Unico
A unicorn spreading happiness across time and space.
Unico is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Osamu Tezuka, serialized in Sanrio's shōjo manga magazine Lyrica from November 1976 to March 1979. The series follows a young unicorn who uses his magic to bring happiness to friends across different time periods, and has been adapted into films and comics, with a modern-day reboot beginning publication by Scholastic under its Graphix imprint in 2024.
Quick Facts
- Ja Romaji
- Yuniko
- Genre
- Fantasy
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Unico is a young, innocent male unicorn who brings happiness to anyone near him. The story begins in ancient Greece with a mortal girl named Psyche, whose beauty makes the goddess Venus jealous. Venus kidnaps Unico and commands the West Wind to take him to the Hill of Oblivion, but the West Wind instead sends Unico to different times and places, erasing his memories each time to avoid detection. In the 1981 film adaptation, the gods decide Unico must die but instead send the West Wind to capture him; when the West Wind defies them, they send the Night Wind. In the reboot series, unicorns are born from 'life's secret undercurrent,' and the friendship between Unico and Psyche inspires people across time, angering Venus. The West Wind eventually follows a whisper promising to break the cycle, sending Unico to the modern day.
Reader's Guide
Unico is significant as a creation of Osamu Tezuka, a pioneering figure in manga, and as a rare example of a manga drawn in a Western style, published in full color and read left to right. The series originally served as the mascot for Sanrio's magazine Lyrica, aimed at elementary school audiences and Western readers. Tezuka stated he created Unico to appeal to American audiences and as a personal love letter to Walt Disney. The character has endured through multiple adaptations, including animated films and a 2024 reboot by Scholastic, demonstrating lasting cross-cultural appeal. Unico's themes of kindness, memory, and the struggle against divine jealousy resonate in both Japanese and international contexts. The character was also chosen as the mascot for the Takarazuka City Council of Social Welfare's 'Red Feather Joint Fundraising' in 2025, highlighting its continued relevance in promoting social good.
Did You Know?
- Unico originated from a sketch Osamu Tezuka drew during a trip to Los Angeles in June 1976.
- In the manga, Unico's horn removal causes him to lose all his powers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Unico?
Unico is a young, gentle unicorn who journeys through different eras to bring comfort and joy to the people he meets. The character was created by Osamu Tezuka and first appeared in Sanrio's shōjo manga magazine Lyrica in late 1976.
What are Unico's powers and what role does he play?
Unico's magic centers on spreading happiness, healing, and emotional warmth to his friends rather than any combat ability. He acts as a kind-hearted wanderer who moves across time periods, offering comfort wherever he finds someone in need.
Who created Unico and where did it first appear?
Osamu Tezuka both wrote and illustrated the original manga, which ran in full color in Sanrio's Lyrica magazine from November 1976 to March 1979. The 1981 animated feature The Fantastic Adventures of Unico later introduced the character to a broader audience.
Is there a modern reboot of Unico?
Yes, Scholastic's Graphix imprint began publishing a new Unico series in 2024, bringing the character to a fresh generation of readers. It is the most recent major adaptation following the original manga run and the 1981 film.
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