I was initially undecided about whether I wanted to get involved with another series by Yuu Watase. Having originally read her earlier Fushigi Yugi, a manga which in all honesty should have ended much earlier than it did, could she really pull off another lengthy series?
Ceres: Celestial Legend’s story revolves around Aya and Aki, a set of twins (sister and brother) whose fate is to be thrown into the opposite sides of a deadly conflict. This initial concept of two close people being ripped apart should be ringing bells for those who read Fushigi Yugi, but for the moment that appears to be where the similarities end. The subsequent formulaic mechanic of Fushigi Yugi having to find ‘x’ number of warriors has yet to rear its ugly head in this series, so it’s with relief to see the current cast of Ceres to be much smaller a number. Enough time is allowed to meet each individual on their own terms as opposed to encountering whole groups of people at a time. The story feels less contrived and is easier to get into which all helps things go more smoothly.
I’ve taken an immediate liking to Aya as the lead. She’s not one lacking in confidence and is happy to speak her mind. Being so straight forward and direct is good for the volume to keep the eventful drama coming thick and fast. It’s almost a shame that Ceres turns up at the end of the volume only to override Aya’s personality – bring her back! The appealing characterisation’s not just a fluke with Aya either, I’ve taken a liking to many of the main cast and they interact well. The drama is interesting, and the jokes are good. Also the shift of subject matter from fantasy to the supernatural is something which works better for me. All these positive instances combined with Watase’s standard professional and confident style rounds off the deal and I’m happy to once again be taken into another one of her epic storylines.
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"Fans of Fushigi Yugi will feel right at home with Ceres. Newcomers on the other hand will be treated to a well-made manga that while sometimes comes across as being a little po-faced, is still a title which takes its hold surprisingly quickly."
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