Nabi, the Prototype

by Yeon-Joo Kim
Published in the U.S. by Tokyopop

Slugline: A collection of stories, mostly about Myo-Un and Ryu-Sang.

At the end, we're informed that these are "side stories" for an upcoming series, also titled Nabi. I must say that I'm looking forward to that series, now.

These stories are non-linear and not all of them involve Myo-Un or Ryu-Sang. But they are all set in the same semi-fantasy, semi-scifi world and share threads of melancholy and unexpected kindness. The art is lovely, the dialog is good ad the world is left to build itself, for the most part -- about the only story element that I could complain about.

The layout of the book could be better, sadly. There is not enough separation between the stories and I tended to run straight from one into the other, then get confused and have to backtrack to find out where one ended and the next began.

But I'm definitely looking forward to Nabi, the series.

Nabi, the Prototype is also available from Right Stuf, Intl., an online retailer specializing in anime and manga.

- Miranda