Title: Ceres: Celestial Legend, Vol. 1: Aya
Author: Yuu Watase
First published January 1, 1997
208 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781569319802 (ISBN10: 1569319804)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
When Aya and her twin brother Aki arrive at their grandfather’s estate to celebrate their sixteenth birthday, they quickly realize that something is amiss. Instead of a party, they are greeted with a somber atmosphere and a strange gift – a mummified hand with mysterious powers.
As Aya begins to awaken to her own power, her brother Aki is left with painful wounds all over his body. To make matters worse, their grandfather announces that Aki will inherit the family fortune, leaving Aya to die.
With the help of two unlikely allies – the athletic cook Yûhi and the enigmatic Tôya – Aya must navigate her own uncontrollable power and fight for her survival. Can she trust her new companions to save her from her grandfather’s deadly plan?
About the Author
Yuu Watase is a talented Japanese manga artist, best known for creating popular works such as Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, Ceres: The Celestial Legend, Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden, and Absolute Boyfriend. She has a diverse taste in music, enjoying all genres except for heavy metal and traditional tunes.
In 1997, Watase received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for her work Ceres, Celestial Legend. Since then, she has written over 80 volumes of short stories and series.
Watase is known for her use of beautiful male characters in her works, earning her the reputation of a bishōnen manga artist among fans.
In 2008, Watase began her first shōnen serialization with Arata: The Legend in Weekly Shōnen Sunday. Her name has been romanized in different ways throughout her publications.
In earlier printings of Viz Media’s works, her name was romanized as “Yû Watase,” while in later works like Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend, it was romanized as “Yuu Watase.” In Chuang Yi’s English-language versions of Fushigi Yugi, her name is romanized as “Yu Watase.”
Editoral Review
In Yuu Watase’s manga series Ceres: Celestial Legend, Vol. 1: Aya, readers are taken on a journey of secrets, magic, and danger.
Watase is a renowned Japanese manga author and artist, known for her shoujo-style artwork and gripping storylines. With Ceres, she doesn’t disappoint, bringing her audience an engaging and complex story with memorable characters and a fascinating premise.
The manga is a mix of fantasy and romance, with elements of mystery and adventure. It follows the story of Aya Mikage, a young girl who discovers she possesses the powers of a celestial maiden descended from a long line of supernatural beings.
Aya’s discovery sets off a chain of events that unveils family secrets, ancient lore, and a deadly struggle for power between two powerful clans. The plot of Ceres: Celestial Legend, Vol.
1: Aya is fast-paced and full of suspense. The story moves quickly, introducing new characters and plot twists throughout, while still providing adequate time for character development and emotional depth.
Aya is a strong and likable protagonist, and readers will find themselves invested in her story from the very beginning. She is intelligent, determined, and fiercely protective of her loved ones, all qualities that make for a compelling character.
Aside from Aya, the supporting characters also shine. Her twin brother Aki is a complex and mysterious figure, while her cousin Kagami is a charismatic villain with hidden motivations.
Moreover, Watase creates characters with distinct personalities and backstories that add richness to the overall narrative. In terms of themes, Ceres: Celestial Legend, Vol.
1: Aya explores the idea of power and the lengths to which people will go to attain it. It also deals with the consequences of secrets and how they can damage even the closest of relationships.
The story weaves in elements of Japanese mythology, bringing a unique cultural twist to the story. However, the manga does have some weaknesses.
The artwork is beautiful, but at times it can be more focused on style over substance. There are a few moments where it can be difficult to follow the action on the page, and some of the character designs can be a tad generic or exaggerated.
Additionally, some readers might find the romantic aspects of the story a bit heavy-handed, but it’s still an enjoyable aspect of the book overall. In the end, Ceres: Celestial Legend, Vol.
1: Aya is an excellent read for anyone who loves a good fantasy or romance story. Yuu Watase delivers another captivating manga that has something for everyone.
With its compelling characters, fast-paced plot, and engaging themes, it’s sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. This volume sets the stage for a long and exciting series that fans of the genre shouldn’t miss.
While it does have a few minor faults, the overall quality of the book is excellent. Ceres: Celestial Legend, Vol.
1: Aya receives a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
