Shining Tears

Shining Tears is a manga series authored by Akira Kanda, serialized in the mid-2000s to coincide with the release of the role-playing game of the same name developed by Nextech and published by Sega for the PlayStation 2. As part of the expansive Shining franchise, this volume was produced to bridge the narrative gap between the game's fantasy world and its growing fan base, focusing on the tactical combat and character-driven drama that defined the series at the time.

The character designs were largely influenced by the distinct aesthetic of the Shining series, characterized by a blend of high-fantasy tropes and intricate, flowing illustrations. Kanda Akira utilized a clean, accessible manga style to adapt the game's complex character roster, aiming to make the lore of the continent of Shildia more approachable for a general audience. Upon its release, the volume was received primarily as a collectible tie-in for existing players of the game rather than a standalone literary work, serving as a visual exploration of the franchise's established setting.