In the vast landscape of Seinen manga, few creators command as much respect for their stylistic audacity and narrative depth as Taiyo Matsumoto. While he is widely celebrated for works like *Tekkonkinkreet* and *Ping Pong*, his magnum opus of surrealist science fiction, No. 5 (Number Five), remains one of the most visually arresting and philosophically dense entries in the medium. Originally serialized in Shogakukan’s *IKKI* magazine, *No. 5* is a sprawling epic that defies traditional genre conventions, blending high-concept sci-fi with avant-garde artistry.
The Premise: A World on the Brink
The story is set in a far-future Earth where the global climate has collapsed, leaving behind a world of vast deserts, frozen wastes, and crumbling megacities. To maintain a semblance of order in this chaotic landscape, an international organization established the Rainbow Council (also known as the Rainbow Brigade). This elite group consists of nine super-powered individuals, each designated by a number, who serve as the world’s ultimate peacekeepers. These are not merely soldiers; they are genetically enhanced icons, revered as gods by some and feared as monsters by others.
The status quo is shattered when No. 5, the group’s premier marksman and perhaps its most enigmatic member, goes rogue. He deserts the Council, taking with him a mysterious, childlike woman named Matryoshka. This act of defiance is seen as the ultimate betrayal by the Council’s leader, the messianic and terrifyingly powerful No. 1. As No. 5 and Matryoshka flee across the surreal landscapes of a dying world, the remaining members of the Rainbow Council are dispatched one by one to hunt down their former brother.
Demographics and Artistic Style
*No. 5* is firmly rooted in the Seinen demographic. It eschews the typical power-scaling tropes of Shonen battle manga in favor of psychological exploration, political intrigue, and abstract storytelling. Matsumoto’s art style here is heavily influenced by the French "bande dessinée" movement, particularly the works of Moebius. The character designs are grotesque yet beautiful, and the world-building is conveyed through sprawling, hallucinatory vistas that feel more like a fever dream than a standard comic book. It is a challenging read that demands the reader’s full attention, rewarding those who appreciate experimental narrative structures.
Core Themes: Humanity, Power, and Nature
At its heart, *No. 5* is an exploration of the burden of power. The members of the Rainbow Council are burdened by their own divinity; they are disconnected from the humanity they are meant to protect. Through the eyes of No. 5, we see a rejection of this artificial "perfection." His journey is a quest for something organic and real in a world governed by cold, calculated control.
Another central theme is the relationship between humanity and the environment. The world of *No. 5* is a casualty of human ambition. The surreal flora and fauna that inhabit the wastes suggest a nature that is trying to reclaim the earth, often in violent and unpredictable ways. The conflict between the Council (representing rigid order) and No. 5 (representing a chaotic, individualistic freedom) mirrors the struggle of a planet trying to find its new equilibrium.
Furthermore, the character of Matryoshka serves as a vessel for themes of innocence and rebirth. Her presence is the catalyst for No. 5’s rebellion, suggesting that even in a world defined by military might and genetic engineering, the simplest human connections are the most transformative.
Why You Should Read It
*No. 5* is not just a manga; it is an experience. It is a story about brothers-in-arms forced to kill one another, a meditation on the end of the world, and a visual masterclass in perspective and line work. For fans of *Akira* or *Ghost in the Shell* who are looking for something more poetic and less literal, *No. 5* offers a journey unlike any other. It is a testament to Taiyo Matsumoto’s genius, proving that manga can be a vehicle for the highest forms of avant-garde expression without losing its emotional core. Whether you are drawn in by the high-stakes sniper duels or the philosophical musings on the nature of the soul, *No. 5* is a landmark achievement that belongs on every serious collector's shelf.
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