Other meanings of Design
Manga
Designs (stylized as DESIGNS) is a Japanese science fiction manga series written and illustrated by Daisuke Igarashi. It was serialized in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon from 2015 to 2019 and collected into five volumes. The story follows a team of genetically engineered human-animal hybrids, known as "Humanoids," who are deployed to counter a mysterious alien threat that has devastated Earth. The series is noted for its intricate biological world-building and philosophical exploration of humanity's relationship with nature.
The manga is set in a near-future Earth where a mysterious alien entity, referred to as the "Unidentified Species," has begun attacking human settlements. In response, a secret organization called the "Nara Institute" develops the Humanoid Project, which creates soldiers by combining human DNA with the traits of various animals. The protagonist, a young woman named Kano, is one of these Humanoids, and the narrative follows her missions and the ethical dilemmas surrounding her existence.
The story alternates between action sequences and introspective moments, exploring the psychological toll of being a weapon. The aliens are never fully explained, maintaining an air of cosmic horror. The setting includes detailed depictions of futuristic military technology and the natural environments that the Humanoids are designed to protect.
Igarashi's artwork is characterized by highly detailed, fluid linework and a masterful use of negative space, which has been praised for its ability to convey both the beauty and brutality of nature. The series explores themes of identity, transhumanism, and the consequences of playing god with genetics. The Humanoids are not simply soldiers; they struggle with their dual natures, often questioning whether they are more human or more animal.
The narrative also critiques anthropocentrism, suggesting that humanity's dominance over nature is both fragile and destructive. The aliens, in contrast, are portrayed as incomprehensible forces, echoing Lovecraftian tropes. The manga's pacing is deliberate, allowing for extended sequences of quiet contemplation between action set pieces.
Designs was serialized in Monthly Afternoon from 2015 to 2019, with the final chapter published in the July 2019 issue. Kodansha collected the chapters into five tankōbon volumes, released between 2016 and 2019. The series has been licensed for English release by Kodansha USA, which published the volumes in 2020–2021.
Critical reception has been positive, with reviewers highlighting the originality of the premise and the sophistication of the art. The manga was nominated for the 22nd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2018. It has been compared favorably to Igarashi's earlier works, such as Children of the Sea, for its environmental themes and visual storytelling.
One notable detail is that the Humanoid designs are based on real animal physiology, and Igarashi consulted with biologists to ensure anatomical accuracy. The manga includes an appendix in each volume with scientific notes on the animals used, a feature rarely seen in fiction. Additionally, the series was initially planned as a short story, but the publisher encouraged Igarashi to expand it into a full serialization.
The English translation by Stephen Paul included extensive translator's notes to explain the biological terminology. A limited edition of the first volume in Japan came with a poster of the Humanoid anatomy chart. The series has a small but dedicated fanbase, and it has been cited in academic papers on ecocriticism in manga.
All information is based on published sources as of 2025.
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