The Final Fantasy Lost Stranger manga deserves more attention
Back when I read Final Fantasy XIV Eorzea Academy comics, I was hooked by its story and direction. I wish there were more like that the only mass that exists. Only after reading it did I discover I had been missing out Final Fantasy The Lost Stranger all along. Another series tied to the Square Enix series in a more general way and released in English by Yen BaoWhat’s interesting is that it recalls the familiar markings and ingredients of the items FFXIVwhile also coming up with its own isekai manga stories. And since it’s been running since 2017, yes 10 episodes to catch up.
Editor’s note: There will be some spoilers about early episodes in Final Fantasy The Lost Stranger comic series below.
Like many other isekai stories, Final Fantasy The Lost Stranger The manga begins with a fateful encounter with Truck-kun. Shogo Sasaki and his sister Yuko both work at Square Enix. Instead of seeing it as an ideal job, it’s much more realistic! Hazuki Minase admits that even if you get your “dream” job, it might not be exactly what you expected. Furthermore, work is work. So Shogo hopes to continue The ultimate illusionYuko is the same, but things don’t go as planned. However, after an encounter with said truck, both brothers wake up in a fantasy world based on everything. The ultimate illusion game.
Right off the bat, this isekai manga feels like one might expect from it. FFXI or FFXIV. Although the series contains references to mascot characters, spells, and in-game mechanics, Final Fantasy The Lost Stranger begins with Shogo and Yuko joining a guild and trying to find jobs. This… causes Yuko to be killed. That means even though it’s based on The ultimate illusionit’s not accurate. Because there is no “Advanced” magic or means to revive his fallen sister.
This kicks off the rest of the adventure as Shogo is determined to find Raise to restore her. As a result we can see the elements of The ultimate illusion translated when done in isekai manga. Shogo and Yuko’s first allies are the black magician, white magician, and warrior. After Yuko is killed, they participate in a raid to defeat the dragon that killed her. Raise may not be present, but Toad definitely is. The existence of magic and status effects eventually becomes part of the entire plot. Familiar locations such as Gold Saucer also appear.
This even extends to familiar characters. Or, as usual in The ultimate illusionvariations or people who happen to share their names. There is a Cid here, and he eventually becomes one of Shogo’s allies. The Magus Sisters appear and we also meet Princess Sara. So in addition to the familiar archetypes, we see these other recurring staples that make us feel right at home and see how they will perform this time. Especially when compared to what we remember.
Sometimes, I feel like the amount of isekai manga out there can become overwhelming, but the wave The ultimate illusion The elements make it really easy to devour Final Fantasy The Lost Stranger when I started reading manga. I really appreciated the story and how it combined elements and themes from multiple seasons. Seeing familiar character concepts and gameplay elements really got me hooked. Not to mention, given Shogo’s age and background, he feels like a very recognizable protagonist. It all comes together very well.
Volumes 1-10 of Final Fantasy The Lost Stranger The manga is available now, and Yen Press will release volume 11 on December 10, 2024.
