Plot: Humanity is reaching out farther and farther into space to colonize, learn, explore and discover. With so much to explore, it’s hard to think that it ever ends. Will humanity find everything that it ever wished for beyond the stars, or were humans not meant to traverse outside of earth at all? This is a collection of somewhat connected short sci-fi stories filled with adventure, friendship, mystery, tragedy, love, family and amazement.
Breakdown:….Best manga I’ve ever read.
Not kidding. I cannot sing the praises of this manga enough. I love sci-fi, I love anthologies, especially when there are links between the stories, the art is PHENOMENAL, the stories are intriguing and beautifully written, the characters are realistic and likable, and I recommend this manga to anyone who finds the premise even the slightest bit interesting.
It’s hard for me to think of anything I didn’t like. The ending concluded a certain early storyline, and while abrupt and a little confusing, still seemed like a great and fitting end to the series. Like most anthologies, some stories are stronger than others, and some of the stories, called ‘Nights’ are just a little weird or confusing. Time traveling birds is all I have to say in that regard.
The style sometimes seems inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey, which is great, and takes some notes from other more well known stories of sci-fi. If this has been a big project made in homage to the sci-fi space genre as a whole, then it succeeded in being a truly honorable tribute.
Bottom LIne: I know this is short, but this is really a masterpiece in manga. It’s beautiful in all respects, and I suggest everyone give it a read.
Additional Information and Notes: 2001 Nights was written and illustrated by Yokinobu Hoshino. This manga had a spin-off book called 2001+5 that I’m excited to watch, as well as an anime movie of the same name and a two episode OVA called TO both of which I’m looking forward to.
Volumes: 3
Year: 1984-1986
As a bonus, here’s some of the awesome artwork shown in this series!
Recommended Audience: It’s all tastefully done, but the series does contain some nudity, slight bits of sexual situations, minor swearing, a little bit of blood and death as well as disturbing imagery. The subject matter might also be over the heads of children much of the time. 14+
If you enjoy my work and would like to help support my blog, please consider donating at my Ko-Fi page. Thank you! ♥
The Anime Madhouse 