Dark Angel

by Kia Asamiya

Summary:

A Graphic Novel/Manga Series of 5 books. Genre is Fantasy. Released in 1992.

In this series we follow Dark, a young swordsman. His master forces him to make the ultimate decision as a swordsman causing Dark to search for his past in a journey through rival lands. Accompanied by his spiritual guide Kyo, Dark must master the skills of war, magic and negotiate the darkness that resides in his own heart to claim his position as a Phantom Saint, protector of the land.

My Thoughts:

Kia Asamiya is hearld as one of the greatest manga artists ever, he also drew Silent Moebus, Martian, Successor Nadesico and Steam Detectives. I found his artwork to be very detailed and easy to follow in the standard graphic novel format. The story line has a huge potential to branch off in any direction. The main character is a bit naive but luckily he has his spirit guide to get him through the story. The supporting characters are given great detail and we see how they tie into the storyline nicely. The ending is left wide open for continuation, though I doubt that will occur considering the age of this series.

Individual Book Summaries:

Vol 1. The Path to Destiny

Dark is put to his final test by his master, to determine if he is finally ready to embark on his own. Then we follow Dark’s travels to the forbidden Eastern Territory of the Four Winds where he faces Chao, the beautiful ex-lover of his late master...

vol 2. White Tiger's Battle Cry

Dark faces the three great challenges that will confirm him as a Phantom Saint: a skilled human martial opponent, a magical demon, ad a rite of passage in the Underworld

Vol 3. Leen's Destiny: The Path of the Blue Dragon

The gorgeous and deadly Nie, the Black Dragon, was consumed with jealousy when Leen became a Phantom Saint, and now conspires to murder her and take her kingdom!

Vol 4. Legend of the Sacred Beast

Dark has fought and won despite the odds against him. An unlikely Phantom Saint of the Red Phoenix, he keeps getting lost and can't even spread his wings at will, but there's something about him that keeps winning him allies. Now he's got an immeasurable desert to cross before he can get to Oukoku where his destiny awaits. What mysteries await him…and just who or what is the danger known as the Gairana?

Vol 5. Legend of the Sacred Beast II

The enigmatic angel, Dark has been sidetracked from his quest. He needs to rescue his fairy companion, Kyo and retrieve his sword from the ruthless and evil forces known as the Gairana. Dark will need to focus his strenth and skills in order to overcome this deadly threat, but even if he succeeds, he still must come to grips with his ultimate destiny… in the far off realm of Oukoku!

Review by Tesse aka blissful2bme