'''''Phoenix''''', originally '''''Hi no Tori''''' (火の鳥) in Japan, is a Manga series made by Osamu_Tezuka. Consists of 12 volumes. See below. Phoenix is published in English by Viz_Communications. Six volumes have been translated as of now. The story, Tezuka's "life's work", is a collection of short to moderate length episodes, springing back and forth through time, revolving around the eponymous Phoenix (who looks like a Peacock rather than Eagle). In one episode, the reader may be in ancient Japan during the period of the Genpei_War, and the next episode the reader would be flung into the far future. As the series go on, the time periods get closer to the present. There is speculation among fans as to how (or if) the series would have concluded, or if there was any strong purpose to the back-and-forth time periods converging on the present. Fredrick_Shodt, who did some translations of the work, wrote in 'Dreamland_Japan' that he fantasized about a secret ending hidden in a safe somewhere that would surface after Tezuka's death. Every story is based on the theme of the search for Immortality. The common thread or character that binds all the various stories together is a Phoenix whose blood is believed to grant eternal life to those who drink it. One recurrent character throughout the series is Saruta, a stocky man with a huge roundish nose whose descendants go through extremely harsh trials. The "Space", "Yamato" and "Karma" volumes have been adapted into animated films; "Karma" was adapted into a video game by Konami http://www.funet.fi/pub/msx/photos/gamecovers/Hinotori_-Konami-.jpg. "Phoenix_2772" is available in an Anime format. Phoenix also makes a cameo appearance in the 2004 ''Astro_Boy:__Omega_Factor'' game created for the Nintendo Game_Boy_Advance, along with a number of other characters created by Osamu Tezuka. ==Dawn== The first volume, originally released in 1967. This story occurs in 240-270 A.D., in the era of Queen Himiko of the Yamatai Koku. Using her army, led by feudal general Saruta, to invade Japan, she seeks the Phoenix in order to get eternal youth. Image:Hinotori.gif ==Future== The second volume, originally released in 1967-68. This story happens chronologically at the very end of the saga. In 3404 A.D., the world has become super-modernized but humanity has reached its peak and shows decline. Masato, a young man, is living with his girlfriend, Tamami, a Shapeshifting alien. Being pursued by Masato's boss, Rock, they have to take shelter at the isolated base of Mad_scientist Dr. Saruta, who attempts to preserve Earth life, with the assistance of his robot Robita. Eventually, Nuclear_war breaks out... ==Yamato== The third volume, originally released in 1968-69. This story occurs at 320-350 A.D. (Kofun period), and is based on the Yamato-takeru-no-mikoto legend. The decadent king of Yamato tries to get his own version of Japan's history written. A tribe called the Kumaso is writing the real history of Japan. The king sends his youngest son, Oguna, to murder their chief, Takeru. Oguna, confused, meets the Phoenix to know his true destiny. ==Space (a.k.a. Universe)== The fourth tale, originally released in 1969. In the Viz edition, it is in the same book as "Yamato". The story of "Space" (a.k.a. "Universe") occurs in 2577 A.D., where members on a space shuttle break down into space, and eventually crash into a mysterious planet. Among them is Saruta, who is in rivalry with Makimura for Nana's heart. As they wander, they shall discover the Phoenix on the planet. ==Karma== The fourth volume, originally released in 1969-1970. The story occurs in 720-752 A.D. (the period in which the Daibutsu of Todaiji was built), during the Nara period. One-eyed and one-armed young man Gao (who is Saruta's ancestor) turns into a murderous bandit when he is being rejected by his village. Along with woodcarver Akanemaru that he attacked, they shall discover Spirituality, Kharma, and try their hand as Buddhist sculptors. The Japanese title of "Karma" is "Ho-ou". ==Resurrection== The fifth volume, originally released in 1970-1971. The story occurs in 2482-3344 A.D.. In an age of robotics, technology and science, young Leon dies in a car accident. He is brought to life by scientific surgery, but his brain, having become mostly artificial parts, makes him see living things, including humans, as distorted and repulsive elements, while he sees machines and robots as beauties. Leon falls in love with a worker robot, Chihiro, who appears as a beautiful girl to him, and will fight for this forbidden love. He will also find out the secret behind his accident... the story is told along the sideplot of a robot called Robita, who already appeared in "Future". ==Robe of Feathers== Published in COM. 1971 ==Nostalgia== Published in COM. 1971. Then in Manga Shonen 1976-1978. ==Turbulent Times== Published in Manga Shonen 1978-1980. ==Life== Published in Manga Shonen 1980. ==Strange Beings== Published in Manga Shonen 1981. ==Sun== Published in The Wild Age 1986-1988 Category:manga ==External links== * Osamu Tezuka's Official site (in Japanese and English) Fr:Phénix_(manga) Ko:불새_시리즈 Ja:火の鳥_(漫画) Th:วิหคเพลิงฮิโนโตริ