Orient (manga)

 is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Shinobu Ohtaka. It was serialized in Kodansha's "Weekly Shōnen Magazine" from May 2018 to January 2021 and later transferred to "Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine" in February 2021. In North America, Kodansha USA has licensed the series for English language release. An anime television series adaptation has been announced.
Plot.
The story revolves around a 15-year-old boy named Musashi and takes place during Japan's Sengoku period. At the time, Japan is ruled by Demons. Musashi tries to confront the demons with certain special power.
Media.
Manga.
"Orient" is written and illustrated by Shinobu Ohtaka, known for her previous works such as "Sumomomo Momomo" and "". It was serialized in Kodansha's "Weekly Shōnen Magazine" from May 30, 2018 to January 6, 2021. The manga was then transferred to Kodansha's "Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine", starting on February 9, 2021. Kodansha has compiled its chapters into individual "tankōbon" volumes. The first volume was published on August 17, 2018. As of March 17, 2021, twelve volumes have been released.
In March 2020, Kodansha USA announced the acquisition of the manga for English language digital release, with the first volume being released on April 7, 2020. Kodansha USA also announced the print release of the manga starting on January 26, 2021. The manga has also been licensed in Germany by Kazé and in France by Pika.
Anime.
On January 4, 2021, it was announced that the series will receive an anime television series adaptation.
Reception.
Rebecca Silverman of "Anime News Network", gave the first volume 3½ out of five stars. Silverman praised the series for its iconography, adding that the demons are drawn with the same symbols and styling seen in Buddhist imagery, like bodhisattva with horns, fangs, and talons. She added that Ohtaka's art improved with the series and appreciated her departure from the "boob jokes" presented in her earlier works, making the series feel "less juvenile while still being good for middle grade readers". Silverman concluded: "in the shounen action line, this is looking like a safe bet". Faye Hopper of the same website, gave the first volume 2½ out of five stars. Hopper praised the series' art, but criticized it for its execution and pacing, adding: "New characters appear out of nowhere and are not given proper introductions, character arcs are not meaningfully advanced, and any potential tension is lost in how the characters don't face meaningful consequences for their actions. It is a mess." Hopper concluded: "a final impression is just as important as an introductory one. And sadly, at the end of the day, "Orient" just does not keep up its momentum".