Mars (manga)

Mars is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Fuyumi Soryo. It was serialized in Bessatsu Friend magazine from 1996 to 2000, and later collected into 15 tankōbon volumes. The series is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of trauma, mental health, and the complex relationship between two seemingly opposite high school students.

The story centers around Kira Aso, a shy and artistic girl, and Rei Kashino, a troubled and charismatic delinquent with a reputation for reckless behavior. Their paths cross when Rei asks Kira for directions, leading to an unexpected connection between them. As their relationship develops, Kira and Rei confront their past traumas and emotional scars. Rei's past is particularly dark, involving abuse and the suicide of his twin brother, also named Rei. Kira, too, carries her own emotional baggage related to past experiences.

The manga delves into the characters' internal struggles and psychological complexities, examining how their pasts influence their present actions and relationships. It explores the healing power of love and understanding while acknowledging the challenges of overcoming deep-seated trauma. The series is known for its intense emotional depth, realistic portrayal of mental health issues, and compelling character development.

Mars has been adapted into a live-action television drama series in Taiwan (2004) and a Japanese live-action film (2016), titled Mars: Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru! (Mars: I Love You!). These adaptations offer different interpretations of the original manga, with varying degrees of faithfulness to the source material.