Description
Women of the Zodiac 2
Book Summary
This second volume of Miyako Maki's acclaimed series brings together two stories featuring women whose destinies are shaped by their zodiac sign and the aftermath of the Second World War. The work, originally published in the magazine Josei Jishin between 1973 and 1974, captivated an entire generation of Japanese female readers. Taurus and Virgo are the signs that guide Nami and Aya, two women who must face their own limitations and an oppressive social context to find their place in the world. A pioneering work of female manga that combines drama, sensitivity, and an introspective look at the role of women in postwar Japanese society.
What is it about?
The book includes two independent stories, each linked to a zodiac sign. In Taurus, we meet Nami, a young woman with a passionate character who is in a dead-end relationship with Tsutomu. This situation makes her feel adrift, like seaweed pulled by the current. However, through the course of nature and the rhythms of her own body, Nami will find the inner strength to stand up to Tsutomu and make her own decisions.
In Virgo, the protagonist is Aya, a woman who has been blind since the age of ten. Trapped by the vibrant memory of the flowers of a tree that marked her childhood, Aya must learn to navigate a world she perceives through other senses, while dealing with memory, loss, and the hope of a new beginning. Both stories explore how destiny, symbolized by the stars, intertwines with personal will in a Japan trying to rebuild itself after the war.
Main themes
- Destiny and the influence of the zodiac on women's lives.
- Female emancipation and the struggle for personal autonomy in postwar Japan.
- The emotional and social aftermath of the Second World War on human relationships.
- The relationship between nature, the female body, and decision-making.
- Overcoming disability and the power of sensory memory.
Who is it recommended for?
This manga is aimed at readers interested in classic Japanese female comics, especially works of the josei genre that address female psychology with depth. It is also recommended for those looking for intimate and dramatic stories set in 1970s Japan, as well as for collectors of pioneering manga works with a social and feminist perspective. Fans of narrative astrology and choral stories will find a unique offering here.
What this book offers
- A unique look at Japanese female sensibility of the 70s through two emotional and well-constructed tales.
- The opportunity to discover a classic and influential work of josei manga, recovered in its entirety for today's audience.
- A deep reflection on destiny, personal freedom, and the ability of women to redefine their own lives.
- Two self-contained stories that allow for a brisk read that is nonetheless loaded with emotional and symbolic weight.
Technical specifications
- Author: MAKI, MIYAKO
- Publisher: SATORI EDICIONES C.B.
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: GRAPHIC NOVELS: MANGA
- Collection: MANGA SATORI
- Publication date: May 2019
- Number of pages: 224
- Weight: 468 g
Editorial review
Women of the Zodiac 2 is a work of great historical and literary value within female manga. Miyako Maki manages to construct two stories that, despite their brevity, possess remarkable psychological depth and a sensitivity that transcends their era. Satori's edition restores with quality a title that was fundamental for an entire generation of Japanese readers. It is a recommended read for those who wish to explore the roots of josei and for those who appreciate stories where destiny and personal will clash in a delicate balance.