Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Name: Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Rating: 3.8 (89 reviews)
Author: Uoto

3.8

(89 reviews)

Author: Uoto

Publisher: Shogakukan

Magazine: Weekly Big Comic Spirits

Volumes: 8

Release Date: 2020-12-11

Age Rating: All Ages

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Synopsis

Set in a fictional medieval European-like country, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth portrays the passion and struggles of those who pursue the heliocentric theory—an idea deemed heretical and severely suppressed in that era. Rafał, a young boy with a genius intellect, is caught between his deep passion for knowledge and his religious beliefs. His life changes dramatically when he discovers an underground group dedicated to uncovering the truth about the Earth's movements. These scholars risk their lives, confronting betrayal, persecution, and despair, united by their conviction to preserve truth for future generations. Characters pass the torch across generations, tirelessly fighting to keep the flame of knowledge alive. This profound and sweeping drama explores themes of academic freedom, human dignity, and the weight of personal conviction.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Rating Metrics

Story

4.9

Characters

3.0

Artwork

2.5

World Building

4.8

Themes

4.1

Pacing

3.7

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Editorial Reviews

And yet, it moves

Today, I want to introduce a manga that became a hot topic in Japan: Orb: On the Movements of the Earth. While the story is entirely fictional and claims not to depict any specific religion, it's clear that it draws inspiration from historical Christianity. What makes Orb particularly engaging is its unique setting and theme. Centering around the heliocentric and geocentric theories is an entirely fresh and distinctive approach, rarely explored in manga before. At its heart, Orb vividly portrays the intense drama and human struggle between believers of the heliocentric and geocentric theories, placing life and death at stake. This narrative highlights the distinctive storytelling style of its creator, Uoto. Uoto previously authored the manga 100m, which revolves around athletes literally risking everything for the sake of a 100-meter sprint. Clearly, Uoto excels at depicting stories in which characters dedicate their entire lives to a singular pursuit. Orb unfolds through multiple short episodes, each featuring its own protagonist. Each character bravely fights against the prevailing geocentric worldview, striving tirelessly to reveal the truth of Earth's movements.

July 12, 2025