What would happen if a woman became a shogun? Or if two powers ruled the world?
Alternative history is a common technique in science fiction that serves a variety of purposes: to reflect on past events, to convey complex emotional states, or to diversify the plot.
We decided to look at several different examples of titles working with historical fantasy – or alternate history.
1. Code Geass, 2006-2008
In an alternate future, the world is divided between superpowers. One of them is the Holy Britannian Empire, which has conquered America and Japan. As in all metropolises, the main danger comes not from external enemies, but from opponents of the regime.
Former Prince Lelouch Lamperouge, living under a false name, is preparing a revolution that will sweep away the existing world order with the help of the power of the Geass, which subjugates the will of other people.
The popular sci-fi by Goro Taniguchi and Ichiro Okouchi is a classic example of alternative history in Japanese animation, combining different time periods.
2. Mars Red, 2021
A demonic tale set in the Taisho period that attempts to explain the militaristic turmoil in Japanese history, when the thirst for power and domination spilled over the borders of the state.
Strict military police colonel Yoshinobu Maeda arrives in Tokyo to interrogate a vampire actress and ends up facing a global conspiracy.
Mars Red combines the theatrical expressiveness with a detailed panorama of the era. Not everyone can resist resentment and bloodlust – and in this dark reality, fragile humanity looks especially solemn.
3. Steamboy, 2004
London, second half of the 19th century. A father and son invent an almost perfect steam engine in America, bringing humanity closer to the era of steampunk.
However, during the experiments, the father decides that he no longer wants to work for a corporation and feed the militaristic ambitions of states, and therefore sends the drawings of the invention to his grandson, Ray, and now government and corporate agents begin to hunt the boy.
Katsuhiro Otomo, author of the iconic manga and film Akira, welcomed the new millennium with a fantasy about what we have inherited from the past century. Otomo depicts a clash of generations and worldviews: distant dreamers and their cynical sons meet in a duel for the future of humanity.
4. Ooku: The Inner Chambers, 2023
1716, Edo period. A mysterious red smallpox has wiped out most of Japan's male population, and all the key positions are in the hands of women. The first woman to become shogun is Yoshimune, whose gender identity is carefully concealed – especially from foreign guests.
The new Japanese reality is observed from the epicenter of political life by 19-year-old Yunoshin Mizuno, who joined the imperial harem in order to provide a decent life for the rest of the family.
The conversations and rituals of Ooku touch on the dynamics of power and gender identity, as well as the diversity of love. Despite the modest animation, the power of the plot, which focuses on people, their destinies, and their ability to adapt to new circumstances, still arouses interest in the period and the issues raised.