Qwan, Volume 1

Qwan / 怪・力・乱・神クワン #1

by Aki Shimizu

In the mystical lands of ancient China, where magical beings are a part of everyday life, Qwan is a strange boy who can devour demons and absorb their power. However, he's looking for more than a quick bite. Qwan's quest is to find the sutra known as the Essential Arts of Peace, which will ultimately reveal the purpose and truth to his existence!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Comics Manga, Historical Fiction, Action

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2003

Reviews

[Nouk · Rating 3 out of 5]

The problem with this manga is that I couldn't follow the whole story, because I don't know anything about this time area/myth/fairytale/legend. I would have liked it a lot more when certain things were more explained. However, I really love the artstyle. That is why I give it 2.5//5 stars.

[Ivon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artisnya benar-benar dewa (atau dewi?).

Secara cerita ... hrmmm, tipikal cerita2 jadul China. Ada tambahan karakter mendadak, muncul kekuatan/kejadian baru yang hampir tak ada penjelasan.

Kalau suka mitologi dan siluman, ini cerita yang bagus.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork but the plot is a bit scattered.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite manga, I have re-read it many times and I just love that historical,magical style of manga

[Shazza Maddog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this manga for a re-read and it doesn't disappoint. Qwan takes place during the end of the Han Dynasty in China, following the adventures of the title character, Qwan, who appears to be a young teen boy - but is incredibly strong, and survives by eating demons. He rescues a never-do-well by eating the demon that's about to eat Chikei and Chikei, recognizing a possible monetary feast, decides to make Chikei his partner.

While traveling, they meet a beautiful young girl, Daki, who has the ability to control insect demons. Qwan thinks that she should be edible, and he doesn't understand why he can't eat her. While visiting the city, and upon meeting a prostitute, Qwan is advised that to get his memories back, he should seek the Essential Arts of Peace Scroll. The problem with that is the Scroll has been given to the current Chinese Emperor, in an attempt to enlighten him that his court is destroying him.

The art in his manga is beautiful, and I wish it was in color. There are hints throughout that Qwan is something Other, and that should play to the upcoming chapters. Chikei provides comic relief, but I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be something more later in the story.

I'm looking forward to reading more.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Artistically, Qwan is beautiful but the story left something to be desired.

The series takes place during the end of the Han Dynasty in the 1st century and the art has a really traditional Asian style that's reflective of that culture.

The story in this first volume is a lot of set up and I felt a little lost. There are several characters who are historical figures from the Han Dynasty and some of the story branches from them, and I didn't feel like I was given enough information to really understand that part of the story without looking in to that history myself.

I did think the characters were great and the world-building seems interesting, but I wasn't overly inspired to continue reading past the first volume. I might pick it up again one day but it's not immediately on my radar.

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Qwan is a beautifully drawn manga. It definitely stands tall among its peers artistically. Excellent character design, wonderful action, and breathtaking landscapes combine to make this a visual feast. The plot is not quite as solid, wading into confusing moments here and again, but not often enough to detract from the whole. A very underrated series, I'd say.

[Jenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book and was not disappointed. I love the quirkiness of Qwan as a demon and his hunger for the bugs in life. It was an interesting start to a manga and I hope to grab the second volume soon

[Oyceter · Rating 3 out of 5]

i vaguely remember being somewhat intrigued by the weirdness of the boy who ate demons, but not enough to continue reading the series.

[Selena Pigoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very... different.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting concept, but with the first volume, I'm just not really sure right now. We'll see in the future if it gets better.

[Sara Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5: Great!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art gets 4.5 stars from me. But the story is suited for much younger crowd.

[Stephanie Chang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very odd. Slightly interesting and rather funny.