Ray (manga)

Ray the animation

Ray is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akihito Yoshitomi. The series first appeared in November 2002 in the manga magazine Champion Red, published by Akita Shoten. It spans a total of seven volumes, concluding in November 2006. Ray is categorized within the genres of science fiction and medical drama, offering a unique blend of medical intrigue and speculative storytelling.

Plot

The story of Ray revolves around a young woman named Rei Hazama, also known as Ray. As a child, Ray was subjected to horrific experiments that granted her a special ability: the power to see through human bodies like an X-ray. This extraordinary skill stems from a cybernetic implant, which was forcibly embedded in her eyes. After escaping from the facility where she was held captive, Ray dedicates her life to saving others, using her unique ability to perform medical miracles that defy conventional diagnosis and treatment.

Throughout the series, Ray works alongside a team of doctors and specialists at a facility known as the Kouga Medical Center. Here, she confronts various medical cases, some of which delve into the ethical dilemmas of science and medicine. The narrative also explores Ray's past, including her quest to find the truth about her origins and the shadowy organization responsible for her abilities.

Characters

• Rei Hazama (Ray): The protagonist, known for her ability to see through human bodies. Her past is marked by trauma and experimentation, driving her to use her powers for the benefit of others.
• Black Jack: A mysterious and highly skilled surgeon who plays a significant role in Ray's life. His appearances link Ray to the broader universe created by Osamu Tezuka, specifically the Black Jack series.
• Shinoyama: A doctor working alongside Ray, he is one of her closest allies, providing both medical and emotional support.
• Kouga Medical Center: The primary setting for many of Ray's medical adventures, staffed by a diverse team of healthcare professionals.

Themes and Reception

Ray delves into themes such as the ethics of medical experimentation, the quest for identity, and the use of science for both benevolent and malevolent ends. The manga's unique blend of medical drama and science fiction has been praised for its originality and the way it addresses complex issues within a speculative framework.

The series has been adapted into an anime titled Ray The Animation, which aired in 2006. This adaptation further expanded the audience for Ray's story, introducing her and the series' compelling themes to a wider audience.

Publication

The manga was serialized in Champion Red magazine from 2002 until its conclusion in 2006. It has been collected into seven tankōbon volumes by Akita Shoten. The series' blend of genres and unique premise has garnered a dedicated fanbase, intrigued by its medical mysteries and ethical questions.