One of my favorite mangas of all time is From Far Away (also known as Kanata Kara) by Kyoko Hikawa. It's a 14 volume manga about a girl named Noriko who is sent to another world destined to be the Awakening. An ancient prophecy has foretold that the Awakening will awaken the Sky Demon which is the worst evil imaginable. Meanwhile she befriends the Sky Demon, Izark without realizing their foretold identities. Together they set out on a whirlwind of adventures and brave foreign and corrupt lands as they come to understand that destiny is not predetermined, and everyone has the ability to make a difference no matter how small it may seem.
The art style is much older, and its a nice change from all the other art styles I read that all look fairly similar. There are plenty of battle scenes, and I really enjoy all the side characters. This manga does have a slight romance, but that is not the main plot of the manga which is very refreshing. It also reminds me that a true relationship is more than just physical contact, it is also your emotional connection with them, and the willingness to stand by each other through it all. Some manga tends to forget this, and just focuses on the passion and not the friendship that is also needed to form a truly strong bond.
I love the main character. She's not your run of the mill female protagonist. Yes, she is the Awakening, but she doesn't have any special powers or becomes a female warrior overnight. She is not one for the battlefield and that discourages her at times and makes her feel useless. Yet she doesn't just sit around and whine about it. She finds ways to be useful that are within her abilities. First, she learns the language, and helps her cohorts in any way that she can. When they were attacked by robbers and Izark was ill, she reaches for the sword, even though she knew she didn't stand much of a chance she wanted to try and fight anyway not just let herself be captured. Of course, because it was manga, Izark finds a way to push himself a little more and fight them off without Noriko. However, I believe that small action of reaching for the sword shows a lot about her character. It is also through Noriko's kindness, hard work, and determination that others become inspired to help the cause to stand up for good and help them with their quest. Noriko's power does not necessarily lie within magic or fighting, but inside her heart and soul. The kind of magic that we all have to help and look out for others.
I know, I know, its super corny, but it reminded me that we are all connected and can make a difference in the world even if it might start out as small. When we accept our incapacities and focus on what we can do instead of what we wish we could do to make a difference, that is when we are able to make a change.
I recommend this manga for anyone looking for a feel-good adventure who likes action scenes and innocent romances.
Happy reading,
-Cami
