What do you think?
Rate this book
Shaolin Burning
Old China like you’ve never seen before. Shaolin Burning is an exciting, modern take on kung fu mythology; a fusion of punked-up street culture and Chinese tradition.
When the Shaolin Temple is destroyed by the Emperor’s army, only five monks manage to escape alive. Or so the legend goes.
But few know the story of the sixth, Monk Who Doubts, who turns his back on the Buddhist path and embarks on a bloody trail of revenge, culminating in a devastating showdown with the Emperor’s forces.
Fewer still know the story of Deadly Plum Blossom. Unwanted at birth, she is rescued and raised by a Shaolin nun. Trained all her life in a new fighting style, she is determined to prove herself, and sets off to challenge the most dangerous man in China.
Shaolin Burning is a masterful interweaving of kung fu legends, Chinese history and stories of those lost to the past. It is a story of breathtaking beauty and no-holds-barred action sequences and is, at its heart, a meditation on the dangers of pursuing one’s talents.
When the Shaolin Temple is destroyed by the Emperor’s army, only five monks manage to escape alive. Or so the legend goes.
But few know the story of the sixth, Monk Who Doubts, who turns his back on the Buddhist path and embarks on a bloody trail of revenge, culminating in a devastating showdown with the Emperor’s forces.
Fewer still know the story of Deadly Plum Blossom. Unwanted at birth, she is rescued and raised by a Shaolin nun. Trained all her life in a new fighting style, she is determined to prove herself, and sets off to challenge the most dangerous man in China.
Shaolin Burning is a masterful interweaving of kung fu legends, Chinese history and stories of those lost to the past. It is a story of breathtaking beauty and no-holds-barred action sequences and is, at its heart, a meditation on the dangers of pursuing one’s talents.
192 pages
First published November 1, 2011
32 people want to read
About the author
Ant Sang
21 books23 followersAnt Sang, who lives and works in New Zealand, is an award-winning cartoonist. He is the author and illustrator of graphic novels 'The Dharma Punks' and 'Shaolin Burning'. He was one of the original creatives on the successful animated television series bro’Town. His latest graphic novel, 'Helen and the Go-Go Ninjas', is a collaboration with author Michael Bennett.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 4, 2015
Award-winning Auckland cartoonist Ant Sang has now released his first graphic novel; an exciting, modern take on Chinese traditions and kung fu mythology.
Shaolin Burning tells the twin stories of Deadly Plum Blossom, a feisty young woman rescued at birth, raised by a Shaolin nun, and trained in a new style of kung fu, and a vengeful former monk who’s cut a swath of destruction across China after escaping the razing of the Shaolin Temple. Deadly Plum Blossom is determined to prove herself, and sets off to challenge the most dangerous foe of all; the former Monk Who Doubts.
Sang’s debut novel-length effort is intriguing. His illustrations are stark, violent, and evocative; but a dash of colour instead of greyscale could have raised them to spectacular. Overall the story is an interesting fusion of myth, history, fantasy, and contemporary themes. Tattooed teenaged fighting gangs give a lively feel to old China, although their dialogue ‘clunked’ at times - the author appearing to try too hard for ‘modern’ with ‘bro’ and ‘waste them’ type slang that seems contrived.
But overall Shaolin Burning is a well-drawn, page-turning tale that would be an enjoyable read for many. Graphic novel uber-fans should add a star.
Shaolin Burning tells the twin stories of Deadly Plum Blossom, a feisty young woman rescued at birth, raised by a Shaolin nun, and trained in a new style of kung fu, and a vengeful former monk who’s cut a swath of destruction across China after escaping the razing of the Shaolin Temple. Deadly Plum Blossom is determined to prove herself, and sets off to challenge the most dangerous foe of all; the former Monk Who Doubts.
Sang’s debut novel-length effort is intriguing. His illustrations are stark, violent, and evocative; but a dash of colour instead of greyscale could have raised them to spectacular. Overall the story is an interesting fusion of myth, history, fantasy, and contemporary themes. Tattooed teenaged fighting gangs give a lively feel to old China, although their dialogue ‘clunked’ at times - the author appearing to try too hard for ‘modern’ with ‘bro’ and ‘waste them’ type slang that seems contrived.
But overall Shaolin Burning is a well-drawn, page-turning tale that would be an enjoyable read for many. Graphic novel uber-fans should add a star.
January 9, 2020
I got my copy of this graphic novel for free because the library at a place where I worked decided to get rid of it. Why did they do it? That's still a mystery to me, because this it is awesome.
It is full of action and adventure, it talkes about friendship, family, violence, revenge, being obsessed with anger and overcoming it. The book also has a great female protagonist and a few other interesting female characters.
It is full of action and adventure, it talkes about friendship, family, violence, revenge, being obsessed with anger and overcoming it. The book also has a great female protagonist and a few other interesting female characters.
July 31, 2018
This is just an awesome story! Read it - the graphics are great too. Ant Sang is speaking at WORD! https://wordchristchurch.co.nz/progra...
December 2, 2021
Loved this. The subtle drama of it - and the artwork is just stunning.
March 13, 2012
This is a cracking graphic novel by New Zealand cartoonist, Ant Sang. I use the term graphic novel; as a rule I prefer to call such things a comic book, disliking the pretensions that Graphic Novel conjures up.
But this IS a graphic novel; far more depth and beauty than most superhero vs villain smash up (and don't get me wrong, they have their place in my heart).
Ant Sang's tale of Deadly Plum Blossom and Monk Who Doubts is loaded with the artfully played-out action one expects from Lone Wolf and Cub or Frank Miller, yet he is not mimicing their style, his more cartoony style (more curves than hard edges) is all his own.
An excellent book - I will look out for more of his great work.
But this IS a graphic novel; far more depth and beauty than most superhero vs villain smash up (and don't get me wrong, they have their place in my heart).
Ant Sang's tale of Deadly Plum Blossom and Monk Who Doubts is loaded with the artfully played-out action one expects from Lone Wolf and Cub or Frank Miller, yet he is not mimicing their style, his more cartoony style (more curves than hard edges) is all his own.
An excellent book - I will look out for more of his great work.
October 31, 2016
Intriguing!
This book tells us a fictionalized story of some lesser-known historical facts and figures.
A great ensemble of characters connected by strong emotions and love for martial arts.
And needless to say, the cover art is classy!
This book tells us a fictionalized story of some lesser-known historical facts and figures.
A great ensemble of characters connected by strong emotions and love for martial arts.
And needless to say, the cover art is classy!
January 2, 2014
Stunning artwork, beautiful story.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews