Ranked #236

Kanata Kara (Manga)

I can't believe that no review has been written for this beautiful manga yet. I wouldn't even hold this is competition with Fushigi Yuugi, because Fushigi Yuugi would never have a chance. Don't read Fushigi. Read From Far Away. It's is so much more realistic, more beautiful and Noriko could kick Miaka's ass any day. And Izark would kick Tamahome's ass.

I had been holding off on reading this one for a while. I had assumed (never something you should do) that it would be like Fushigi Yuugi. And not that I hated Fushigi Yuugi, but Miaka pissed me off. I did not like her. And there were too many guys in potential for Miaka and that was like what the whole story was about. Miaka and these sexy guys trying to win something but there too sexy so how does that even make sense? Sexy men are never really like that. But that's another story.

Anyway I finally decided to read it. First off Noriko is 18, which hit off better with me. Because she's not some hysterical, emotional 16 year old little damsel in distress (who I can't stand because they always whine! Miaka!). Well technically she is a damsel but she's so down to earth, more mature. I'm 20 so the age was closer.

So I started reading and at it first it was like all the other 'girl who gets transported to some other world to save it' deal, but then Noriko is actually a very calm, very responsible girl. She doesn't freak out like some child and she doesn't take for granted Izark who is helping her. She actually has to learn the language, which Miaka does not, and she spends a lot of time here. You find out that she is the key to Izark and his demonic powers. And that this prophecy is all about the apocalypse. Or well you know. Of course the heroes have to save the world from the evil doers!

I think what kept me was the emotional bond that I could see developing between Izark (total hottie) and Noriko immediately. And Noriko wasn't all flustered by some hot guy saving her. They aren't attracted by looks! Noriko sees Izark for who he really is, inside his heart. Even past his...um well his little problem that lives on inside him. And Izark sees the goodness in Noriko, her kindness. The bond between these two is incredibly real (well not the demons, and magic and other world stuff) and you can't help but smile. Because it's both sad and wonderful. Who they are and what they are is something that is resolved.
And it was their romance that I was so intent in reading for more for. When I was reading Fushigi Yuugi, I was always so angry with Miaka and how selfish and pathetic and whiney she really seemed to be. The only thing Miaka did in my opinion was find the warriors. Then they did all the work. But in From Far Away Noriko and Izark take on the world saving task all by themselves. They support each other and it was a much more mature relationship I simply sighed in relief when I was reading them. Izark needed (and NOT in that way!) Noriko in ways that only she could seem to be there for (if I remember correctly Miaka did a lot of needing, not Tamahome). And Izark was her protector (duh). Noriko sees her struggles, works them out rationally, and then pursues what she can do to help her in her and Izark's quest. She tries to take on as many problems as Izark does, she just has a better handle on things and is fluid in the way she handles things thrown at her. Granted she cried out for Izark every time someone man-handled her, but she's like 5'2 and 100 lbs. She's complete human. There isn't must she can do in a warring world.

The art is something I take pleasure in. It's so beautiful and clean. Although I could have gone without all of the bams, thuds, screeches and any other big bolded black letters that were thrown in just about every damn fight scene! That blocked out some of the picture and kept my attention diverted which I did not like. But it was gorgeous. The flow between each panel was good. And the emotions were caught perfectly.

The characters are wonderful. The development between Noriko and Izark is beautiful and lonely and difficult. Izark is full of despair and Noriko is like a bubble of courage. The supporting characters are funny and fit well in complementing Izark and Noriko. But I can't stay away from our main two. Izark and Noriko are the two who's relationship is focused on throughout the entire series (duh) and it's not just some quick 5 minute suddenly their in love thing. Through Izark's internal struggle, and the relationship that blooms, I was melting inside.

The story does not focus on love, nor does it solely focus on fighting. Rather it's more the struggle between good and evil, the light and the dark, that each and every single person must go through. The romance was slow, sweet and perfect. The fights were bloody. But it was the battle that people had to take up for themselves to defeat the evil that was inside them and around them.

Of course if you have read Fushigi Yuugi, I would more than just recommend From Far Away. But if you are like any other shoujo/romance person than I say read this. It's not exactly short, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Take the time to read this.

I suppose what it boils down to in this manga is the maturity level. If your tired of all the whiney girls, then you should read this.

It was undeniably sweet and gorgeous.
Now I'm off to read Red River and Basara.

Btw, did I mention that this is SO MUCH BETTER than Fushigi Yuugi? read more

I must say I am a huge fan of this wonderful manga and amazed at how under rated it is. At first I had feared that the main character, Noriko would be another one of those stupid, weak, useless female characters, however I gladly admit I was mistaken. She was very strong willed and central to the story. The story it's self is a very good one, with an exciting journey and a wonderful plot. It has romance without being all gushy about it and a nice dose of action. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this manga and plan to reread it in the near future.