There are plenty of notable science fiction works that have transcended into mass media, but one of them was limited to Japan for decades. Legend of the Galactic Heroes began as a series of novels by Yoshiki Tanaka that ran from November 30, 1982 to November 15, 1987. But while it’s been around for more than 30 years, the story didn’t make it to North America until Viz licensed it earlier this year.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes takes place in the Milky Way galaxy in the future. Two powers are at war – the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. The leader of the Empire is the military genius Reinhard von Musel, who is driven by the desire to free his sister, Annerose, and unite the whole galaxy under his rule. On the other side of the conflict is Yang Wen Li, a historian who was rapidly promoted to an admiral due to his smart military strategies.

The story also involves a number of other unique characters and storylines that include political drama as much as action. A third, neutral power, the Phezzan Dominion, is also introduced, as well as a cult that wants to return to Earth.

Starting in 1988, there have been numerous anime adaptations of Legend of the Galactic Heroes – these have carried the subtitles of My Conquest is the Sea of Stars, Golden Wings, and Overture to a New War. There has also been a manga adaptation of the novels, as well as a stage musical.

Though the dramatic story won a number of awards, it remained limited to Japan for years despite pleas from American anime fans who wanted an official translation. In July 2015, Viz announced that they will publish the first three of the ten novels, and will continue should the first run sell well; Sentai Filmworks has the rights to distribute the anime version.