Juvenile Orion

Reviewed by Mike Xiong
July 27, 2007

Author: Sakurako Gokurakuin Artist: Sakurako Gokurakuin Publisher: Broccoli Books Website: Click Here

Juvenile Orion Aquarian Age is the manga series written by Sakurako Gokurakuin and based on a sixteen-year-old girl by the name of Mana Kirihara, along with her childhood friend Kaname Kusakabe.  They live throughout the Aquarian Age, a war that has begun between many factions, each with its own supernatural power.

Bound in a world where war raged with beings that inherited magic in all amounts, Mana must fulfill her destiny as a mind breaker, the key to peace.  The powers of the mind breaker is one who is able to control those with powers as well, making him/her the leader of that group or faction.  But the road ahead of her will not be an easy one.  The dangers Mana faces will be difficult, but not without the help from her guardians.

Seven years have passed since the death of Mana’s family and seven years since she has left her hometown, separated from her friend Kaname Kusakabe.  Her memory began to fade of the accident in which her family was killed as she grew; the shock was much to bear.  Finally when Mana returns to her town to attend high school, the one and only thing she seems to remember is her friend Kaname.

Within Kaname rests powerful magic and a demon which is sealed away, not even Kaname himself knows of such a thing or the fact that he’s part of the Darklore faction. His demonic powers only arise after being forced to protect Mana from harm against a member from the E.G.O. faction.  Though this member is also Kaname’s friend Naoya Itsuki, he realizes that Mana is a potential mind breaker, the one to be his leader.  Itsuki reveals the Aquarian Age to her and explains that it is her destiny to be the mind breaker who brings peace between the factions at war.  The other factions at war are the Erasers, Arayashiki, and Wiz-Doms.

The world in its present state is not one that Mana is willing to accept. Something has to be done and if she is the chosen mind breaker then she believes the only thing to do is to set things right. Mana faces her destiny to create a new world of peace.  With the help of her friends, each possessing abilities from each faction, they battle their way through the Aquarian Age.

Juvenile Orion’s story will make it one of Broccoli’s best works as it is quite famous and popular among manga readers from all parts of the world.  The products of Juvenile Orion still live today as the card game is still a collector’s item.  From the shirts to posters, commercials, it will be one all anime and manga readers will return to pick up and read.  Knowing this, the Evolution Factor will vary between high and medium.  The Juvenile Orion series is a product worth wonders to any fans of manga, one that will leave great satisfaction during its final moments.