Scholastic’s Graphix imprint has exciting news for fans of Osamu Tezuka’s Unico series. On August 6, 2024, they will be releasing a new manga called Unico: Awakening (Unico: Mezame no Ohanashi). This series will consist of four volumes, accompanied by a handbook and an activity book.
What’s interesting is that this new manga will be created to read from left to right, mirroring Tezuka’s original Unico manga.
The project gained momentum when the talented Gurihiru illustrator duo and Samuel Sattin initiated a Kickstarter campaign in May 2022 to bring Awakening to life. With the support of fans, the campaign achieved its initial goal of US$50,000 within just 24 hours.
The final amount reached an impressive US$179,794, making it clear that Unico’s magic continues to entertain readers even today.
Created by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, Unico made his debut in the 1976 manga “Unico.” This lovable little unicorn possesses a unique gift, the ability to bring happiness to those he encounters. Unico’s adventures take us on a whimsical journey filled with wonder as he travels through various magical worlds.
We can’t wait to see more is his adventures in Unico: Awakening!
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The Plot of Unico: Awakening
In this reimagining, Unico: Awakening, Unico forms an unlikely friendship with a stray cat named Chloe. Together, they assist an elderly woman whom Chloe initially believes to be a witch. Discovering Unico’s genuine magical abilities, Chloe implores him to grant her the gift of temporary human transformation each day.
Unico agrees, but with the condition that Chloe never forgets her feline nature. However, their peaceful existence is threatened when an enemy and the Goddess Venus scheme to obliterate Unico. To break free from his perpetual cycle of suffering, the Spirit of the West Wind goes on a cosmic quest spanning the far reaches of the universe.
The Unico Franchise
The Unico franchise, born from the creative mind of Osamu Tezuka, is an enduring title in the world of anime and manga. Unico himself, a small and adorable unicorn with the ability to bring happiness, is the central character in this beloved franchise.
Unico’s adventures have spanned multiple manga series, animated films, and TV specials. His stories often explore deep themes like friendship, loneliness, and the human condition, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. The most beloved element of Unico is his simplicity and innocence, which endears him to audiences of all ages.
One aspect of the franchise is its ability to evolve and adapt. Different interpretations of Unico’s adventures have emerged over the years, each offering a new perspective on the character and his world. Whether it’s the classic manga series or the animated films, the series always finds new ways to bring something new to the table.
The franchise’s enduring popularity proves the timeless appeal of his character and the universal themes his stories explore. As fans old and new continue to discover the strange and unending world of Unico, this franchise remains a childhood classic in the world of anime and manga.
Unico Isn’t As Child Friendly As We Remember
As you dive deeper into Tezuka’s anime creations, it becomes increasingly clear just how unconventional and boundary-pushing his storytelling was. Take, for example, the original Kimba series, where you stumble upon the rather unsettling fact that he nonchalantly interacts with his deceased father’s body, occasionally even wearing it as if it were a casual choice.
Then there’s Bagi, which leads you on a whole new voyage of discoveries. Unico, meanwhile, is no exception to this trend of absurdity.
Unico ventures into territories where a young girl is transformed into a bell-bottom-wearing dancing doll, as an alternative to becoming a boxy living puppet. And let’s not forget the bizarre encounters, such as the monstrous baron preying on unsuspecting catgirls.
In the world of Tezuka, these bizarre narratives become the norm. Now, the anticipation builds for Unico: Awakening, and we’ll have our answers when the manga releases on August 6, 2024.
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