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RG Veda Omnibus #1
RG Veda Omnibus Volume 1
RG Veda, pronounced Rig Veda , is based on the classic Indian saga of the same name. The lush, sprawling epic follows Yasha, once a mighty warrior king, but now the lord of a slaughtered people he could not save. Yasha journeys the land as the companion and protector of the genderless Ashura, even knowing Ashura's fate is wound with doom for many. Together they seek the other four of the "Six Stars," whose prophesied gathering will at least defeat Taishukuten, the evil usurper of Heaven's throne. But all prophecies are open to interpretation...
656 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2011
19 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Clamp
750 books3,148 followersŌkawa Nanase 大川七瀬
[born: 2 May 1967; Ōsaka, bloodtype: A]
Mokona Apapa もこなあぱぱ
[born: 16 Jun 1968, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
Nekoi Mick 猫井みっく
[born: 21 Jan 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: O]
Igarashi Satsuki 五十嵐さつき
[born: 8 Feb 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
CLAMP originally began in 1989 as a twelve-member dōjinshi circle, but by 1990, the circle had diminished from twelve to seven. Of the remaining seven, Tamayo Akiyama, Sei Nanao, and Leeza Sei left the group during the production of the RG Veda manga. Other former members of CLAMP also included Soushi Hishika, O-Kyon, Kazue Nakamori, Yuzuru Inoue and Shinya Ōmi. Currently, there are four members in the group.
In 2004, CLAMP's 15th anniversary as a mangaka group, the members changed their names from Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa, Mick Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi to Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (her name is pronounced the same, but written with different characters) respectively. The August 2004 issue of Newtype USA, a magazine specializing in events of the anime and manga subcultures, reported that the members of CLAMP simply wanted to try out new names. In a later interview with Ohkawa, it was revealed that initially Mokona wanted to drop her surname because it sounded too immature for her liking, while Nekoi disliked people commenting that her name was the same as Mick Jagger's. Ohkawa and Igarashi, wanting to go with the flow of Nekoi's and Mokona's name changes, changed their names as well.
In 2006, they made their first USA public debut at Anime Expo in Anaheim, California. They were well received at the convention, with 6,000 fans in attendance at their panel.
[born: 2 May 1967; Ōsaka, bloodtype: A]
Mokona Apapa もこなあぱぱ
[born: 16 Jun 1968, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
Nekoi Mick 猫井みっく
[born: 21 Jan 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: O]
Igarashi Satsuki 五十嵐さつき
[born: 8 Feb 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
CLAMP originally began in 1989 as a twelve-member dōjinshi circle, but by 1990, the circle had diminished from twelve to seven. Of the remaining seven, Tamayo Akiyama, Sei Nanao, and Leeza Sei left the group during the production of the RG Veda manga. Other former members of CLAMP also included Soushi Hishika, O-Kyon, Kazue Nakamori, Yuzuru Inoue and Shinya Ōmi. Currently, there are four members in the group.
In 2004, CLAMP's 15th anniversary as a mangaka group, the members changed their names from Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa, Mick Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi to Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (her name is pronounced the same, but written with different characters) respectively. The August 2004 issue of Newtype USA, a magazine specializing in events of the anime and manga subcultures, reported that the members of CLAMP simply wanted to try out new names. In a later interview with Ohkawa, it was revealed that initially Mokona wanted to drop her surname because it sounded too immature for her liking, while Nekoi disliked people commenting that her name was the same as Mick Jagger's. Ohkawa and Igarashi, wanting to go with the flow of Nekoi's and Mokona's name changes, changed their names as well.
In 2006, they made their first USA public debut at Anime Expo in Anaheim, California. They were well received at the convention, with 6,000 fans in attendance at their panel.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 15, 2025
siento que el ritmo es muy clamp: o sea muy por todas partes
quiero mucho a Ashura.
y adoro lo homosexual que es todo cuando se trata de clamp.
quiero mucho a Ashura.
y adoro lo homosexual que es todo cuando se trata de clamp.
September 19, 2019
CLAMP have always been my favorite mangaka, since my childhood, when I was obsessed with all things Cardcaptor Sakura, and over the years I got acquainted with some of their newer works like Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles and xxxHolic. But I never read Rg Veda and since a few of the characters from it crossover (which is like an alternate universe for the other series) into the TRC series, I was eager to find the original story of Yasha and Ashura. Now, this is supposed to be based on the stories in Rig Veda, but since I am not familiar with those, I cannot definitively comment on the how close this material comes to the original but it is a very loose adaptation and you are more likely to find the Japanese equivalents of the gods or their names in passing. It does not really match up to any Hindu mythology I know of, so I'll be considering this more in the vein of the loosely adapted Greek mythology fantasy novels.
In this story, the usurper Taishukuten has taken over heaven and has become the god-king by slaughtering the race of Warrior Guardians, Ashura. However, one lone Ashura has survived - the last lord and Yasha, the king of the Yasha tribe (who is fated to die at Ashura's hands) takes the child Ashura under his care to gather the six stars (warriors) that would bring about the fall of Taishukuten. However, Ashura has also been prophesied to be be a force of evil or bring hell on them.
Taking us through the various lands and tribes of Heaven, the past is slowly revealed about the war that happened 300 years ago, and the cause for it. Ashura, for his part, fluctuates between child-like and god-like and is a powerful being, but Yasha feels protective towards him and they form a familial bond. Other characters that join in include Naga, the Dragon King, and Souma, a ninja from the court of Queen Kedappa (Yasha's half sister). There is a minor arc about Ashura's feelings regarding everyone considering him a portent or their doom - really, telling a child that they never should have existed is pretty cruel, even if that child is a demigod that has been sleeping for 300 years.
In terms of artwork, I would like to make two comments. On an anatomical scale, the characters are sketched in the old manga style - pointed faces, off-balance features, weird hairstyles, but backgrounds and costumes are done richly in details. When it first came out, it would have been a work of beautiful art, but since then CLAMP has made a lot of improvements in their style (e.g., their recent Gate7 or Tsubasa World Chronicle) so the old-fashioned look of the characters wouldn't appeal as much. Overall, the book and this series seems interesting and I am looking forward to future books.
Received a free review copy from Dark Horse Comics, via Edelweiss.
In this story, the usurper Taishukuten has taken over heaven and has become the god-king by slaughtering the race of Warrior Guardians, Ashura. However, one lone Ashura has survived - the last lord and Yasha, the king of the Yasha tribe (who is fated to die at Ashura's hands) takes the child Ashura under his care to gather the six stars (warriors) that would bring about the fall of Taishukuten. However, Ashura has also been prophesied to be be a force of evil or bring hell on them.
Taking us through the various lands and tribes of Heaven, the past is slowly revealed about the war that happened 300 years ago, and the cause for it. Ashura, for his part, fluctuates between child-like and god-like and is a powerful being, but Yasha feels protective towards him and they form a familial bond. Other characters that join in include Naga, the Dragon King, and Souma, a ninja from the court of Queen Kedappa (Yasha's half sister). There is a minor arc about Ashura's feelings regarding everyone considering him a portent or their doom - really, telling a child that they never should have existed is pretty cruel, even if that child is a demigod that has been sleeping for 300 years.
In terms of artwork, I would like to make two comments. On an anatomical scale, the characters are sketched in the old manga style - pointed faces, off-balance features, weird hairstyles, but backgrounds and costumes are done richly in details. When it first came out, it would have been a work of beautiful art, but since then CLAMP has made a lot of improvements in their style (e.g., their recent Gate7 or Tsubasa World Chronicle) so the old-fashioned look of the characters wouldn't appeal as much. Overall, the book and this series seems interesting and I am looking forward to future books.
Received a free review copy from Dark Horse Comics, via Edelweiss.
March 21, 2021
CLAMP in this era puts so much ink on the page, it feels like you are looking into a dense forest of shading.
This is the only early CLAMP I haven’t read. It’s a take on Hindu mythology where characters associated with different species of divine beings (Asura, Yasha, Garuda, Naga, Gandharva, and Soma) rise up against the God Emperor Taishakuten (based on Indra.) Don’t expect a recognizable story from Hinduism but it is an interesting epic twist where “God” is a tyrant and beings usually oppressed or used by the gods rebel (e.g. Soma is literally the drink of divine inspiration and here the Soma tribe can give eternal life through their blood—but they’re slaughtered for having this power.) I think if you take it as a creative reimagining, CLAMP’s character choices can be fun and surprising. Much of Hindu mythology comes to Japan via Buddhism so there is a syncretic approach to
As for the story: it’s depressing, nice people die constantly, lots of graphic blood and fighting, but it’s so beautiful it’s hard to complain. It brings up some difficult moral questions—should Yasha have protected the baby Ashura knowing it would lead to destruction? And the mystery of what their destiny is, how this will play out and how it started, is very intriguing. My favorite character is Kujaku, who is a mysterious troublemaker.
There are BL and GL elements, true to form for CLAMP.
This is the only early CLAMP I haven’t read. It’s a take on Hindu mythology where characters associated with different species of divine beings (Asura, Yasha, Garuda, Naga, Gandharva, and Soma) rise up against the God Emperor Taishakuten (based on Indra.) Don’t expect a recognizable story from Hinduism but it is an interesting epic twist where “God” is a tyrant and beings usually oppressed or used by the gods rebel (e.g. Soma is literally the drink of divine inspiration and here the Soma tribe can give eternal life through their blood—but they’re slaughtered for having this power.) I think if you take it as a creative reimagining, CLAMP’s character choices can be fun and surprising. Much of Hindu mythology comes to Japan via Buddhism so there is a syncretic approach to
As for the story: it’s depressing, nice people die constantly, lots of graphic blood and fighting, but it’s so beautiful it’s hard to complain. It brings up some difficult moral questions—should Yasha have protected the baby Ashura knowing it would lead to destruction? And the mystery of what their destiny is, how this will play out and how it started, is very intriguing. My favorite character is Kujaku, who is a mysterious troublemaker.
There are BL and GL elements, true to form for CLAMP.
October 20, 2016
this is my all-time fave manga, available as 3vol omnibus by dark horse. u can really see the progression of CLAMP's art thru the 10bks. some of the later chapters/books still stand as CLAMP's best art pieces.
April 10, 2021
This was fine. There are so many characters it gets hard to keep track and they die off so quickly it is sometimes like why should I pay attention to this new person that might die soon? It was very clamp even though it was their first original manga. It is based on Indian stories so maybe if I knew more of those that would help?
December 7, 2025
A CLASSIC FOR A REASON. Their art is so SHARP here.
December 30, 2024
3.5 ☆
Knowing RG Vega was CLAMP’s official work, I wasn’t entirely sure what level of quality/storytelling to expect. I read this series as a kid, but I had almost zero memory of it other than the beautiful art.
RG Vega is honestly a really impressive debut. It’s a grand fantasy story set in a luscious, detailed, and expansive world, with absolutely gorgeous art to match.
Inspired by the Rigveda and Vedic mythology, RG Veda is set in a world where 300 years ago, the god Taishakuten killed both the Heavenly Emperor and his guardian god Ashura-ō. But a prophecy made to Ashura-ō and the guardian warrior lord Yasha-ō foretells that after Ashura (the last child of the Ashura clan) is found, “six stars”will come together to overthrow Taishakuten.
The first chapter has a lot of heavy loredumps which I found pretty confusing at first, but luckily a little bit it becomes pretty easy to understand.
The protagonists of RG Veda are the first two of the “six stars,” Lord Yasha (a pretty standard Brooding Dark Haired Warrior With A Heart of Gold) and the genderless child Ashura (who has a Jekyll/Hyde-like murderous and destructive alter ego). They’re both really likable, interesting characters who I found myself invested in right off the bat.
This volume has a lot of setup, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. After the infodumps at the start of the manga, we find out the other characters’ backstories through flashback sequences which I found really interesting. They didn’t take away from the main story at all, and honestly, some of these sequences were more interesting than what was going on in the main storyline.
The side characters are all pretty fun to read about as well. The standouts for me are Taishakuten (our antagonist who’s taken over the throne), Ryuu-ō (the youthful, spirited king of the dragon clan who has a sword twice his size), and Karura-ō (a queen who’s sworn to get revenge for her younger sister).
Like most CLAMP stories, both the characters and the art really carried this manga for me. Every page was absolutely gorgeous, and the action sequences were pretty easy to follow as well. The detail in the backgrounds especially kept blowing me away. The character designs are really pretty, although some of the characters do look quite similar at first. Once I was about halfway through I stopped having any problems keeping track of them though.
Overall, I’d say that while RG Veda has a bit of a rocky start, it definitely gets its grounding around a third of the way in and continues to pick up the pace. At first I was definitely worried that it’d be a drag to get through, but after finishing this volume, I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series. The suspense is great, and I love how bingeable CLAMP series’ tend to be.
Reading playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Hn...
Knowing RG Vega was CLAMP’s official work, I wasn’t entirely sure what level of quality/storytelling to expect. I read this series as a kid, but I had almost zero memory of it other than the beautiful art.
RG Vega is honestly a really impressive debut. It’s a grand fantasy story set in a luscious, detailed, and expansive world, with absolutely gorgeous art to match.
Inspired by the Rigveda and Vedic mythology, RG Veda is set in a world where 300 years ago, the god Taishakuten killed both the Heavenly Emperor and his guardian god Ashura-ō. But a prophecy made to Ashura-ō and the guardian warrior lord Yasha-ō foretells that after Ashura (the last child of the Ashura clan) is found, “six stars”will come together to overthrow Taishakuten.
The first chapter has a lot of heavy loredumps which I found pretty confusing at first, but luckily a little bit it becomes pretty easy to understand.
The protagonists of RG Veda are the first two of the “six stars,” Lord Yasha (a pretty standard Brooding Dark Haired Warrior With A Heart of Gold) and the genderless child Ashura (who has a Jekyll/Hyde-like murderous and destructive alter ego). They’re both really likable, interesting characters who I found myself invested in right off the bat.
This volume has a lot of setup, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. After the infodumps at the start of the manga, we find out the other characters’ backstories through flashback sequences which I found really interesting. They didn’t take away from the main story at all, and honestly, some of these sequences were more interesting than what was going on in the main storyline.
The side characters are all pretty fun to read about as well. The standouts for me are Taishakuten (our antagonist who’s taken over the throne), Ryuu-ō (the youthful, spirited king of the dragon clan who has a sword twice his size), and Karura-ō (a queen who’s sworn to get revenge for her younger sister).
Like most CLAMP stories, both the characters and the art really carried this manga for me. Every page was absolutely gorgeous, and the action sequences were pretty easy to follow as well. The detail in the backgrounds especially kept blowing me away. The character designs are really pretty, although some of the characters do look quite similar at first. Once I was about halfway through I stopped having any problems keeping track of them though.
Overall, I’d say that while RG Veda has a bit of a rocky start, it definitely gets its grounding around a third of the way in and continues to pick up the pace. At first I was definitely worried that it’d be a drag to get through, but after finishing this volume, I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series. The suspense is great, and I love how bingeable CLAMP series’ tend to be.
Reading playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Hn...
August 8, 2019
I read came upon this after my adventures with Gate 7, and it's missing ending, wanting something with an ending to fill my need for more lovely CLAMP art. The art style is older, but has a bit more whimsy to it than more recently published stuff I've read. I rather like it...
The story is said to be based in Indian mythology, which sadly I know little to nothing about. I'm not sure if it would help to have some basis there to help with getting into the story, but it was a bit hard to follow. Things kick off with a prophecy and a child who should bring about doom for our main character while also overthrowing the tyrant god-king. They'll need to gather up 6 stars to join them... That's clear enough, but who is who and why they matter is a bit harder for me to follow. There's a good number of characters introduced through this first omnibus volume, some of whom it's easier to follow and place than others. Well, and some end up dead before you get too much time to worry about them.
I'm intrigued, but not sure if I really like it or not.
The story is said to be based in Indian mythology, which sadly I know little to nothing about. I'm not sure if it would help to have some basis there to help with getting into the story, but it was a bit hard to follow. Things kick off with a prophecy and a child who should bring about doom for our main character while also overthrowing the tyrant god-king. They'll need to gather up 6 stars to join them... That's clear enough, but who is who and why they matter is a bit harder for me to follow. There's a good number of characters introduced through this first omnibus volume, some of whom it's easier to follow and place than others. Well, and some end up dead before you get too much time to worry about them.
I'm intrigued, but not sure if I really like it or not.
December 6, 2017
Very epic, and feels even more so because this omnibus release is a brick (a little over 600 hundred pages)! It's a tale of usurpers, rebels, betrayals, love and prophesies and so much more, so epic is indeed a word for this. It's an older work and you can tell it from the art style but it's not bad, actually it's lavish and often breathtaking (just sometimes overly huge shoulders and such bothered me a bit).
Sometimes the story makes a few jumps in time and you have to take a few moments to catch up but mostly it's easy to follow even though the cast is huge and events are spread far and wide.
Excellent stuff, earned its classic status.
Sometimes the story makes a few jumps in time and you have to take a few moments to catch up but mostly it's easy to follow even though the cast is huge and events are spread far and wide.
Excellent stuff, earned its classic status.
February 20, 2017
I am a CLAMP fangirl from way back, so the chance to consume one of their first projects automatically made this book amazing. It is absolutely beautifully done. I really enjoyed seeing their distinct style interpreting a classic Indian story. It has inspired me to search out the source material.
Production: Book was sturdy and easily read. Dark Horse definitely has found a consistent printer in volumes of this type.
Production: Book was sturdy and easily read. Dark Horse definitely has found a consistent printer in volumes of this type.
December 26, 2025
This is a brief review for the entire series, which I binged over the past couple days. When I was reading the first omnibus, I was convinced I didn’t like this story. I felt no attachment to the characters or to the story overall. The more I read, the more immersed I got, and Yasha and Ashura’s bond among many others left a strong impact on me. This story was marred by tragedy, and one word I would use to describe the chain of events is an utter, inevitable massacre amidst various plot twists. I wouldn’t be exaggerating when I say most of the characters met horrible ends, and eventually it was taking a toll on me, witnessing their deaths almost as soon as I became attached to them. Yet somehow, I was able to find some fulfillment in the ending, making up for the innumerable tragedies that lined this story. Of course, there was fulfillment and even MORE tragedy. Kujaku’s contribution to the story was necessary and heartbreaking in nature, but his overarching presence is what redeemed it for me. He may have been my favorite character, and in having found a favorite character, I realized that I in fact did enjoy this story to some extent. I still think it was overwhelmingly tragic, which made it all the more difficult to get through. Considering that, I was surprised at the ending. I don’t know how to elaborate without spoiling (since I’m reviewing the entire series), but I guess it sort of rewards readers for hanging in there… but also breaks their hearts one final time. I really don’t know HOW to explain this contradiction without spelling things out. Nevertheless, I did enjoy this story for what it was, but I don’t know that I would recommend it to anyone else. It makes a lot of sense that this is CLAMP’s most tragic work, so I hope I can survive X/1999 given I survived this one… I really need to read something happy and light-hearted before I continue this CLAMP reading challenge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2017
CLAMP was one of my favorite mangaka groups growing up, so I was excited to finally get my hands on this, their first work. It's a shining example of the group's artistic prowess, and of the details they do best - lavishly designed costumes, gorgeously silky hair, etc. I've not read the Indian work on which it's based (the Rig Veda), so I can't comment on its accuracy, but then the goal of most manga like this isn't necessarily accuracy. It's a comic you read because it's beautiful to look at.
February 18, 2021
This is supposed to be a retelling of Rig Veda, a collection of Indian hymns.
At first I was super bored because I couldnt figure out what was going on. But pretty much a child has been kept in stasis/prison for 300 years and he is going to bring about the sundering of heaven. The king of the gods, Taishakuten, usurped the throne and hes kinda a dick. He proceeds to wipe out whole clans that do not follow his rule.
Overall I cant wait to read the other two to finish up the series!
At first I was super bored because I couldnt figure out what was going on. But pretty much a child has been kept in stasis/prison for 300 years and he is going to bring about the sundering of heaven. The king of the gods, Taishakuten, usurped the throne and hes kinda a dick. He proceeds to wipe out whole clans that do not follow his rule.
Overall I cant wait to read the other two to finish up the series!
Read
January 7, 2026I love the art as I have loved clamp foe many years. Tokyo Babylon haunts me still as a twin. But I have never read this story and wanted to check it out. Its just not for me, many characters look a little to much a like. I get the most of this story as we have it laid out to us I think. I also think that kid is really bad luck. This just didn't really capture my attention but I'm not a big fantasy fan. I do love the art, it is so beautiful.
April 8, 2019
This is epic fantasy in manga format. It has some violence, too many heartbreaking deaths and very interesting characters. This one is Clamp’s debut manga and their fans don’t tend to like it as much as their other series. This has a more complex storyline, I must say, but I loved it. I hope the other two omnibus volumes are even better!
October 18, 2017
This was beautiful I've always liked what I've read from CLAMP so when I saw this I quickly bought it, especially when I saw it was there first work. The artwork incredible, and the story is quite interesting. I can't wait to read the next volume and I know want to read what inspired this.
May 21, 2020
I’m not sure about this one yet. But I know how CLAMP tells their stories, so I’ll save full thoughts for the end. I like the characters well enough, but I haven’t quite gotten entranced by the story yet.
November 12, 2018
Wonderful story, and art. It was funny and moving at times.
August 9, 2019
absolute madness
May 29, 2021
nonbinary character, queer romances
dnf
January 31, 2023I tried, Im just so bored.
December 27, 2025
Yasha, once a mighty warrior king, is now the lord of a slaughtered people he could not save in this lush, sprawling epic. As a companion and protector of Ashura, Yasha travels the land with Ashura, knowing his fate will bring doom to many. In their quest for the other four “Six Stars” who will defeat Taishukuten, the evil usurper of Heaven’s throne, they join forces. However, there are different ways to interpret all prophecies...
Despite all the hype from Clamp fans, this is a disappointment. It has a half-baked plot with flat characters. It’s hard for me to connect with any character. I do not understand why this guy was working for this person he hates, or why he keeps harboring this kid who causes him misery and periodically goes all evil-possessed and is supposed to kill him. I accept that this could happen, but give me a reason (even one that is emotional!) for him to do such a thing. An interesting story requires more than pretty illustrations.
This series is not for me. He needs to have some motivation or justification for why he would do such a thing. Otherwise, it’s just a nonsensical story. Unless the writer can present an interesting reason for it, I am not interested.
Despite all the hype from Clamp fans, this is a disappointment. It has a half-baked plot with flat characters. It’s hard for me to connect with any character. I do not understand why this guy was working for this person he hates, or why he keeps harboring this kid who causes him misery and periodically goes all evil-possessed and is supposed to kill him. I accept that this could happen, but give me a reason (even one that is emotional!) for him to do such a thing. An interesting story requires more than pretty illustrations.
This series is not for me. He needs to have some motivation or justification for why he would do such a thing. Otherwise, it’s just a nonsensical story. Unless the writer can present an interesting reason for it, I am not interested.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews