Planetes, Vol. 4: Part 2 [Paperback]

Makoto Yukimura (Author)

Book Description

Series: Planetes | Publication Date: February 8, 2005

*A Sci-Fi drama that explores the boundaries of human relationships *"Compelling and realistic... recommended for all collections and especially for teen and adult fans of Alita and Cowboy Bebop." -Library Journal *"As hard science fiction, and as human drama, Planetes is a manga at the peak." -Scott Green, Aint-It-Cool-News.com *"Planetes Vol. 1...got me first interested in science-fiction at a young age. Planetes is not one that you want to miss. I absolutely cannot wait for the next volumes of Yukimura's masterpiece." -Greg McElhatton, iCOMICS.com

Fee decides to spend more time with her family and questions whether she'll ever return to space. 500 million miles away, Hachimaki is at the threshold of a new era for mankind as the crew of the Von Braun finally reach Jupiter. Back on Earth, the engineer of the Jupiter Mission, Weiner Locksmith, becomes haunted by the deaths of all those who lost their lives in pursuit of his vision.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: TokyoPop (February 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595324674
• ISBN-13: 978-1595324672
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,308,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ARRIVAL AT JUPITER, August 21, 2005

By 

Sesho "www.sesho.libsyn.com" (Pasadena, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Planetes, Vol. 4: Part 2 (Paperback)

This last installment of Planetes sets Hachimaki, who I had thought was the main character of the series, up as more of a backstory, much as in Part I. The most important part of this volume concerns the character of Fee as she comes to terms with her lack of parenting skills when it comes to her young son. Her character is further fleshed out as she remembers events from her childhood about an uncle who was falsely accused in the disappearance of a little girl simply because of his odd character. Werner Locksmith, the creator of the Van Braun ship is already moving on to other projects, already trying to recruit the brighest minds to begin work on a Saturn expedition. And while all this is going on, Hachimaki and crew finally reach Jupiter, but who is going to write the speech that needs to be delivered back to Earth, a speech that will inspire everyone to continue exploring the stars? Why Hachi or course!

Part II of Volume 4 made up for the immaturity of execution and plot in Part I. The story of Fee's uncle was touching, even though it reminded me of The Green Mile and Man Without A Face at times. We really got down into the belly of Fee's character and it was a great experience. It did seem a tad unrealistic that Tanabe was going to wait 7 years for Hachi to make it back. I doubt either of them will be the same people after that length of time. I thought that too little time was spent on the Jupiter mission and that Planetes needs more volumes to fully tell the story. I do feel that this series was a step above most manga in terms of plot, character, art, and depth. You should check it out.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good conclusion to a fine story, February 11, 2005

By 

Terry Dawson (Appleton, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Planetes, Vol. 4: Part 2 (Paperback)

The small epic of planetary exploration comes to a close after only five volumes. It is difficult to say much about events and developments without giving away the story. Let it suffice to say the final volume continues the character-driven plotlines, is intelligent, well-written, poignant and logical. Drawings are well and carefully done, clear and more free of ambiguity and difficulty of comprehension than in most manga.

A supplemental section gives some of the backstory of the Planetes world, including some scientific speculation and timelines. I look forward to the next work from Makoto Yukimura, and hope to someday see the anime adaptation of this fine graphic novel.