The Bottom Line
Like the mushi, Mushishi is a rare breed of manga: a smartly-written original story that's told with simple yet mesmerizing imagery. It defies simple descriptions: Is it a Japanese ghost story? Is it a fable of strange events and supernatural beings? Is it a heartwarming tale of compassion, friendship and love? Mushishi is all of these things and more.
To reveal much more would spoil the surprises that make Mushishi so amazing and addictive. A memorable tale that will leave an impression on readers long after they turn the last page, Mushishi is one of the best manga I've read in ages.
Pros
- Mesmerizing and memorable, Mushishi is a haunting story with a uniquely Japanese spirit
- An original story that avoids all the predictable clichés of contemporary manga
- Simple, distinctive artwork that lets this magical tale unfold at its own pace
- Smartly-written characters that are never annoying, stupid or one-dimensional
- Each story is instilled with a respect for nature and spirituality without being preachy
Cons
- Manga artwork is only black and white; watch the anime to see how gorgeous they are in color
- Low-key cover artwork and title makes this an easy title to overlook on the shelves
Description
- Original Title: Mushishi (US and Japan)
- Author & Artist: Yuki Urushibara
- Publishers:
Del Rey Manga (US)
Kodansha (Japan) - ISBN: 978-0-345-49621-8
- Cover Price: $12.95 US / $16.00 CANADA
- Age Rating:
OT – Older Teens, Age 16+
for mature themes and haunting imagery
More about content ratings - Manga Genres:
- Seinen manga
- Drama
- Mystery / Suspense
- Supernatural / Ghosts
- Anime Tie-In
- Live Action Movie Tie-In
- US Publication Date: January 2007
Japan Publication Date: 2000 - Book Description: 240 pages, black and white illustrations
- More About Mushishi:
- Visit Funimation's Mushishi Anime1 Web Site
- See photos from the Mushishi Feature Film (Japanese)
Guide Review - Mushishi Volume 1
When I first picked up Mushishi, I didn't know what to expect. The title was cryptic, the low-key cover artwork of a barefoot man walking across leaves didn't offer many clues about the story. Then I turned the pages and was slowly but surely seduced by the haunting beauty and mesmerizing originality that lies within the covers of Mushishi Volume 1.
As explained in Mushishi, a mushi is a semi-primitive lifeform that is "neither good nor evil" and is "as ancient as life itself." It can take on many forms and have many different purposes for being. In the world of Mushishi, mushi are an ever-present mystery of nature that can be a blessing or an affliction to humanity.
The main (and practically only recurring) character of Mushishi is Ginko, a white-haired, green-eyed, chain-smoking traveler who seeks out mushi and offers assistance to those who are troubled by these magical creatures.
The story premise sounds simple, and in many ways it is. But Mushishi is a rare breed of manga: It's a truly original story that's free of predictable clichés and one-dimensional characters. Urushibara doesn't settle for formulaic plot twists. When Ginko encounters mushi, he doesn't approach them with the usual "evil alien must die" attitude – he has a certain love and respect for their existence. The solutions that he presents to those who are troubled by mushi are sometimes surprising, always compassionate and never preachy.
The fables in Mushishi are haunting, but not humorless; in fact, there are moments of wry humor, heartwarming friendship, and transcendent beauty, all instilled with a uniquely Japanese spirit. Each story conveys a new dimension of what a mushi is, and a 'happy ending' is never guaranteed. Smart, well-crafted and absolutely addictive, Mushishi is by far one of the best manga I've read in ages.
