Manga
Nabi the Prototype
By Leroy Douresseaux
October 17, 2007 - 12:36

Tokyopop
Writer(s): Yeon-Joo Kim
Penciller(s): Yeon-Joo Kim
Cover Artist(s): Yeon-Joo Kim
ISBN: 978-1-59816-932-4



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Nabi the Prototype is manhwa (Korean comics) by Yeon-Joo Kim.  According to the author’s afterword, this stand-alone volume is a prelude to a planned series to be entitled “Nabi.”  In the meantime, this volume contains six stories, with stories three through six connected into one narrative or novella.

In the first story, “Ash Tree,” a young girl is held hostage by her father’s political enemies, and she falls in love with one of her captors, who acts as a kind of guardian protecting her from the other kidnappers.  In “Star-Crossed,” a bride-to-be embarks on the journey to her new home, but develops strong feelings for her escort.

“A Child’s Afternoon,” “Snow to the Flower,” “I am Ah-Ru,” and “Glass Ball” form the tale of two orphans: a combative boy named Ryu-Sang and the teen girl in love with him, Myo-Un, who protect another orphan girl, Ah-Ru, on a journey to her home.

THE LOWDOWN:  “Ash Tree” and “Star-Crossed” are enjoyable little short stories, especially the former, which is poignant and tragic.  The four connected Ryu-Sang/Myo-Un stories have a good plot, but they drift too much.  The storytelling is unclear with few panels really seeming connected to one another.  However, the art is pretty and features some exceptional design work on the panel content.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of art in Korean comics will enjoy Kim’s inventive design work.

B-

 



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