Title: Red River, Vol. 1
Author: Chie Shinohara
First published May 26, 1995
188 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781591164296 (ISBN10: 159116429X)
Rating: 4.23
Overview
The gates of Yokai Gakuen have been reopened for a new semester, and Tsukune and his friends are ready to take on whatever challenges come their way. With their newfound strength and power, they are more than prepared to face their arch-nemesis, Anti-Thesis.
However, as they look to the horizon, they realize that even greater threats await them. With danger lurking in every corner, the gang must band together like never before to protect their beloved school and each other from the forces of darkness.
Get ready for an action-packed adventure in Rosario+Vampire: Season II, Vol. 1 by Akihisa Ikeda.
About the Author
Chie Shinohara is a renowned Japanese manga artist who is most famous for her work Red River, called Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori: Anatolia Story in Japan. She has won the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo twice, first in 1987 for Yami no Purple Eye and again in 2001 for Red River.
In addition to her manga work, Shinohara has written several prose novels. She has authored the six-volume Big Draw Daughter Hatsu light novel series and five gaiden novels that are related to her Red River series.
Shinohara personally illustrated all of these novels.
Shinohara has produced a variety of other manga titles, including Blue Seal (2003), Midnight Visitor (1992-1994), Footprint of Memories (1984), Frozen Summer Day (2005), Romance of Darkness (1995), Farewell to the Eyewitness (2004), Something Watching in the Dark (1985), A Record of Ryoko’s Psychic Events (1988-1991), A Third Person Disappeared (1992), Then Five Bells Rang (1994), Red River (1995-2002), Runaway Express (2008-2009), Moon Shadow on a Dark Sea (1986-1991), and Purple Eye of Darkness (1984-1987). She has been actively publishing her work since 2010.
Editoral Review
Red River, Vol. 1 by Chie Shinohara is a Japanese manga series that was first published on May 26, 1995.
Shinohara, a renowned author in the manga industry, has gained popularity through her unique style and storytelling that explores historical events with a modern twist. Red River tells the story of a Japanese high school student named Yuri Suzuki, who is transported back in time to the Hittite Empire, a powerful ancient kingdom located in present-day Turkey.
The story explores the relationship between Yuri and the King of the Hittite Empire, Kail Mursili II, and their quest to change the course of history. The manga genre has always been a popular staple among readers who love comics, and Red River is no exception.
Shinohara’s work is known for its lush, intricate art style and compelling storytelling that merges fantasy and historical fiction. Red River is a prime example of Shinohara’s penchant for weaving together intricate plotlines and complex characters.
The story begins with Yuri Suzuki being transported back in time to the Hittite Empire, where she is taken as a slave by the powerful King Kail Mursili II. Though initially resistant to her position, Yuri soon discovers the unique challenges that come with being a woman in a kingdom ruled by men.
She quickly realizes that the only way to survive and change her fate is to befriend the King himself. The story takes place in the Hittite Empire, which adds a layer of historical and cultural significance to the manga.
Shinohara takes care to incorporate Hittite culture and history into the story, making it an intriguing read for readers who enjoy learning about ancient civilizations. Red River excels in character development, as Shinohara skillfully builds each character with intricate details and backstories.
The story takes its time in exploring each character’s motives and desires, which adds layers of complexity to the plotline. The pacing of the story is excellent, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.
One of the Manga’s strengths is its themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery. The story emphasizes the power of empathy and understanding, and how different perspectives can lead to significant changes.
The relationship between Yuri and Kail Mursili II is the embodiment of this theme, representing the possibility of finding common ground despite one’s differences. While the manga has many strengths, it also has some flaws.
One of the manga’s weaknesses is its slow pacing at times, which can make it difficult for readers to maintain interest. Additionally, the story’s occasional reliance on historical events can lead to confusion for readers who are not familiar with ancient history.
Overall, Red River, Vol. 1 by Chie Shinohara is a beautifully crafted manga that offers readers a compelling story, intricate characters, and an intriguing historical backdrop.
It offers a unique blend of fantasy and historical fiction, making it a must-read for fans of both genres. Despite its slow pacing at times, the manga offers a profound exploration of the themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery, making it a unique reading experience.
The manga is a perfect recommendation for fans of complex storytelling coupled with intricate artwork. Thus, Red River earns a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, a testament to Shinohara’s exemplary storytelling craftsmanship.
