Terra Formars
Mutated cockroaches on Mars threaten humanity's survival.
Terra Formars is a Japanese manga series created by writer Yū Sasuga and artist Kenichi Tachibana. It first ran in Shueisha's *Miracle Jump* magazine from January to December 2011, then moved to *Weekly Young Jump* in April 2012. As of August 2026, 24 collected volumes have been published. The story centers on humanity fighting mutated humanoid cockroaches on Mars, with deadly missions and battles aimed at stopping a mysterious virus and the creatures from invading Earth. In North America, Viz Media holds the English-language license.
A two-episode OVA, *Terra Formars: Bugs 2 Arc*, came out in 2014, and a TV anime series covering the Annex 1 arc aired that same year. A second season, *Terra Formars: Revenge*, aired in 2016. A live-action film directed by Takashi Miike was released in 2016.
**Plot**
In the 21st century, scientists try to colonize Mars by terraforming it. They seed the planet with modified algae to absorb sunlight and clean the atmosphere, plus cockroaches whose corpses spread the algae as they feed. Five hundred years later, the first crewed ship lands, and its six members are attacked by giant, mutated, humanoid cockroaches with immense strength—later called "Terraformars." The crew is killed after sending a warning to Earth. Two years after that, a multinational expedition called BUGS II, made up of genetically modified humans, is sent to collect ten samples of both sexes of roaches and exterminate them to take control of Mars. Only two survivors return to Earth; one vows to go back and avenge their fallen comrades. As a third expedition is organized, questions arise about the Terraformars' true origin and their link to a mysterious human disease called the Alien Engine Virus (A.E. Virus). To match the Terraformars' strength and speed, members of the second and third expeditions undergo genetic modification to gain traits from other organisms, a process requiring a special organ implant that has only a 36% survival rate.
The third expedition also ends with most of its crew dead, either from battles with Terraformars or internal conflicts among factions with opposing interests. Still, the few survivors collect enough samples to research a cure for the A.E. Virus and return home. However, a new fight begins when it's revealed the creatures reached Earth long before.
Quick Facts
- Ja Romaji
- Tera Fōmāzu
- Genre
- Adventure · Horror · Science fiction
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In an attempt to colonize Mars, 21st-century scientists seed the planet with modified algae and cockroaches. Five hundred years later, the first crewed ship lands and its six members are attacked by giant mutated humanoid cockroaches called 'Terraformars,' who wipe out the crew after sending a warning to Earth. Two years later, the BUGS II expedition of genetically modified humans is sent to collect samples and exterminate the bugs; only two survivors return. A third expedition is assembled, revealing questions about the Terraformars' origin and their connection to the Alien Engine Virus (A.E. Virus). To combat the Terraformars, members undergo genetic modification by inheriting characteristics of other organisms, a process requiring a special organ implant with a 36% survival rate. The third expedition ends with most crew killed, but survivors collect enough samples for a cure. It is later revealed that the Terraformars arrived on Earth long before, multiplying rapidly and adapting to their new environment.
Reader's Guide
The series is notable for its detailed depiction of genetically modified humans battling insectoid enemies on Mars, drawing from real biological traits. The BUGS II expedition includes characters like Shokichi Komachi, who gains Asian giant hornet abilities, and Ichiro Hiruma, who gains powers from the sleeping chironomid. The Annex I expedition features Akari Hizamaru, who inherits latent abilities from a BUGS II crewmember, and Michelle K. Davis, who inherits Paraponera ant powers. The story explores themes of survival, betrayal, and the consequences of genetic engineering, with multiple factions aboard the third expedition ship. The live-action film adaptation was directed by Takashi Miike. The manga is licensed for English release in North America by Viz Media.
Did You Know?
- The manga was originally serialized in Miracle Jump from January to December 2011 before moving to Weekly Young Jump in April 2012.
- The M.O. operation required for genetic modification carries a 36% chance of survival during surgery.
- The BUGS II expedition had only two survivors: Shokichi Komachi and Ichiro Hiruma.
More in Television Series About Genetic Engineering 1-23
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