In A.D. 663 a soldier named Harima is punished by being given the visage of a wolf. Rescued by a mysterious old woman, he is tormented by nightmares and gradually senses the spirit of Bando Suguru, a 21st century agent who fights on behalf of banished humans.
Sun is the longest chapter in the Phoenix series, and its structure is threefold. Harima's story in 7th century Japan interweaves with that taking place in the 21st century, while another tale of a spiritual battle bridges both past and future.
]]>Phoenix: Early Works contains stories serialized from 1954 to 1957. This volume contains an early version of the story Dawn, as well as a chapter on ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
The stories collected here showcase an earlier phase of Tezuka's art and storytelling--and expose a more youthful, sweet side of the master creator. They also illustrate the link between early manga and American comics and cartoons, and reveal Tezuka's deep fascination with Walt Disney. The work was originally geared toward a younger audience than the Phoenix sagas, which began in the 1960s.
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