Jushin Enbu
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...

 that was serialized in Square Enix
Square Enix
is a Japanese video game and publishing company best known for its console role-playing game franchises, which include the Final Fantasy series, the Dragon Quest series, and the action-RPG Kingdom Hearts series...

's Gangan Powered. The original story is by Huang Jin Zhou (A unit composed of Hiromu Arakawa
Hiromu Arakawa
is a Japanese manga artist from Hokkaidō. Her renowned manga, Fullmetal Alchemist, became a hit both domestically and internationally, and was later adapted into two television anime series. She often portrays herself as a bespectacled cow.-Biography:...

, Genco and Studio Flag) and illustrated by Arakawa. The motif of the story are Chinese wuxia
Wuxia
Wuxia is a broad genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists. Although wuxia is traditionally a form of literature, its popularity has caused it to spread to diverse art forms like Chinese opera, manhua , films, television series, and video games...

 drama and novels. The world view is rooted in Chinese folklore and history, as well as having an element of fantasy.

The series has been on a hiatus since 2010.

Plot

A period piece, Jūshin Enbu features Taitou, a young man who hates the empire that rules at the time, with his sister Laila as they learn of a mysterious power Taitou holds, unbeknownst to him. Taitou is the incarnation of a mysterious star that grants him a huge amount of power that he has yet to fully master. Joining them is Ryuukou, who has power similar to Taitou, just more honed.

After Taitou's coming of age ceremony, which required him being beaten by Ryuukou, he is given the Kenkaranpu, described as a conqueror's sword, which Taitou is not even capable of drawing. Soon after, he and Laila are greeted by a man named Shimei, who wants to take the sword. After a quick exchange of blows, Shimei explains the source of Taitou's power - the star Hagun, one of the most powerful Hokushin-Tenkun. When Shimei uses his own sword's power to cause Laila to stop breathing, Taitou becomes so angry he releases Hagun's power, draws Kenkaranpu and pins Shimei to the wall by throwing the Kenkaranpu through his stomach. He then turns to Ryuukou and attacks. Despite his best efforts, Ryuukou cannot overcome Hagun's power. It is only a resuscitated Laila's intervention (along with a nasty head butt) that brings Taitou to his senses. However, they all soon learn that Shimei had escaped with the sword.

At midnight, Taitou sneaks out to recover the sword. As he leaves, Ryuukou and Laila quickly join him on his journey. As they travel, they come to the canal town of Jousei. While they're there, Ryuukou attempts to teach Taitou how to control his ki, and with it, the power of his star. When you don't refine and focus the power, it exits the body any way it can, leaving the body covered with cuts from the power exiting. But Taito is too impatient to learn Ryuukou's way, who was trained by monks. The three are living in an inn in the refugee section of town, right next to the canal. It starts raining hard, and Ryuukou worries about the levey walls holding. At the inn, the three meet Koyou, a handsome ship captain, who does ladies make-up for entertainment. As they talk, the city officials close the inner canal gates to protect their harbor, not caring that it puts the refugee section in danger of being flooded. When the refugees try to enter the city for safety, they are refused access, even as the levey bursts right into the section. Taitou tells Ryuukou to break the flood gates to release the pressure, because he can control his ki. He does so, but is still dangling over the water when a downed tree hits a bridge, breaks it, and heads towards him. Taitou, in a reckless attempt to save his friend, leaps from the gate walls and smashes the debris, unfortunately forgetting to attach himself to something, and so falls into the canal. Ryuukou jumps in after him, and pulls him onto a floating piece of wood, where he then starts to berate him for almost sacrificing himself, saying he should have left him. Taitou is explaining that he couldn't abandon a friend like that, when their piece of wood hits an obstruction and disinigrates. Taitou starts to drown, and Ryuukou finds the current too strong for him to carry both of them as he is, and Taitou glimpses the symbol of a star on his chest before he falls unconscious.

Later, Taitou finds out that Laila had found Koyou, the man from the inn, and had gotten his help in saving the two. He then rounds on Ryuukou, asking why he had been hiding that he was one of the Hokushin-Tenkun. Ryuukou just felt like the right time never came up, revealing the his star is "Bukyoku", the star right next to "Hagun". They are joined by Laila and Koyou, who derects their attention to his "modest ship", a massive barge he calls "Touga". He then loads all the refugees onto it, promising to take care of them. By this time Shimei has reached the capital and Shogun Kiero Hakuhou, who he then presents with the Kenkaranpu.

The Two Noble Spirits (二天神尊)

Taitō Shirei (岱燈獅麗)
The main protagonist. A 16 year old youth. He is very headstrong, does not like losing, and though reckless is quite a skilled fighter. He opposes the officials in order to protect the people and his companions. He also has a habit of repeating himself when flustered or angry. The relationship he has with his sister Laila(not related by blood) changes as they both begin to get feelings for one another; when out of control only she can control him back to normal.

He has the Hokushin-Tenkun mark of Alkaid, Hagun (破軍), on his right shoulder. He is also part of the law enforcing organization, Seiryutou (青龍党, Holy Dragon Group), which is based at Lotus Temple at Taishan. The group take care of events from rebel raids to violence inflicted by officials. The group overestimated their strength and took on Keirou and in the end lost most of their people. Taitō, seeking revenge for his comrades, left on a journey to train up.

In the manga, the Kenkaranpu (賢嘉爛舞) was to be given to Taitō on his coming of age ceremony by Sonnei but it was seized by Shimei, turning the journey to that of the recovery of the sword. In the anime, the sword was taken by Keirō after a fight between Taitō and the general during the former's invasion of the temple.

Taitō meets the emperor later on in the anime and it is revealed that Taitō is the older brother of the emperor and that they were separated because Taitō bore the 'Hagun' mark.

Keirō (慶狼)
35 years old. He has the Hokushin-Tenkun mark of Duhbe, Tonrō (貪狼), on his left shoulder. A general of the imperial army and the leader of the Black Wolf Party. He aims to be the emperor of the Ken Empire.

In the anime, he forced his way into Lotus Temple with his troops to retrieve the sacred sword Kenkaranpu. It is said that the one who unsheathe it will get the right to rule as Emperor. To get the sword many monks and Seiryutou members were killed.

The Five Divine Warriors (五神闘士)

Ryūkō Mouten (劉煌孟甜)
The 18 year old bearer of the Mizar, Bukyoku (武曲), mark. Uses a staff in battle. He is the adopted son of a master from another temple of the Rikka Sect, Ryuushou Moukan. His original name is Keikō and Keirō is his real father. Ryūkō is a serious person who expects highly from himself. He has a bad sense of direction. The Bukyoku mark is at his right pec. He is in love with Rinmei.

In chapter 9 of the Manga, Ryūkō faces off against Keirō to allow Taitō, who is not match for Keirō at this time, a chance to escape. After the battle with Keirō, Ryūkō meets up with Taitō, in chapter 10, and has apparently switched his support from the Hagun (Taitō) to the Tonrō (Keirō) and supports his campaign to usurp the Emperor. Later, his support is questioned by Keirō, so as a test, Keirō ordered Ryūkō to carry out the death sentence of his adoptive father, Ryuushou Moukan. After doing so, Ryūkō has a crises of loyalty and seems to fall into a bottomless despair.

Hōsei Meitoku (鳳星銘徳)
The 17 year old bearer of the Phecda, Rokuson (禄存), mark. The archer of the group, a carefree and hot-headed person. He is attracted to Laila. The Rokuson mark is at the back of his right hand. His weapon is the Soutenkyuu, a bladed bow that can also be divided and used as twin bladed swords.

In the manga, from chapter 10~14, Hōsei becomes the main support for Taitō after they both believe that Ryūkō is dead and after Ryūkō abandons them for his father, Keirō. In chapetr 14, Hōsei finally gets revenge for his master by defeating and "killing" Shimei, but is mortally wounded in the battle. He dies in Taitō's arms.

Koyō Mougai (虎楊蒙骸)
The 22 year old bearer of the Merak, Monkoku (文曲), mark. The leader of a group of sea bandits. Although a big, lively and rough person, he has skillful fingers and has interest in cooking and make-up. He wields an eight-section staff. The Monkoku mark is at his neck.

Shōkaku Chōyō (将鶴張楊)
The 24 year old bearer of the Alioth, Renjō (廉貞), mark. He is the teacher of the current emperor Taigatei. Usually seen smiling and basically a calm person, yet under that exterior he is actually a tactician who resorts to any means to keep the Ken Empire going. Any action he undertakes is usually for the good of the Ken Empire. The Renjou mark is at his right palm. In the anime, it is revealed that he is actually afflicted with some sort of fatal disease, and expects to die soon.

Rinmei Shokan (麟盟詔韓)
The 20 year old bearer of the Megrez, Komon (巨門), mark. In love with Ryuukou but she hates his unsociable attitude. She cooks for the temple Ryūkō is from. She is concerned that she looks older than her age. She is the type that becomes scary when angry. The Komon mark is at her right thigh.

Others

Laila Seiren (頼羅青蓮)
14 years old. Taitō's little sister (not by blood). She is the daughter of Sōei, the leader of Seiryutō. She is often seen quarreling with Taitō and has generally won every time they have quarrelled. The only person who can stop Taitō when he acts recklessly. The relationship between her and Taitō changes as she gains feelings for him(more than that of a older brohter but as a man). After her father's death, in chapter 11 of the manga, She has a moment of crises, aided by Shimei and his sword, in which she blames Taitou, until she realizes later that he is not to blame for the deaths that are happening around her.

Taigatei (汰臥帝)
The 16 years old Emperor of the Ken Empire. Good-hearted and has no self thought. He would like to change the Empire into a better place, yet he does not have much power - in reality members of his court govern the Empire. He and Taitou are twins, with Taigatei being the younger brother.

Shimei (史明)
A follower of Keirō. Seemingly one of the primary antagonists, he manipulates many people from behind the scenes all for the purpose of seeing "people die." He holds the demon sword of all seeing eye, Banshoushimei (萬詳史明) and is able to use spells. "Shimei" is who ever holds the Banshoushimei. He has had three separate bodies in the Manga. Currently in the resurrected body of Hōsei Meitoku.

In the anime he is revealed to be a demon who thrives on negative emotions.

Sōei (曹栄)
Taitō's and Laila's father. A former member of the Imperial Army, now leader of Seiryutou. After having roamed the Empire, his master Sonnei asked him to settle down at Lotus Temple. He is killed by Shimei.

Sonnei (孫寧)
The elderly High priest of Lotus Temple (the headquarters of the Rikka Sect[六伽宗]) and former master of Souei. A master of the gaiden technique (外伝法) who is well known in the Empire. Has a weakness for women.

Kōchō (孔凋)
A subordinate of Keirō. A quiet and unsociable person. In the anime, he is Taki's real father.

Taki (侘姫)
Keirou's adopted daughter who entered the Court as a princess candidate. A quiet and sweet-natured girl. She and Taigatei are in love and they eventually marry in the anime.

Choka (趙香)
Originally from a foreign country but stowaway to the Ken Empire. She was then picked up by Keirou and now serves him loyally. Now a court lady attached to the Emperor where she guides the weak-willed Emperor to follow Keirou's wishes. She distrusts Ryuukou and Shōkaku, despite them claims to serve Keirou. In the anime, Shōkaku deducts, apparently correctly, that she is in love with Keirou.

Koei (紅英)
Hosei's teacher who also subsequently taught Taitō the different ways of using Soukihō, Gaiden for weaponry and Naiden for strengthening the human body. Extremely knowledgeable and well read. Killed in a confrontation with Shimei. Shimei addressed her as Chisenkyuu (智泉玖), indicating some kind of prior relationship.

Production

The origins of Hero Tales came from a work by doujin group "Dennou Sanzoku Bukando"(電脳山賊武漢堂) called "Shishi Juushin Enbu"(獅子獣神演武). The work is an illustrated net novel and later released as a doujinshi. Dennou Sanzoku Bukando is the doujin group formed by Hiromu Arakawa and Zhang Fei Long. Juushin Enbu is announced after seven years of conceptualizing and planning.

The events that led to the announcement of Juushin Enbu (from Hiromu Arakawa interview, Pafu -March 2007 issue): In 2005, Huang Jin Zhou brought the plan to Hiromu which is then brought to Square Enix. In the beginning of the project, Hiromu was only in charge of character design. Huang Jin Zhou took care of other matters such as creating the scenario. Before the serialization, Hiromu and Studio Flag took seven years to conceptualize this original story.

Manga

Authored by the group Huang Jin Zhou, Hero Tales started serialization in Square Enix's Gangan Powered since 2006. After Gangan Powereds last issue in 2009, the series continued serialization in Monthly Shōnen Gangan. The series is also collected tankōbon
Tankobon
, with a literal meaning close to "independently appearing book", is the Japanese term for a book that is complete in itself and is not part of a series , though the manga industry uses it for volumes which may be in a series...

 volumes by Square Enix. The first volume was published on August 11, 2007. As of June 22, 2009, four volumes have been released in Japan. The first tankōbon was published in English by Yen Press
Yen Press
Yen Press is the manga and graphic novel imprint of Hachette Book Group. In addition to their regular book releases, Yen Press produces a monthly anthology called Yen Plus. The company's varied list demonstrates an interest in publishing a wide variety of Japanese manga, Korean manhwa, and other...

 in October, 2009 and began serializing in Yen Plus
Yen Plus
Yen Plus is an American monthly anthology magazine of Japanese manga, Korean manhwa, and Original English-language manga published by Yen Press. The first issue went on sale on July 29, 2008 with five manga titles originally published by Gangan Comics, four manhwa titles, and two OEL manga titles...

 February 2009 issue.

Volume list

Anime

On October 7, 2007, an anime series based on the manga premiered in TV Tokyo
TV Tokyo
is a television station headquartered in Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Also known as , a blend of "terebi" and "Tokyo", it is the key station of TX Network. It is one of the major Tokyo television stations, particularly specializing in anime...

 under the title of Juushin Enbu -HERO TALES-(獣神演武 -HERO TALES-). The series is produced by Studio Flag and directed by Osamu Sekita. Manga illustrator Hiromu Arakawa was also in charge of making the characters designs. With a total of 26 episodes, the anime aired from October 7, 2007 to March 30, 2008. On January 7, 2010, Funimation Entertainment
Funimation Entertainment
Funimation is an American entertainment company. Originally founded in 1994 by Gen Fukunaga, the company became a subsidiary of Navarre Corporation on May 11, 2005...

 announced that it has acquired the anime. The series is set to make its North American television debut on May 17, 2011 on the Funimation Channel
FUNimation Channel
The FUNimation Channel is a 24-hour cable network which broadcasts anime series in the United States. OlympuSAT was chosen as the exclusive distributor of the network....

.

Opening theme
"Winterlong" by BEAT CRUSADERS
Beat Crusaders
were a Japanese rock band. During all promotional appearances, their faces are masked by drawings resembling themselves as printed by a dot-matrix printer.-History:...

"Flashback" by HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR
High and Mighty Color
High and Mighty Color was a Japanese metal band active from 2003 to 2010. They notably had two vocalists; a male and a female.- Formation and Anti-Nobunaga :...


Ending Theme
"Kakegae no nai Hito e (かけがえのない人へ)" by Mai Hoshimura
Mai Hoshimura
is a Japanese singer and songwriter. She writes and composes all of her music. She is known for her famous standing crouched stance while playing the piano.She is a graduate of Shobi University.On May 31, 2009, her contract with Sony ended.- Biography:...

Komorebi no Uta by HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR
High and Mighty Color
High and Mighty Color was a Japanese metal band active from 2003 to 2010. They notably had two vocalists; a male and a female.- Formation and Anti-Nobunaga :...


External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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