Unico: Awakening

Gr 4-7–For eons, Unico was swept around the world, befriending and helping others. Now, in this reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s classic manga, the story restarts for a new generation. After a prelude, the little unicorn meets Chloe, an abandoned cat who wishes to become human. While well-intentioned, Chloe has a desire for more, and that brings about the cosmic attention of Unico’s nemesis, Venus. This first volume not only retells the “Cat on the Broomstick” arc from Tezuka's original manga, but also sets up a running narrative and establishes the type of themes this series will explore. First up are identity, friendship, and cruelty. True to the source, Sattin introduces kids to heavier topics within the safe zone that is this sweet character and their hopeful outlook. The art, too, retains certain Tezuka characteristics, like the unicorn’s bobblehead design and catlike size. Overall though, Gurihiru does update the style to current preferences. The modern setting, dramatic paneling, and mood-oriented palettes bolster the weight of Unico’s helpful and heroic deeds.