 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | DIGITAL MANGA PUBLISING | | | ▪ | AUTHOR / ART: | | TOW UBUKATA / HISASHI HIRAI | | | ▪ | FORMAT: | | ENGLISH / B&W | | | ▪ | PAGES: | | 260 | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 07/08/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 09/21/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD |
Based on the popular science fiction anime TV series Soukyuu no Fafner (or Fafner in the Azure as some Westerners might know it as), Fafner the novel is an alternate take of the anime while keeping true to its core themes. It’s trueness to the original anime is no surprise as the author, Tow Ubakata, also wrote for the TV series as well as this novel. It begins with the battle of young pilot Kazuki, piloting his mecha known as a Fafner battling the Festum. But this is merely prologue for the introspective and thought provoking story that provides compelling human drama. Seen entirely from his point of view, the world at war, humanity on the brink of extinction, and the battle not only for peace, but the peace of one’s soul take place. On a small quiet island, everything is about to change, particularly for a group of youths. A voice is heard out of nowhere and from everywhere: “Are you there?”. This singular moment marks the end of innocence for these children as they are suddenly thrust into a battle they never heard of against an enemy they do not know. The Festum are an alien force and the only hope for what remains of humanity is these children and their ability to pilot the Fafner. During this evolution from carefree days to the struggle for survival, Kazuki’s consciousness is what drives the novel. As he pilots the Fafner, his observations and experiences give the reader the sense of the cost of war and the change it evokes. It also reawakens memories for the pilot, having him recall a painful moment with his friend Soshi and a connection with a girl that will forever mark his existence. And existence is truly what the book explores through Kazuki’s eyes. With his painful memories comes the question of the purpose, even the reality, of his life. As those around him die or are forever altered, the person that they once were are forever lost under the toll of war, Kazuki agonizes even as he continues to fight against a faceless enemy. Part of the genius of the storytelling is its reliability and interchangeability. Although set in the future and clearly science fiction, many aspects of it, primarily the cost of war on human souls, can be seen and are applicable universally and timelessly. The Festum, though given a name, remain faceless enemies with no given agenda that is laid out. Therefore they could be any enemy. It could even be a representation of our own inner demons. Although the story holds many sci-fi wonders and rich with Norse mythological references, its action is secondary to the drama of this young boy and his friends. What they go through and the impact war has on them is done through the author’s thoughtful writing. The novel holds a few scant illustrations including a full color cover page by the original character designer of the anime, Hisashi Harai.
IN SUMMARY:
Fafner the Novel is an original take on the popular anime series, providing a new take on the cost of war on the youths it affects. |
