What is: Earthian
Earthian is a manga and anime created by Yun Kouga, known for its engaging narrative and captivating characters. Originally published in 1989, Earthian quickly gained a legion of fans both in Japan and internationally. The story revolves around angels living on Earth who are responsible for evaluating humanity. These angels are divided into pairs, with one positive angel and one negative angel, tasked with observing humans and assigning positive or negative points based on their actions. If humanity accumulates more negative points than positive ones, it will be destroyed. This intriguing premise and the complexity of the characters make Earthian a unique work in the world 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, making him a visually striking character. Kagetsuya, on the other hand, is the negative angel, more cynical and critical of humanity. He is blond and has a more serious and reserved demeanor. The dynamic between these two characters is one of the series' highlights, exploring themes of friendship, love, and the duality of human nature. The interaction between Chihaya and Kagetsuya is full of tension and emotional moments, keeping viewers and readers engaged.
Earthian's narrative is rich in symbolism and addresses profound 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 sensitively and respectfully. 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 the 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 further popularize the series. The OVA adaptation is faithful to the manga, capturing the essence of the characters and story, and bringing Yun Kouga's art to life in stunning fashion. The OVA soundtrack complements the series' atmosphere, with music ranging from soft, emotional melodies to more intense, dramatic compositions. The OVA adaptation is an excellent way to experience Earthian, especially for those who prefer watching to reading. However, the manga remains the definitive way to appreciate the series, with its thorough 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 narrative, and stunning art makes it a series worth exploring. For those interested in stories that defy 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 also 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 impression on its readers and viewers.
