彼方から 4

彼方から / From Far Away #4

by Kyoko Hikawa

On her way home from school one day, Noriko is unexpectedly plunged into a strange and extraordinary fantasy world. Her troubles compound exponentially when she is rescued and befriended by a handsome young man by the name of Izark. He may be brave and courageous, but inside Izark lurks the darkest evil imaginable. And according to an ancient prophecy, Noriko possesses the power to unleash that evil. Now, inexorably bound together, these two unlikely allies must navigate a world both wondrous and hostile.

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Romance, Shojo, Comics, Adventure, Graphic Novels

186 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Name : 冰川京子 (ひかわきょうこ)

Blood type : A

Likes Jackie Chan movies and American movies like BIG. Also cats, but not enough to own one. One of her favorite activities is decorating and creating useful objects for her home. Hates mosquitoes and cockroaches. Has enormous trouble in bicycle parks.

Does mostly light-hearted comedy stories, but very entertaining. She does surprisingly great action scenes (haven't seen many shoujo artists try at a Western before!!).


Her stories ranges from cute to action, but all done unparalled attention - the drawings are refined and the storylines bring the readers into what the characters feel. Her page layouts and camera angles varies a lot, and thus keeps the interest of the reader.

Reviews

[MaguiWorld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encantan los caballitos que hay en ese mundo jajaja son divinos.

Bueno, se fue ampliando un poco el mundo y también nos sigue mostrando un poco (leve, pero seguro!) lo que son o podrían ser los personajes y eso me gusta. Pensando en los 14 tomos que es el manga tiene sentido que todo sea a cuenta gota. Y eso tambien me gusta porque las historias que se desarrollan de un día para el otro no me terminan de convencer nunca.

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/EMxUhGUtHPs

"…I wonder if anybody realizes what could happen once the sky demon wakes up? Can't anybody imagine how horrible it could be? How can the world hope for peace if its ruler uses the dark force of the sky demon?"

Agol asking the big (and right) questions in the beginning, but MYYYYY HEARTTTTTTT!!

Ahhhh this volume was SO good! I deeply love Noriko and Izark and was SOOOO thankful for their reunion! Like YESSSSSS!! It was such a perfect moment and just ship these two so much! I said it before and I'll say it again, they are the ultimate shojo ship!!

Lots of awesome moments and fights that I was totally here for! I deeply enjoyed seeing their relationship grow into something deeper with the means of being able to talk to each other via telepath. It made their separation a lot easier to bear this volume because of it. I also enjoyed seeing Lord Rachef because I think he's an interesting character and can't put my finger on if he is a good or bad guy.

I will say that Izark really shined this volume! I absolutely loved seeing him kick butt and so many different panels of him that truly just further show how fantastic a character he is. He is amazing and that is all everyone needs to know. LOL!

We are seeing more and more growth from Noriko and totally here for it! She still cries and needs to be saved, but she is stronger than she was in the beginning.

I think this has been my favorite volume thus far because there was more action and some intense mystery aspects that had me hooked to reading. Plus, those panels/pages with the "romance" were absolute perfection and truly cannot wait for this ship to sail!

Very very good volume!!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVE this series. Not sure how I missed it when I was younger. Love the characters, the artwork, the storyline, EVERYthing. 5, I devoured this one and the next in one sitting, stars!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bond between Noriko and Izark, the young schoolgirl transported to another world in the first installment of Kyoko Hikawa's fourteen-volume fantasy manga series, and the wandering warrior who came to her aid and became her traveling companion, grows ever stronger in this fourth adventure, as the two find themselves able to communicate psychically over long distances. Opening as Izark, still a prisoner of the evil Lord Nada, and Noriko, just returned to Gaya's house with her new companions, mercenary Agol and his daughter Geena, find themselves miles apart, this volume chronicles the process whereby they are reunited. Izark, with a little help from reformed (and resentful) fighter Barago, as well as from Agol, wins free of the gladitorial games in which Lord Nada thinks to kill him, liberating the imprisoned Grand Duke Jeida and his sons in the process. Rejoining the women, the companions - Noriko, Izark, Gaya, Agol and Geena, Barago, Jeida and Banadam, as well as Jeida's other (unnamed) sons - all flee into the White Mist Forest. But will they survive the madness that a malignant spirit seems to be leading them into, and can they defeat the terrible monster that attacks them...?

It's another cliffhanger-ending (surprise, surprise) in this fourth volume of From Far Away, which is the most appealing yet, of the stories I've read in this series. Although I enjoyed the previous three installments, somehow they didn't quite grab hold of me as this one did. I'm not sure, truth be told, whether there was an improvement in the story and art in this one, or whether I just needed a little time to become involved with the characters. Whatever the case may be, I finished this one with an immediate desire to pick up the next! I now know who Izark is - there is another hint here, in the scales that he has on his forearms, but I also made the mistake of looking at the wiki page, while clarifying who various characters are - but that's OK, since I suspected it from the beginning. So: exciting fantasy adventure? Check! Sentimental star-crossed-lover romance? Check! What's not to love, asks the schoolgirl in me? Highly recommended to any manga readers who enjoy romantic fantasy!

[Lexie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to volume 4 of From Far Away, or as I like to call it Izark, the Blushing Sky Demon.

When last we left our fine friends Noriko had made the acquaintance of the mercenary Agol and his Seer daughter Geena Haas, Gaya had watched as Izark was imprisoned and Lord Rachef was calmly sipping tea as he pondered who Izark was.

Rachef often calmly sips tea while pondering about Izark, I'm sure that means nothing.

It seems Izark found himself the new fighting toy of the usurper ruler Lord Nada. After refusing to fight Barago, Nada had Izark drugged and kidnapped, gloating about how he would make Izark grovel.

Izark meanwhile was somewhat more worried that he had made a grave error in leaving Noriko with Gaya since it seems Gaya embroiled her in the politics of the region.

All of that gets itself resolved to the point where Izark and his Merry Men wind up on the road to a monster ridden forest of pretty trees.

Noriko continues her campaign to be the most pragmatic shoujo heroine EVER and Izark tries on the brooding hero 'why do I miss her' mask. Lord Rachef is so busy thinking about Izark he barely bothers to talk during a representative meeting...but he's so damn powerful no one nay says him the moment he does. Also no one is allowed in his crib. Keimos is also dreaming of his wedding daynext fight with Izark, and it makes me sad since he'd be the prettiest homicidal murderer at the ball.

Honestly folk spend as much time contemplating Izark as they do Noriko.

[Khari · Rating 5 out of 5]

最初見たときに、チモは不気味な見え方しか思えなかった。でも、うん、チモもただの道具、彼らの扱いは利用者から善と悪になる。チモのセイワの人も自由になったらいいよね。

イザーク守りたいよね。頑張って！暗闇に落ちないで！

[kuristina- tabreez · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this volume, things feel as though they’re actually quite picking up. My favorite scene out of this entire volume was the reunion scene between Izark and Noriko. Ever since their separation, they’ve only grown closer. It’s too late for the both of them now, they’re in this together. As the days pass by between these two, Izark’s demonic characteristics become more prominent and harder to hide. It seems that his attempt in abandoning her was not only for her best interest but also in his attempt in delaying the inevitable; of her expediting his impending doom of turning into a complete monster.

Beyond that, the fight scenes and character development has become a lot more cool and interesting, with a very classic feel to it, it feels like a picture perfect type of manga for its time. And Izark is quickly becoming a character I’m fond of. He’s quite interesting, especially the more he develops, even though he wishes he wasn’t in some ways. Additionally, the tenderness yet deep yearning and longing between him and Noriko is so delectable and the fact that they can communicate telepathically with only each other is the bow on top.

P.S. It seems Banadam is developing affection for Noriko. A shame that we already know she won’t return them, at least not in a romantic sense anyway. But if it weren’t for Izark, I think those two would be cute.

[Vivien · Rating 3 out of 5]

After observing Noriko a bit, Agol doesn't think she is The Awakening, just an ordinary girl.
Noriko sees a ghost before finding Gaya has returned home. They plan to retrieve Geena's gem, Agol's possessions & free Izark, Grand Duke Jeida, his 2 sons & Banadam.
Izark & Noriko discover that they can communicate telepathically, which helped Izark a little, knowing who his allies are & plan their escape.
Lord Nada is humiliated by Izark, by defeating 17 of his best warriors & then knocking everyone out with 1 of Nada's warrior's sedatives. Grand Duke Kemil is not happy about his current state either. Barago joins the gang since Lord Nada has no more use of him & learned the error of his ways. He carries Izark's prize money; 20 bags of gold.
Their only path to Guzena is through the white mist forest, Geena saw in her visions. But soon entering there is trouble. Noriko is targeted because she realized what was affected the horses was affecting Banadam, his rudeness towards everyone.
To be continued...

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues with new allies, a daring rescue and lots more allies. This is perhaps the meatiest manga I've ever read - with a nice thick and complicated plot, lots of politics, subplots, and deep characterization that only gives out the story in bits and pieces so that you're left wanting to read more, and to go deeper and deeper into this world. I find myself wondering just what Noriko is - but also about the true nature of Izark. And their developing relationship is a beautiful thing to watch.

I love this more than I loved Fushigi Yuugi, which is saying something. I can't wait to see where this story goes next.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a return to form after the last volume, I think mostly because the story has a bit more momentum now; the characters aren't just waiting for the plot to happen to them, they actually have a goal. The wider world, antagonists and secondary characters are not where this series excels...which sounds quite damning, but the main characters are somehow so sweet that it doesn't matter to me. I'm absolutely here for Izark, Noriko and their star-crossed, apocalypse-causing, ridiculously adorable relationship.

[Vitea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was so, so much better than the previous one!

Compared to the scattered pacing of the 3rd volume, the 4th was perfectly paced. The first three books were enjoyable, but this installment was the first I truly couldn't put down. The White Mist Forest and its lost, empty village gave me huge Fatal Frame II flashbacks.

And I love the FMC, she's amazing and such a breath of fresh air.

[georgie⁎⁺˳✧༚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fantasy setting truly picks up in this volume and we now meet a new cast of characters to continue Noriko's journey with. We have reunion, redemption, and rescues in volume 4 along with the mystery behind Noriko's entry into this strange new universe intensifying.

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow this volume is awesome.
Lots of action and creepiness, I'm at the edge of my seat most of the time.
The power of the awakening is showing little by little.
There's also new characters, adorable Geena the seer and her dad and many good guys joining the troop.
My fav vol so far.

[Amy Elizabeth Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I’m in love now

Finally, I’ve fallen in love with Izark in this volume xD The political issues btwn countries/regions is still a little confusing, but I’m committed to finishing (obsessing) over this manga series!

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jessie H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars

[Forthright . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww, so much blushing! Very sweet, but there's a lot of substance to this series. Politics and prophecy!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good.

[mer · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this one!

[Jillian -always aspiring- · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this story is well-crafted, but I’ve read so many fantasy manga and novels that this series just doesn’t seem fresh or remarkable at the moment. I hope I enjoy the rest of the volumes more!

[Saba · Rating 3 out of 5]

the action’s not that engaging but the story itself is still appealing

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE Noriko and Izark. If you know, you know. :)

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The white tree forest starts, and one of my favorite characters Barago appears!

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yesss reunited and it feels so good! Lol

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

i hate how quick these go but omgggg i love these two together 😭

[Ace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noriko realizes her special power that allows her to communicate with Izark telepathically, Gaya and Agol come up with a plan to break Izark free from Lord Naga's clutches, and the group enters the White Mist forest, where no travelers survive the journey. As a middle school student, I didn't like this series all that much: Noriko was too whiny and useless. However, when I reread this as an adult, I appreciated Noriko's shortcomings; now that she's been in the new world for three months, she has a basic grasp of the language and can have short, clipped conversations. Hooray for realistic language learning! In volume three, Noriko accidentally called Izark "honey" and ever since, the other characters have been speculating about their relationship. The real romance begins in this volume, when Izark recognizes that it's been two days since he last saw her, yet he misses her. Kyoko Hikawa has crafted the romance well; she doesn't hit her readers over the head with it. Instead, she allows it to happen slowly, incrementally.

Noriko's character development comes with her realization that she can telepathically communicate with Izark. When she realizes she isn't hallucinating, what does she do? She decides to develop this telepathic ability. Noriko doesn't whine about being separated from Izark. She doesn't panic. She uses her ability to tell Izark that she and Auntie are nearby. Realistic and strong. She has developed a lot from the girl who cried every time something went wrong.

Izark gets a little character development in this volume with his decision to stay and fight the impossible tourney battle, as well as in his anger of being called "monster." The reason for his supernatural powers is hinted at; Noriko is related and he's not sure if it's a good idea for them to remain together, even though he doesn't want to part.

The villains, unfortunately, remain as simple as ever. Lord Nada is evil for the sake of evil; nothing about his character is complex or nuanced. Hopefully future volumes will expand on the villains. Right now, this is forgivable given the intricate world-building and realistic characters.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Why do I long to see her?"

Izark is to be pitted against 17 men to save the reputation of Lord Nada, but being the suave badass that he is, Izark simply handles them like a boss. Of course this wouldn't be as awesome if we didn't start to see development with our heroine. And development she gets!


Not only is she starting to fall for Izark without even mentioning it (we see her blush several times) but she is becoming even more adept at his language. SO much so, that when they and a group of unlikely allies enter the White Mist Forest and are faced with a terrible monster, she is able to alert the group and stop them from harming each other. Thank God Izark was there though, because poor Noriko would have been pounded into the earth by one of the group since he was losing his cool.


Noriko and Izark make a very good team, make great friends, and so far are starting to show feelings for one another. Izark is that quiet and handsome guy that just becomes adorable when he gets embarrassed over Noriko. She messes up with the language as expected, and mistakenly calls him "Honey" when trying to congratulate him in an earlier volume, and since then everyone has been questioning their relationship. He thought leaving her with Gaya was best, but now that he is with her again, you can see that he secretly adores her-or really is dense and does not understand his feelings. Thankfully, the angst is not strong in this series. It's just written that well.


Trust me, even if you are stingy about art style, read this manga. It has a very clean and pleasant style for an older shoujo and is easy on the eyes. Though I don't believe you should disregard something because the art may not be your thing until you've read it.

[Bitsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Everything in this volume has reached new heights and I really think the series is starting to come into its own. Noriko and Izark find themselves in some pretty precarious situations after they were separated in the previous volume. What happens next was worth having in its own volume. Wow is all I can say without spoiling things, just wow.

The art was beautiful, varied and interesting. I loved the depiction of magic and the beautiful ways the layout often told the story. The story has some fascinating plot twists and reveals and new things are discovered about Noriko and Izark. What Noriko’s presence as the Awakening means for Izark and the people of this world remains unexplained but what is discovered definitely is food for thought.

The author has still not completely broken herself of telling things occasionally that she thought she couldn’t draw adequately but these explanations just took you out of the story and were often superfluous. I trust both this author and the story she has to tell implicitly, she doesn’t need to second guess herself! If I see it’s a different time of day somewhere else or two people decide to drink coffee I’m going to go with it. Quit interrupting yourself with asides explaining minutiae and tell the story!

Also the side panels talking about scenes from her childhood that she is not completely sure actually happened or not are a bit unnerving. I’m not sure why those are there either. I don’t mind if panels like that are at the beginning or end of a book but in the middle of a story is a bit distracting. Still looking forward to volume five though, I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for Noriko and Izark next!

[Novia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Can you see it. This is the world of light. Everything has become one in light. I entered the world of light and I found you.
Do you understand? We are the world of light. This is what we have been searching for. I feel a gentle energy that embraces everything. And this energy can be felt anywhere anytime as long as you open yourself to it”

Kanata Kara by Kyoko Hikawa has been my most favorite Shoujo Manga since early 90s till today and I know it will stay as my most favorite for years to come.

Kanata Kara is the only shoujo manga that can come close to shounen manga. Hikawa can beautifully mix love story with interesting adventure and great fighting scenes, she also put some good moral in it.

Continue reading> http://bokunosekai.wordpress.com/2011...

[Soobie has fog in her brain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a bit absent-minded lately and I couldn't focus on reading this volume. I mean, I was reading a few pages then I would interrupt the reading to look around and then back to the manga. Not the ideal condition to let oneself be drawn into the story.

The first part of the volume was a bit blurry for me. Izark fighting against tons of enemies, enemies that aren't really enemies. There were lots of faces that I didn't recognize. The second part, the voyage on horses, was really interesting. There was more adventure and a bit of magic. In addition, I really like it when Noriko and Izark are together: they're so sweet.

On to volume #5.