Tsubasa: Those with Wings
Tsubasa: Those with Wings is a shōjo manga by Natsuki Takaya. It was serialized by Hakusensha from 1995 to 1998 in Hana to Yume, and collected in six tankōbon volumes; it was republished in 2007 in three bunkobon volumes. The series is licensed in English in North America by Tokyopop, which began releasing translations of the bunkobon volumes in spring of 2009.
Story
The manga is set at the end of the 22nd century, where the Earth has practically been destroyed by the many wars that have taken place. The rich and the army live comfortably, whereas the rest of the world lives in a state of poverty.Tsubasa: Those with Wings revolves around the life of Kotobuki, an ex-thief who tries to find a job for herself. Travelling with her is Raimon, who believes the word genius exists for his sake, which is actually quite true. He used to be a military commander and would often run into Kotobuki, but never caught her. Each has fulfilled their dream, Kotobuki's is to forget about thievery, and Raimon's is to leave the militia and to live with Kotobuki forever. However, people seeking the Tsubasa, a legendary object that grants wishes, never stop causing them trouble. This object appeared long ago, but its current location is unknown. Everyone is trying to claim it as their own and use Kotobuki and Raimon's skills to do so.
Characters
;Kotobuki;Raimon Shiragi
;Shouka
;Hil Guill
;Touya Ingram
;Phere Marshel
;Yan Mizuchi
;Adelaide Wilson
;Ross Corpul
;Kayo and Rikuro
;Ann
Release
Written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya, the chapters of Tsubasa: Those with Wings appeared as a serial in the manga magazine Hana to Yume from the October 1995 issue to the May 1998 issue.Tokyopop licensed the series for an English-language translation in North America.
Volume List
; Book- Takaya Natsuki "Those with Wings" Hakusensha
6 volumes
- Released November 1996, ISBN 978-4-592-12831-1
- Released April 1997, ISBN 978-4-592-12832-8
- Released October 1997, ISBN 978-4-592-12833-5
- Released February 1998, ISBN 978-4-592-12834-2
- Released June 1998, ISBN 978-4-592-12835-9
- Released August 1998, ISBN 978-4-592-12836-6
- Takaya Natsuki "Those with Wings" Hakusensha
3 volumes
- Released January 12, 2007, ISBN 978-4-592-88521-4
- Released March 15, 2007, ISBN 978-4-592-88522-1
- Released May 15, 2007, ISBN 978-4-592-88523-8
Reception
The series ranked eighth in About.com's reader poll, tied with Oh My Goddess! Colors, for the 2009 "Best Classic or Reissued Manga". The first volume of the Tokyopop edition debuted at #10 on The New York Times best seller list for manga the week it debuted.Deb Aoki of About.com placed Tsubasa: Those with Wings on her lists of "Top 10 New Manga from Anime Expo 2008" and "20 Most Anticipated New Manga of 2009". Johanna Draper Carlsen, a reviewer for Publishers Weekly, wrote that the series had some appeal as entertainment for a rainy day; she thought that the Takaya's art was dated as her early work, yet conveyed the story. Publishers Weekly negatively reviewed the first volume, finding the art, characterization, and storyline lacking in comparison to Takaya's later work in Fruits Basket. According to the reviewer, Tsubasa: Those with Wings "lacks the originality and emotional impact of Fruits Basket." The reviewer, however, complimented Tokyopop's decision to translate the bunkoban volumes, instead of the six original volumes.