The earliest incarnation of what would eventually become Tezuka’s epic masterpiece, Phoenix [Manga Shonen] (1954-55) was Tezuka’s follow-up series to the popular Jungle Emperor (1950-54) in Manga Shonen. It began publication in July 1954 and ran until the magazine suddenly folded in May 1955, unfortunately leaving the work unfinished after just eight instalments.

In a mythical age of ancient Japan, Nagi Iza, a young boy living on one of the southern islands, is on a quest to find the legendary Phoenix and save his dying father. Believing the magical healing properties of the blood of the mysterious bird is the only way to cure his father, Nagi sets off on a mission to climb up Fire Mountain, a local volcano and the home of the Phoenix.