Name: Twin Spica
ISBN: 9781934287842

Kō Yaginuma

Maya Rosewood

Thirteen-year-old Asumi Kamogawa has aspirations of becoming a Japanese astronaut, but first she must pass numerous physical and mental trials to be considered for an elite spot in the Tokyo Space Academy. Original.

Twin Spica

Sarah Sammis

Twin Spica, Volume 1 by Kou Yaginuma was on the short list for this year's Cybils. I'm glad it did as it is an excellent start to a science fiction manga series that I would have missed otherwise.

In this volume Asumi is roomed with two other girls during a test that will take all their cooperation if they want to pass and make it into the Tokyo Space School.

Intermixed with the test, the setting up of a huge number of dominoes, are flashbacks and insights into Asumi's past. Ever since she was a young child she has wanted to be an astronaut. Her mentor in all of this is Mr. Lion, the personification of the ship that crashed when Japan was first launching its space program.

I loved the psychological aspect of the domino test. While it seemed first too easy and then impossible it was a good test of teamwork and ingenuity. The next thing I loved was Mr. Lion and how he reveals bits and pieces of what happened during the crash.

I have since read volumes two, three and four and hope to keep going as time permits.

Gavin

Brutally effective emotional wringing out.

Ken Yuen

A completely underrated story. The characters are beautiful and unique. Not only does it focus on their relationships, but the way the past affects the present and the future. A must read.

There was also a Japanese drama version of this series.

Twin Spica

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