Title: Bride of the Water God vol. 6
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manwha
Copyright: 2010
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-59582-605-3
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: At the beginning of this volume, Mui and Soah prepare to head back to his home when he is paralyzed. Did the stranger from the last volume do something to Mui? Soah, unsure, decides to rest with Mui until she falls asleep. In the morning, Habaek is in his child form and runs off, afraid to show Soah the truth. When Soah wakes, she grows scared and looks for him, only to be captured by another God. In a stroke of luck, Mui/Habaek is captured as well and he saves Soah. Once home though, nothing is right. Mura knows Nakbin’s true intentions, and someone attempts to kidnap Soah, and she faces a familiar face with the truth. Throughout all of this, Mui/Habaek asks that throughout everything that she trusts him. When she finally agrees to, it seems that she might be too late.
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Will Teens Like It? Mature and older teens.
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Things to be aware of: N/A.
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Further Thoughts: Like the game pieces introduced in volume 5, we see that not is all as it seems and we’ll have to sit back as they game plays out. Nakbin’s true motives are hidden, although readers are given hints as to what she plans to do. Alliances are forming and we can tell who is for Soah and Habaek/Mui, and who is not. Like in the last review, the plot lines are intricate, but more and more aspects of the story are coming into focus. There is someone who wants to hurt the Water God, but who is it? There is enough story here to keep readers wanting more and more and more, and to reread until the next latest volumes come out.
------
Source: Library copy.
Showing posts with label manhwa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manhwa. Show all posts
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Bride of the Water God - vol. 5
Title: Bride of the Water God Vol. 5
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse, Manhwa
Copyright: 2010 (2007)
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-59582-445-5
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Mui/Habaek has decided it is time to make a formal proposal to Soah, but just as she’s going to give him an answer, another human woman arrives. Soah asks Habaek to save the woman because she was in that position before, but no one is prepared for the woman to look like Nakbin, Habaek’s first human bride. What ensues is a story of push-pull as Soah does not know who to trust and enemies in friends are revealed. Complicated plot lines and a constant change in the characters keeps readers on their toes in this high fantasy fairy-tale. A bonus story included at the end shows readers the full story of Mui/Habaek’s first meeting with Soah.
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Will Teens Like It? Mature and older teens.
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing
----------
Further Thoughts: The re-introduction of Nakbin sends the story into a new direction. Who is she? What is her story? Not much in this volume, but what readers want to know is whether or not Mui/Habaek loves Soah still or is he in love with Nakbin? Toward the end of the volume, the discovery of Huye’s alliance shows readers that he is not someone to be trusted (which I think has been there throughout the story). I admit this is a very confusing story because every time you think you have it figured out, the story changes. To me, that makes a good read and if readers can keep up with the varying plot lines, I promise you that the next volume you’ll start seeing the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. The art continues to be superb.
-----
Bonus: A short story showing when Habaek first falls for Soah.
----
Source: Library copy.
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse, Manhwa
Copyright: 2010 (2007)
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-59582-445-5
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Mui/Habaek has decided it is time to make a formal proposal to Soah, but just as she’s going to give him an answer, another human woman arrives. Soah asks Habaek to save the woman because she was in that position before, but no one is prepared for the woman to look like Nakbin, Habaek’s first human bride. What ensues is a story of push-pull as Soah does not know who to trust and enemies in friends are revealed. Complicated plot lines and a constant change in the characters keeps readers on their toes in this high fantasy fairy-tale. A bonus story included at the end shows readers the full story of Mui/Habaek’s first meeting with Soah.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Mature and older teens.
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing
----------
Further Thoughts: The re-introduction of Nakbin sends the story into a new direction. Who is she? What is her story? Not much in this volume, but what readers want to know is whether or not Mui/Habaek loves Soah still or is he in love with Nakbin? Toward the end of the volume, the discovery of Huye’s alliance shows readers that he is not someone to be trusted (which I think has been there throughout the story). I admit this is a very confusing story because every time you think you have it figured out, the story changes. To me, that makes a good read and if readers can keep up with the varying plot lines, I promise you that the next volume you’ll start seeing the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. The art continues to be superb.
-----
Bonus: A short story showing when Habaek first falls for Soah.
----
Source: Library copy.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Bride of the Water God - vol. 4
Title: Bride of the Water God vol. 4
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manhwa
Copyright: 2009 (2007 original)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59582-378-6
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Soah has returned home and has agreed to be married. In only two weeks she will be married but she is already having second thoughts. Mui tries again to see if she remembers, but fails. On one last attempt, he steals her away and they return to his home. At the moment, it seems Habaek/Mui has won the bet with his mother, but she has another trick up her sleeve. In this volume, we also learn that even Habaek/Mui cannot trust everyone and the truth of Nakbin is partially revealed, but who killed her or is she really alive? In this compelling installment, the reader feels that things are resolved, until the last page which houses a killer cliffhanger.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Mature Twilight readers may enjoy the dynamic between Soah and Habaek/Mui.
--------
Things to be aware of: sexual situations, violence
----------
Further Thoughts: Honestly, I picked up this title and once I started, I zipped through the pages until I reached the last page which had a simple statement but a major plot point. I gasped and shouted to The Philosopher Musician that I couldn’t believe I read all that the library system had at that time (since this review they have gotten 5 and 6 which I hope to review but I forget the cliffhanger!).
Upon my second, more thorough reading, I was able to focus more on the order of the plot, and focus on the artwork. Once again, Yun’s style and art sweeps me away into this fantasy world where Mui selfishly loves Soah, although he won’t admit it publicly. Is this related to the past? In this particular work, I noticed small details that I had missed on the first reading, namely a very tiny image of Mui crying over Soah as she, I assume leaves for her home.
My only complaint of this story is that Mui is a bit possessive of Soah, yet at the same time, he really wants her to be able to make her own choices, not those pressed upon her by her family. Her only chance to make such decisions is with him and while he is possessive, he does seem to let her grow into herself with her own thoughts and opinions. It is also clear she belongs in his kingdom and not on earth. In some ways, this does parallel the Edward/Bella love story of the infamous Twilight. Something about this doesn’t seem as “stalkerish” as Twilight, though, but maybe that is because I’m willing to suspend belief and Soah is a stronger heroine than Bella. I look forward to upcoming issues as the lovers face more troubles ahead.
------
Bonus: This is more of a rant, but I do wish that manga/manhwa American publishers would speed up the publications of series. I really hate waiting three months for the next book and have forgotten to pick up the next volume of a series because of this (Tramps Like Us). This one has nagged at me so much I remembered, but on the other hand, I now can’t remember the cliffhanger. (This review was written in June 2010, this bonus February 2011). Since June, I’ve only seen the particular library system add 5 and 6, and we’re waiting on 7.
------
Source: Library copy.
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manhwa
Copyright: 2009 (2007 original)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59582-378-6
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Soah has returned home and has agreed to be married. In only two weeks she will be married but she is already having second thoughts. Mui tries again to see if she remembers, but fails. On one last attempt, he steals her away and they return to his home. At the moment, it seems Habaek/Mui has won the bet with his mother, but she has another trick up her sleeve. In this volume, we also learn that even Habaek/Mui cannot trust everyone and the truth of Nakbin is partially revealed, but who killed her or is she really alive? In this compelling installment, the reader feels that things are resolved, until the last page which houses a killer cliffhanger.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Mature Twilight readers may enjoy the dynamic between Soah and Habaek/Mui.
--------
Things to be aware of: sexual situations, violence
----------
Further Thoughts: Honestly, I picked up this title and once I started, I zipped through the pages until I reached the last page which had a simple statement but a major plot point. I gasped and shouted to The Philosopher Musician that I couldn’t believe I read all that the library system had at that time (since this review they have gotten 5 and 6 which I hope to review but I forget the cliffhanger!).
Upon my second, more thorough reading, I was able to focus more on the order of the plot, and focus on the artwork. Once again, Yun’s style and art sweeps me away into this fantasy world where Mui selfishly loves Soah, although he won’t admit it publicly. Is this related to the past? In this particular work, I noticed small details that I had missed on the first reading, namely a very tiny image of Mui crying over Soah as she, I assume leaves for her home.
My only complaint of this story is that Mui is a bit possessive of Soah, yet at the same time, he really wants her to be able to make her own choices, not those pressed upon her by her family. Her only chance to make such decisions is with him and while he is possessive, he does seem to let her grow into herself with her own thoughts and opinions. It is also clear she belongs in his kingdom and not on earth. In some ways, this does parallel the Edward/Bella love story of the infamous Twilight. Something about this doesn’t seem as “stalkerish” as Twilight, though, but maybe that is because I’m willing to suspend belief and Soah is a stronger heroine than Bella. I look forward to upcoming issues as the lovers face more troubles ahead.
------
Bonus: This is more of a rant, but I do wish that manga/manhwa American publishers would speed up the publications of series. I really hate waiting three months for the next book and have forgotten to pick up the next volume of a series because of this (Tramps Like Us). This one has nagged at me so much I remembered, but on the other hand, I now can’t remember the cliffhanger. (This review was written in June 2010, this bonus February 2011). Since June, I’ve only seen the particular library system add 5 and 6, and we’re waiting on 7.
------
Source: Library copy.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Bride of the Water God - vol. 3
Title: Bride of the Water God vol. 3
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manwha
Copyright: 2009 (2006)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59582-305-2
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Soah’s suspicions at the end of Vol. 2 are solved, but she still has questions. With the return of Nakbin, Mui/Habaek’s first human bride, Soah begins to analyze the facts, the words, and the actions of all the others. Instead of finding answers, she is even more confused and in this confusion is sent home, forgetting everything and facing the realities of her home life. In this volume, a story about Habaek is thrown in and it is unclear to this reader as to what basis it has on the story as well as where it fits in the time line. Otherwise, the reader learns what she suspected to be true about Soah’s family and her village’s feelings about her, which is both sad, but is also the basis as to why she is welcome with the Gods.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Probably the older set. Those who liked Black Bird will find a similar story here.
--------
Things to be aware of: minor sexual situations
----------
Further Thoughts: Volume 3 and 4 should probably be reviewed together, but this is a series that is better looked at by each volume. Each volume contains a smaller story within it, such as this volume which has the reader examining Soah’s feelings about herself and her situation in the family. The yardage of fabric Soah wears continues to be unbelievable as well as the length of her hair, but again, this adds to the majesty of the story. Overall, this story has elements of great mythology and of fantasy and fairy tales.
------
Source: Library copy.
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manwha
Copyright: 2009 (2006)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59582-305-2
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Soah’s suspicions at the end of Vol. 2 are solved, but she still has questions. With the return of Nakbin, Mui/Habaek’s first human bride, Soah begins to analyze the facts, the words, and the actions of all the others. Instead of finding answers, she is even more confused and in this confusion is sent home, forgetting everything and facing the realities of her home life. In this volume, a story about Habaek is thrown in and it is unclear to this reader as to what basis it has on the story as well as where it fits in the time line. Otherwise, the reader learns what she suspected to be true about Soah’s family and her village’s feelings about her, which is both sad, but is also the basis as to why she is welcome with the Gods.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Probably the older set. Those who liked Black Bird will find a similar story here.
--------
Things to be aware of: minor sexual situations
----------
Further Thoughts: Volume 3 and 4 should probably be reviewed together, but this is a series that is better looked at by each volume. Each volume contains a smaller story within it, such as this volume which has the reader examining Soah’s feelings about herself and her situation in the family. The yardage of fabric Soah wears continues to be unbelievable as well as the length of her hair, but again, this adds to the majesty of the story. Overall, this story has elements of great mythology and of fantasy and fairy tales.
------
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Bride of the Water God - vol. 2
Title: Bride of the Water God vol. 2
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manhwa
Copyright: 2008 (original 2006)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59307-883-6
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: At the end of Volume 1, readers were wondering if Soah would be sent home against her will or by her own choice. For now, she seems to have decided to stay with Mui/Habaek, but he is uneasy about the decision. Habaek/Mui’s mother is still around, keeping a loose eye on her son and his human bride, with a little meddling of her own. The characters visit a night market and festival, only to find Soah is given an inappropriate gift and faces an attempted kidnapping where Mui reveals his truest feelings and takes Soah where no human girl has gone before. Readers will enjoy this second installment as back stories are revealed and Mui finally shows his feeling for Soah. More flashbacks are thrown in and this reader really wants to know their time line and how they will fit together.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Probably the older crowd (16 and up)
--------
Things to be aware of: MINOR sexual tension.
----------
Further Thoughts: Who cannot love this cover? Ok, maybe just me because I find this cover DELICIOUS. Yum. (Mui is in a tub, his clothes are wet, his shirt is open and I think his clothing is floating away from his hips, yum). Soah is finding it harder not to resist Mui and I can’t blame here. He’s gorgeous and rescues her at the right moments, and she does return the favor (she saves him from a potion). The artwork is still fluid, but there are still some translation issues. For example, a butterfly arrives (which I think is metaphorical), but there is no text to announce the arrival, but there is for the departure. This makes me think something was missed in translation, but without the original, I don’t know (and I couldn’t translate it as it is). Throughout the story, there are comedic elements that keep the seriousness at bay, but I know when the true story arrives, the comedic elements will be kept at a minimum.
------
Source: Library copy.
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manhwa
Copyright: 2008 (original 2006)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59307-883-6
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: At the end of Volume 1, readers were wondering if Soah would be sent home against her will or by her own choice. For now, she seems to have decided to stay with Mui/Habaek, but he is uneasy about the decision. Habaek/Mui’s mother is still around, keeping a loose eye on her son and his human bride, with a little meddling of her own. The characters visit a night market and festival, only to find Soah is given an inappropriate gift and faces an attempted kidnapping where Mui reveals his truest feelings and takes Soah where no human girl has gone before. Readers will enjoy this second installment as back stories are revealed and Mui finally shows his feeling for Soah. More flashbacks are thrown in and this reader really wants to know their time line and how they will fit together.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Probably the older crowd (16 and up)
--------
Things to be aware of: MINOR sexual tension.
----------
Further Thoughts: Who cannot love this cover? Ok, maybe just me because I find this cover DELICIOUS. Yum. (Mui is in a tub, his clothes are wet, his shirt is open and I think his clothing is floating away from his hips, yum). Soah is finding it harder not to resist Mui and I can’t blame here. He’s gorgeous and rescues her at the right moments, and she does return the favor (she saves him from a potion). The artwork is still fluid, but there are still some translation issues. For example, a butterfly arrives (which I think is metaphorical), but there is no text to announce the arrival, but there is for the departure. This makes me think something was missed in translation, but without the original, I don’t know (and I couldn’t translate it as it is). Throughout the story, there are comedic elements that keep the seriousness at bay, but I know when the true story arrives, the comedic elements will be kept at a minimum.
------
Source: Library copy.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Bride of the Water God - Vol. 1
Title: Bride of the Water God Vol. 1
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manhwa
Copyright: 2007 (2006 original)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59307-849-2
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Drought has led the villagers of an unnamed village to make a decision: a sacrifice must be made to the Water God. Soah is young but Soah is the choice to dress in wedding garb and be sent on a boat into the ocean as the Bride of the Water God. When she arrives in the mystical God-Land of Suguk, she finds she’s been rescued by the Water God. But who is the Water God really? Thechild Habaek or adult Mui? And who can she trust? Flowing artwork tells the first part of the rocky love story of Soah and Habaek/Mui. Despite the occasional translation hiccup and lots of confusing flashbacks, this story proves to be a fairytale worthy of a read.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Probably the older teens (later high school).
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing
----------
Further Thoughts: Yards upon yards of fabric drapes the female characters in this story as well as heavy jewelry upon their heads, yet it is this yardage and jewelry that lends the story to the fairy tale, mythical atmosphere that I enjoy. Of course, it does not help that the men are drawn tall, lanky, with long hair or messy hair, and lots of chest exposure (ok, this is more for Mui who is so drool worthy). My first reading of this book left me pretty confused from who was telling the truth, who has their own motive and lots of slight flashbacks, but after reading vol. 2-4 (reviews coming), I can see the foreshadowing that is being set up for a much larger, scarier reveal. This manhwa title has me wondering if this series will end well or sadly. In the world of manga and manhwa, you cannot tell how a story will end.
------
Source: Library copy.
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manhwa
Copyright: 2007 (2006 original)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59307-849-2
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Drought has led the villagers of an unnamed village to make a decision: a sacrifice must be made to the Water God. Soah is young but Soah is the choice to dress in wedding garb and be sent on a boat into the ocean as the Bride of the Water God. When she arrives in the mystical God-Land of Suguk, she finds she’s been rescued by the Water God. But who is the Water God really? Thechild Habaek or adult Mui? And who can she trust? Flowing artwork tells the first part of the rocky love story of Soah and Habaek/Mui. Despite the occasional translation hiccup and lots of confusing flashbacks, this story proves to be a fairytale worthy of a read.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Probably the older teens (later high school).
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing
----------
Further Thoughts: Yards upon yards of fabric drapes the female characters in this story as well as heavy jewelry upon their heads, yet it is this yardage and jewelry that lends the story to the fairy tale, mythical atmosphere that I enjoy. Of course, it does not help that the men are drawn tall, lanky, with long hair or messy hair, and lots of chest exposure (ok, this is more for Mui who is so drool worthy). My first reading of this book left me pretty confused from who was telling the truth, who has their own motive and lots of slight flashbacks, but after reading vol. 2-4 (reviews coming), I can see the foreshadowing that is being set up for a much larger, scarier reveal. This manhwa title has me wondering if this series will end well or sadly. In the world of manga and manhwa, you cannot tell how a story will end.
------
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Color of Heaven by Kim Dong Hwa (Book 3 of 3: Conclusion of the Color Trilogy)
Title: The Color of Heaven
Author: Kim Dong Hwa
Author: Kim Dong Hwa
Illustrator: Kim Dong Hwa
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2009
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-460-8
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Ehwa and her mother are pining for their respective men to return. Ehwa is waiting for Duksam to return. Her mother is waiting for The Picture Man to see if he’ll stay or go again. When Ehwa’s mother finally understands her daughter is pining, she decides it is time for Ehwa to learn how to keep house, for if she is to wait, she might as well stay busy. Ehwa doesn’t enjoy this, but what else is there to do? This volume concludes the story and does so in a soft, bittersweet, yet hopeful way. The Color Trilogy is a must have for any graphic novel collection as it is a lovely trilogy.
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Ehwa and her mother are pining for their respective men to return. Ehwa is waiting for Duksam to return. Her mother is waiting for The Picture Man to see if he’ll stay or go again. When Ehwa’s mother finally understands her daughter is pining, she decides it is time for Ehwa to learn how to keep house, for if she is to wait, she might as well stay busy. Ehwa doesn’t enjoy this, but what else is there to do? This volume concludes the story and does so in a soft, bittersweet, yet hopeful way. The Color Trilogy is a must have for any graphic novel collection as it is a lovely trilogy.
---------
Will Teens Like It? This is a mature title. It is advertised to teens by ALA, but is really an adult title.
Will Teens Like It? This is a mature title. It is advertised to teens by ALA, but is really an adult title.
--------
Things to be aware of: Sexual situations, nudity
----------
Things to be aware of: Sexual situations, nudity
----------
Further Thoughts: As I closed the last book, I couldn’t help but feel sad and hopeful as this was the end of the book, but it was only the beginning for Ehwa. One of the best parts is that she revisits everything in the last two titles and closes doors so that she may face her future happily. Again, I cannot stop saying how wonderful the art was to evoke such strong emotions and again, I picked up this title as long as I had it from the library and just browsed the pictures, reflecting on the story, the scenes, and more. The only downside is the Reader’s Guide in the back, as great as it is to include, is almost exactly the same as the last. I would have liked the guides to be more focused on the book that was in hand. Overall, this is a series every library should have.
------
Bonus: ALA’s Great Graphic Novel List 2010
Bonus: ALA’s Great Graphic Novel List 2010
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Color of Water by Kim Dong Hwa (book 2 of 3)
Title: The Color of Water
Author: Kim Dong Hwa
Illustrator: Kim Dong Hwa
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2009
Price: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-59643-459-2
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Ehwa’s story continues in this second book of The Color Trilogy. Readers follow Ehwa as she ages from about 13 to 17 and falls in love for a third time. Duksam, a young servant from another village, has stopped by Ehwa and her mother’s house looking for someone to repair his broken belt. After Ehwa is frightened by his forward comments, she fixes his belt and throws it back at him. His admiration of the stitching leads to comments about his admiration. With her gaze, Duksam feels he is able to win the wrestling match in town and thus begins the courtship of Ehwa and Duksam.
The parallels in this story of the mother and daughter continue as Ehwa continues to grow into more of a woman. The simple art still makes the story feel timeless and even have a fairy tale quality as you watch Ehwa grow from a teenager to a woman. This book includes a detailed reader’s guide that can be used for novice readers or more advanced readers.
---------
Will Teens Like It? This is still more of an adult title, especially with the content.
--------
Things to be aware of: Masturbation, sexual situations
----------
Further Thoughts: How can I explain what I love about this series? The illustrations, although line and in black and white evoke love, spring time, hope, and dreams. I cannot stop picking these titles up (at least while I have them) and looking over pages and scenes and smiling at how simple lines portray the strong man Ehwa loves. Issues of romance and marriage are brought up from arranged marriages to marriage for love. Lastly, it is the little details in this story that I enjoy. In prepping for this review, I picked up the book only to realize that somewhere in the story, Ehwa begins letting her hair grow, which I believe is a signal that she has become a woman in the villagers eyes.
------
Bonus: First Second (:01)'s blog this week has a fantastic picture from San Diego ComiCon that features this title! Do visit the link and see what I mean. :)
An ALA Great Graphic Novel 2010
Source: Library copy.
Author: Kim Dong Hwa
Illustrator: Kim Dong Hwa
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2009
Price: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-59643-459-2
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Ehwa’s story continues in this second book of The Color Trilogy. Readers follow Ehwa as she ages from about 13 to 17 and falls in love for a third time. Duksam, a young servant from another village, has stopped by Ehwa and her mother’s house looking for someone to repair his broken belt. After Ehwa is frightened by his forward comments, she fixes his belt and throws it back at him. His admiration of the stitching leads to comments about his admiration. With her gaze, Duksam feels he is able to win the wrestling match in town and thus begins the courtship of Ehwa and Duksam.
The parallels in this story of the mother and daughter continue as Ehwa continues to grow into more of a woman. The simple art still makes the story feel timeless and even have a fairy tale quality as you watch Ehwa grow from a teenager to a woman. This book includes a detailed reader’s guide that can be used for novice readers or more advanced readers.
---------
Will Teens Like It? This is still more of an adult title, especially with the content.
--------
Things to be aware of: Masturbation, sexual situations
----------
Further Thoughts: How can I explain what I love about this series? The illustrations, although line and in black and white evoke love, spring time, hope, and dreams. I cannot stop picking these titles up (at least while I have them) and looking over pages and scenes and smiling at how simple lines portray the strong man Ehwa loves. Issues of romance and marriage are brought up from arranged marriages to marriage for love. Lastly, it is the little details in this story that I enjoy. In prepping for this review, I picked up the book only to realize that somewhere in the story, Ehwa begins letting her hair grow, which I believe is a signal that she has become a woman in the villagers eyes.
------
Bonus: First Second (:01)'s blog this week has a fantastic picture from San Diego ComiCon that features this title! Do visit the link and see what I mean. :)
An ALA Great Graphic Novel 2010
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Color of Earth by Kim Dong Hwa (book 1 of 3)
Title: The Color of Earth
Author: Kim Dong Hwa
Illustrator: Kim Dong Hwa
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2009 (2001)
Price: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-59643-458-5
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: In rural Korea, seven-year-old Ehwa starts learning about the differences between boys and girls, men and women. Every situation brings more questions answered the way children answer them followed by a clear explanation by her widowed mother. Ehwa continues learning about men and women as she grows and falls for her first two crushes. Her mother on the other hand, has met a traveling salesman who awakens something dormant for a long time. The Color of Water is a simplistically drawn yet detailed tale about Ehwa, her mother, and taking a moment to recognize the parallels in life. This edition provides a “readers” guide which helps the reader understand the parallels in the story.
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Will Teens Like It? Only the mature reader. This is an adult title with adult themes.
--------
Things to be aware of: sexual situations, nudity
----------
Further Thoughts: I was drawn to this title when I read a review of it in Voya ages ago. I promptly forgot about the title until the last two books were reviewed recently and then when I saw it on ALA’s 2010 Great Graphic Novels. Again, we have a title that is picked for teens but is not actually appropriate for them. It discusses a lot about sex and romance. While the romance is something everyone will understand, sex in literature is something that develops with a reader at different times, some can read it early, others can’t.
Yet, for the reader who can read this, it is a delightful and poignant read. First, Kim Dong Hwa has created art that is timeless and speaks volumes from detailed flowers to sweeping scenes on a whole page or two page spread. The black, white, and gray tones provide enough for my mind to create the colors as needed. This is a prime example of “reading a movie” for me.
Ehwa awakens sexually in this story as she learns and sees things that she does not yet understand. The seven year olds are pretending to be older, but don’t really understand how it all works. As Ehwa gets older, she starts to understand and develop appropriately. Ehwa is a character that will grow and you hope the best for her. I cannot wait for the last two parts.
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Bonus: This particular trilogy (next two posts will be the other two) has been getting a lot of interesting blog posting lately and it is similar to the whole "Twilight Feminism Thing" going on out there. Here is one example from The Manga Curmudgeon and showed up in my RSS feeder. At the end of June, there was a Manhwa Moveable Feast where you can check out essays, reviews, and comments about the trilogy (the earlier post was included). Honestly, I'm on the fence about the whole thing because while I enjoy a good love story with stereotypes, I'm not interested in having that in my life. It is escapism.
Months ago, the publisher, First Second (:01) posted this interesting blog post about the covers of The Color Trilogy and frankly, I'm glad the English covers got such a lovely makeover.
A 2010 ALA Great Graphic Novel choice
Source: Library
Author: Kim Dong Hwa
Illustrator: Kim Dong Hwa
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2009 (2001)
Price: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-59643-458-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: In rural Korea, seven-year-old Ehwa starts learning about the differences between boys and girls, men and women. Every situation brings more questions answered the way children answer them followed by a clear explanation by her widowed mother. Ehwa continues learning about men and women as she grows and falls for her first two crushes. Her mother on the other hand, has met a traveling salesman who awakens something dormant for a long time. The Color of Water is a simplistically drawn yet detailed tale about Ehwa, her mother, and taking a moment to recognize the parallels in life. This edition provides a “readers” guide which helps the reader understand the parallels in the story.
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Will Teens Like It? Only the mature reader. This is an adult title with adult themes.
--------
Things to be aware of: sexual situations, nudity
----------
Further Thoughts: I was drawn to this title when I read a review of it in Voya ages ago. I promptly forgot about the title until the last two books were reviewed recently and then when I saw it on ALA’s 2010 Great Graphic Novels. Again, we have a title that is picked for teens but is not actually appropriate for them. It discusses a lot about sex and romance. While the romance is something everyone will understand, sex in literature is something that develops with a reader at different times, some can read it early, others can’t.
Yet, for the reader who can read this, it is a delightful and poignant read. First, Kim Dong Hwa has created art that is timeless and speaks volumes from detailed flowers to sweeping scenes on a whole page or two page spread. The black, white, and gray tones provide enough for my mind to create the colors as needed. This is a prime example of “reading a movie” for me.
Ehwa awakens sexually in this story as she learns and sees things that she does not yet understand. The seven year olds are pretending to be older, but don’t really understand how it all works. As Ehwa gets older, she starts to understand and develop appropriately. Ehwa is a character that will grow and you hope the best for her. I cannot wait for the last two parts.
------
Bonus: This particular trilogy (next two posts will be the other two) has been getting a lot of interesting blog posting lately and it is similar to the whole "Twilight Feminism Thing" going on out there. Here is one example from The Manga Curmudgeon and showed up in my RSS feeder. At the end of June, there was a Manhwa Moveable Feast where you can check out essays, reviews, and comments about the trilogy (the earlier post was included). Honestly, I'm on the fence about the whole thing because while I enjoy a good love story with stereotypes, I'm not interested in having that in my life. It is escapism.
Months ago, the publisher, First Second (:01) posted this interesting blog post about the covers of The Color Trilogy and frankly, I'm glad the English covers got such a lovely makeover.
A 2010 ALA Great Graphic Novel choice
Source: Library
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