Orion

is a manga by Masamune Shirow, first serialized in 1990 and 1991 in Seishinsha Comic Gaia magazine. Description The magic/technology described in the story draws upon ideas from Buddhism, Taoism, ancient Japanese myth, elements of cyberpunk, Yin/Yang mysticism, and particle physics. The story is based on a minor empire within the expansive (25-world) Galactic Empire, known as Great Yamato Empire, located on a minor backwater world. Dealing with gods, end-of-world scenarios and numbers of characters caught up in a universe-shattering event. The Galaxy Empire spans 25 worlds and is connected by magic-powered starships. Masamune Shirow has combined many aspects of magic with technology. Elements of cybernetic technology can be seen in use by warriors of the Great Yamato Empire. These warriors integrated with what appear oversize suits of armor which have human arms and legs, pelvis removed and connected by series of wires and tubes. Not all these armors require this, Commander Rommel remains wholly human. These Armor Knights besides wielding swords, staff like Halberds, as well magic-wielding devices. These Armor Knights have limited flight abilities. Starships: Seen in the beginning of the story, Masamune Shirow has starships guided by human navigators which "phase" through time and space not unlike starships seen in the 1984 film Dune. The warships appear as Japanese warships of the Middle Ages which have broadside armaments not unlike 18th-century warships. These vessels are normally seen hovering or flying instead of lying in water. Diagrams/Forums: These are large, circular mystic spells used by characters of the story. They can be used as explosive alarm clocks, summoning spells, magical controlling devices (such as Nāga Generator), as well as controlling starships. Nāga Generator: This device was conceived by mixing science and mystic magic to collect all negative karma in the known universe to purify the Galaxy Empire. Psychoscience: This is a mixture of science and mysticism which gives one the power to wield magic on the level of the gods. However, science is needed to monitor and control this mix. It is still being developed, thus prone to problems which are seen throughout the story.