Galaxy Express 999 / Галактический экспресс 999 / Ginga Tetsudo 999

"Manga Review: Galaxy Express 999" Galaxy Express 999, also known as Ginga Tetsudo 999, is a manga that was released in 1977. Set in the future, the story takes place in a world where the population of Earth is divided into two factions. The "Mechas" are people who have mechanical bodies and live in a futuristic city called Megapolis. They are immune to hunger and cold and have a lifespan of a thousand years. However, those who cannot afford a Mecha body are forced to live outside the dome city in harsh conditions, with no protection from the Mechas who sometimes hunt humans for entertainment. The protagonist of the story is a young boy named Hoshino Tetsuro, who lost his parents earlier in his life. As his dying mother's last wish, Tetsuro promises to obtain a Mecha body for himself and live a long and happy life. To fulfill this promise, he must acquire a ticket for the Galaxy Express 999, a legendary and famous space train that travels once a year from Earth to Andromeda, the closest galaxy to the Milky Way. Rumor has it that on Andromeda, one can obtain a Mecha body for free. Unexpectedly, Tetsuro encounters a mysterious woman named Maetel, who provides him with a ticket on the condition that he travels with her. Despite the peculiar nature of her request, Tetsuro agrees. Thus begins his endless journey through stars and planets, with no knowledge of what lies ahead. All he has before him is the vast expanse of shimmering stars. Compared to its prominent anime adaptation, the manga version of Galaxy Express 999 differs significantly. It includes scenes and stories that are not depicted in the anime, giving readers a unique experience. Additionally, the characters' personalities occasionally vary, and the overall tone is darker in the manga. Other related manga titles in the Galaxy Express 999 series include "Galaxy Express 999 Eternal Fantasy" (1997) and "Galaxy Express 999 Another Story: Ultimate Journey" (2018). In conclusion, Galaxy Express 999 is a captivating manga set in a future world where the division between the privileged and the impoverished is stark. The protagonist's quest to obtain a Mecha body and the mysteries he encounters throughout his journey make for an intriguing and engaging storyline. Fans of sci-fi and adventure will thoroughly enjoy this manga.