Utopia's Avenger, Volume 1

By Oh Se-Kwon

Once there was a legendary kingdom, called Joseon, an idyllic country in which peace and prosperity flourished for years. The heroic warrior Hong Gil-Dong created this utopian land - and then suddenly disappeared without a trace. But time passed, and a band of ruthless warriors invaded the kingdom, leaving it in utter ruins.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1598166700
• ISBN13: 9781598166705
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: TokyoPop
• Length: 190 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.4"

Customer Reviews

STRONG START TO THE NEW SERIES

Utopia's Avenger #1 kicks off an exciting new martial arts action Manga from Tokyopop and creator Oh Se-Kwon. The Kingdom of Yuldo was once a peaceful place but no longer. Now the ruthless Red Dragon Kings rule with impunity as their bandit forces The Bright White Killers roam the roads for easy prey. Once such prey they find is the beautiful Ju Sanghui, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Ju is in dire trouble until a stranger arrives to her rescue, dispatching trio of highwayman with a martial arts skill they've never seen. The stranger calls himself Gil Dong and Ju wonders if this can truly be the Gil Dong, legendary warrior and protector of Yuldo, who disappeared many years ago. She's she it cannot be because he would have to be much older. Gil Dong is accompanied by servant and side-kick Danu, and accomplished martial artist himself, but more there to provide comic relief. When The Bright White Killers return to their master, they inform him that this mysterious stranger may be a Hyeongyeong Master. As Gil Dong and Danu try to escort Ju back to her father safely, they encounter a terrible, shape-changing beast who lives off the flesh of the living. Meanwhile the Red Dragon Kings have their own surprises in store for the trio. I really enjoyed this first issue of Utopia's Avenger. Sometimes new Manga series can be a bit confusing as if you've come into the middle of the story, but not so here. The premise and background are quickly established although there are certainly plenty of mysteries yet to explore about Gil Dong such as his long disappearance from the lands of Yuldo. The art was gorgeous and the action scenes were beautifully drawn. Great Start! Reviewed by Tim Janson