Many thanks to Yen Press for Providing a review copy
About the Mangaka
SUN Jiayu first entered the world of Manhua in 1980, however his first major work wasn’t until 1992. Since 2000 he has gone on to produce more than ten series with the Jing Ding Company.
Guo Guo (GUO Chaoxu) graduated university with a degree in costume design. This is her first work as artist.
(paraphrased from the back of the volume)
About the Manga
Holy spats!! This is one of the best, if not the best title I’ve read so far this year. though I love this to bits (and have now read it twenty-three times!!), it has a huge flaw preventing it being perfect.
I want to take my time to try and explain the awesomeness of this volume. I’ve read it now twenty-three times, and re-written this post at least twice that.
We have a stunning cover (shown above), where for once the title doesn’t hinder the image at all, and rather compliments it. GUO’s art on the cover is just stunning. Though I’m not to keen admittedly on how thin Pianpian seems on it (can you say stick insect!!), she does look awesomely cute. And you just have to love those clothing designs. It’s easy to GUO has a degree in costume design in this volume.
Next we get an explanation of just what the volume is based on, and I’m now curious about reading the english adaptation of original story. Shame it’s so expensive (almost three times that of a normal volume)
The next spread of art by GUO is equally as stunning as the cover with awesome use of colouring.
As we move through the volume, there are some odd quirks in the art. On the one hand while I found them odd, I also liked them since they made the characters feel and look more realistic. Rather than being the usual sexy lady like guys we usually get to see.
To be honest, it’s rare for me to compliment full colour series, and the only ones I have liked have come from Yen. GUO handles the colouring amazingly well in this volume, with the shadows and subtly changes in colouring due to lightning being handled perfectly.
You also have to really rain love down on GUO’s clothing designs, they are stunning through out. I’ve no idea how authentic they are, but to me they certainly look and feel right.
As I mentioned earlier, this awesome volume has a huge flaw preventing it from being perfect. That’s Jiayu’s adaptation. While there’s nothing wrong with his handling of the story per say, it’s to fast and jerky.
This should have been spread out over several volumes (or hell even two volumes), which would have allowed the exploration of Pianpian’s relationship with Yuqing. Especially the trials they had to overcome to be together finally.
It would have also allowed them to explore Xiaoyue, who was supposedly predominant in acting as their go between, and helping them come together. She never really got a chance to do much this time sadly.
Yen Press did a truly awesome job over this. From the glossy cover to the paper used and colouring it’s all perfect. The explanation as to the origins of the story, at the beginning, are well placed as well. I like how they always go that extra mile in their releases.
I especially love the extras included. Page after page (twenty-one in total) of GUO’s stunning art. These are done so well you’d easily believe you were looking at true works of art, such as you’d see in the art museums.
Truthfully, GUO’s art alone makes this one of the best titles I’ve EVER read, I’ve yet to see anything so stunning in a series. Added with the story and concept, and you have a title that easily goes to the top of my Essential Read list, despite it’s flaws.
Personally, I hope to see more of GUO’s art and look forward to seeing others being released by Yen Press.
Where to Buy
