Kei Shigema's Notes on Vheen Hikuusen Monogatari Through this work, we can steal a peek at the past of one person. One who, in his lifetime's wanderings, appears many times in history's pages, yet whose own life's story is merely glimpsed at in fragments of historical records. Who is this person - what did he wish for, what did he accomplish, what did he not? And where did he come from, why did he leave...? In spite of all these mysteries - no, in fact, _because_ of them - we are drawn to this man. This man's name is Ghaleon. Premier of the Magic Guild of Vheen, esteemed sage of the Four Heroes. And... Well, then, to Lunar fans, to Akari Funato fans, to Magic Guild of Vheen fans (do any exist?) - greetings. I'm the creator of Lunar, Kei Shigema. The comics compiled in this book are what one would call "extra chapters" to Lunar, the RPG series designed for play on family game consoles. The stories revolve around Ghaleon, the highly regarded called "the series's only bishounen" (bwa ha ha). But didn't I myself already know what sort of past Ghaleon had? No, not at all (ha ha). Anyhow, since the work was entirely Funato-san's proposal, I thought, why not let her run wild with her own style and ideas? But I soon began to wonder - especially when I was told about young Ghaleon's rebelliousness. I was admittedly uncomfortable with the idea - "Ah, ha, ha, ha," I said, "what a cute little naïve guy he is!" (sweatdrop) Actually, though, the stories of Ghaleon and Dain and the one-time Four Heroes had hardly been told in the games. Inspiration flowed from this idea, and I can say that this very "Akari Funato version of Lunar" was the work that splendidly realized this part of my world. When I first read it, it made me very happy. If I recall, Akari Funato's first job for the Lunar series was drawing up some manga used to publicize the Mega CD version of Lunar 2 in magazines. From that experience, I got the feeling that she held very sharp opinions and strong convictions about her works, but how she the instilled the game's scenario and plot with novel-caliber emotion and characterization won her my confidence. Unfortunately, her extreme stubbornness and impudence...er, her distinctively outspoken, vehement opinions, the very basis for my faith in her, lent a big hand in the two or three rewrites we had to do, with me sobbing and crying... (teardrop) Seriously, though, Akari Funato is a uniquely, fiercely individualistic and unique creator. The characters, stories, and worlds within her have been impatiently awaiting their day in the spotlight - now. I think the same can be said for the fans and myself. I eagerly await her next original work. When that time comes, I think I'll offer my own frank, open opinions. I'm ready and waiting! (ha ha) Translation by RACapowski@sceneryrecalled.com; please don't repost this document without permission. Lunar and the Sega Freaks cards are property of Game Arts, JAM, Working Designs, and/or Sega; the translator and translation are unaffiliated with the above companies.