©Natsuo Ito / Akitashoten

19th Manga Division Jury Selections

Zero shiki (Type Zero)

ITO Natsuo [Japan]

Outline

This is a near-future science fiction fantasy taking place in “Marunouchi”, a world divided from the other world by deep crevasse caused by tectonic plate shifts. HIDAKA Hifumi, a college student, takes an exam to ride an enormous bird with combat capabilities as an only way to fly to the other world. This piece, with an unassuming, beautiful worldview, depicts the growth of the main character through relationships with colleagues and working together with them.