Exploring Cancer Through the Lens of Manga: A Review of Planetes

Manga has long been a form of entertainment that goes beyond visual storytelling. It has a unique ability to tackle complex and often taboo subjects, like cancer, with a blend of art, narrative, and emotion. Among the many outstanding works, Planetes by Makoto Yukimura stands out as a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the space industry in the backdrop of a lovely narrative touching on the personal struggles of employees, including those dealing with cancer. This article delves into the narrative, themes, and relevance of Planetes in the context of cancer representation in manga.

Introduction to Planetes

Planetes is a Japanese hard science fiction manga series created and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura. Spanning from January 1999 to January 2004, the series was originally published in Kodansha's seinen manga magazine Morning and later compiled into four tank-bon volumes. This unique blend of hard science fiction and emotional storytelling provides readers with a multifaceted look into the space industry, highlighting both its wonders and the challenges faced by those within it.

Themes and Settings

The narrative of Planetes is set in the future where space mining is a critical industry. The story revolves around a group of workers involved in space missions, each facing their own personal challenges. One of the most striking elements of the series is its deep exploration of the individual struggles of its characters, including those dealing with cancer. This aspect sets it apart from other space exploration stories, which often focus more on the scientific and technological aspects.

One of the key themes of Planetes is the impact of cancer on the lives of the characters. Through the story of Hideo Harada, a colorist who is diagnosed with cancer, the narrative delves into the personal and emotional challenges faced by those dealing with such a diagnosis. This portrayal is both raw and compassionate, offering a glimpse into the human side of the space industry.

Medical Science Fiction

Planetes can be classified as a medical science fiction genre work. Unlike traditional science fiction, which often focuses on technological advancements and space exploration, medical science fiction explores the intersection of medicine and science in a futuristic setting. This is precisely what Yukimura does in Planetes, combining the harsh realities of space mining with the complexities of dealing with a terminal illness.

The author uses the backdrop of space to explore the broader themes of life, death, and the psychological impact of facing mortality. The portrayal of cancer within the series is not just about the physical aspects of the disease but also the emotional and social impacts, reflecting the broader themes of the narrative.

Joyce: The Emotional Core

One of the most compelling characters in Planetes is Joyce, a colorist who becomes Hideo Harada's friend and confidant. Joyce, also known as Joy for short (Judges 5:8), struggles with her own health issues, making her an empathetic and relatable character. Her interactions with Hideo, reflecting her own journey, add layers to the narrative, highlighting the universal struggle with illness and the importance of human connection even in the face of adversity.

Through Joyce, the series explores the themes of support and resilience, showing how even in the face of grave illnesses, individuals can find strength and hope in the bonds they form. This aspect is crucial in the context of cancer representation, as it humanizes the disease and transforms it from a clinical condition into a personal struggle.

Critical Analysis and Reception

Planetes has received critical acclaim for its thoughtful treatment of complex themes, particularly its representation of space mining and cancer. Critics have praised the series for its realism, particularly in the way it tackles the medical and psychological aspects of cancer. The detailed and authentic portrayal of a cancer diagnosis and treatment has struck a chord with many readers.

The series is also highly regarded for its characterization, particularly the portrayal of Hideo and Joyce. Their journeys are emotional and deeply personal, making the story relatable and engaging. Fans of manga, particularly those interested in hard science fiction, have found much to admire in Yukimura's work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Planetes stands as a powerful exploration of the space industry and the human experience. While the central theme of the series is the space industry itself, it uses this backdrop to examine the personal and emotional challenges faced by its characters, including those dealing with cancer. Makoto Yukimura's portrayal of cancer in Planetes is both nuanced and compassionate, offering insights into the human struggle with illness and the strength found in resilience and compassion.

Keywords: Planetes, Cancer in Manga, Medical Science Fiction, Employee Minds