Pika is one of the most prolific publishers in France in terms of qualitative releases. In the planning of their next releases, there are two quality seinen titles. Let's already mention The voices of the distant star which is a one-shot available on May 19, 2021. And from the end of January, a project centered on art, Blue Period. Makoto Shinkai is one of the most talented directors of his generation. An artist apart who knows how to transport us through his works. He knows the consecration with Your Name, a feature film of a rare intensity, which makes him known in the 4 corners of the world. The Voices of The Distant Star is an adaptation of a short film by the filmmaker released in 2002. Basically, it was a 25-minute cartoon made 2 years before the 1st feature film The Tower Beyond the Clouds of Makoto.
What is the story of The Voices of The distant Star?
The story takes place in 2047. We follow Mikako, a high school student enlisted in the United Nations space fleet. The objective of this structure, to go in search of the Tharsians, a race with a technology far superior to that of humans. On land, the young Noboru is waiting for him. Separated by light years, the two teenagers do everything to keep their relationship intact. We find through this work recurring themes to the other works of Makoto Shinkai. As in Your Name, love is at the center of the plot. How can this unalterable bond endure when one of the two members of the couple is suffering the ravages of time and the other is not aging? Mizu Sahara has the difficult task of adapting this work. In France, the mangaka is known for singing red shoes and My Girl. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Drawing: Mizu Sahara Based on the work of Makoto Shinkai Translation: Hana Kanehisa Collection: Pika Seinen Format: 130 x 180 mm Number of pages: 224 pages Price : 8,20 € Japanese reading direction
An artistic seinen: Blue Period
On January 20th, we warmly recommend this beautiful project. Blue Period that plunges us into a radically context of what is usually done. Here is a beautiful trailer that reveals the backstage of a captivating and striking artistic awakening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZYZGylympA&ab_channel=PikaEdition Tsubasa Yamaguchi is the artist in charge of this book. It has been published in Kôdansha's Afternoon magazine since 2017. For the French edition, you can find some pages in color.
What is the history of Blue Period?
We follow the daily life of Yatora, a high school student gifted for many things. Despite his ease, he is not fulfilled. The trigger will occur the day he comes face to face with a work of art. He will make every effort to pass a prestigious entrance exam.
