Land of the Lustrous, Vol. 1

Ichikawa, Haruko. Land of the Lustrous, Vol. 1. 2017. 192p. ISBN 9781632364975. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

All of Earth’s intelligent life was wiped out eons ago, leaving the planet bare. Over time a crystal-based life form evolved and returned to inhabit the planet. Called the Lustrous, each crystal humanoid is a gem made of precious material. They can be chipped and broken, but not destroyed as long as enough pieces of them remain to be put back together and healed.

Descendents of the humans who escaped to the moon before the collapse of their civilization on Earth are bent on capturing the Lustrous to use them for decorations and as ornaments. The Lunarians launch successive attacks, hoping to catch the Lustrous unable to defend themselves, but roaming patrols of Lustrous protect their home against these attacks.

Phosphohyllite would really like to fight. She would love to be useful. But the most brittle of gems, Phos is instead tasked with creating a natural history of Earth. Ignoring where to even begin with writing such a story, Phos talks to all of the gems, and discovers that Cinnabar, due to her unique ability to focus light and function at night, has been effectively banished to the night to patrol, when the Lunarians never attack. What makes her different is also deadly to the other gems, tarnishing their brightness.

When she finally meets Cinnabar, Phos makes a promise she may not be able to keep: She will find her a new job, one that uses her talents and that don’t involve having to work the night shift.

The Lunarians are crafty, however. When they return to Earth to launch yet another attack, this time they bring a giant snail with them ...