All the progress made since the first volume has been for naught. This final volume looks more like a semi-complete outline for a story arc rather than the last volume.
Creative Staff
Writer/Artist: Park KangHo / Lee HaNa
Translated by: S ukHyee Ryu
Adapted by: James Lucas Jones
What They Say
Secrets about The Heavenly Emperor are revealed as Chi-Woo and Yi-Yun battle it out! The shocking true identity of Wol-Baek is also revealed! And it’s the end game for the Heavenly Executioner in the climactic conclusion of the series!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
This last volume is a mess.
KangHo Park’s art, which is characterized by strong and inventive character design, always had the challenge of integrating very dissimilar styles, notably depiction of fight scenes, into a visual stylistic whole. This effect of these dissimilarities can be lessened by the careful panel and page layout, something not always successfully employed with this title, but in the pressure of winding up this story, this is no attempt to even do that. The drawings are plunked down on the page with no consideration to the impression the page gives off as a whole. KangHo Park has a very loose style for fighting mode, but there are spots where this looks even sloppier, more perfunctory with big abuse of speed lines, and a disregard for the light and dark balance on the page. The whole thing comes off as visual cacophony. It’s hard and confusing to look at.
The narrative fares better and important revelations are made with appropriate tension, but some of the critical confrontations are resolved without really knowing why or how. There is an overwhelming sense of being rushed, of the need to close out quickly. And the most disappointing part of all of this – Chiwoo never does take on the Heavenly Emperor. In fact, he never even confronts some of the high generals. The story leaves with the promise of some interesting new alliances for Chiwoo in the campaign against the Emperor, and that the campaign will continue, but that’s all there is.
In Summary:
The problems with this last volume can be attributed solely to the need to close out the series. As such, this title can only be very, very lukewarmly recommended to readers who have been following the series. It’s a shame that this story with such potential was so abruptly curtailed. Thanks to Yen Press for their support for this IceKunion title to the bitter end.
Content Grade: D+
Art Grade: C-
Packaging Grade: B
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: September 30th, 2008
MSRP: $10.99
