Emanon vol 1 by Shinji Kajio

Illustrated by Kenji Tsuruta
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In 1967, a man gets on a ferry and meets a mysterious woman who gives her name as Emanon. At first, they pose as a couple to shield her from some lecherous older men, but the two strike up conversation and discover some similar interests, including a love of science fiction. As the night wears on, Emanon confides in him that she has the memory of ever iteration of her cells before her, that she can remember the entire history of the planet Earth, and that she has loved many times and lost that many over. At first, he's not sure whether to believe the wild story, but morning comes, and the potential loss of someone so perfect brings more of her story into perspective.

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The overall feeling of this entire story is very speculative and etherial, and even by the end, there's plenty left to ponder. Kajio doesn't give characters nor the reader many satisfying conclusions, which is part of the appeal of this story. Emanon's story to our protagonist begs the question of who we are to each other, among other philosophical quandaries. This story may not get wide readership with most avid manga fans, but it's a piece of speculative science fiction that deserves a spot in collections where readers are looking for something more cerebral and challenging.

There are a few moments of implied nudity and intercourse, but nothing detailed or gratuitous.

Sara's Rating: 7/10
Suitability Level: Grades 11-Adult

Publisher: Dark Horse Manga
Publication Date: May 21, 2019
ISBN: 9781506709819 (Paperback)

​Tags: Rating: 7/10, Suitability: High School, Suitability: Adult, Manga, Science Fiction, Surrealism, Romance, ​Dark Horse