Abstract

The world’s first Buddhist statue action comic, Butsu Zone, returns to the modern era as a deluxe two-volume collector’s edition, created using high-resolution scans of the surviving original manuscripts and the latest digital restoration technology.

This was the serialized debut work of Hiroyuki Takei, who would later go on to create Shaman King. The story follows Senju, an incarnation of the Thousand-Armed Kannon sent from the Pure Land to the human world. His mission is to guide Sachi Saigan, the reincarnation of Maitreya Bodhisattva, toward enlightenment, as they journey toward India while facing off against Mara, the enemy of Buddha.

The second volume collects Chapters 10 to 19, depicting the conclusion of the battle with Ashura, as well as Senju’s encounters with unique new characters—including Bato, his senior, and Itako no Anna, a spiritual medium. It also includes the standalone short stories ITAKO no ANNA and Death Zero.

Alongside a faithful reproduction of the original color pages from the magazine serialization, this edition features illustrations and comics previously drawn for the bunkoban and Jump Remix editions, as well as never-before-included artwork created for the drama CD and preview cuts from the original magazine ads.

Also included are newly drawn illustrations by Hiroyuki Takei and a three-hour-long in-depth 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".