March Story Volume 3 cover image

Rated “M” for “Mature”

There are demons that hide in works of art and fine craftsmanship.  They are called the Ill.  When people touch such cursed objects, the Ill possess them, forcing them to commit horrific acts.  In the 18th century, a group called the Ciste Vihad hunt the Ill.  One of the hunters is a boy named March, who hides many secrets – some of them dark.

The first story in March Story, Vol. 3, finds March kidnapped by an Ill-possessed rodent who wants to find a wife for her adopted human son.  Next, the story of a shoemaker and his sea-faring, lifelong best friend creates danger on the high seas.  Among the final tales is a story that takes us into the past of Jake, the Ciste Vihad fortune teller.

THE LOWDOWN:  What I wrote about the first two volumes of March Story is still true.  The beautiful art by Yang Kyung-Il, with its textured inking, detailed line work, and lush, sparkling tones is still comic book eye candy.  Graphic design meets fashion design meets architectural design meets design in general.  The art is ornate like finely crafted jewelry and glasswork, so much so that you may want to wear it around your neck or wrist.

Writer Kim Hyung-Min spins stories that are like intricate lace coming together to create a tapestry of darkness.  These stories are like fairy tales, full of heartbreak and tragedy, but often breaking free to find romantic love, hope, and victory.  Sometimes, even the Ill can’t resist doing the right thing and appreciating love from the heart.  This mixture of the sentimental and the accursed will grow on readers – as it has done to me.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Readers looking for gothic creepy and rococo beauty will like March Story.

A