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彼方から / From Far Away #9
From Far Away, Vol. 09
Transported into a fantastical world of high adventure, a confused and frightened teenager discovers she holds a prophetic power that will awaken a new epoch of staggering uncertainty.
In the past, Noriko has relied on the help of a small cadre of sympathizer to protect her from the constant danger swirling around her. But now she finds herself in a most unusual position. Suddenly, she must rescue a member of her inner circle.
To do this, she enlists the help of the Spirit of the Trees. Together, the young girl and the woodland specter form an opportune alliances. But alliances made in haste often prove disastrous... especially when secret agendas are finally revealed!
In the past, Noriko has relied on the help of a small cadre of sympathizer to protect her from the constant danger swirling around her. But now she finds herself in a most unusual position. Suddenly, she must rescue a member of her inner circle.
To do this, she enlists the help of the Spirit of the Trees. Together, the young girl and the woodland specter form an opportune alliances. But alliances made in haste often prove disastrous... especially when secret agendas are finally revealed!
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
10 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Kyoko Hikawa
60 books339 followersName : 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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 25, 2015
"I am not the Sky Demon. I am...me!" "Even during the worst times...you never turned away from me."
................................So. Izark was nearly killed. And I lost it. As did Noriko. I never expected to get this involved. I care way too much about them. And that's what makes this series so amazing.
Noriko saves Izark just as often as Izark saves her. She may be a normal girl with no real "powers" per say, but you can't say she doesn't give her all. She leaps off flipping buildings after Izark, she jumps out windows, she kicks evil bitches, and above all, she is kind. And not the Mary-Sue sickening-kind-to-everyone-just-because kindness. Noriko is compassionate, intelligent, and forgiving.
Why the HECK is this series not one of those classic shoujo that everyone talks about? Cardcaptor Sakura, Sailor Moon, etc. are classics, yes but why in the hell is this not one of them?! I can't even understand how this series went out of print, is not well-heard of and that I had to scrap together nearly a few hunderd dollars over 3 years to purchase what I could of this series physically. I have most in English and had to make do with some missing volumes in Japanese. And it was so, so, so, worth it.
VIZ MEDIA!!! Do something about this. This series deserves a reprint. I demand it.
And omg, Izark is just the perfect man. Ever. I need an Izark in my life.
................................So. Izark was nearly killed. And I lost it. As did Noriko. I never expected to get this involved. I care way too much about them. And that's what makes this series so amazing.
Noriko saves Izark just as often as Izark saves her. She may be a normal girl with no real "powers" per say, but you can't say she doesn't give her all. She leaps off flipping buildings after Izark, she jumps out windows, she kicks evil bitches, and above all, she is kind. And not the Mary-Sue sickening-kind-to-everyone-just-because kindness. Noriko is compassionate, intelligent, and forgiving.
Why the HECK is this series not one of those classic shoujo that everyone talks about? Cardcaptor Sakura, Sailor Moon, etc. are classics, yes but why in the hell is this not one of them?! I can't even understand how this series went out of print, is not well-heard of and that I had to scrap together nearly a few hunderd dollars over 3 years to purchase what I could of this series physically. I have most in English and had to make do with some missing volumes in Japanese. And it was so, so, so, worth it.
VIZ MEDIA!!! Do something about this. This series deserves a reprint. I demand it.
And omg, Izark is just the perfect man. Ever. I need an Izark in my life.
October 13, 2019
This ninth installment of Kyoko Hikawa's fourteen-volume From Far Away series, an epic fantasy saga involving two star-crossed lovers and their struggle to understand and possibly change their fate, by circumventing the prophecy which foretells that one of them will "awaken" a terrible demon in the other, picks up in the middle of the same fight sequence that ended the previous episode, as Izark and Keimos Lee Goda battle one another in the buried ruins to which the cunning Lord Rachef has transported them. Noriko, in the meantime, struggles against her captors, including the evil seeress Tazasheena, eventually escaping with the help of former Rachef underling, Doros. Rushing to the side of the terribly wounded Izark, Noriko spurs him on to greater efforts, and drawing on a part of himself even deeper than the sky demon, he . Aided by Irktule - the spirit of the white mist tree forest, encountered in the fifth episode - Noriko, Izark and Doros make their escape from the region, eventually settling in a farming village in the nearby country of Aibisk. But although they have found temporary shelter, they know they will soon be pursued...
I enjoyed this episode of the ongoing story, which starts with a bang, and doesn't let up! The exciting early scenes, in which Izark and Noriko battle their enemies separately, before escaping together, are balanced out by the more bucolic farm-village moments toward the end, as they rest and recuperate, and provide plenty of fodder for the local gossips. I found the villagers' many guesses, as to the true identity of Izark and Noriko, immensely amusing - perhaps they fell into the swamp! perhaps they are actors fleeing from a lovelorn mayor who wants to marry Noriko! - I appreciated the reappearance or Irktule, and I came away with lots to ponder. What is this deeper level of identity that Izark discovers? What does it have to do with the wings that he briefly sprouts? New characters, in the form of Roki, and the two shop-keeping women he seems to live with, are introduced, and it is hinted that they are relations of Duke Jeida's, which suggests that the other companions might enter the main story again sometime soon.
In sum: another entertaining episode in an enjoyable serial story! I just wish that I'd been able to obtain a print copy, as I've done with most of the other episodes.
I enjoyed this episode of the ongoing story, which starts with a bang, and doesn't let up! The exciting early scenes, in which Izark and Noriko battle their enemies separately, before escaping together, are balanced out by the more bucolic farm-village moments toward the end, as they rest and recuperate, and provide plenty of fodder for the local gossips. I found the villagers' many guesses, as to the true identity of Izark and Noriko, immensely amusing - perhaps they fell into the swamp! perhaps they are actors fleeing from a lovelorn mayor who wants to marry Noriko! - I appreciated the reappearance or Irktule, and I came away with lots to ponder. What is this deeper level of identity that Izark discovers? What does it have to do with the wings that he briefly sprouts? New characters, in the form of Roki, and the two shop-keeping women he seems to live with, are introduced, and it is hinted that they are relations of Duke Jeida's, which suggests that the other companions might enter the main story again sometime soon.
In sum: another entertaining episode in an enjoyable serial story! I just wish that I'd been able to obtain a print copy, as I've done with most of the other episodes.
December 7, 2022
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/EMxUhGUtHPs
"Now I know I can find the right things without getting impatient and without pushing too hard. I need to relax and take things one step at a time."
THIS VOLUME WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!
Hands down, the best volume yet even though I'm still sitting here trying to process everything that happened because WOW! Did A LOT of things of go down in this volume! I don't think I've been this nervous for a character in a long time and felt every single emotion with these characters.
Truly, what do I even say?? Both these characters are incredible and I love how they are on this adventure together, but also how they are growing individually. Izark's journey was SO deeply moving in this volume and had me wanting to cry because it was so beautiful. I took a bunch of screenshots from his part of the story because I didn't want to forget it.
And the same with Noriko. I took a bunch of screenshots of her internal dialogue and how she has not stopped fighting once. In fact, I feel more and more of her desperation to be able to protect Izark, but when Izark and her have that conversation at the end, that was so so so powerful. That opening quote is something Noriko thinks and absolutely love it because it goes back to what she was learning before. All her small actions and the people she has touched with her kindness and smiles is more than enough. We see the truth of that in what Izark is starting to believe about himself in this volume which is why it made it so powerful.
I very much love Doros and his character! He very loosely reminds me of Barago and makes me happy to see him on page. I hope this won't be the end of their adventure any time soon! <3
And the romanceeeeeeee!! Its very low-key but the love that resonates between these two is so beautiful. And we got another laugh from Izark!! SQUEALS! Truly, these two are the ultimate ship! I love them so so so much!
I think I'll take a break for a little bit before starting the next volume because I can't get over everything that happens in this one. Such an emotional rollercoaster that was so so so worth it!!
"Now I know I can find the right things without getting impatient and without pushing too hard. I need to relax and take things one step at a time."
THIS VOLUME WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!
Hands down, the best volume yet even though I'm still sitting here trying to process everything that happened because WOW! Did A LOT of things of go down in this volume! I don't think I've been this nervous for a character in a long time and felt every single emotion with these characters.
Truly, what do I even say?? Both these characters are incredible and I love how they are on this adventure together, but also how they are growing individually. Izark's journey was SO deeply moving in this volume and had me wanting to cry because it was so beautiful. I took a bunch of screenshots from his part of the story because I didn't want to forget it.
And the same with Noriko. I took a bunch of screenshots of her internal dialogue and how she has not stopped fighting once. In fact, I feel more and more of her desperation to be able to protect Izark, but when Izark and her have that conversation at the end, that was so so so powerful. That opening quote is something Noriko thinks and absolutely love it because it goes back to what she was learning before. All her small actions and the people she has touched with her kindness and smiles is more than enough. We see the truth of that in what Izark is starting to believe about himself in this volume which is why it made it so powerful.
I very much love Doros and his character! He very loosely reminds me of Barago and makes me happy to see him on page. I hope this won't be the end of their adventure any time soon! <3
And the romanceeeeeeee!! Its very low-key but the love that resonates between these two is so beautiful. And we got another laugh from Izark!! SQUEALS! Truly, these two are the ultimate ship! I love them so so so much!
I think I'll take a break for a little bit before starting the next volume because I can't get over everything that happens in this one. Such an emotional rollercoaster that was so so so worth it!!
February 13, 2018
My gosh, Noriko is changing - growing up and maturing in wonderful ways. To see her fight so valiantly there is nothing of the 'ordinary girl' about her. And Izark...holy cow, didn't see that coming. Really love how they save each other, how strong their characters are - even if flawed. And how they're learning to grow past those flaws. This is an absolutely wonderful series. Why is there no anime...?
May 26, 2016
I'm so glad I bought the whole series. Even if it seems that I can't concentrate long enough to read a volume in one sitting, I'm still able to enjoy the story.
I like Noriko because she's a very strong female character: she does all she can to help Izark and she would like to do more. She's never complaining or waiting to be saved. I absolutely loved it when Noriko slaps Izark's hand. I like these traits on female characters.
I also love Izark, because he's starting to show some tenderness towards Noriko and he talks openly about his feelings for her.
On to volume #10...
I like Noriko because she's a very strong female character: she does all she can to help Izark and she would like to do more. She's never complaining or waiting to be saved. I absolutely loved it when Noriko slaps Izark's hand. I like these traits on female characters.
I also love Izark, because he's starting to show some tenderness towards Noriko and he talks openly about his feelings for her.
On to volume #10...
February 19, 2016
Overall Series review 3 Stars. I probably should have left it after book 7, because there is a sort of ending there with Noriko and Izark leaving their (first set of) friends behind but I did want to see what the conclusion was.
The second half of From Far Away (books 8-14) is weaker in my opinion but I do like Noriko as a character, she’s endearing, and there are parts that I enjoyed.
The second half of From Far Away (books 8-14) is weaker in my opinion but I do like Noriko as a character, she’s endearing, and there are parts that I enjoyed.
December 18, 2022
I have a theory. Could Izark possibly be The Awakening to the Sky Demon as well as its host though not it, itself? That ancient evil slumbering, awaiting Izark since his birth, and fearing Noriko like she is its exact opposite... My theory is that that ancient evil which Keimos and Rachef draw their power from is in fact the Sky Demon and that he has been targeting Izark since his birth. I believe he is targeting him because the Sky Demon, in fact, needs a host, and he has been feeding his energy to Izark to groom him into the perfect host, thereby, making Izark The Awakening, as his eventual union with this dark force would mean the awakening of the Sky Demon. But then where does that leave Noriko? She's certainly special and she has a connection to Izark. Well, perhaps their connection is not necessarily related to the Sky Demon but to something else. Furthermore, perhaps Noriko is not necessarily The Awakening, but something created to combat the Sky Demon, an opposite force. This volume, most especially, puts value on nature and something they haven't necessarily touched upon yet is something spectacular that nature does. When one thing comes into being, it will never exist with no rival. There will always be something equally powerful to combat it. If the Sky Demon is pure darkness, then Noriko is pure light, and Izark is the key to awakening the Sky Demon as it cannot awaken without an appropriate host. This also goes to say that Izark CAN choose his fate. He can choose the Sky Demon and that nefarious darkness. Or he can choose to be merely himself, and stay in the light, stay with Noriko.
In addition to all that, earlier on in the series, a worry shared between these two was that by staying with each other, it would only burden Izark as it would encourage his body to awaken more and more as the Sky Demon. However, it seems that in fact that was not the case. It seems to me that Noriko was inspiring Izark to be his true self all along (with necessary stumbles along the way, entirely unavoidable given his physiology) both inwardly and physically. Noriko is awakening the potential within people. It's her gift. Izark is drawn to her more than others because he loves her, and she loves him back.
This is my theory. I feel that, looking back, there has always been plentiful evidence to point to this, and only now in this volume does it seem to only just barely not come together enough to know for sure. I'm now very enthralled to see where it might lead next, and how true or untrue my theory may be.
Lastly, I really love seeing a strong Noriko overcoming herself and protecting those she loves. It's an alternative from Izark always doing such; now he gets to take a backseat while HE is the one learning more about himself and the world around him, much like Noriko had been this whole time. Of course, they'll continue to learn together too.
In addition to all that, earlier on in the series, a worry shared between these two was that by staying with each other, it would only burden Izark as it would encourage his body to awaken more and more as the Sky Demon. However, it seems that in fact that was not the case. It seems to me that Noriko was inspiring Izark to be his true self all along (with necessary stumbles along the way, entirely unavoidable given his physiology) both inwardly and physically. Noriko is awakening the potential within people. It's her gift. Izark is drawn to her more than others because he loves her, and she loves him back.
This is my theory. I feel that, looking back, there has always been plentiful evidence to point to this, and only now in this volume does it seem to only just barely not come together enough to know for sure. I'm now very enthralled to see where it might lead next, and how true or untrue my theory may be.
Lastly, I really love seeing a strong Noriko overcoming herself and protecting those she loves. It's an alternative from Izark always doing such; now he gets to take a backseat while HE is the one learning more about himself and the world around him, much like Noriko had been this whole time. Of course, they'll continue to learn together too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2021
Izark continues to battle Keimos while Noriko tries to find a way to escape & reunite with Izark.
When Noriko witness Izark's defeat, she is devastated & more determined to escape by jumping out the window to a nearby tree, but she failed.
Doros with the help of the last 2 remaining chimos, rescues Noriko & helps her be reunited with Izark. But half way there he was exhausted as synchronizing requires 2 people but he was doing it himself as Noriko doesn't know how. Noriko thanks him before going off on her own.
A mile later Doros was about to help her again, with help from Irktule & spirits of the white mist forest, & helped her reach the entrance of the underground temple.
Noriko reunites with Izark as he is dumped into the massive hole in the ground, where the course of all evil lives.
Izark finally realises that he is not the sky demon but he is who he is. That broke the chains on his mind, that the source of all evil placed on him when he was born so it could use him later.
Izark grew wings & flew himself & Noriko to safety but it wasn't far enough. Doros, Irktule & the spirits helped them transport further away.
Keimos is not happy that Izark escaped. The source of all evil still thinks he has a chance of controlling Izark as long as Noriko is dead.
Part 2: Noriko watches over Izark as he recovers from his injuries; Doros looks for food for them to eat. Gorya is having trouble finding them; Irktule & the spirits are masking their signatures.
When Izark has recovered they had to find work since they left all their belongings when Keimos showed up & Noriko was kidnapped.
The villagers have been gossiping about the 3 of them since they arrived, wondering what their story is since they are not inclined to share.
A trio arrives at the docks looking for Grand Duke Jeida's wife & daughter, as well as chief commander Alef Elazard. As there is a massive reward out for them.
When Noriko witness Izark's defeat, she is devastated & more determined to escape by jumping out the window to a nearby tree, but she failed.
Doros with the help of the last 2 remaining chimos, rescues Noriko & helps her be reunited with Izark. But half way there he was exhausted as synchronizing requires 2 people but he was doing it himself as Noriko doesn't know how. Noriko thanks him before going off on her own.
A mile later Doros was about to help her again, with help from Irktule & spirits of the white mist forest, & helped her reach the entrance of the underground temple.
Noriko reunites with Izark as he is dumped into the massive hole in the ground, where the course of all evil lives.
Izark finally realises that he is not the sky demon but he is who he is. That broke the chains on his mind, that the source of all evil placed on him when he was born so it could use him later.
Izark grew wings & flew himself & Noriko to safety but it wasn't far enough. Doros, Irktule & the spirits helped them transport further away.
Keimos is not happy that Izark escaped. The source of all evil still thinks he has a chance of controlling Izark as long as Noriko is dead.
Part 2: Noriko watches over Izark as he recovers from his injuries; Doros looks for food for them to eat. Gorya is having trouble finding them; Irktule & the spirits are masking their signatures.
When Izark has recovered they had to find work since they left all their belongings when Keimos showed up & Noriko was kidnapped.
The villagers have been gossiping about the 3 of them since they arrived, wondering what their story is since they are not inclined to share.
A trio arrives at the docks looking for Grand Duke Jeida's wife & daughter, as well as chief commander Alef Elazard. As there is a massive reward out for them.
November 14, 2024
Oh wow. Izark is not really a sky demon, there's another secret and lots of questions.
And finally after rough crazy gruesome stressful stuff at the beginning, Izark and Noriko can rest a little bit, a tiny bit of peaceful time and I love it. Loveee when Izark getting cute and sweet.
Love this volume so much.
And finally after rough crazy gruesome stressful stuff at the beginning, Izark and Noriko can rest a little bit, a tiny bit of peaceful time and I love it. Loveee when Izark getting cute and sweet.
Love this volume so much.
February 7, 2025
Noriko rushing to be with Izark had me so on edge. But I understand. I would run to the one I loved to save them even if it might kill me. And Izark’s wings??? He was like an angel this time!!!!
And Goros and Izark feeling gratitude for Nori’s kindness. She did save them. Kindness and acceptance goes a long way. I love her for that.
And Goros and Izark feeling gratitude for Nori’s kindness. She did save them. Kindness and acceptance goes a long way. I love her for that.
September 17, 2021
Mmm este tomo lo sentí como un poco de relleno la verdad. No pasó MUCHO pero si hay un pequeño gran avance en cierto sentido asique no me voy a quejar.
Cada vez falta menos para que termine la historia y todavía no entramos al arco final. Me pongo ansiosa.
Cada vez falta menos para que termine la historia y todavía no entramos al arco final. Me pongo ansiosa.
May 17, 2023
*3.5
The arc introduced in volume 08 wrapped up too quickly in this one even though it cleared up the meaning of Noriko's significance as the Awakening. The volume ends with the beginning of another arc that feels more like a filler and it's starting to make the plot drag too much.
The arc introduced in volume 08 wrapped up too quickly in this one even though it cleared up the meaning of Noriko's significance as the Awakening. The volume ends with the beginning of another arc that feels more like a filler and it's starting to make the plot drag too much.
November 29, 2017
3.5/5 Stars
August 25, 2018
It's getting kinda dull again.
June 14, 2021
I have nothing to add this was an excellent volume 😌
January 4, 2023
I
ADORE
IZARK
&
NORIKO
<33
ADORE
IZARK
&
NORIKO
<33
February 12, 2018
4 Stars
August 31, 2019
I always feel strange not delivering the details within every volume (I tend to be rambler for anything three stars and above), but sometimes the stars speak for themselves. Full review will commence when I finish the series.
February 7, 2015
I am so glad Viz is releasing this series digitally because the prices for this volume online are ridiculous.
It's a good volume too. Noriko shows a good amount of initiative and willingness to attempt to get away from her kidnappers and realizes that her efforts aren't a total waste. I appreciate the way she came to see that.
I'm still enjoying the relationship between Noriko and Izark. Both characters are developing in pretty interesting ways.
It's a good volume too. Noriko shows a good amount of initiative and willingness to attempt to get away from her kidnappers and realizes that her efforts aren't a total waste. I appreciate the way she came to see that.
I'm still enjoying the relationship between Noriko and Izark. Both characters are developing in pretty interesting ways.
May 7, 2009
A lovely "back in time" manga - much better done than most.
December 29, 2013
#Program BUBU
Pertama kali dibeli dan dibaca pada tanggal 19 Januari 2001.
Pertama kali dibeli dan dibaca pada tanggal 19 Januari 2001.
November 3, 2013
Ugh, gets worse in my opinion right here on this book.
November 10, 2024
See my review for the whole series here.
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April 30, 2015great
March 20, 2020
Read;
2007
January 8, 2015
2007
January 8, 2015
March 29, 2016
This is getting so good! I just love stories of hope. But who doesn't? No one, that's who.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews