Fushigi Yugi Genbu Kaiden Volume 12 cover image

Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”

In the year 1923, Japanese schoolgirl Takiko Okuda attempts to destroy The Universe of the Four Gods, a book her father, Einosuke Okuda, is translating from Chinese.  Instead, Takiko is sucked into the pages of the story and becomes the Priestess of Genbu, destined to save the country of Bêi-jîa.  Takiko begins an epic journey to find the seven Celestial Warriors who will help her on her quest.

As Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 12 (Chapters 38 to 40) begins, Takiko has finally gathered the seven Celestial Warriors.  She has joined the Celestial Warrior, Limdo (also known as Uruki) in marriage.  Limbo is now the emperor of Bêi-jîa.  However, the country of Qu-Dong continues its war against Bêi-jîa.  Now, the Qu-Dong army approaches the castle city of Tewulan, where Takiko, Limbo, and their allies are.

Meanwhile, Einosuke Okuda tries to rescue his daughter from The Universe of the Four Gods.  However, it is time for Takiko to assume the powers of priestess and summon Genbu – an act that will supposedly kill her.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden manga comes to an end.  This prequel to the long-running manga, Fushigi Yûgi, goes out with a fury of love and death.  I can say, without spoilers, that Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden Volume 12 is, for all practical purposes, a happy ending, but in unexpected ways.

Still, there is melancholy and magic and love and sacrifice, and, of course, some characters get their deserved comeuppance.  With its beautiful art and engaging tale, this riff on Chinese historical fiction deserves to remain in print.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of Chinese romantic adventure manga will like the “Shojo Beat” title, Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden.