfully weaves them together, offering a rich narrative filled with mysterious gods and Japanese folklore.
While some of the gods have complex names, readers will find informative translation footnotes at the end of the volume to enhance their understanding. Fans of historical works and Japanese mythology will thoroughly enjoy the story, as it immerses them in a world teeming with various deities, guided by the young and warm-hearted healer, En No.
The first volume of the manga presents several episodic stories, each centered around a different god. This approach eases readers into the setting and allows them to get to know the characters. It becomes clear that each of these gods has specific goals and a complex past. Besides Miyo, readers gain insights into Zen's world, which takes an unexpected turn.
The artwork in "Touge Oni" elevates the story to a unique experience. While the character design for human characters is relatively ordinary but expressive, the manga truly shines in its depiction of the gods. The drawings are intricate, graceful, and clearly crafted with a great deal of care and dedication. Tsurubuchi's art style is light and sketch-like, making it easy to follow the narrative.
In conclusion, "Touge Oni: Primal Gods in Ancient Times" explores various genres but is primarily recommended for fans of Japanese folklore and historical works. The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, featuring intense scenes and captivating landscapes and godly illustrations.
Touge Oni: Primal Gods In Ancient Times GN Vol 01
€11,25
€15,00
In the ancient kingdom of Yamato, between the era of the gods and that of men, there was a time when the two coexisted. Miyo is chosen to serve as a human sacrifice to her village's god, Kippuuson-no-Mikoto, but she's… read more
