Phoenix: Early Works

Phoenix(1956) is split up into three arcs. I feel like each of them deserve individual scoring which will be averaged to get my final ratings. This review will be as spoiler-free as possible. Egypt Arc: Story: 8 A look at an Egyptian power struggle with the Phoenix shaping history. This arc easily had the most compelling story. Art: 7 Tezuka has his unique art style that is used throughout all of his works. This one doesn't stand out so I give it my default art rating. Character: 7 This is the only arc where the main characters get much development. They are good but nothing special even here. Enjoyment: 8 Didn't have the overallimpact Tezuka's works usually do but it was a fun tale nonetheless. Greece Arc: Story: 7 The Trojan horse story(overused) in which Daia and Krav play a crucial role that is a pretty good read Art: 7 Same as Egypt Character: 6 After the first arc, the main characters reset and end up basically defaulting to the same characters in the first arc Enjoyment: 8 This arc should have had an original story like the other two but it was the longest and had some good moments. Rome Arc: Story: 7 A very basic but kinda cool Roman story that didn't make much sense. Art: 7 Same as Greece Character: 6 The main characters reset again and don't really get much focus. Enjoyment: 7 Seemed like there should have been more time put into this one but it was pretty fun Manga Overall: Story: 7 The stories, when read together, paint a picture of the lives of Daia, Krav and Chirol. Art: 7 Art isn't something I almost ever care about. I will give it a 7 if I don't find things I hate or love about it. Character: 6 The characters just didn't get enough focus outside of the first arc and they weren't much to brag about even then. Enjoyment: 8 This is a fun trip through history. Not nearly as thought-provoking as most Tezuka works. Maybe if it got finished, it would have been. Being unfinished, this story has a huge hole in it as far as closure goes. The characters are too pushed aside to be really good. Bottom line: This manga needed more chapters.