Astra Lost in Space 彼方のアストラ

 Astra Lost in Space — Review (Rating: 5/5)

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Overview

Astra Lost in Space (Japanese title: Kanata no Astra) is a science fiction manga series by Kenta Shinohara. It was serialized on Shonen Jump+ (Shueisha) from 2016 to 2017.
Set in the near future, the story follows a group of high school students who are mysteriously stranded thousands of light-years away from home and must find their way back to their planet.
Reference: Wikipedia (English)

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Synopsis

In the year 2063, a group of high school students sets out on a planetary camp trip. However, they are suddenly engulfed by a mysterious sphere and transported to deep space, thousands of light-years from their destination.
They discover an abandoned spaceship, name it the Astra, and embark on a journey across the galaxy to return home.
Their voyage spans multiple planets, where they must secure food and water while facing dangerous environments, mechanical failures, interpersonal conflicts, and, eventually, the truth behind their sudden stranding and their hidden pasts.

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Main Characters

• Kanata Hoshijima – The protagonist. Energetic, optimistic, and a natural leader who dreams of becoming an interstellar explorer.

• Aries Spring – A cheerful and kind-hearted girl with an exceptional memory, who often serves as the group’s emotional anchor.

• Zack Walker – Calm, logical, and highly intelligent. He handles navigation and ship maintenance, serving as the group’s strategist.

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Story Progression

The story begins with a lighthearted, school-trip-like atmosphere, but tension rises once the students realize they are stranded in deep space.
As they travel from planet to planet, they encounter unknown environments and life forms, relying on teamwork and ingenuity to survive.
Gradually, each member’s hidden secrets are revealed, and the plot shifts toward mystery and suspense.
In the final arc, the truth about their stranding—and a large conspiracy behind it—comes to light. The meaning behind the title Astra Lost in Space is also revealed, leading to a powerful and emotional conclusion.

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Distinctive Features

Astra Lost in Space blends the tension of a survival story with the warmth and charm of a school-life comedy.
Even during serious moments, the characters maintain a lively, humorous tone, which keeps the story approachable and engaging.
The narrative reveals its mysteries gradually instead of explaining everything upfront, keeping readers curious and invested.
Another notable strength is the way the female characters are portrayed—each has a distinct personality and design, adding both charm and color to the group dynamic.

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My Impressions

Although the setting is futuristic, the story feels surprisingly similar to a contemporary school-life comedy at first.
It starts in a lighthearted tone, then gradually reveals mysteries that pull the reader deeper into the plot.
Even in serious situations, the characters often seem to be having fun together, which I feel reflects the author’s unique style.
The revelations near the end, especially how the title’s meaning is uncovered, are both clever and satisfying.
Also, the girls are drawn very cutely, which adds to the appeal. In the author’s earlier works, I never thought of him as someone who could portray “cute” so well, but here he depicts different types of girls in charming and distinctive ways.
It seems that this strength has carried over to his current ongoing series as well.

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Conclusion

Astra Lost in Space is a tightly written series that combines science fiction, mystery, and coming-of-age drama.
With only five volumes, it delivers a complete and well-paced adventure filled with clever foreshadowing, character growth, and emotional payoff.
It’s a great starting point for readers who are new to science fiction manga, offering both the thrill of survival and the warmth of friendship.
If you enjoy stories about space travel, teamwork, and character bonds, this is a must-read.