Amaterasu: Return of the Sun [A Japanese Myth]

Graphic Myths and Legends

by Paul D. Storrie, Paul D. Storrie

This graphic novel tells the story of Amaterasu, the Japanese Shinto goddess of the sun. Amaterasu’s parents create the first eight islands of Japan. Amaterasu’s father later puts his children in charge of parts of the natural world. Beautiful and kindly Amaterasu is made the goddess of the sun. But her brother, Susano, god of the sea and storms, is jealous of his sister’s position. In fear of Susano’s temper, Amaterasu hides in a cave, plunging the world into darkness. The other gods and goddesses must come up with a clever plan to lure Amaterasu from her hiding place and restore order to the world.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Mythology, Japan, Comics, Fantasy, Fiction, Ebooks

48 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2006

About the author

Paul D. Storrie was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He started writing professionally in 1998 with the comic book ROBYN OF SHERWOOD about Robin Hood's daughter.

Since then, he has written comics and graphic novels for Moonstone Books, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, Devil's Due Publishing, Bluewater Productions, and Lerner Books' Graphic Universe division. He has also written short stories for the prose anthologies WEREWOLVES: DEAD MOON RISING and THE GREEN HORNET CASEFILES.

He currently lives in the Detroit suburbs.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau]

Beautiful retelling of the legend of Amaterasu and her self imposed exile from the warring gods. Kind of reminded me of Persephone - that same kind of sacrifice that is made when there really is no choice in the matter. Amazing to me how different cultures seem to focus on the universal traits that make us so alike - perhaps that is the lesson we should take away from all myths.

[Shyames]

I don't know. I wasn't expecting anything, but maybe because of my studies I don't like too much simplicity when it comes to describing Japanese myths.
Surely, it can be a good story for children, using comics and all.

[VJ]

Wasn't what I was expecting, but it was a nice myth with which to become acquainted.

I was happy that I had no siblings after reading this.

[Holly Letson]

I very much enjoyed this tale of the Japanese sun goddess, Amaterasu. She seemed like a wonderful being, unlike her brother, Sasano. The illustrations were beautiful, and the story was well-told.

[ECH]

I was unfamiliar with the myth. So this was a good introduction. Of course, I can't speak to the authenticity. I really liked the art though, and the reading experience was pleasant. Nice quick read.

[Rachel]

A great story for kids who would like to get a better understanding of Ancient Japanese Myths. It did not only provide informational text, but it also had great illustrations to help the reader know what's happening.

[Rupinder]

I had stumbled upon the Japanese Goddess of the Sun, Amaterasu, while browsing through "The New Penguin Encyclopedia." The name intrigued me for some reason. Coincidentally, I stumbled upon this graphic novel/comic about the goddess and her story. With zero knowledge of Japanese myths, this was a welcome foot in the door, and an easy one at that. Loved the story and the graphic novel! Highly recommended, especially for young readers.

[Kyla]

An accessible and well illustrated version of a Japanese myth.

[TJ]

Short and sweet and good illustrations.

[Rashmeet]

I love learning about the stories of Japanese God and Kami, and this wonderful story about Goddess Amaterasu caught my eye. Illustrated beautifully, and the story was told in an intriguing manner.

[Samantha]

Beautifully drawn. Clear storytelling. So great to learn these stories that I wasn't as familiar with from the other side of the world. Wish I'd had this series back when I was teaching world geography. My middle schoolers would have loved them, and my elementary aged kids at home would enjoy them too.

[Samantha Heater]

ok