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To Your Eternity is a thought-provoking look at a gentle creature put on Earth to seemingly study and eventually protect life. Over the last eight volumes the character known as Fushi has done so slowly, evolving and learning new ways to use his powers while humanity has evolved on its own. Now with religion taking the forefront in humanity’s evolution, Fushi is trapped as they attempt to prove he is a demon. Humanity has a lot to learn.
So what’s it about?
The official summary reads:
Prince Bon’s ability to see the dead convinces him that he is all-powerful–until he finds himself trapped at the hands of The Church of Bennett. Meanwhile, there are abilities within Fushi that only Bon can see, but are such latent powers even necessary for a being like Fushi? As the fated Prince Bon awaits his judgment, he must make a decision for the sake of his friends and his people.
Why does this matter?
This manga gets at the core of what it means to be alive. Yoshitoki Oima is effectively exploring the human spirit over centuries and through Fushi we can learn much since he is learning as he goes along too.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Fushi takes major losses this volume.
Credit: Kodansha Comics
If we’ve learned anything from this series it’s that we should keep our friends close. Fushi has made many, some of whom have died over time and in the opening of this volume a newer friend may die. That’s where Fushi comes in to save the day. Last volume left off with Fushi seemingly trapped forever but that’s not so, but in a sense he still is since he can’t seem to free his friend. Not because it’s impossible, but because Bon realizes fleeing is not an option. He must stay and prove to the people his truths so in a sense he’s trapped in their philosophical mind game. This leads to some surprising developments which end up resetting things a third of the way through the volume.
The biggest development of this volume is how the Nokkers can communicate with characters. It appears they’re evolving just as Fushi is and their never-ending battle appears to be developing new rules. That includes new powers for Fushi as well as a new perspective on the man in black who has been guiding Fushi since the beginning. It’s unclear why they must battle, but it’s starting to look like there’s a deep philosophical element to their fight. Fushi’s powers are developing in a way that evolves him from a solitary roaming god to something much bigger.
The art continues to be some of the best in all of manga. It’s highly detailed and easy to get into if you’re familiar with American comics. The realism of scenes is held strong due to the environments getting so much attention. There are two major fight sequences which are well-drawn, especially a giant church filled with thousands. I can’t imagine how long it took to draw some of these panels.
Fushi’s attempt at building more complex things is a fascinating turn in the story.
Credit: Kodansha Comics
It can’t be perfect, can it?
It’s clear Bon is a hugely important character made even more so due to a development two thirds through this volume. That said, the resolution to his imprisonment is oddly plotted. There’s a message in there that seems to be negated by what Fushi does. It also takes a long time to figure out what’s going on after that resolution. This slows things down, making the eventual ramp up to the big action sequences take ages.
Is it good?
A good volume that sets up a whole new direction for the series. This volume is filled with action and new revelations that’ll get your imagination going as far as its bigger purpose.
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