I’m finishing off my month of posts with a manga series recommendation for you all. A few years ago, I started reading Yona of the Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi and I fell in love. At one point – and I wish I still had the photo to use to show you all – I got 20 volumes out from the library so I could binge read as much of the series as possible. The pile reached my knees, it was so tall. So, in part because I cannot stop thinking about this series and in part because I am surprised at myself for now talking about it at length sooner, here is my Yona of the Dawn Appreciation Post

Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Soo-won. But everything changes on her 16th birthday when she witnesses her father’s murder! Yona reels from the shock of witnessing a loved one’s murder and having to fight for her life. With Hak’s help, she flees the palace and struggles to survive while evading her enemy’s forces. But where will this displaced princess go when all the paths before her are uncertain?

This manga series is hilarious, heart-warming, incredibly addictive, and the many characters at hand are so well rounded and engaging. The artwork is absolutely amazing, and many times I caught myself admiring the stunning visuals of this series. Not just the covers, but the work on each page is so carefully constructed and beautifully encapsulates this magical, abundant story world.

I love the major characters. Yona, with her gorgeous red hair, big heart, and undeniable magnetism, is the perfect main character for this adventure seres. Her naivety is quickly shed as she navigates the world outside of her previously sheltered life, allowing for many lessons to be learnt, connections to be formed, and challenges in life to be addressed. Next to her, Hak stands tall as her guardian and friend (he’s something like 190cm I believe, and Yona is 157cm so the height difference in the drawings is comical and endearing), stoic and without fear, yet underneath that he harbours feelings for our brave princess. He is protective and stern, yet brotherly to the other main characters like Yun and the Four Dragons, and he never gives in. Time and time again, he will stand his ground and do what he must to protect his friends.

The way the volumes are split, with roughly 4-5 chapters per volume, it gives just the right amount of story to have the reader itching for the next volume (yes, like a craving, because this manga volume business is serious, friends). There are times, however, where there may be a chapter more or a chapter less depending on the events included. I am still reeling from Volume 43, the most recent of the series in the library’s possession. I read it at the beginning of April, and with only three chapters, I was shaking in my boots. I also may have been waving the volume around like it was a hand fan or a fly swat – that is how emotional I was about it. Volume 44 better get here this side of August, othewise I am going to be storming some poor manga store in Auckland central looking for this volume.

If you want to try something new, I highly recommend giving manga (or Korean manhwa, or Chinese manhua) a go. I know SPYxFAMILY is a current favourite among many, and I will be looking into more of the classics like Fruits Basket and My Hero Academia.