Record of Lodoss War: The Grey Witch Vol. 1by Barb Lien-CooperReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk.
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Credits Grade: 8 I got my husband this graphic novel a long time ago, but didn't read it myself. I am not a big fantasy fan, nor am I too into sword and sorcery. He enjoyed the work, calling it "a good, old fashioned sort of a work, very solid." It reminded him of the type of fantasy books he read as a teen. Well, I was glad he enjoyed it, but I didn't plan on reading it myself. Then, I got a bunch of review comics from the nice people at CPM Manga. Sure enough, a lot of the package included Lodoss War comics and graphic novels. I started reading without much enthusiasm.I ended up gulping down the comics like I was a hungry fox let loose in a chicken house. Man, these Lodoss War books are great! I had no idea when I started reading The Grey Witch volume one that I was entering into the world of one of the most popular mangas out there. Now that I'm done reading the works, I am another convert to the legion of Lodoss War fans. So, why does this manga fantasy touch my heart and fire my imagination when most leave me cold? Simple. There's damned good writing going on here. Ditto with the art, which is manga style without being too manga cute to carry the seriousness of the story successfully. Yes, I admit, Lodoss is just following a highly successful fantasy formula, just like any type of genre writing does. But, sometimes I like works that breathe life into a formula, reaffirming the strengths of a genre almost as much as work that bends and breaks formula. The formula here: a dwarf, an elf, a magician, a knight, a cleric, and a thief (your old D&D character types) join forces to fight the evils that are attacking Lodoss. In the process, part of their fight is to keep the big bad from invading and taking over Lodoss. The characters are character types, but they are also their own people, with their own backstories, secrets, and motivations. These are genuinely likeable, noble, and heroic characters. They embody good without being boring about it. The fight scenes zoom by, the pacing is wonderful, the translation is top-notch, and there's a strong and smart female character in it that balances out otherwise all-male team. This is fun, adventuresome stuff. And, it's all-ages without being childish! You can get into this book whether you're a kid or an adult. Written: May 1, 2002
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