Even though I freely spent my own money on this manga, I expected to hate it. I thought it would turn out to be dated, generic, and dull. But what can I say, I'm a sucker for fantasy action heroines, especially when they're prominent on the cover of a product: it tells us that this is her story; this is her adventure that you are about to embark upon.
The action heroine cover of 'The Legend of Chun Hyang', above all else, promises a fun time.
To my utter and pleasant surprise, it fulfils that promise.
This obscure manga by the ultra-famous mangaka team CLAMP, loosely based on a Korean folktale, is full of history, action, fantasy, comedy, romance, mystery, tragedy, politics, faith, spirits, heart, and beauty. It possesses a bit of everything, to match its stunning artwork, as is to be expected from CLAMP. 'The Legend of Chun Hyang' might be my first time reading anything to do with Korean culture and folklore, and far from being confused, I am intrigued.
Chun Hyang is a great heroine. She stands up for what she believes in, all the time; she's a formidable adversary against oppression and government corruption; she cares deeply for others and will fight for those who cannot defend themselves; she's a highly skilled martial artist and swordswoman, who thinks on her light feet; she's proven she can kick anyone's arses on multiple occasions; and she has her humourous and stubborn side as well, of course, without being overbearing. She's like a superhero for her people. She is neither a pushover, nor a saint, as she shows she is capable of killing out of rage and revenge. Quite brutal and complex for a shoujo heroine.
And despite the artwork making her look older, she is supposed to be only fourteen. Damn you, manga and anime.
Chun Hyang is a well rounded, endearing, fun yet tragic character, who manages to rise above her losses, and she never gives up.
In fact, I like all of the characters in 'The Legend of Chun Hyang'. Even the obnoxious, shallow, wannabe Casanova (read: perverted git) Mong Ryong, who serves as Chun Hyang's tag-along partner and potential love interest on her adventures - he grew on me. He isn't too bad, and is complex and powerful in his own way. There's also Chun Hyang's mother, Wall Mae, an important medicine woman (Mu Dang) in her town, whom Chun Hyang is very protective towards; unsurprising as she's her single parent. Wall Mae has her own secrets - everyone's quite mysterious in these stories, and Chun Hyang is kept in the dark, as is the tired and frustrating hero's journey tradition - but the mother and daughter share a loving and beautiful bond. It is very touching to see in manga - hell, in anything.
'The Legend of Chun Hyang' only contains three chapters, which are stories that are connected but can be read as standalones. The stories are very good and original, but sadly it doesn't seem like CLAMP will be continuing this project. This series definitely did not deserve to get cancelled before its time.
Oh well. It remains a nice little self-contained time capsule; a classic manga tale. Considering how short the series is and how it ended prematurely, I'm glad it got an English translation at any rate (I'm lucky to receive a secondhand Tokyopop copy online). The manga is such a fascinating gem containing practically all enjoyable elements.
Almost breathtaking. This legend will make you laugh, and cry.
Final Score: 4/5
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