Bokurano - Mohiro Kitoh




Bokurano manga cover
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Bokurano is a manga that delves into the depths of the human soul through the lens of a deadly game involving teenagers. Mohiro Kitoh crafts a narrative where every victory comes at a price, and each character’s choices reveal the complexity of being human.

During a summer camp, fifteen children discover a cave filled with strange computer equipment and meet a man named Kokopelli. He invites them to take part in a “game” where they must pilot a giant robot, Zearth, to defend Earth from invaders. After agreeing, they find themselves caught in real battles—where every pilot, upon winning, dies, because Zearth runs on the operator’s life force.

The manga stands out for its narrative structure, with each chapter focusing on a different pilot—exploring their past, motivations, and moral dilemmas. This approach offers deep psychological insight, raising themes such as guilt, sacrifice, and the loss of innocence.

Kitoh’s art style, with its fine and expressive lines, contrasts with the weight of the story, heightening its emotional impact. The series has been praised for its ability to handle complex, sensitive topics with clarity and depth.

Manga:
Bokurano – Mohiro Kitoh
Seinen, Psychological Drama, Science Fiction
Complete series in 11 volumes (2003–2009), serialized in Monthly Ikki by Shogakukan. Available in France via Asuka. Adapted into a 24-episode anime by studio Gonzo in 2007. Winner of the Excellence Prize in the Manga category at the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival (2010).

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