Osamu Tezuka's phoenix cover a vast range of topics: life, death, religions, history, technology and more, all covered in one long manga series. Each chapter tells a unique story set in a different period of human history, yet all are connected by a mythical creature, the phoenix. What makes this manga great is Tezuka’s ability to approach each story with creativity and unpredictability: when the story is set in the past, he offer a different perspectives on a historical event, when the story is set in the future, his imaginations go wild, re-create the universe itself. Beyond just telling the interesting stories, Tezuka consistently exploreprofound theme related to our existence, such as the meaning of life, the nature of religion and impact of technology. He doesn't settle for mere entertainment, he wants readers to reflect on life and world around us.

Another highlight of this manga is Tezuka’s distinctive writing style and storytelling technique. Even when tackling heavy topics, his playful and cartoonish art style lightens the tune. His character often jump around, make exaggerated movement, or even act and speak in a modern ways, regardless of the time setting. The panel layout sometimes shift into a unique, unexpected arrangement, plots can fade in and out, create a dynamic reading experience. All these elements combine to make Phoenix a fun, accessible read that still encourages deep reflection on our world.

Favourite chapters: Universe, Nostalgia