Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora is Kaishaku’s version of CLAMP’s Tsubasa Chronicles. In this story, many popular elements from past Kaishaku stories are gathered togther under the umbrella of a new alternate universe plotline, so we can enjoy them all over again for the first time. (That Kaishaku and CLAMP are in no way similar is a given – they just happened to use a similar story construction technique.)
I’m not an expert on Kaishaku continuity but, as I see it, this story is most likely a continuation of the Koutetsu Tenshi Kurumi (aka Steel Angel Kurumi) story, in which the “Angel” technology that was awakened in the Meiji period has been refined over time into the “Zettai Tenshi” or “Absolute Angels” of some possible, post-apocalyptic future.
In KtTnS, we are first introduced to Shiratori Kuu, an insipid blonde with a dream of a Prince who saves her from the obscurity she so richly deserves. When mysterious, princely, Ayanokouji Kyoushirou approaches her, it’s like a dream come true. Or a nightmare, as Kyou immediate rips her shirt to (assumably) look for some kind of mark. But since he doesn’t explain himself, it’s just plain old tedious sexual molestation. And, when Kyou reaches out a hand to take Kuu with him, it makes perfect sense that she’d go because his being cool and princely makes up for his being a molester. (This is meant to be read as irony. It annoys and bothers me quite a bit that the standard male fantasy in Japan is non-consensual. I worry that the women haven’t killed all the men, too. But then, the marriage and child-bearing rate is dropping at an alarming pace, so maybe they are. But I digress)
As in the anime, Kuu is immediately thrust into a world of service and violence, as the poor, insipid girl is kidnapped and rescued repeatedly for reasons that no one quite explains – although they obviously all know what’s going on. You’d think that Kyou could take five minutes and give it a shot. But, no. It’s more important to see Kuu bathe.
Volume 1 of the manga is a little light on the Yuri. We do get a short hiatus with EPL Ayanokouji Mika, who does loves her some girl toys. And we get the briefest glimpse at Kaon and Himiko, this story’s reincarnation of Chikane and Himeko from Kannazuki no Miko. But the Yuri is painted with a light brush, because there’s a bunch of fetishes they have to cram into this series and Yuri’s just one on the list.
I quite liked the Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora anime. It made some sense, Kyoushirou’s brother was so far over the top that he came back around the bottom again, Kaon and Himiko were an obvious couple and had a nice ending to their story. I expect the manga will turn out to be much of a muchness. It’s not like I have high expectations for this, or anything. ^_^
If you like Kaishaku enough to enjoy the recycling of characters, then you should get your 600 yen’s worth. If you’re an OCD Yuri fan, you might want to wait ’til Volume 2, which ought to have more Kaon and Himiko.
Ratings:
Art – 7
Story – 3
Characters – 5
Yuri – 2
Service – 8
Overall – 6
ADV has licensed the anime for this series, so you’ll get to see the Kaon and Himiko-themed specials on the DVDs. Honestly, I think they managed more Yuri in the anime than in the manga, where Kuu’s roommate also managed to be tainted with the same brush as Mika, her love slaves, Kaon and Himiko. But we’ll see if the manga can achieve parity.
“the standard male fantasy in Japan is non-consensual.”
Boom. There it is. Right there.
Isn’t it wonderful when someone else sums up your thoughts in a few simple words, far more cleanly and eloquently than you yourself could in any way other than a rambling long rant?
In a time where we evil women have a mind of our own, some men indeed flee into non-consentual fantasies. It’s pretty much the only place where they can dominate a woman like that. Sad, in a way. Tells you quite a lot about them…
Yes, I love your take on the whole bit about “being trapped” after marrying. It’s just the same domineering fantasy in another costume. As if the wife was a trophy.
As for the actual topic…while I really liked Kaon/Himiko…from what I read, I’ll have to pass on this manga unless volume 2 is not like Kaishaku’s other works.
It’ll probably be just as bad as the KnM manga.
Kaishaku can’t write anything to save their lives. The KnM anime was only watchable because the stuff Kaishaku usually like was toned down, relativated or downright left out.
Not to mention the noncon part, which made the KnM manga utterly vile – it’s not okay if a woman does it, and it’s not sexy. The anime at least had the decency to draw it as something utterly wrong.
No, I don’t really like Kaishaku. Yet still like the KnM anime, and even parts of the Kyoushiro anime. Maybe I’m just somewhat insane.
You’d think that Kyou could take five minutes and give it a shot. But, no. It’s more important to see Kuu bathe.
And don’t forget baking cakes! That’s very important work and cannot be interrupted by petty things like explaining the lead character why the hell her life is in danger all the time