Author: Ito Takehiko
Copyright © 1997-1999 Ito Takehiko

Those collecting anime domestically in the U.S. may be familiar with the story of Gene Starwind in OUTLAW STAR (The import version was originally reviewed in EX issue 3.2 and the domestic release was reviewed in EX issue 4.6.) As with much anime out there, there is actually a manga that either the anime was based on or that was based on the anime.
Here we have the manga for OUTLAW STAR that was first printed in the summer of 1997. For avid followers of the anime I am happy to say that this manga does not disappoint. Many such related anime and the manga tread that fine line between being a totally different story and being a poor shadow of each other. You want to see the characters you have grown attached to continue on in their existence. Perhaps you want to see more of certain aspects that you feel you were denied. Readers and viewers tend not to want the same thing all over again. However they do not want to lose that which they liked about a story. The OUTLAW STAR manga brings us our favorite characters and adds quite a bit of an edge to them as well as a story different enough to show you how fresh and original it is.
The story starts off somewhat familiarly. Gene Starwind and James Hawking run a small shop that does odd security related jobs as well as repairs (done while you wait.) Gene, as usual, is off womanizing and gets in to a small bit of trouble. While attempting to escape he brushes by the character we later know as Hilda. Shortly after they get back to their home/garage they close a deal where Gene will be a bodyguard for someone. At the entrance to the space port they meet this someone and find it is woman that they rushed past in the alley earlier. Hilda has brought them here sort of as a test. Gene and Jim get to fend off three of the Tao Master's assassins. During this tussle Jim warns Gene that after dealing with these almost unkillable assassins will come the dangerous part when they have to deal with Hilda.
After finishing off the assassins the trio go to a deserted barn where Hilda uncovers a suitcase. This is indeed where they discover the "android" Melfina whose purpose is unknown. Unlike the anime, they do not have to fight off the Tao Master's yet in order to escape the barn. This is where the pacing of the manga is different than the anime. It takes longer for some things to play out and we get to spend more time seeing the characters interact.
The art itself is a lot more raw. The lines used are rough and a lot of them are pulled together on a page to create the characters and their backgrounds. The women have this disturbing tendency to all have the same silicone stiffened chests which is a bit annoying. Also a lot of the characters have this tendency to wear mad grins most of the time. The art is good and distinctive, though. There are copious backgrounds which have a lot of detail. The reader is never confused with the placement of characters with respect to each other. This is of considerable value because of all the fast moving fight sequences. There are few furigana and the vast amount of information thrown at the reader can make this series a bit hard to read at times. Luckily most of the detail is not necessary in order to get in to the story.
By the second volume the story does take some rather drastic turns from the animated version. Unfortunately we can not really say any more than that or it would ruin some good story telling. Bear with it though and the story will take you to new places you never knew existed in the universe of OUTLAW STAR.
If you enjoy science fiction action stories with some really interesting elements, good art, a lot of detail and some curious twists then you will very likely enjoy the manga version of OUTLAW STAR.

Publisher: Ultra Jump (Young Jump Comics)
3 volumes
Format: 169 ~ 170 pages; Black & White
Vol. 1: Fire & Ice; ISBN4-08-875555-3
Vol. 2: Grappler Ship; ISBN4-08-875644-4
Vol. 3: Loud Minority; ISBN4-08-875854-8
Price pre volume: ¥505
Where to buy