Neotopia Color Manga #1 - Softcover

Espinosa, Rod

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1932453571 ISBN 13: 9781932453577

Publisher: Antarctic Press, 2004

Synopsis

• In a world where Man has at long last learned to live and work in harmony with Nature, the citizens of Mathenia live a good life under their beloved Grand Duchess. Unknown to them, she is Nalyn, a commoner standing in for Nydia, the real Duchess. Doing Nydia's dirty work is tough enough, but then Nalyn is kidnapped by an enemy empire bent on bringing back the age of world-hurting technological excess. And once rescued, she must then lead her country to war.

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Reviews

This fantasy, told in a breathlessly imaginative style that piles wonder upon wonder, is poised to become a perennial favorite. The all-ages story is set in a future where magical creatures from legends and other worlds have come to live among humans who have abandoned technology for magic. Plucky heroine Nalyn is a servant who poses as grand duchess of the utopian city Mathenia, while the real duchess, Nydia, attends balls in distant lands. Of course, Nalyn is a better ruler in every way, which comes in handy when the evil empire of Krossos attempts to kidnap her. This sets off a spectacular war between flying ships piloted by batlike humans and sinister insectoids. The first volume ends with treachery and sacrifice. The second picks up the story as Nalyn and her romantic interest, the irreverent inventor Philios, have to fight hyena-like pirates and the continuing threat from Krossos. Espinosa's fertile imagination and stunning art create a fully realized world of magical races, fantastic inventions and intriguing personalities. Even if some of the situations are standard, the execution is all his own. The only problem is that shrinking the original comics down to manga size has made the lettering almost impossible to read. This story deserves a wider screen.
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Gr. 6-12. In the first book in the new graphic-novel Neotopia series, people in a utopian future live in harmony with nature and magical creatures. Nalyn acts as the Grand Duchess of a rich kingdom called Mathenia, but she is actually just a servant. The true royal is a petty, conceited girl who avoids the tedious duties of state by making Nalyn stand in for her. The scheme works well, with Nalyn playing a compassionate leader. Things change, however, after the kingdom comes under attack by the evil Empire of Krossos. Good writing and strong characterization make this solid entertainment, and Nalyn's role as both a capable leader and a troubled girl will resonate with readers. The full-color art is beautifully detailed, incorporating action and majesty to good effect. Suggest this to fans of Anime movie blockbusters like Spirited Away and Princess Monanoke. Tina Coleman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Antarctic Press
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1932453571
• ISBN 13: 9781932453577
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168