Title: Sokora Refugees, Vol. 1
Author: Segamu (Writer), Melissa DeJesus (Artist)
Publisher: Tokyopop
Copyright: 2005
ISBN: 1595327363
Pages: ???
Price: $9.99
Rating: 8
Synopsis:
Kana thought her life couldn't get any worse- she was consistently behind on her schoolwork, she had no luck with the boys and she was the only one of her friends who hadn't "blossomed" yet. However, when the new boy in class conjures up a portal in the girl's shower, she is transported to the magical world of Sokora...wearing nothing but a small cotton robe! Now, on top of landing at the center of a giant battle between good and evil, she finds that her body is beginning to go through some tremendous changes!
Review:
Although not technically a manga (Japanese comic) since it isn't by a Japanese writer and artist, Sokora Refugees is still every bit as good as a manga written by a Japanese creator.
The art is good as Tokyopop's Cinemanga line and the story is a wonderful, traditional American fantasy combined with manga art. There are quirky cartoon moments, traditional manga characters, and plenty of Americanized fan service!
Girls can relate to the main character who deals with pressures such as chest size, shyness, etc. and guys can.......just admire the main character..... The fantasy style characters are a bit bizarre and amusing. They seem like a real American take on typical Japanese characters, but that actually seems refreshing.
This book is funny due to well written lines and just plain comedic fanservice. That's right, this is funny fanservice unlike most today. Like Ranma 1/2 funny! The pages are also wonderful to look at, and full of class.
The only bad news is that the series is still in the works. The first novel was published in April 2005 and the second was just released October 12, 2006. It will take a LONG time before you can collect all the books, but pick it up anyway! Each graphic novel is worth waiting for! And since there really isn't a manga that carries mostly fantasy throughout the book as well as plain comedy, I recommend you spend $9.99 to at least have something fresh.
