Ranked #371

Ilegenes: Kokuyou no Kiseki (Manga)

Ilegenes is unfortunately one of those mangas that recieve very little recognition despite being a masterful piece of work. When I stumbled across this manga it was like finding a hidden gem. It is what motivated me to finally join this site just so I could write its first review.

What captured me most about Ilegenes: The Genetic Sodom, is the main character Fon. His charisma seems to affect everyone in his military school and it is also what captivated me. Fon's character, like the island of Ilegenes,consists of an intricate web of mysteries and secrets. As he tries to unravel the intrigues of his past , others begin to question whether such a character is really human or genetically engineered to physical perfection. Although Fon's psychological condition is far from perfect, it is his emotional flaws that defines his humanity even if he may have been artificially created. The major themes of this sci-fi work is presented through the ethics of genetic engineering, political intrigue, human corruption and the complications it creates in our society.

This manga is the perfect blend of sci-fi, adventure and psychological thriller topped with a slight hint of shounen-ai between Fon and Jacques to make things interesting. Although whether it is shounen-ai is certainly left up to the reader's interpretation I think it would give the manga more depth. The artwork is undoubtedly magnificent and the characters sketches incorporate even the minutest emotional detail. Hopefully in the recent future, Ilegenes will get the recognition it deserves as the masterpiece it truly is. read more

Ilegenes dynamically blends the concepts of politics, power, scientific cloning and genetic engineering geared towards a darker path of human nature (in a psychological way). Coupled with friendship and brotherly romance, the manga distinguishes itself from other series of a similar genre by pausing at the appropriate spots instead of trying too hard.

I love the unique aspects of the plot, the charisma of Fon and the seemingly frivolous yet caring personality of Jacques. The interaction between Fon and Jacques is the manga’s major selling point – yes, readers can simply assume there is definitely some extraordinary brotherhood between these two yet at the same time, it is not the boys romance we are talking about here.

The concept of finding one’s true self, believing and doing what is right even in the face of adversities are strongly exhibited throughout the series. The decisions and reactions of the characters grip at your heart and to a certain extent, make readers put themselves into the shoes of the characters and ponder what they would have done if they were in the same position.

After completing this series I just wish it could have been longer. Ilegenes is a manga that will stay in your hearts even long after you have finished reading. It also makes one question the political state of his country.

PS: I couldn’t satiate my curiosity about the story’s aftermath and have started to move on to the novel version, which setting takes place 13 years after the series in the manga.
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