The Land of the Lustrous manga pushes the boundaries of storytelling by immersing readers in a futuristic world where immortal jewels transform into humanoid beings. Despite its unconventional premise, Land of the Lustrous captivates with its enthralling narrative and distinctive world-building.
However, while the manga enjoys a devoted following and ongoing success, it is important to acknowledge that author Haruko Ichikawa does not receive the credit she truly deserves.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Land of the Lustrous manga.
All the details about the Land of the Lustrous manga
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Published by Kodansha, the Land of the Lustrous manga offers the advantage of being widely accessible to a large audience. The manga is available for reading on Kodansha's K MANGA official platform, which can be conveniently downloaded as an app. This platform provides readers with access to a diverse range of series published by Kodansha.
In terms of its publication history, the Land of the Lustrous manga first debuted in October 2012 and has remained consistently active since then. However, it hasn't been entirely without its challenges. The series has experienced several hiatuses in recent years, resulting in an irregular publication schedule. Consequently, despite its eleven-year duration, the series currently consists of only 12 volumes.
Where to read
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Set in a time long after Earth has been decimated by meteorites and humans are extinct, the Land of the Lustrous manga tells the tale of a new race. These beings are immortal gemstones, shining brightly with human-like forms and their own distinct personalities.
The protagonist, Phosphophyllite, also known as Phos, stands apart from their peers as a relatively feeble individual. This weakness sets the stage for their personal struggles and drives the initial storyline. Along the way, Phos encounters a kindred spirit in Cinnabar, forging a deep friendship that propels them on a quest to discover meaning and their rightful place in the world.
What to expect
The Land of the Lustrous manga delves into a gripping conflict between the jewel race and moon dwellers, a storyline that steadily unfolds as the series advances. However, the focal point of this Seinen manga is undeniably Phos' journey towards self-discovery, a formidable task she faces from the very beginning. Yet, as the narrative progresses and introduces an array of new characters, Phos undergoes a profound transformation in her perception of reality and thought processes.
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The Land of the Lustrous manga is an underrated gem in the industry, and Ichikawa deserves a lot more recognition as a mangaka for this creation.
There is much to like about this series and an underlying message about trying to find purpose and meaning in a war-torn world, which is something that is everlasting in terms of cultural relevance.