Manga Introduction: Angel Sanctuary

I saw a short clip of an anime when I was in high-school and was instantly captivated. Hungry for more, I searched and found the entire series, three episodes. Then I realized it was based on a manga by the same name: Angel Sanctuary [by Kaori Yuki].

First let me give you a short summary of the plot of first installment. Hopefully I will not spoil it too much. Setsuna, a high-school student with wired powers that manifest themselves in times of danger, is in love with his own sister and tormented by it. Trying to do the right thing, he stays away from Sara but the attraction is far too strong. They finally give in to temptation, consummating their love. At the same time, Setsuna learns that he is the reincarnation of a powerful angle - Alexiel; an angel who led a revolution against the heaven to protect demons from an ethnic cleansing carried out by other angels after God disappeared from heaven. She's defeated and condemned to eternal damnation; her corporal body is sealed away in a tower in heaven while her soul is continuously reincarnated within a human body on earth only to be tormented and to die a horrible death time and again.

Meanwhile, two parties search for Alexiel's soul in order to awaken her soul and resurrect her body; the remnant of demons who were saved by Alexiel and her twin brother, angle Rosiel who is not completely sane and has a love-hate relationship with Alexiel.

The story is complicated with many sophisticated characters and entwining plot lines that drive you absolutely crazy trying to follow them and understand what is going on. But it's hell of a ride. The characters are so well-written and portrayed and drawn that you cannot help but sympathize with them even though you might hate them at the same time. and the story itself? one of the best stories I've ever read - and I'm a fantasy/science fiction genre bookworm. The story constantly catches you by surprise. It never gets boring and sometimes it's so heart-wrenching and tragic that you feel your heart is breaking cause of the anguish that the characters are feeling. The story involves authoritarian, cruel and manipulating angels, an absent and mysterious God who has apparently abandoned heaven, forbidden loves that challenge will of heaven and cheat death itself, Satan as you have never seen him tormented by love ... what more do you want?

It's an unforgettable experience.