What is it: Earthian
Earthian is a manga and anime created by Yun Kouga, which stands out for its engaging narrative and captivating characters. First published in 1989, Earthian quickly gained a legion of fans, both in Japan and internationally. The story revolves around angels who live on Earth and are responsible for evaluating humanity. These angels are divided into pairs, with a positive angel and a negative angel, who have the mission of observing humans and assigning positive or negative points based on their actions. If humanity accumulates more negative points than positive points, it will be destroyed. This intriguing premise and the complexity of the characters make Earthian a unique work in the universe of anime and manga.
The main characters of Earthian are Chihaya and Kagetsuya, two angels with very different personalities and worldviews. Chihaya, the positive angel, is kind and optimistic, always looking for the best in people. He has an androgynous appearance and long, black hair, which makes him a visually striking character. Kagetsuya, on the other hand, is the negative angel, most cynical and critical towards humanity. He is blond and has a more serious and reserved posture. The dynamic between these two characters is one of the highlights of the series, exploring themes such as friendship, love and the duality of human nature. The interaction between Chihaya and Kagetsuya is full of tension and emotional moments, which keeps viewers and readers engaged in the plot.
Earthian's narrative is rich in symbolism and addresses deep philosophical questions. The duality between good and evil, redemption and damnation, and humanity's capacity for change are recurring themes throughout the series. The work also explores the idea that angels, despite being celestial beings, are not perfect and have their own flaws and dilemmas. This approach humanizes the characters and makes the story more accessible and relevant to the audience. Furthermore, Earthian does not shy away from controversial topics such as homosexuality and discrimination, treating them in a sensitive and respectful manner. This contributes to the depth and complexity of the narrative, making it a memorable and impactful work.
Earthian's art is another aspect worth highlighting. Yun Kouga is known for her detailed and expressive style, which brings her characters and the world they inhabit to life. The settings are richly designed, with meticulous attention to detail that helps create an engaging and immersive atmosphere. The action scenes are dynamic and well choreographed, while the more introspective moments are captured with a sensitivity that highlights the characters' emotions. The combination of strong storytelling and stunning art makes Earthian a visually stunning and emotionally resonant work.
Earthian also had an OVA (Original Video Animation) adaptation, released in 1989 and 1996, which helped to further popularize the series. The OVA adaptation is faithful to the manga, capturing the essence of the characters and story, and stunningly bringing Yun Kouga's art to life. The OVA's soundtrack complements the atmosphere of the series, with music that ranges from soft and emotional melodies to more intense and dramatic compositions. The OVA adaptation is an excellent way to experience Earthian, especially for those who prefer watching rather than reading. However, the manga remains the definitive way to appreciate the work, with its complete narrative and detailed art.
Earthian is a work that continues to resonate with anime and manga fans, even decades after its initial release. Its combination of complex characters, deep storytelling, and stunning art makes it a series worth exploring. For those interested in stories that challenge convention and explore philosophical and emotional themes, Earthian is an excellent choice. The series offers a reflection on human nature and the capacity for redemption, while providing a rich and engaging visual and narrative experience. Whether through the manga or the OVA adaptation, Earthian is a work that leaves a lasting mark on its readers and viewers.
