This is a prophetic graphic novel that integrates Austronesian culture with ecological catastrophe. In the near future when ecosystems on Earth are collapsing, the land is divided into city-states and small islands. People of all races live side by side in city-states; their abilities to fly and fight are vital; animals and plants are crucial bargaining chips in negotiations. A panorama of this world is presented in three chapters, which serve as the prequel to the upcoming animation film of the same title. The theme of the continuation of life is also explored through the choices made by three female characters. The exquisite sound design and rich soundtrack invoking a cinematic style.
The Land of Milk and Honey
Ruben, a goods transporter traveling around the oceans, meets a mysterious woman named Lily. She makes a curious request for Ruben to smuggle a cargoto the notorious Black Harbor, and that something is her. It turns out that a greenhouse is hidden in the sewers of Black Harbor and Lily brought over plenty of seeds in her hair.
Waiting for the Blooms
As food is running scarce in the city, Saki Amano, the new governor of the Redland City, embarks on the most perilous and dangerous mission, finding the bees. Before departure, she finds out the captain of her guards is pregnant and cannot shake off her worries. Despite encountering an attack by sky pirates, she is blessed with the company of her father's spirit along the way and completes her mission. And the guard captain decides to deliver the baby she didn't want to keep.
The Song of Likat and the Island
The garbage patch in the ocean is expanding, stopping the water from flowing. The new priest of the floating Mayfly Island is a tiny girl who can neither see nor hear, and the islanders are wondering whether it's the end of this last paradise on Earth. The young priest, Likat, is trapped inside the world of spirits and struggles to convey the spirits' voices to the people of her tribe. When the chieftain is in danger, something inside her finally awakens.
The new priest of Mayfly Island. She is petite, deaf, and mute, but later discovers her ability to hear the spirits.
A woman of strong will, who succeeded her father as governor of the Redland City. She misses her father dearly.
A mysterious woman who met her future husband, Ruben, while smuggling seeds to Black Harbor. She is the mother of Lola, the captain of Saki Amano's guards. She watched the two of them grow up together.