RG Veda
| RG Veda | |
| File:RG Veda.jpg manga, volume 1 (Japanese re-release cover) | |
| Anime | |
| Directed by | Hiroyuki Ebata Takamasa Ikegami |
|---|---|
| Studio | CLAMP, ANIMATE |
RG Veda (聖伝, Seiden) is an epic manga created by CLAMP. RG Veda consists ten graphic novels in all. It was first published in Japan in 1989 as CLAMP's debut manga. The story features elements of Sanskrit mythology; the title itself is an alteration of Rig Veda, which is the earliest of the four Hindu religious scriptures known as the Vedas. The series is known for it's extravagant and richly detailed art. It was popular enough to inspire a 2 episode anime OVA (which can be found on DVD).
The RG Veda graphic novels have been translated and released in many different languages. Tokyopop is currently releasing English versions in the United States.
Plot
Three hundred years ago, the god of thunder, Taishakuten, rebelled against the Heavenly Emperor, killing both him and the guardian god Ashura-ou. With the help of Ashura-ou's wife Shashi, he usurped the throne and began his cruel reign as the new Emperor. However, a prophecy was made:
"Six stars will strike the earth. You are the dark star that goes against heaven. Your journey begins when you find the child of a vanished race. I cannot see if the child is good or evil, but I know only this child can spin the wheel of heaven's destiny..."
Following this prophecy, the Guardian Warrior of the northland, Yasha-ou, awakens the genderless child of Ashura-ou, Ashura, who has slept the last three hundred years under a magical seal. Believing the prophecy to mean that the "Six Stars" together can overthrow Taishakuten, he and Ashura set out to find the "Six Stars". They are joined over time by Souma, Ryu-ou and Karura-ou, three of the Six Stars of prophecy, of which Yasha-ou and Ashura are as well. A mysterious character who appears and disappears quite regularly, Kujaku, gives them helpful advice, but his nature and intentions are unclear.
The gentle and childlike Ashura (who is usually referred to as "he" out of convenience, though some translations use a female pronoun) soon reveals a deadly alter-ego, a youth who wishes to destroy the world with his power, which only the combined efforts of Yasha-ou and the sheer willpower of Ashura's gentle side can bring under control. While the Six Stars seek to bring Taishakuten's reign to an end, Ashura's destiny becomes clear, but will he destroy the world or save it...?
External links
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