Abstract

The world's first Buddhist statue action comic, Butsu Zone, is revived in a luxurious two-volume collector’s edition, created using scans of the original surviving manuscripts and the latest digital technology.

This is the serialized debut work of Hiroyuki Takei, later known for Shaman King. The story follows Senju, an incarnation of the Thousand-Armed Kannon sent from the Pure Land to the earthly realm. His mission is to guide Sachi Saigan, the reincarnation of Maitreya Bodhisattva, toward enlightenment as they journey to India while battling Mara, the enemy of Buddha.

The first volume includes Chapters 1 through 9, featuring the encounters between Senju, Sachi—who would later evolve into Sati Saigan in Shaman King—and familiar characters like Jizo. It also contains the original Butsu Zone one-shot.

In addition to faithfully reproducing the original color pages from the magazine serialization, the edition features illustrations and comics drawn for previous releases such as the bunkoban and Jump Remix versions. It also includes previously unreleased artwork created for the drama CD, promotional cuts from the magazine, and more.

Also included are newly drawn illustrations by Hiroyuki Takei and a lengthy three-hour interview with the author.

Author’s Information

Born in May 1972 in Yomota Village, Higashitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. In 1997, he made his serial debut with "Buddha Zone" in Weekly Shonen Jump. "Shaman King", which has been serialized in the same magazine since 1998, was made into a TV anime. Currently, "SHAMAN KING THE SUPER STAR", a new chapter of "Shaman King", is being serialized on Magapoke. Other notable works include "Shaman King FLOWERS", "Yunboru-JUMBOR-", and "Nekogahara".