Ever feel nostalgic for the epic space operas of the 80s? The Five Star Stories was a manga series that captured the era perfectly. Running from 1986 to 2002, this sprawling saga featured mecha designs by the legendary Mamoru Nagano in a galaxy embroiled in political intrigue and war. You likely haven’t thought about it in years, but revisiting this classic series is worth your time.
Though lengthy and complex, The Five Star Stories rewards dedicated readers with a deeply imagined world, compelling characters, and high-stakes drama. The storyline follows the Joker Cluster, a group of planets ruled by the Fatima dynasty, and the political marriages and battles that shape power in their kingdom. At the heart of the story is the star-crossed romance between Lachesis and Clotho, a mortal and an immortal, whose love challenges the order of their world.
Sound familiar yet strangely distant? That’s the beauty of revisiting works from the past. You get to relive the thrill of discovery while also seeing them with fresh eyes. The Five Star Stories is a portal into a pivotal era of science fiction and a reminder of the imaginative power of manga. Take the plunge – you just might fall in love with this series all over again. Dive back into The Five Star Stories and rediscover why it captured your imagination so long ago. The mecha, political intrigue, and star-crossed lovers await.
The Characters of the Five Star Stories
The characters of The Five Star Stories are what give this epic space opera its heart. From the heroic Amaterasu Harvey to the villainous Mad Scientist, there’s no shortage of memorable players in this tale.
Amaterasu, the main protagonist, is a “fatimas” – a humanoid female android. Though she was created to serve the royal Harvey family, her kindness and bravery prove she’s so much more than her intended purpose.
The Five Star Stories largely centers around the war between the Joker Cluster and the Fatima Kingdom. Leading the Joker forces is the menacing Mad Scientist, a once-brilliant researcher who went mad with power and a thirst for revenge. With an army of sinister androids and a doomsday weapon at his disposal, he poses a formidable threat.
On the other side, King Colus III rules the Fatima Kingdom. Though plagued with health problems, his wisdom and compassion make him a beloved leader. His heir, Prince Edward, shows signs he will become a wise and judicious ruler.
Amidst galactic war, there are also tales of romance. Amaterasu finds love with the roguish mecha pilot, Clotho Frollo, though their relationship faces many challenges. The sheltered Princess Phyllis, sister of Prince Edward, must choose between duty and her heart’s desire.
With its mix of sci-fi action, political intrigue, and human drama, The Five Star Stories crafted a universe brimming with spirited characters that have resonated with fans for over 30 years. Their struggles and relationships ultimately give this space opera its soul.
The Mecha Designs of the Five Star Stories
The mecha designs in The Five Star Stories are truly works of art. Created by Mamoru Nagano, the mecha, or giant robots, are intricately detailed and customized for each character.
Nagano is known for his skill in mechanical designs. The mecha in this series are complex, with some standing over 70 meters tall! Every inch of these massive machines are carefully illustrated. The overall shapes are rounded and organic, resembling the human body.
Some standouts are Amaterasu, the mecha of Emperor Amaterasu, and fatum-01, piloted by the Knight of Gold. Amaterasu is a regal design with ornate, ceremonial armor. The fatum-01 is more rugged but still ornate, with a distinctive horned helmet.
The mecha are also highly personalized for their pilots. They reflect the pilot’s title, personality and fighting style. This high level of customization and detail gives each mecha a sense of character in its own right.
The mecha designs are a big part of what gives The Five Star Stories its unique flavor. Nagano’s signature style and intricacy breathed life into these mechanical marvels, turning them into memorable and compelling characters. His masterful designs created a world of giant robots with soul.
The Worldbuilding in the Five Star Stories
The worldbuilding in The Five Star Stories is truly imaginative and intricate. Set in a futuristic universe, the story spans multiple planets and solar systems.
Technology
The level of technology in this world is far beyond our current capabilities. Interstellar travel and space colonies are commonplace. Massive spaceships called Mortar Headds, which are like giant robots, are piloted by Headliners. These ships can destroy entire cities, but are also used in competitions and sporting events.
Political System
Politically, the Joker star cluster is made up of various kingdoms and duchies. The Fatimas are a line of blue-blooded royals who rule the primary kingdom. Their dynasty has lasted for over a thousand years. The Fatimas and other royals live luxurious lives, while commoners struggle in poverty. This class system is rigid, though some mobility is possible through success in competitions like the Mortar Headd battles.
Religion
Religiously, the people of this world worship ancient gods like Poseidon, as well as more mystical deities. Magic and the occult also seem to exist in this universe, demonstrated through the Fatimas’ mysterious powers and the strange creatures and supernatural events that appear throughout the story.
The level of depth and complexity in the worldbuilding is truly staggering. With its fusion of sci-fi and fantasy elements, The Five Star Stories has crafted a wholly unique universe that feels lived-in and real. For any fan of imaginative worldbuilding and space opera, this manga is a must-read.
The Themes of the Five Star Stories
The Five Star Stories is filled with many thought-provoking themes. Some of the most prominent ones center around identity, purpose, and relationships.
Identity
A major theme is the search for one’s identity and place in the world. Many characters struggle with understanding who they are and where they belong. For example, the androids known as Fatimas were created to serve humans but long to live freely and find their own purpose. The young king Amaterasu is unsure of his role as a leader and seeks to discover what kind of ruler he wants to become.
Purpose
Closely tied to identity is the quest to find meaning and purpose in life. The Fatimas wonder why they were created and what they are meant to do now that they have free will. Mortals like Colus ponder the point of endless battles and what they’re fighting for. Even the gods themselves are trying to figure out their purpose, as the world they watch over keeps changing in unexpected ways.
Relationships
With so many characters of different backgrounds, relationships—both harmonious and contentious—are central to the story. We see the close bonds between mortals and their Fatima companions, the political alliances and rivalries between kingdoms, and even the complex web of relationships between the gods. Some of these connections are loving while others are fraught with conflict, but they all shape the lives of those involved.
Revisiting The Five Star Stories allows us to explore timeless themes of identity, purpose, and relationships through a creative sci-fi lens. Though the story is set in a fantastical world, these themes resonate with the very human experiences of the characters.
Why the Five Star Stories Deserves a Revisit
The Five Star Stories is a manga series that deserves another look. Originally published between 1986 to 2002, this space opera follows the lives of “fatimas,” humanoid androids, and the relationships they form with their masters.
Creator Mamoru Nagano is known for his highly detailed art style and mechanical designs. The fatimas in particular showcase Nagano’s skill, with intricate costumes and hairstyles inspired by European fashion. For sci-fi fans, the spaceships and futuristic technology throughout the series are also visually stunning.
While the plot moves slowly, it focuses on political intrigue and interpersonal relationships rather than action or adventure. The fatimas take center stage, with their human masters acting as side characters. Many of the fatimas exhibit a high degree of independence and personality. They think, feel and act on their own, forming close bonds with each other beyond their programmed roles.
The series frequently subverts expectations about gender and sexuality. Several fatimas openly identify as male or female regardless of their physical design. Romantic and sexual relationships develop between human and fatima characters, as well as between multiple fatimas. These relationships are portrayed positively, with mutual love and respect.
After over 30 years, The Five Star Stories remains a uniquely empathetic take on science fiction. The series deserves revisiting for its visuals, complex characters, and progressive themes. While lesser-known in the West, its influence lives on in many modern anime and manga. For any sci-fi fan looking to expand their horizons, this manga is a must-read classic.
