Andromeda Stories, Volume 1 [Paperback]

Keiko Takemiya (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 11, 2007

Cosmoralia's Prince Ithaca is about to wed Princess Lilia of Ayodoya and be crowned Astralta III. The apparently favorable celestial bearings mean he will be no mere monarch but holy king of a new "papacy". Alas, the peaceful inhabitants of Planet Astria have no clue that they're next in line for invasion by a ruthless machine force--a threat that seems to metaphorize the inherent perils of politics and desire in this multilayered saga. The tension slowly mounts to an unbearable pitch in this ominous first volume of three.

Following the conclusion of her award-winning and epochal To Terra..., Keiko Takemiya paired up with science fiction legend Ryu Mitsuse to create yet another milestone that was shortly made into an animated TV feature. Andromeda Stories is comics pioneer Takemiya's second work to appear in English.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Takemiya is one of Japan’s revered 49ers for a reason. She knows how to tell a story with her art, bringing out the subtlest of emotions and dramatic moments. From the opening pages when the winged goddess is brooding over the Cosmic Egg with sword-bearing angels in attendance, you know you’re looking at something special."- Manga Life
"Intended for young adult readers, this is a satisfying, classic story with stylish old-fashioned artwork. Takemiya's art flows well and is full of colorful details: the weird landscapes look like 1970s fantasy illustration or rock album covers, the costumes are sumptuous, and the silent mechanical invaders are mysterious and chilling." - Otaku USA

“I fell in love with the clockwork body snatchers and space opera storytelling she employs.” - Same Hat Blog
“There’s scarcely another title out there, new or old, that shoots this high and this far with its vision, so pick this up.” - Anime Advanced Media Network “Any first volume is hard to judge, but based on the potential of the story, the historical place of the creator, and Vertical’s excellent publishing record for manga, this volume is recommended for all manga collections.” - Library Journal

"May be the best manga I've read all year. A+," - Comics-and-more.blogspot.com

About the Author

Keiko Takemiya was one of the first female shojo manga writers, and has achieved great success with her science fiction and yaoi (boy-boy love) works. Andromeda Stories is a fantasy tale that invokes The Matrix and The Dark Crystal. It examines themes of man versus machine, and the inescapable grip of destiny.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Vertical (September 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932234845
• ISBN-13: 978-1932234848
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #278,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing December 7, 2008

By DS

Format:Paperback

Andromeda Stories is a very minor work for Takemiya Keiko. She didn't write the story, and it shows. The art is good as always, but the story is nowhere near as original or interesting as To Terra. The setting (a vaguely medieval, slightly Middle Eastern kingdom) is likewise uninspired. I'm not sure why Vertical chose this one to follow up To Terra. Maybe they think only the sci fi titles will sell, and not the earlier shojo stories that made Takemiya famous, which is really a shame. If you haven't read To Terra, pick that up instead of this one. And here's hoping that Vertical translates some of Takemiya's better work, like The Poem of the Wind and the Tree.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as To Terra...but still entertaining October 7, 2007

By Kayuga

Format:Paperback

Things move quickly in this story and it's hard to sort all out. But i don't usually bother with describing the plot because it already provides this on the site and i'm reviewing it which means i'm giving you my opinion, what i think about it..not just what the story is.

I don't like the whole big bang being included because it seems a weird way to go about it as it seems completely off course, or really roundabout.

I'm not drawn to it like To Terra there's emotional impact missing. it's not as cerebral..it's just a big mystery that you want solved. interesting questions. It lacks the emotional depth and sense of purpose that TO terra had.

However if you like science fiction for the sake of it. you will find it here.

The drawing is ofcourse great and she still is a wonderful mangaka and i will purchase the rest of this series because i want to support her and get even more of her works published.