Part of Series
![火の鳥 [Hi no Tori] book cover 2](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359753191i/2601031.jpg)
Considered by many the peak of Osamu Tezuka's artistic achievement and called his "life work" by the author, PHOENIX is made up 12 complex stories linked by the presence of the mythical bird, an immortal guarden of the universal life force. Read in order, the separate stories jump across time, alternating between a distant future and a distant past, converging on the present, with characters from one story being reincarnated in another. The 12 stories over 3000 pages. Sun: 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.
Author
Dr. Osamu Tezuka ( 手塚治虫 ) was a Japanese manga artist, animator, producer and medical doctor, although he never practiced medicine. Born in Osaka Prefecture, he is best known as the creator of Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion. He is often credited as the "Father of Anime", and is often considered the Japanese equivalent to Walt Disney, who served as a major inspiration during his formative years. His prolific output, pioneering techniques, and innovative redefinitions of genres earned him such titles as "the father of manga" and "the God of Manga."
