Space Brothers
Two brothers promise to become astronauts together, and one of them spends decades catching up to the other.
Introduction
Space Brothers is about the least glamorous parts of becoming an astronaut: aptitude tests, interviews, waiting, and the specific loneliness of being almost good enough. It is one of the most humane manga on this list.
Plot Review
The spine is a selection process, and the manga treats it with the seriousness of a sports tournament: rounds, eliminations, and evaluations that are genuinely about competence. The science-fiction is grounded — real programme procedures, real physical constraints — which makes the achievements feel earned.
Character Review
Mutta and Hibito are brothers who chose the same path and ended up at different speeds, and the manga is honest about how much that hurts. The supporting cast — other candidates, instructors, family — each carry their own failed or ongoing ambitions.
Art Review
The art is unshowy and precise: expressive adult faces, technical detail on equipment, and a real sense of scale when the story reaches space. It favours clarity over spectacle, which suits the material.
Pros
- A grounded, procedurally detailed portrayal of astronaut selection
- Adult characters with ambition and disappointment treated seriously
- A complete story with a satisfying payoff
Cons
- Very long and deliberately slow
- No action in the conventional sense
- Requires patience with procedural detail
Score Breakdown
| Story | 4.9 |
| Characters | 4.9 |
| Art | 4.6 |
| Pacing | 4.5 |
| Enjoyment | 4.8 |
Recommended For
- Readers who want an adult, character-driven drama
- Fans of space and real-world procedure
- Anyone looking for a complete, long series to commit to
You Might Want to Skip If
- Readers who need action or fast pacing
- Anyone who dislikes slow-burn workplace stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Space Brothers finished?
Yes — it is complete at 432 chapters.
Is it hard sci-fi?
It is grounded rather than technically dense. The focus is the people and the selection process.
Is it worth the length?
If you like character drama, yes. It is one of the strongest long-form series in the medium.
Final Verdict
A genuinely great manga about adults trying to do something difficult. It is slow by design, complete, and the most emotionally rewarding series in this batch.