The Vision Of Escaflowne

    (Tokyopop, 2003-2004)
™ and © 2004 Katsu Aki and Sunrise TV Tokyo

Based on the popular anime, this shonen (boys’) manga was originally published in 1994. Along with another shoujo adaptation, all versions tell the same tale of the teen-age girl Hitomi who meets Prince Van Fanel and travels to his dimension. On the planet Gaea, Van’s kingdom of Fanelia is attacked by the Zaibach Empire, and the pair must search for the secret to control the Escaflowne. It is the most powerful of the mecha known as the Guymelef, and their last hope to save their world.

As it turns out, Hitomi is the key, since she possesses a mystical jewel and surprising “Energist” powers. Aided by the swashbuckling Allen Schezar of the allying territory of Asturia, they combat the Zaibach leader Folken, who unleashes his forces against the holdout country of Freid. In this volume, the war rages on, but, as revolt foments with the Freid army, Hitomi and Van must rally against the growing chaos on their planet.

Anime fans will welcome another chance to reminisce but notice this retelling lacks the charm and verve of its inspiration.

— Oliver Chin
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#2

9-Sep-2003
Cover Price: $9.99
1 copy available for $9.99 		Katsu AkiKatsu Aki