
a review by ImHaise

a review by ImHaise
A very abstract manga begins with a world covered in cold and is set a few hundred years after the 21st century when all human technology has stagnated and been buried by snowstorms. In this world, people are naturally bestowed with abilities called "blessings." These rather abstract powers are likened to gifts from God meant to save humanity. Fujimoto fully portrays a place where humans must struggle against adversity and how leaders create a miniature "society" full of prejudices, such as those with power holding high positions and indulging in excess (like the doctor who can easily request two beautiful minors just to satisfy his sick hobby with his dogs). Another detail illustrating the "nepotism" in this government system is that most people with healing abilities are valued (as seen on the train), while other abilities like producing starch, fire, and electricity can only serve as "fuel" to keep the city warm (effectively making them the exploited slave class). Additionally, common corrupt customs like girls being forced to become pregnant at the age of 14 point to a dictatorial society.
The leaders even create an imaginary god and an non-existed enemy (the Snow Queen) to brainwash the populace, which is a clever psychological trick subtly implied by Fujimoto. The way this society is run is exactly as Togata said: "The people truly lack knowledge," and that is how they are controlled like puppets by the government.
Then, our main character Agni, who is likened to a god, with his appearance even resembling a savior (tall and perpetually on fire), comes to rescue the people from Behemu-dorgu. But sadly, these ignorant people actually worship Agni, overlooking the fact that his flames had burned an entire population of tens of thousands, and they had violated the taboo of cannibalism, eating the meat Agni provided. Later on, the most fanatical follower of Agni, San that takes control of the social, showing that individuals with distorted ideologies can create a chaotic society.

Agni's psyche is deeply explored throughout the manga, and I probably can't fully express it, but I really want to talk about Togata (my fav character), the one with the ability to heal and had possessing 300 years of the old world knowledge, and with a particular obsession with films (a theme that frequently appears in Fujimoto's works, such as "Goodbye, Eri," and "csm"). Perhaps Togata also represents the author's own obsession with cinema, with the idea that films can preserve art through the centuries that humanity creates. I understand this as a major motivation for Fujimoto. The character of the "Snow Queen" even wishes to restore the Earth to the point where humanity can produce another "Star Wars" Furthermore, Togata's obsession with movies is so intense that it helps her realize something hidden within herself: that she is actually a man (due to her grandpa and the admiration for cool characters like Tom Cruise).

I also love the detail where Togata believes that after death, our destination is a movie theater (I mean, it's really cool, and I wish that were true too, lol). In the end, we see that nothing is truly eternal (the Earth is explode), but the moment when Judah and Agni meet again after millions of years drifting through space is deeply meaningful. From two strangers with no real connection, Judah accepts imprisoning herself to keep the Earth warm for tens of thousands of years, all for the sake of one man.

This manga is meaningful, and I hope that in the future I can watch many great films to develop a passion for cinema like Togata.
This manga made me re-read it multiple times, so I highly recommend it. 9/10 overall.
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