Kino's Journey: The Beautiful World, Vol. 1

Kino's Journey - the Beautiful World (Shiomiya) #1

by Keiichi Sigsawa (Artist), Iruka Shiomiya

""So, who's the kid?"
"My name is..."
××××× hesitated for a moment, turning slightly to look back along the road they were traveling. Beyond the red horizon, her homeland's gates sank into the distance, never to be seen again.
Facing forward once more, ××××× looked past Kino's side to focus intently on the path ahead before answering.
"My name is—"

Kino travels with the trusty talking motorrad, Hermes. The duo are always together, with Hermes providing speed, and Kino providing balance. They stay in each country for no more than three days, as a rule—enough time to learn about each destination's unique customs and people. And so Kino and Hermes journey ever onward..."

Genres: Manga, Comics, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Japanese Literature

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2017

About the author

Pen name of Keiichi Shigusawa (時雨沢恵一).

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review for Volume 1 and Volume 2 of this series.

"The world is not beautiful, therefore it is."

After being very disappointed in the new anime (a reboot), I decided to check the Kino no Tabi manga, or well, one of them that is. :P And I am also planning to re-re-re, well I lost count, watch the old Kino no Tabi anime.

I am not too sure about the art. Kino just doesn't look like Kino to me. They look more like they just dropped out of a shounen manga/anime. Which is a shame, but at least they still acted like Kino (unlike the Kino from the newest anime).

These volumes were pretty great, though nothing new for me who watched the first anime years and years ago. But it was still fun to read the stories again. To see the (weird/cruel) countries again. Plus to see the backstory for Kino again. Which brought fresh tears to my eyes.

The stories were still very sad/interesting/great to read, even if I already knew them. It seems that no country is a truly good one or happy one, sometimes at first glance they look nice, but then you learn the backstory... and darn it. We have a country in which everyone can feel and hear anything people think. Then we have a country who is at peace with another country at the cost of someone else. And then there are a ton of other countries that will make you ponder about the beautiful world, about humanity.

I loved Kino's 3-day in a country rule. It is perfect. That way you can do a lot of things, get to know the population, and much more. Of course at times you may want to stay longer (though so far the countries weren't that OK).

I am not too sure about Hermes. I never quite liked him. I may be one of the few, but I am getting tired of his comments, the fact he can magically talk or whatever. Plus I find it weird that Kino just brings him everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Hotel? Hermes is there. Some palace? Hermes is there. A cel? Hermes is there. You get the idea. It was just too silly.

The art is OK. I did like the gorgeous scenery/landscapes, and there are tons of details everywhere. But again, I am not a fan of this Kino and how they look.

All in all, I would recommend this 2 volumes. But be prepared to cry, have your heartbroken, and ponder about life and the world.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Guguk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Untuk vol.1-nya dulu~ („• ֊ •„)

Gambar: 3.5☆ ..... bersih dan enak dilihat. Ekspresi Kino yang terlihat dingin dan hambar mungkin mewakili pendapatnya akan ketiga negara yang dikisahkan di sini...

Cerita: 3.5☆ ..... tipe "kisah-kisah absurd bermakna filosofis" yang bakalan membuatmu bisa mikir berkepanjangan, tapi bisa juga jadi bingung tak menentu -- yang manapun ditentukan oleh rasa keterkaitan dengan permasalahan yang dibahas.

Yang ingin ta' bahas: "Land of Visible Pain"





...rasanya gelap sekali ya (｡•́︿•̀｡)

Aku tau rasanya, saat berada dalam kegelapan, mendengar jeritan orang lain bakal bikin tambah panik, stress, dan bingung. Tertekan karena ga berdaya.
Karena itu, lebih baik apa yang ingin kuteriakkan pun diredam saja. Jangan sampai bikin orang lain "sial" ataupun ikut terseret ke dalam kegelapan.

Tapi, di sisi lain, ada "malaikat-malaikat" yang bertarung di tengah kegelapan itu. Mendengarkan jeritan dan teriakan orang-orang. Walau tercemar, mereka tetap terjun ke tengah-tengah pekatnya gelap.

Pada akhirnya, "mendengarkan jeritan orang lain" itu bukan sekedar "berbuat baik" maupun "saling menghormati". Tapi kesiapsediaan untuk berkorban, berlari di sisi si pelari yang kepayahan sambil menyerukan semangat dan memberikan sebotol air.

Karena itu, jangan pernah menganggap teriakanmu bakal membawa "sial". Jangan menjauh... Karena siapa tahu, ada "malaikat" di dekatmu~

.......ini benar-benar menyimpang dari tema kisahnya ya (⁄ ⁄>⁄ ▽ ⁄<⁄ ⁄) tapi inilah yang terpikir oleh pikiran absurdku pas baca dan sesudahnya.

Berniat melanjutkan ke negeri keabsurdan selanjutnya~ ─=≡Σ((( つ≧◡≦)つ

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

You bet I've found another manga to read.

[Gus · Rating 4 out of 5]

--- Kino's Journey 1-? ---
Plot: Doraemon versi filosofis //bukan.
Penokohan: HmmmMmmmmmMm :))) //apa.
Gambar: Bersih dan rapih //apa.

Kino's Journey berkisah mengenai petualangan Kino ke tiap kota bersama dengan motornya, Hermes.

....Iya, sinopsisnya sesimpel itu (menurut saya) *dor!
So- Soalnya ini memang kisah episodic kok! XD Tapi dengan membawa tema pemikiran yang kental.

Paling tidak, beberapa kotanya akan membuat pembacanya berpikir mengenai... 'betapa anehnya' atau 'tidak biasanya' tetapi semuanya dalam artian yang; 'sebenarnya ini mungkin bisa terjadi' atau 'masuk akal akan seperti ini jika blablabla..' （・∀・）.



Saya pribadi menyukai komik ini sejak membacanya secara ilegal, sampai akhirnya merasa begitu senang saat bisa membacanya di versi terbitan Indonesia yang legal (terima kasih m&c!) XD. Memang, saat sampai di satu dua bagian, saya tiba-tiba merasa; "Wah busetlah, Kino ini OP banget ya," atau seperti itu. Tapi setelah saya baca ulang lagi; mungkin memang bagusnya seperti ini. Ini cara mangakanya mempertahankan ke-"netral"-an Kino.
Tidak berarti tidak ada cara lain; tapi yah XDDD //ngeeenggg.

Makanya saat memperkenalkan Kino, saya katakan pada kakak saya kalau ini adalah Doraemon versi filosofis (maksudnya; kisah episodic dengan tema filosofis) O w O;; //menyesatkan. Jangan harap terlalu muluk pada Kino. Nikmati saja perjalanan ke tiap kotanya. Ini toh bukan slice of life *plok.
[8.9/10]

[Maja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Putovanja Kino je priča o čovečanstvu u nekom daljem trenutku u budućnosti, kada svi budemo živeli razdvojeni u futurističkim gradovima, osečeni prelepim, netaknutim pejzažima. Kino, vođena zovom puta bez jasne destinacije, obilazi te gradove, po pravilu zadržavajući se u svakom od njih po tri dana i istražujući uvek drugačiju varijaciju posledica (problematične) primene tehnologije u ljudskom životu. Da ne ostane nepomenut, putuje na samosvesnom i sarkestičnom motociklu.

Uglavnom narativno jednostavna i opuštajuća, priča je idealna za početak i kraj radnog dana. Cozy naučna fantastika. Pomalo podseća na Death Stranding bez čudovišta – u svakom gradu ima nešto što vredi videti i čuti, ali poenta je otisnuti se u sledeće poglavlje. Iskreno bih volela da serijal završi sa Kinom koja i dalje putuje.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting start. I'm curious to see where this goes... 🤔

[kuristina- tabreez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kino’s Journey: The Beautiful World is a fantastic manga to read while cozying up in your favorite place and drinking an admired warm beverage. I felt very calm and at peace while reading Kino’s Journey, even so, there were parts that swayed me in a few different directions. This story is very thought provoking and honestly got my mind started in the morning.
At its base core, the story is fairly simple. But the elements and the execution is what makes it beautiful and complex. I feel myself truly caring about the characters depicted, and investing in their stories so fast that I hadn’t even noticed when the feeling began.
I knew for a long time that I’d enjoy Kino’s Journey. I finally started it, and not a thing about it has disappointed me.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel series starts light, and gets dark and philosophical with it's plot. I loved the illustrations - especially the architecture and nature scenery used to show the different places Kino travels to. I like the set up of the graphic novel - the traveler moves between countries, so there are lots of new characters and settings to read about. I will say that the different countries tend to illustrate different points about humanity's nature, often in a dark manner, so it might not be the most uplifting read, but definitely one you will think about later on! Looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know anything about this before reading. Kino's Journey seems to be about Kino, who's real name is unknown, going to different countries to travel. All of these places seem to have a weird rule. It's strange and thoughtful but I kind of would have liked to see the change from Kino in the beginning to where she is right now. More cohesion and more of a goal/plot would be nice.

[Benjamin Uke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A manga about a girl and her talking motorcycle as they much about. Rather reminiscent of Tintin.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought provoking tale of the value of hard, dedicated work over many years even if the result seems futile.

[Spira Virgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warnings: Violence, Child Abuse, War, Gore

“If I was asked, ‘Why do you go on journeys?’ I would answer, ‘I go on journeys because I’m a traveler’.”

One of my first anime introductions back in the early 2000's was a variety of shows such as Fruit Basket, Clannad, Sakura Card Captor, Cowboy Bepop and then there was one that stood above the others. Kino's Journey Into the Beautiful World by Keiichi Sigsawa originally one of the first Light Novels series that got serialized and popularized the genre next to Boogiepop got adapted into an anime series and slowly gained a cult following and anime favorite among fans for its somber isolated atmosphere, memorable philosophical questions and one of the best anime protagonists you saw in ages. When I heard Kino's Journey was getting a new anime series and a Manga series I was quite hesitant due to how personally attached I am to this story. Kino's helped me a lot during my childhood and taught me how to behave in this world and I couldn't fathom a remake recapturing that magic. Thankfully with its first manga I am happy to announced it did it justice.

The story is set in a distance future where the world has numerous lands, kingdoms and many queer places that our traveler, Kino's and his Motorrad, Hermes visiting from time to time, unintentionally tangling themselves into the dangerous misadventures. What I always loved about the series was the state of the world, how lonely it can be. The places Kino adventured are complicated and emotionally draining sometimes, the perfect fictional work for my Dystopian junkie heart. Iruka Shiomiya the artist for this new adaption captures this feelings marvelously. From Kino's sad past and into their journey, the human psyche being undeniably fractured and presented with their drawings, and how alive everything is presented that you can't but feel  like you are a part of it too, joining Kino's story. However, if I got one compliment is that, the characters designs are different and more modernized then what Kouhaku Kuroboshi, the original illustrator constructed but it ain't bad. I'm curious to see Shiomiya other characters designs comes to life, especially, Sensei's character.

You have to do yourself a favor and give Kino's Journey a try. It is available in so many different formats, from the original light novels series, to the early anime adaption (which is honestly one of the best anime series out there to date and you should all give it a watch) the newer adaption that's currently on Cruncyroll and now this little nifty manga series. Regardless of what you choose what matters is that you'd enjoy the journey into this beautiful world, just like I did :)

[AHCuteArt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why did you read this book?
I heard this was a good series, I saw a little bit of the anime, and this manga had good ratings.

What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an eBook on Kindle.

Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.

What genres do you think this book belongs to?

Fantasy, Fiction, Manga, Mystery, Philosophy, Psychology, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Travel

What was your favorite part of the book?
I think my favorite story in this book was about the city where others could read each other's minds.

Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes weird fiction short stories will like this manga.

What style of graphic novel is this?
It’s in the Japanese manga style (you need to read the book from right to left).


Is the comic colored, or is it in black and white?
This comic is in a B&W tone.



What is your opinion on the artwork?
The artwork was stunning and well thought out.



How is the typesetting? Is the comic easy to read?
The fonts were great, and it was easy to read.


Is this comic a part of a series?
Yes, it was a part of a series, and I might buy more volumes if they go on sale.


What is your general opinion/ rating of this book?
This story was bizarre yet addictive. It’s like each place Kino visits is a puzzle within itself that I can’t help but try to figure out what’s weird about it before it’s revealed. The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that it’s too short! I read through the manga too fast for my liking and hope they have an omnibus out there. Overall, if you haven’t given this series a try, I would highly recommend it.

Any trigger warnings?
Mental Health: PTSD, Emotional Abuse, Controlling Parents, Panic Attacks, Trauma, Child Abandonment

Violence and Death: Death, Death of a Loved One, Graphic Deaths, Murder, Gore, Threatening child, Violence against Children, Blood, Graphic Violence

Other: Body Shaming, Oppression, Bullying

[Selena Pigoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Kino's Journey for a long, long time. I watched the original anime back in the day, read the novel (and despaired at its chapters being reordered), and now have read the manga adaptation. This is a series that I pretty much grew up with, and seeing it in this sleek manga style is a treat (even if my nostalgia goggles still prefers the original anime series' art).

Kino's Journey is just that: a journey. It's a series of vignettes (three in this volume) that chronicle Kino's travels through different countries in the world. There's no overarching plot, no point, just traveling and experiencing the wonders of the world, both the good and the bad.

For fans of the anime, this volume covers fairly familiar ground. I don't remember Chapter 4's story, but the rest I have ingrained in my memory, and seeing them in manga form was nice. Part of me wonders if the chapters were reordered like the Tokyopop translation of the novel, but I suspect that, after 17 years, the character reveal for Kino is already known among fans and they just decided to go a little more chronological this time around.

If you haven't had a chance to experience Kino's Journey, this manga is as good an entry point into Kino's travels as any, and I highly recommend it.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this volume with almost no expectations, so I'm happy surprised that I really, really liked it. The first chapter ends in an entirely unexpected way, which was enough to hook me. I wish we could have seen the main character between that explosive finale to where she ends up at the start of the second chapter, obviously having had many adventures that shaped her personality. I don't know if this is something taken from the light novels the series is based on, or if it's unique to the manga. I also like the conceit of Kino's travels only keeping her in each location for three days. It's just enough time to explore these strange new worlds. And strange they are indeed. It sort of reminds me of the later Oz books, with the party traveling from one weird town to the next, which is a good thing by me. I'll definitely be continuing with this series.

[Vibeke Hiatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been years since I read manga, so I decided to browse our local library's selection. I forgot how quickly they read and will need to grab a few volumes at once when I return this one.

Where American comic books tend to be "thrilling," the manga I choose are "fascinating." There are layers to this story that make it more than just a story. We see the danger of interfering with the natural process of discovery; people need connection, but not all thoughts should be shared; work for the sake of work is unfulfilling. I look forward to traveling and learning further with Kino.

[Shin Donghae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kino no Tabi sendiri tentu sudah tidak disangsikan lagi. Memang sebuah karya yg fantastis. Adaptasi manga tentu menjadi tantangan tersendiri oleh Shiomiya sensei
Namun tantangan tsb sepertinya berbuah manis. Artwork Shiomiya sensei begitu rapih dan detail. Gambar beliau dapat mewujudkan perjalanan Kino dengan baik.
Meski ini bernuansa fantasi, kita bisa lihat serial ini laiknya slice of life. Pada jilid I ini di satu negeri yg dikunjungi kita bisa melihat manusia yg merasa akan lebih damai kalau mereka salaing memahami dengan mengerti isi pikiran masing2 (namun ternyata salah).

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kino is on journey across the lands, with a talking motorrad (think motorcycle). She spends three days in each land. Each land has their own customs and peoples, she stays only long enough to learn about them; not settling down.

Each land seems to bring up a facet of the human condition. What would happen if we could hear everyone else's thoughts? Would it bring about an end to confusion and double-talk? No, that's not what happened. It makes you thinks while having a fun read.

[Ocean G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended as a graphic novel that was reminiscent of a Murakami book. I can see why they said that, but it wasn't really the case.

Regardless, it was interesting. I like how there doesn't seem to be any real overarching plot, but just a series of adventures. It makes this a relaxing and interesting read. If I happen across other volumes I'll get them. I may even order some in the near future. I'll see.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely fascinating manga. The intro story was incredible and every story after that was well built. Really, almost any of the stories in here could have been full length stories on their own, but at the same time, I'm more than happy that they're just visits into those worlds. Really something else. I don't know that I will continue on, but I do know that I will very fondly think of this story.

[Robert Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember seeing the anime a very very very long time ago and when I came across the first volume of the manga I was really looking forward to reading it and it’s exactly like the anime the arts exactly like it too I really love this story it’s very proper provoking to think about how these different lands would react and it being an outside observer he would beat all these different cultures and customs

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kino begins her travels due to a brutal reason and begins to visit different countries.

I wasn't familiar with Kino through the light novels, anime, or games so this was my first introduction. I liked it a lot! Kino visits a city run by machines and meets three men who are taking care of railroad tracks in very different ways. Both of these (along with her origin) are tinged with sadness so while this feels fairly cozy, it's not happy grin fluffy. I'm looking forward to more.

[erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so surprised by the direction the story of this manga took! I went into this series with no previous knowledge of the work except for a single episode on a bonus DVD from an issue of Newtype USA from back in 2003/2004. There was definitely a lot I had not picked up on from that one episode, but I'll definitely be reading more of this series. The pacing is great, and the vibe from the stories and people that Kino meets feels very NieR-esque in a way I love & look forward to seeing unfold.

[Kie Dupoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystifying and complex story about finding your own footing in a world that feels at times completely unpredictable and hostile.
I went into the series with few expectations, but the first twist of many led me to love the title. I can see easily where the series could go wrong in the future but the first volume sits on its own with its unique and thrilling concept.

[Badrul Iman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you first read the book, you wouldn't expect the world-building this book has. The way it challenged your mind to think of the moral and how people perceived an otherworldly culture that you wouldn't think of but is plausible in our real world. Definitely recommend for people that are open-minded to read this book and spread their own idea and thoughts of this book.

[Nav · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got some strong fairy tale vibes off the various encounters in her travels as there is strangeness and wonder and special rules (For example, her method of transportation talks.) as prevalent as the grim/violent stuff (Like a land where children get lobotomies(?) in order to reach adulthood). It’s also episodic which adds to its similarity to a fairytale collection.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the anime years ago and couldn't find it to watch again. So, I thought I'd try the Manga series. It's as lovely as I remember the series being. Kino escapes her country with her sentient motorbike, fearing for her life. She meets interesting people as she goes from country to country. Lots of interesting and unique stories. Sparse, interesting, and thought-provoking.

[David Doel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my only volume but it's good enough that I hope I can find some more.

It's a strange story about a person who is traveling and limits their stay to no more than 3 days in one place. So far, the places are quite interesting.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kino

I enjoyed the Animated version of "Kino's Journey," so I was delighted to find that a Manga version has been released. I am enjoying very much the "rebirth" of Kino the traveler and his stories. A new reimagination of Kino and Hermes the Motorrad cycle. Enjoy the New Journey!