The original author, Tony Valente, is a manga artist originally from France. Radiant is currently hugely popular in Japan, a rare achievement achieved through a re-import. In October 2018, the manga was adapted into an anime in Japan, a dream come true for the author, further solidifying its popularity. In this article, we will explore the mystery of the "wizard" who appears in Radiant. Please be aware that this article contains spoilers!
What is Radiant?
The First French Author
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
This is the first time a work by a French author has been adapted into an anime in Japan. However, because the content is geared towards a Japanese audience, it's easy to enjoy. The use of mythology, typical of a French author, is also enjoyable and in keeping with Radiant.
Contents
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
This is a classic magic fantasy centered around Seto, a young wizard who lives in the rural town of Pompo Hills. It's a classic, and quite rare these days. You can experience the classic shonen manga that Japanese people have almost forgotten. Read it, watch it, you will definitely not regret it!
[Radiant] The Existence of Wizards in This World
Nemesis Hunter
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
In this world, a monster called "Nemesis" exists. It appears out of nowhere, attacks towns, and torments the people. Ordinary humans can knock it unconscious or leave it near death, but they cannot defeat it. Only wizards can defeat Nemesis. This led to the emergence of a new profession: the "Nemesis Hunter." Seto's foster mother, Alma, is a Nemesis Hunter.
Exclusion
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
It is said that wizards are cursed by their contact with Nemesis. Seto seems to have a recognizable marking, such as the horns on his head. Alma may be missing an arm. This makes him as hated as Nemesis. For a boys' manga, it's a pretty deep and heavy theme. So it's a manga that adults can enjoy reading too!
Radiant Mystery 1
Discrimination against Wizards
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
In this world, wizards, even children, are mercilessly killed. As a young child, Seto had a terrifying experience in which he was nearly burned at the stake. Although Seto is now cheerful and positive, he has overcome many hardships and difficulties. Magicians live in a very difficult environment.
Why are they hated?
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
Alma says, "We magicians are afraid." The view is that people continue to exclude and discriminate against wizards because they are afraid of their great powers. Ideally, wizards should exist as heroes who can defeat Nemesis, but in this world they are so hated that they are called "devils." This is also a strange story, isn't it? As Alma said, people may discriminate against wizards out of fear because they don't really understand them.
Radiant Mystery 2
Relationship with Nemesis
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
By interacting with Nemesis, you can use magic. You must collect a magical source called "Fantasia" and use it to activate magic. Depending on how you use it, you can use a variety of magic spells, from attack to defense. It's a mystery how you can use magic just by touching Nemesis.
Can magic be transferred?
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
The idea is that touching Nemesis turns one into a wizard, and then the curse (magical power) is transmitted. Perhaps Seto became a wizard by touching the horned Nemesis. It would be an interesting connection if that characteristic were transmitted. However, since it isn't transmitted between humans, it may be Nemesis's power after all. The mystery only deepens.
[Radiant] Mystery 3
The Presence of the Inquisitors
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
The Inquisitors are a police force specializing in dealing with wizards. They are entities that monitor and arrest wizards to ensure they are not committing crimes against people. If they are found to be wizards, they are basically put in a cage. I actually think that their existence is also a mystery. If you think of them as arresting wizards who help people suffering from Nemesis, then the meaning of their existence becomes unclear. It seems like there is something hidden in the background.
Justice
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
Just as wizards have their own sense of justice, so too do the Inquisitors. Wizards in this world are villains. The Inquisitors are the symbol of peace who will defeat them. If you look at it from a different perspective, both are righteous, but I still feel that the Inquisition's side is more skewed. Is it a bad thing to have wizards around?
Radiant Mystery 4
The Existence of Radiant
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
Seth's ultimate goal is to destroy Radiant, a nest of Nemesis said to exist somewhere in this world. He has a burning desire to destroy it, drive out the Nemesis, and help people understand wizards. Does it really exist? If it does, it would also solve the mystery of why monsters fall and attack towns. It would be interesting if a large organization were involved (lol).
Radiant is full of mysteries
Source: Radiant ©Tony Valente, ANKAMA EDITIONS / NHK, NEP
We hope you enjoyed this article. We've introduced a serious look at the mysteries of the wizards in Radiant! One of the fun things about Radiant is the abundance of hints, and I'm really looking forward to seeing when and how they'll all be resolved. I can't take my eyes off Seto and his friends, who are so chaotic that you can't help but root for them. Will things turn out as I suspected, or will there be a big twist? I'm looking forward to what happens next!
