Description
TALES OF A DISTANT PAST
Book Summary
Shigeru Mizuki, the legendary master of manga, brings one of the most valuable jewels of classical Japanese literature—the Konjaku Monogatari—to the comic book medium. This collection of tales, compiled in the 12th century, comes to life anew through his distinctive narrative and visual style. The reader will be transported to an ancient Japan where the supernatural and the human intermingle in palaces, temples, and humble huts, offering unexpected lessons on nature, morality, and desire. An essential work for both manga lovers and those interested in Eastern fables and folktales.
What is it about?
This volume collects a careful selection of stories drawn from the Konjaku Monogatari, a vast compilation of anonymous tales from medieval Japan. Mizuki, known for his fascination with folklore and the fantastic, reinterprets these narratives with his unmistakable line work. Through these pages, the reader will discover a world where reality and legend blur: from refined courtiers acting with rudeness and debauchery, to monks who succumb to worldly passions and transform into demons, or peasants living through absurd and surprising situations. Each tale is a small window into a distant past, full of wonders, irony, and popular wisdom.
Main Themes
- The reinterpretation of Japanese folklore and classical literature through manga.
- The duality between human nature and the supernatural, featuring demons, ghosts, and wonders.
- Moral lessons and the ironies of fate, where nobles, monks, and peasants display their virtues and flaws.
- Life in ancient Japan, from imperial palaces to the humblest villages.
- Humor and social criticism wrapped in timeless fables.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at manga fans looking for works with deep cultural and historical value, beyond commercial entertainment. It is also ideal for readers interested in classical Japanese literature, folklore, fables, and traditional legends. Likewise, it will be of great interest to those who appreciate the work of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of masterpieces such as NonNonBâ and the Kitaro series, and who wish to explore his role as a promoter of Japanese culture.
What this book offers
- An accessible and visually captivating gateway to one of the most important literary works of medieval Japan.
- The narrative genius of Shigeru Mizuki, who combines humor, terror, and popular wisdom in a unique drawing style.
- A collection of short, self-contained stories, perfect for reading in fragments or all at once.
- An authentic and little-known vision of ancient Japanese society, its beliefs, and its worldview.
- A pocket-sized edition that allows you to enjoy an extensive work (552 pages) in a manageable volume.
Technical Specifications
- Author: MIZUKI, SHIGERU
- Publisher: SATORI EDICIONES
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: GRAPHIC NOVELS: MANGA
- Collection: MANGA SATORI
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication Date: February 2022
- Number of pages: 552
- Weight: 1054 g
Editorial Review
Tales of a Distant Past represents an exceptional opportunity to discover classical Japanese literature at the hands of one of its greatest ambassadors. Shigeru Mizuki not only adapts the tales but reinterprets them with his characteristic sense of humor and critical gaze, making 12th-century stories feel fresh and surprising for the contemporary reader. The work stands out for its narrative density and anthropological value, offering a vivid and often ironic portrait of the human condition. It is, without a doubt, a valuable addition to any library of manga or Japanese culture.