If you’re looking for a unique and thrilling manga series, look no further than Houseki no Kuni. This gem of a series takes place in a fantastical world where gems have human-like forms and must fight to protect their world from the invading Lunarians. With stunning artwork and captivating storytelling, Houseki no Kuni is a must-read for manga fans everywhere.
About Houseki no Kuni
Houseki no Kuni, also known as Land of the Lustrous, is a manga series written and illustrated by Haruko Ichikawa. The series first began serialization in 2012 in the monthly magazine Afternoon and has since been adapted into an anime series and a video game.
The story takes place in a world where gems are the only beings left alive after a catastrophic event. The gems have human-like forms and are tasked with protecting their world from the Lunarians, who seek to capture the gems and turn them into jewelry. The main character, Phosphophyllite, is a young and fragile gem who seeks to find her purpose in the world and become a valuable member of her community.
The Artwork
One of the most striking aspects of Houseki no Kuni is its stunning artwork. The gems are depicted with intricate and detailed designs that make them look like real precious stones. The backgrounds are equally impressive, with sweeping landscapes and otherworldly settings that transport the reader to a completely different world.
Ichikawa’s use of shading and lighting is also noteworthy, with the gems’ bodies reflecting and refracting light in a way that makes them look like they’re truly made of gemstones. All of these elements combine to create a visually stunning and immersive reading experience that is sure to captivate readers.
The Story
While the artwork is certainly a major draw for Houseki no Kuni, the story itself is equally captivating. The series explores themes of identity, purpose, and the nature of existence, all while telling a thrilling adventure story about a group of gems fighting to protect their world.
The character of Phosphophyllite is a standout, as she is a fragile and flawed gem who must learn to overcome her weaknesses and find her place in the world. The relationship between Phosphophyllite and her partner, Cinnabar, is also a highlight of the series, as the two must learn to work together despite their vastly different personalities and abilities.
The Anime Series
In addition to the manga series, Houseki no Kuni has also been adapted into an anime series. The anime, which aired in 2017, follows the events of the first few volumes of the manga and has received critical acclaim for its stunning animation and faithful adaptation of the source material.
Whether you’re a fan of the manga or just looking for a great anime to watch, Houseki no Kuni is definitely worth checking out.
The Video Game
In addition to the manga and anime series, Houseki no Kuni also has a video game adaptation. The game, titled Land of the Lustrous: Houseki no Kuni – Shinshoku Tairiku no Yabou (Land of the Lustrous: Ambition of the Stained Continent), was released in 2018 for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
The game follows the events of the manga series and allows players to control their favorite gems as they fight off the invading Lunarians. The game has received positive reviews for its fun gameplay and faithful adaptation of the source material.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique and captivating manga series, look no further than Houseki no Kuni. With its stunning artwork and thrilling storytelling, Houseki no Kuni is a true gem of a series that is sure to captivate readers and anime fans alike.