Hi no Tori

Originally serialized in Manga Shonen from July 1954 to May 1955, this work represents the earliest incarnation of Osamu Tezuka’s epic masterpiece, Phoenix. Conceived as the follow-up to his highly popular Jungle Emperor series, the manga was unfortunately left unfinished after just eight installments when the magazine abruptly ceased publication. Set during a mythical era of ancient Japan, the story follows Nagi Iza, a young boy residing on one of the southern islands. When his father falls gravely ill, Nagi becomes convinced that only one force can save him: the legendary Phoenix. Driven by desperation and filial devotion, he dedicates himself to finding the mythical bird, believing that the magical healing properties of its blood are the sole cure for his father's affliction. To achieve this daunting goal, Nagi embarks on a perilous mission to ascend Fire Mountain, a towering local volcano rumored to be the sacred home of the Phoenix. His journey transforms into a profound test of courage as he navigates treacherous terrain, fueled entirely by the hope that capturing the essence of the mysterious creature will bring his dying father back from the brink.