Flock of Angels

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Flock of Angels
Cover of Flock of Angels v1
天使の群れ (Tenshi no mure)
Genre	Sci-fi, Drama, Fantasy
Manga
Author	Shoko Hamada
Publisher	Asahi Sonorama Aurora
Demographic	Josei
Magazine	Nemurenu yoru no kimyō na hanashi (?)
Original run	2003
Volumes	3^[1]

Flock of Angels (天使の群れ, Tenshi no mure^?) is a josei manga by Shoko Hamada. It has been published in English by Aurora Publishing in 2007.

[edit] Plot

Flock of Angels is a sci-fi fantasy series that deals with a disease called Angelosis, which causes humans to grow white, angel-like wings on their back (and they are not just ornaments, but those who have them can also use them to fly!). Like most sci-fi works, this manga series deals with the deepest and basest realms of human nature and society. Borrowing loosely from Lacan's mirror theory, what happens when you become the "other" (the one who is different from everyone else?) And not just socially, but internally as well for you now deviate from the socially ingrained image of what a normal "human" should be. When you look in the mirror today and see yourself changed irrevocably from the socially established you from yesterday, how would you feel? How would the world's view of you change?

These are issues that the main character Shea, and other Angelosis victims, finds himself facing when he suddenly changes from a typical teenager to a boy with white wings on his back. However, rather than run from it or scorn it, Shea chooses to embrace it and expose himself to the public as a spokesperson for all those who have suffered from the mysterious disease. Along with the number one pop band Angelaid, who wear wings on their backs when they perform and the multitude of wing wearing (though fake) fans, Shea seeks to find the root behind Angelosis and also help others into adjusting to the idea that except for their wings, they are just like any other person.

Shoko Hamada's artwork is quite simple and clean yet has the shōjo touch in the delicate features and large eyes.