From Homo Sapiens to Robo Sapiens, this is a story in which humanity transcends itself. With thematic echoes of "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" and "Blade Runner (1982)", "Robo Sapiens Zenshi" consists of 13 self-contained yet interconnected chapters. Through a multi-focal narrative featuring various characters, it chronicles the origin, development, and evolution of a new non-biological intelligent species. These beings gradually "replace" what we consider humanity; starting as servile androids, they eventually assume active roles in society and come to be recognized as cyber-persons with their own rights and freedoms. Some of these androids appear indistinguishable from humans, while others even believe they are humans,literally. The ever-present dilemma is clear: what truly makes a human... human? This is not the first nor last piece of work exploring the complicated relationship between humans and technology; however, I do think it's one that has a little something more to offer, if not new, at least a fresh view on such dilemmas.

"Robo Sapiens Zenshi", more than simply portraying humanity's doom, envisions life beyond the limitations of physical form, not free from a melancholic tone, but from a much more neutral, even phlegmatic, perspective.

This is a thought-provoking manga, with its strength lying in the simplicity of its narration and the clarity of its minimalistic artwork. The sparse dialogue enhance the immersion rather than hinder it. I definitely recommend it to those of you looking for a short sci-fi manga that, instead of giving you answers to your questions, makes you question your answers.