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My Soul Mate
Two novice manhua artists connect and collaborate across the boundaries of the material world in this semi-autobiographical story of creativity and storytelling against the odds.
Chung Chuen Ming is an experienced art assistant in the comics industry who spends his days working on perfecting the work of others. Inside his heart, he longs for artistic fulfillment and wants to create his own manhua. Determined to make his dreams a reality, he quits his day job to focus on his personal project. Through a strange turn of events, he meets fellow novice artist Cheung Shan, someone who could really help him achieve his dreams! There’s just one small issue: Chung Chuen Ming just died and has been possessing Cheung Shan!
Can a creative collaboration bloom between these two artists, even against the boundaries of life and death? Follow these two fearless artists as they follow their creative dreams in My Soul Mate.
Chung Chuen Ming is an experienced art assistant in the comics industry who spends his days working on perfecting the work of others. Inside his heart, he longs for artistic fulfillment and wants to create his own manhua. Determined to make his dreams a reality, he quits his day job to focus on his personal project. Through a strange turn of events, he meets fellow novice artist Cheung Shan, someone who could really help him achieve his dreams! There’s just one small issue: Chung Chuen Ming just died and has been possessing Cheung Shan!
Can a creative collaboration bloom between these two artists, even against the boundaries of life and death? Follow these two fearless artists as they follow their creative dreams in My Soul Mate.
200 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2026
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 4, 2024
5/5
Questo titolo mi ha colpita tantissimo ed è subito entrato nei miei preferiti letti in questo ultimo periodo.
Non riuscivo a staccare gli occhi dalle pagine, lo stile di disegno è stato molto di mio gradimento e la storia mi ha toccata fin da subito.
Questo legame che si crea tra i due protagonisti è un'unione molto speciale, il finale poi mi ha commossa, l'ho trovato molto emozionante e vero.
La trama mi è subito entrata nel cuore complice anche l'essere un'amante dei "dietro le quinte".
Avere tra le mani un intero volume dedicato alla creazione di un fumetto è stato per me un motivo per sfamare la mia curiosità ed imparare qualcosa di nuovo di questo mondo all'apparenza semplice ma in realtà molto complesso. Quel tocco poi di soprannaturale, ha dato quella cosa in più all'intera storia che l'ha resa nel suo molto particolare e soprattutto mai banale. Il colpo di scena verso la fine, il finale stesso, un vortice di emozioni provate tutte assieme in un paio d'ore.
Approvatissimo e super consigliato! Ancora una volta la Toshokan si rivela essere una grande casa editrice ed è per questo che ormai ogni suo volume pubblicato diventa un acquisto assicurato.
Questo titolo mi ha colpita tantissimo ed è subito entrato nei miei preferiti letti in questo ultimo periodo.
Non riuscivo a staccare gli occhi dalle pagine, lo stile di disegno è stato molto di mio gradimento e la storia mi ha toccata fin da subito.
Questo legame che si crea tra i due protagonisti è un'unione molto speciale, il finale poi mi ha commossa, l'ho trovato molto emozionante e vero.
La trama mi è subito entrata nel cuore complice anche l'essere un'amante dei "dietro le quinte".
Avere tra le mani un intero volume dedicato alla creazione di un fumetto è stato per me un motivo per sfamare la mia curiosità ed imparare qualcosa di nuovo di questo mondo all'apparenza semplice ma in realtà molto complesso. Quel tocco poi di soprannaturale, ha dato quella cosa in più all'intera storia che l'ha resa nel suo molto particolare e soprattutto mai banale. Il colpo di scena verso la fine, il finale stesso, un vortice di emozioni provate tutte assieme in un paio d'ore.
Approvatissimo e super consigliato! Ancora una volta la Toshokan si rivela essere una grande casa editrice ed è per questo che ormai ogni suo volume pubblicato diventa un acquisto assicurato.
August 24, 2024
The art can be nicely done, if rather unimaginative. The artist's instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wahkeeart/
The story is unfortunately pretty cheesy.
https://www.instagram.com/wahkeeart/
The story is unfortunately pretty cheesy.
October 4, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, Nakama Press, and Mad Cave Studios for an eARC of this novel!
2.5 stars rounded up
I really loved the concept of this manga, and I was really hopeful. Unfortunately, it just felt a little bit too stiff. The transitions, characterization, and translation just felt a little too unpolished and rough. The story also felt extremely simple, but I did really enjoy what it had to say about art. The mantra that you cannot do anything with a blank page is a simple but effective one, and for that reason, it gets rounded up. What I felt when it ended was that this was completely predictable and expected. It didn't feel like it had much substance or polish to it, and I wouldn't need to read past the synopsis to understand the full plot. In that way, I found it disappointing.
2.5 stars rounded up
I really loved the concept of this manga, and I was really hopeful. Unfortunately, it just felt a little bit too stiff. The transitions, characterization, and translation just felt a little too unpolished and rough. The story also felt extremely simple, but I did really enjoy what it had to say about art. The mantra that you cannot do anything with a blank page is a simple but effective one, and for that reason, it gets rounded up. What I felt when it ended was that this was completely predictable and expected. It didn't feel like it had much substance or polish to it, and I wouldn't need to read past the synopsis to understand the full plot. In that way, I found it disappointing.
September 27, 2025
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review
Wasn't the biggest fan of this. While the art was clearly done by a talented artist, it just wasn't really the art style for me. I also can't tell if this was just full of clunky translations or if it's an overall issue of telling instead of showing. Which isn't an issue I've ever had with manga before, but it was a huge issue here.
Usually with manga, if you take out the words, you can still get an idea of the story just by looking at the art. But this story depended too much on the dialogue bubbles. It was info dumpy and just overall really dry writing.
I didn't find the characters unlikeable, but I found myself not really rooting for either of them. I didn't care about their progress or connection with each other. I was just kind going through the motions with every page I turned waiting for the story to be over
Wasn't the biggest fan of this. While the art was clearly done by a talented artist, it just wasn't really the art style for me. I also can't tell if this was just full of clunky translations or if it's an overall issue of telling instead of showing. Which isn't an issue I've ever had with manga before, but it was a huge issue here.
Usually with manga, if you take out the words, you can still get an idea of the story just by looking at the art. But this story depended too much on the dialogue bubbles. It was info dumpy and just overall really dry writing.
I didn't find the characters unlikeable, but I found myself not really rooting for either of them. I didn't care about their progress or connection with each other. I was just kind going through the motions with every page I turned waiting for the story to be over
October 14, 2025
I feel like the concept had potential, but the writing fell so flat and lacked intrigue and connection between the charcaters.
We follow a manhwa artist who's adamant on finishing his work, but he meets a tragic fate, and a few years later he stumbles upon another artist working on the comics by others and never having the courage or time to actually pursue his own ideas, and the two of them decided to finish that unfinished project.
The loopholes were a bit too much, and usually I suspend my belief and let it go, but the story really made no sense, and that's a shame
We follow a manhwa artist who's adamant on finishing his work, but he meets a tragic fate, and a few years later he stumbles upon another artist working on the comics by others and never having the courage or time to actually pursue his own ideas, and the two of them decided to finish that unfinished project.
The loopholes were a bit too much, and usually I suspend my belief and let it go, but the story really made no sense, and that's a shame
January 8, 2025
Molto carino ma niente di più
September 20, 2024
[My soul mate - Wah Kee → ☆☆☆]
December 16, 2024
Mi aspettavo un po' di piu' da questa storia, invece esce molto moscia.
September 28, 2025
Taking place in Hong Kong, the story is about Shan & Ming, Shan is an introvert and found comic as an escape and decided he's going be comic artist assistant to continual his introverted existence. Meanwhile, Ming has been a comic artist assistant and finally have had enough working for others, and decided to have a go for himself. Only he had an heart attack.
Since he has unfinished business, he wandered to a comic studio and saw Shan, his drawing is quite up to snub, and Ming's spirit decided to overtake Shan's body to complete his work.
I get the story line, that's not uncommon in Asian culture or shows. That said, they didn't really show the connection that Shan & Ming actually have in the past and their current, there's a glimpse of Ming caring about Shan and maybe because the body's is the vehicle he needed, but there's not much relationship after that. Also, the drawing is very one dimensional, the zombie art that Ming is drawing has more depth than the main story line. Hong Kong every corner has multitude of things you can use as background, add some more bits to life would be great. Art is fine, translation is very straightforward.
Thank you NetGalley & Mad Cave Studios for the ARC
Since he has unfinished business, he wandered to a comic studio and saw Shan, his drawing is quite up to snub, and Ming's spirit decided to overtake Shan's body to complete his work.
I get the story line, that's not uncommon in Asian culture or shows. That said, they didn't really show the connection that Shan & Ming actually have in the past and their current, there's a glimpse of Ming caring about Shan and maybe because the body's is the vehicle he needed, but there's not much relationship after that. Also, the drawing is very one dimensional, the zombie art that Ming is drawing has more depth than the main story line. Hong Kong every corner has multitude of things you can use as background, add some more bits to life would be great. Art is fine, translation is very straightforward.
Thank you NetGalley & Mad Cave Studios for the ARC
October 12, 2025
Gracias a NetGalley y a la editorial por proporcionarme este ARC:
My Soul Mate es una historia llena de sueños y conmovedora, sobre el anhelo por contar tus propias historias y crear tu propio manga. Sigue a dos personajes principales, cada uno viviendo su propia vida, hasta que todo cambia de repente.
Explora nuestros miedos y dudas, y cómo podemos aprender a superarlos. La metáfora de la página en blanco es especialmente significativa, dado que muchos de nosotros nos hemos encontrado ante ello alguna vez. Siento que esta historia podría haberse desarrollado en más volúmenes, ya que sus temas y personajes tienen mucho potencial.
----
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC:
My Soul Mate is a touching story full of dreams — about someone who longs to tell their own stories and create their own manga. It follows two main characters, each living their own lives, until everything suddenly changes.
It explores our fears and doubts, and how we can learn to overcome them. The metaphor of the blank page is especially beautiful and meaningful. I do feel this story could have been expanded into more volumes, as its themes and characters have so much potential.
My Soul Mate es una historia llena de sueños y conmovedora, sobre el anhelo por contar tus propias historias y crear tu propio manga. Sigue a dos personajes principales, cada uno viviendo su propia vida, hasta que todo cambia de repente.
Explora nuestros miedos y dudas, y cómo podemos aprender a superarlos. La metáfora de la página en blanco es especialmente significativa, dado que muchos de nosotros nos hemos encontrado ante ello alguna vez. Siento que esta historia podría haberse desarrollado en más volúmenes, ya que sus temas y personajes tienen mucho potencial.
----
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC:
My Soul Mate is a touching story full of dreams — about someone who longs to tell their own stories and create their own manga. It follows two main characters, each living their own lives, until everything suddenly changes.
It explores our fears and doubts, and how we can learn to overcome them. The metaphor of the blank page is especially beautiful and meaningful. I do feel this story could have been expanded into more volumes, as its themes and characters have so much potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2025
My Soul Mate is a comic out of Hong Kong about two artist assistants - one of whom died shortly after quitting his assisting job to work on his own projects, and another.... who he haunts so he can finish said project. It's generational bonding, and it's learning another person who is so similar yet different than you.
The art is fantastic, reminiscent of the more realistic people-drawings of Takehiko Inoue, which lends itself well to a story about assistants working on the manhua of a "master". What doesn't really work is the really stiff, stilted translation. I see again that Mad Cave Studios/Nakama Press outsourced their Chinese translations to Book Buddy Media which honestly does a disservice to the story? I don't know if it's that they use genAI (there are no translators credited) or just outsource from their company translators that aren't really skilled enough for fictional work but some of the dialogue is really actually quite jarring with its stiffness. But, the story is good beyond that and I hope Mad Cave/Nakama chooses better translation folks in the future! It's cool we're getting these comics out of Hong Kong translated :)
Thank you to NetGalley/Nakama Press/Mad Cave Studios for the eARC in exchange for review.
The art is fantastic, reminiscent of the more realistic people-drawings of Takehiko Inoue, which lends itself well to a story about assistants working on the manhua of a "master". What doesn't really work is the really stiff, stilted translation. I see again that Mad Cave Studios/Nakama Press outsourced their Chinese translations to Book Buddy Media which honestly does a disservice to the story? I don't know if it's that they use genAI (there are no translators credited) or just outsource from their company translators that aren't really skilled enough for fictional work but some of the dialogue is really actually quite jarring with its stiffness. But, the story is good beyond that and I hope Mad Cave/Nakama chooses better translation folks in the future! It's cool we're getting these comics out of Hong Kong translated :)
Thank you to NetGalley/Nakama Press/Mad Cave Studios for the eARC in exchange for review.
November 28, 2025
Take two young-ish male manga art assistants, from various studios, and have the more ambitious one get killed off. Put his soul in the body of the other, allowing it to take over of an evening once the more humdrum man's work is done and get to create his own art as intended while still alive. Allow the two entities to separate enough so they both appear to us in the same frame, but mostly stick to a daringly restricted close-up-as-he-draws direction. And what have you got?
Well, what we have is this – which is certainly interesting and readable, just not exactly that great. The script probably wants to talk about collaborative art and the comics industry, and while it touches on those themes it's to little effect. And in a way it is impressive that the whole book is so often stuck with a view of the central half of a bloke's face, eyes down on his art, but it's very noticeable and clearly an issue. I guess there's some slight heart-warming going on with the unlikely team-building across the grave's divide, but this doesn't offer a huge heck of a lot. It might not be worth three and a half stars even, but I don't do quarters.
Well, what we have is this – which is certainly interesting and readable, just not exactly that great. The script probably wants to talk about collaborative art and the comics industry, and while it touches on those themes it's to little effect. And in a way it is impressive that the whole book is so often stuck with a view of the central half of a bloke's face, eyes down on his art, but it's very noticeable and clearly an issue. I guess there's some slight heart-warming going on with the unlikely team-building across the grave's divide, but this doesn't offer a huge heck of a lot. It might not be worth three and a half stars even, but I don't do quarters.
November 26, 2023
Ada pendatang baru dalam dunia penerbitan komik Malaysia, iaitu Majikku IP. Cuma yang menariknya mereka tak terbitakan komik tempatan atau manga jepun. Tetapi manhua dari HONG KONG!
Komik dari Hong Kong bukanlah perkara yang asing dalam industri komik Malaysia. Kanak2 yang membesar tahun 90an dan awal 2000 sudah pasti & pasti amat mengenali komik2 besar nipis "Pendekar Laut", "Wira Tunggal" dan banyak lagi yang bersepah dijual di kedai2 runcit seluruh Malaysia pada ketika itu.
Setelah lama manhua menyepi (ada je timbul sebentar iaitu Bayangan Wira tapi dihentikan sebab kurang sambutan), kini kembali lagi dengan manhua baru "Bara Impian" tapi berbeza sikitlah dari genre lawan2 aksi fantasi yang selalu muncul dulu2. Kisah kehidupan sebenar seorang pembantu artis komik yang bercita2 ingin menjadi artis komik tapi kurang yakin dengan diri sendiri dan terperangkap dalam kepompong selesa sebagai "pembantu" artis komik. Sedap komik ni, boleh la layan. Terpakai juga jika kita masih terperangkap dalam "kepompong selesa".
Komik dari Hong Kong bukanlah perkara yang asing dalam industri komik Malaysia. Kanak2 yang membesar tahun 90an dan awal 2000 sudah pasti & pasti amat mengenali komik2 besar nipis "Pendekar Laut", "Wira Tunggal" dan banyak lagi yang bersepah dijual di kedai2 runcit seluruh Malaysia pada ketika itu.
Setelah lama manhua menyepi (ada je timbul sebentar iaitu Bayangan Wira tapi dihentikan sebab kurang sambutan), kini kembali lagi dengan manhua baru "Bara Impian" tapi berbeza sikitlah dari genre lawan2 aksi fantasi yang selalu muncul dulu2. Kisah kehidupan sebenar seorang pembantu artis komik yang bercita2 ingin menjadi artis komik tapi kurang yakin dengan diri sendiri dan terperangkap dalam kepompong selesa sebagai "pembantu" artis komik. Sedap komik ni, boleh la layan. Terpakai juga jika kita masih terperangkap dalam "kepompong selesa".
September 29, 2025
“My Soul Mate” is a quirky little graphic novel that serves to show you and inside look to what goes on in the life of those in the comic industry.
The story is shown through the eyes of Chung Chuen Ming (who is not long for the land of the living) and Cheung Shan. Chung’s spirit begins to haunt and then possess Cheung in an effort to fulfill his artistic desires. The details of the pressures they face will give you an interesting perspective of an artist and how they think. You will find yourself cheering them on as they are trying to meet a deadline to fulfill Chung’s dreams. But nothing is ever easy.
The story was fun and a quick read. I did have a few concerns. For some, the portrayal and thought of someone being possessed could be problematic. My second concern was the constant smoking. Several of the characters are seen with cigarettes on a regular basis. Not exactly a great message for younger readers.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
The story is shown through the eyes of Chung Chuen Ming (who is not long for the land of the living) and Cheung Shan. Chung’s spirit begins to haunt and then possess Cheung in an effort to fulfill his artistic desires. The details of the pressures they face will give you an interesting perspective of an artist and how they think. You will find yourself cheering them on as they are trying to meet a deadline to fulfill Chung’s dreams. But nothing is ever easy.
The story was fun and a quick read. I did have a few concerns. For some, the portrayal and thought of someone being possessed could be problematic. My second concern was the constant smoking. Several of the characters are seen with cigarettes on a regular basis. Not exactly a great message for younger readers.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 6, 2025
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This title wasn’t quite what I expected, but it turned out to be a fun and quick read. The story follows Chung Chueng Min, who tragically passes away while still chasing a long-held dream. After death, he teams up with Chung Shan to fulfill that dream together. We follow the duo as they race against time to complete their project before a looming deadline.
I really enjoyed the experience—especially thanks to the stunning artwork, which clearly reflects the talent and vision of a skilled artist.
However, the transitions between scenes felt a bit rough and at times hard to follow. I also struggled to connect with the two main characters, as there wasn’t much background or development provided. I suspect the translation played a significant role in this disconnection, possibly affecting the overall clarity and flow of the story.
That said, the ending was quite sweet and offered the kind of heartwarming conclusion I was hoping for.
This title wasn’t quite what I expected, but it turned out to be a fun and quick read. The story follows Chung Chueng Min, who tragically passes away while still chasing a long-held dream. After death, he teams up with Chung Shan to fulfill that dream together. We follow the duo as they race against time to complete their project before a looming deadline.
I really enjoyed the experience—especially thanks to the stunning artwork, which clearly reflects the talent and vision of a skilled artist.
However, the transitions between scenes felt a bit rough and at times hard to follow. I also struggled to connect with the two main characters, as there wasn’t much background or development provided. I suspect the translation played a significant role in this disconnection, possibly affecting the overall clarity and flow of the story.
That said, the ending was quite sweet and offered the kind of heartwarming conclusion I was hoping for.
September 26, 2025
My Soul Mate is a semi-autobiographical telling of Acclaimed Comic artist Wah Kee Wu, a Hong Kong based comic artist.
We follow Shan and Ming, both struggling comic book assistants in their own right.
While Shan is a fairly new assistant with a quiet disposition, Ming has been in the industry for a while now, and he's ready to quit his dead end job and make a name for himself! The only problem is, Ming has passed away right after deciding to fulfill his dreams!
While wandering the line between life and death, he finds himself being pulled towards Shan.
The artwork was detailed and lovely.
I do wish the story didn't feel so rushed, but that could very well be that the translation needs a bit of refining.
The ending was quite sweet, and just the conclusion you might hope for.
Both main characters are likeable, my favorite being Shan of course. I definitely think this quirky manhua is worth the read
We follow Shan and Ming, both struggling comic book assistants in their own right.
While Shan is a fairly new assistant with a quiet disposition, Ming has been in the industry for a while now, and he's ready to quit his dead end job and make a name for himself! The only problem is, Ming has passed away right after deciding to fulfill his dreams!
While wandering the line between life and death, he finds himself being pulled towards Shan.
The artwork was detailed and lovely.
I do wish the story didn't feel so rushed, but that could very well be that the translation needs a bit of refining.
The ending was quite sweet, and just the conclusion you might hope for.
Both main characters are likeable, my favorite being Shan of course. I definitely think this quirky manhua is worth the read
September 28, 2025
This is a cute possession story, which feels like a very strange thing to say. Thanks to Kodansha for the DRC. I believe this is my first comic from a Hong Kongnese artist. Please publish more!
The story is pretty simple and quickly gets into the meat of it. Chung Chueng Min dies while trying to finish a personal project and possesses Chung Shan's body in order to do so. They quickly become a team and after some hurdles and disappearances, they manage to release multiple volumes of finished work and are even talked about amongst some other big names. We do kind of skip over some minor details like if Chung Shan ever quit his job or got married but I enjoyed seeing their friendship last for so many decades.
I don't think I'd mind getting possessed if my "possesser" wanted to help me keep on top of my hopes/dreams. I could finish so many projects!
The story is pretty simple and quickly gets into the meat of it. Chung Chueng Min dies while trying to finish a personal project and possesses Chung Shan's body in order to do so. They quickly become a team and after some hurdles and disappearances, they manage to release multiple volumes of finished work and are even talked about amongst some other big names. We do kind of skip over some minor details like if Chung Shan ever quit his job or got married but I enjoyed seeing their friendship last for so many decades.
I don't think I'd mind getting possessed if my "possesser" wanted to help me keep on top of my hopes/dreams. I could finish so many projects!
September 25, 2025
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley
~
My Soul Mate, by Wah Kee
★★★★★
200 Pages
This was such a lovely surprise. The story is all about life, death, passion, not giving up on your dreams, and surprising friendships coming from surprising places. It's got comic book artwork, ghosts, possession and a true 'finding yourself' story at its heart.
I loved the art, which was so detailed and emotive. The pacing was perfect. The suspense and overall storyline were brilliantly utilised to showcase the story to its best.
The ending was really touching and perfectly suited to everything that came before it. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better ending.
Copy received through Netgalley
~
My Soul Mate, by Wah Kee
★★★★★
200 Pages
This was such a lovely surprise. The story is all about life, death, passion, not giving up on your dreams, and surprising friendships coming from surprising places. It's got comic book artwork, ghosts, possession and a true 'finding yourself' story at its heart.
I loved the art, which was so detailed and emotive. The pacing was perfect. The suspense and overall storyline were brilliantly utilised to showcase the story to its best.
The ending was really touching and perfectly suited to everything that came before it. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better ending.
October 7, 2025
The RayView:
The HeatRay:
How It Be Spicin’?:
.
What a unique paranormal manga. I don’t know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn’t a possessed comic artist trying their hardest to complete their manuscript. 🤔😂 If you’re looking for a palette cleanser to just clear your head with that has a bit of ghostly atmosphere to it, I’d give this one a try.
Personally, it was a tad too meh. Not in a bad way, just in a forgettable, wouldn’t reach for it again kind of way. No regrets reading though! It filled up some time and marked another book down for the year.
.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The HeatRay:
How It Be Spicin’?:
.
What a unique paranormal manga. I don’t know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn’t a possessed comic artist trying their hardest to complete their manuscript. 🤔😂 If you’re looking for a palette cleanser to just clear your head with that has a bit of ghostly atmosphere to it, I’d give this one a try.
Personally, it was a tad too meh. Not in a bad way, just in a forgettable, wouldn’t reach for it again kind of way. No regrets reading though! It filled up some time and marked another book down for the year.
.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 5, 2025
This title didn’t take the direction I thought it was going to but it was a fun read and a really interesting concept. I felt like you got to know Ming really well but none of the other characters stood out in comparison. Some of the writing felt a little disjointed and hard to follow the placement on the page at points but the overall story had a really nice message. There were some funny moments and I was surprised to feel a little sad at points as well. Overall there were bits that needed improvement but I really enjoyed the story and the concept.
October 6, 2025
2.75 stars
Huge thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of My Soul Mate by Wah Kee!
This was such an interesting and fun concept. Super short (at least in my opinion) and the story didn’t drag.
I found it kinda funny how the other 3 suspected he was being possessed and started coming up with a plan.
My only complaint is that there’s not a lot of explanation about the possessions and if it’s a common thing but not sure if that’s how it was meant to be since this is my 3rd manga I’ve ever read.
Huge thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of My Soul Mate by Wah Kee!
This was such an interesting and fun concept. Super short (at least in my opinion) and the story didn’t drag.
I found it kinda funny how the other 3 suspected he was being possessed and started coming up with a plan.
My only complaint is that there’s not a lot of explanation about the possessions and if it’s a common thing but not sure if that’s how it was meant to be since this is my 3rd manga I’ve ever read.
October 7, 2025
Thank you to Wah Kee and NetGalley for an ARC of “My Soul Mate.”
This is definitely not the plot that I thought going into it, and I am very pleasantly surprised. This was heart-warming and really shows the reality of being a creative person, with creative hopes and dreams. I really loved seeing the development between the two main leads, and their friendship that lasted two lifetimes.
The art style was clean and nice, and the story overall was easy to follow, definitely could not put this down!
This is definitely not the plot that I thought going into it, and I am very pleasantly surprised. This was heart-warming and really shows the reality of being a creative person, with creative hopes and dreams. I really loved seeing the development between the two main leads, and their friendship that lasted two lifetimes.
The art style was clean and nice, and the story overall was easy to follow, definitely could not put this down!
October 18, 2025
Shan is a comic book artist for a company that struggles to make deadlines. Meanwhile another comic book artist, Ming, quits his job to focus solely on his own work. Unfortunately, the stress of it all kills him. To finish his work, Ming possesses Shan to meet the deadline for a contest to publish his work.
Overall, it was an okay read. I like how the two characters worked together to meet a common goal. It was inspirational in the fact that they were creating their own work, even in an unorthodox manner.
#ThxNetGalley #WahKee #MySoulMate
Overall, it was an okay read. I like how the two characters worked together to meet a common goal. It was inspirational in the fact that they were creating their own work, even in an unorthodox manner.
#ThxNetGalley #WahKee #MySoulMate
December 23, 2025
This was interesting and engaging with a very satisfying end. Chung Chuen Ming is an experienced mangaka. He desires to be a perfect manga artist but he dies before he can realise his dream. He is then presented with a second chance, because by possessing the body of a novice manga artist he can keep drawing by possessing him. The two artists learn to collaborate and their creativity flows but is this a partnership that can last? This was great and held my interest to the very end.
September 26, 2025
Not what I was expecting, but still a nice read. The baseline story was interesting but while there was nothing really wrong with the characters I wasn't particularly interested in them. The art was very well done, even if the style wasn't one I'm particularly fond of. I think a lot of my disinterest is because I was expecting a different angle given the title.
October 22, 2025
Comic books were the first time where I read something with a triple-digit page count. From mythological tales in Amar Chitra Katha, to children’s stories in Tinkle Comics, to discovering superheroes and the likes with Marvel & DC, comic books formed an important foundation in my life both as a reader and as a writer of speculative fiction.
Manga—on the other hand—came to me pretty late in life. I was in my mid-twenties when I first picked up a manga (Death Note), and there’s been no looking back since. Funnily enough, I read my first ever manhwa this year, with My Soul Mate being my first manhua. Well, manga/manhwa/manhua all mean comics across different societies. Why am I mentioning all this? Because, the book in question is about two manhua artists. A semi-autobiographical account with a paranormal twist, Wah Kee’s manhua, My Soul Mate, promised a slice-of-life story that appealed to me as a writer. But, did it impress me as a reader?
Spoilers Ahead!
What I liked:
Like I mentioned already, comics have played—and continue to play—a very important role in my life. Both as a reader and a writer. So, naturally, I’d be inclined to pick up a story like this. I can’t speak for how accurately the story captures the work culture of artists, but from an emotional perspective, this story delivered exactly what it promised.
While it is a supernatural story including spirit possession, at its heart it really is about fulfilling your dreams. And that is a premise that’ll appeal to artists across the world, irrespective of the medium (pun intended). Both Ming & Shan are manhua artists with a dream to publish their own manhuas. While the stakes and conflicts don’t really grow as much through the story, their passion towards their artform makes itself apparent through every chapter. From going out of your way post-work to develop your story, to giving up everything to focus on your dream project, to literally continuing to work even post-life, My Soul Mate captures the never-say-die passions that inspire many an artist to even attempt realizing their dreams.
The story and characters themselves don’t have much to offer. Our main characters, Ming & Shan, are both relatively two-dimensional. But we do get a brief glimpse into each of their backstories, which sets the stage of their personalities and personal goals. Even the world of manhua comics doesn’t play a huge role outside of being the background setting of these characters’ journey. Yet, the focus on our protagonists’ passion and dreams, and their drive to achieve them is what makes the bulk of the manhua.
Continue reading on SFF Insiders…
Manga—on the other hand—came to me pretty late in life. I was in my mid-twenties when I first picked up a manga (Death Note), and there’s been no looking back since. Funnily enough, I read my first ever manhwa this year, with My Soul Mate being my first manhua. Well, manga/manhwa/manhua all mean comics across different societies. Why am I mentioning all this? Because, the book in question is about two manhua artists. A semi-autobiographical account with a paranormal twist, Wah Kee’s manhua, My Soul Mate, promised a slice-of-life story that appealed to me as a writer. But, did it impress me as a reader?
Spoilers Ahead!
What I liked:
Like I mentioned already, comics have played—and continue to play—a very important role in my life. Both as a reader and a writer. So, naturally, I’d be inclined to pick up a story like this. I can’t speak for how accurately the story captures the work culture of artists, but from an emotional perspective, this story delivered exactly what it promised.
While it is a supernatural story including spirit possession, at its heart it really is about fulfilling your dreams. And that is a premise that’ll appeal to artists across the world, irrespective of the medium (pun intended). Both Ming & Shan are manhua artists with a dream to publish their own manhuas. While the stakes and conflicts don’t really grow as much through the story, their passion towards their artform makes itself apparent through every chapter. From going out of your way post-work to develop your story, to giving up everything to focus on your dream project, to literally continuing to work even post-life, My Soul Mate captures the never-say-die passions that inspire many an artist to even attempt realizing their dreams.
The story and characters themselves don’t have much to offer. Our main characters, Ming & Shan, are both relatively two-dimensional. But we do get a brief glimpse into each of their backstories, which sets the stage of their personalities and personal goals. Even the world of manhua comics doesn’t play a huge role outside of being the background setting of these characters’ journey. Yet, the focus on our protagonists’ passion and dreams, and their drive to achieve them is what makes the bulk of the manhua.
Continue reading on SFF Insiders…
October 7, 2025
Una storia gradevole e molto, molto orientale, di amore per i manga e dedizione al proprio lavoro - oltre la morte.
Ho trovato la narrazione frammentaria e poco chiara in alcuni passaggi e le tavole poco originali graficamente; ma a parte questo rimane una lettura gradevole, se non indimenticabile.
Ho trovato la narrazione frammentaria e poco chiara in alcuni passaggi e le tavole poco originali graficamente; ma a parte questo rimane una lettura gradevole, se non indimenticabile.
October 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley/Nakama Press/Mad Cave Studios for the eARC in exchange for review.
I wanted to like this book. The plot had so much potential, but it fell flat for me. I don't know if it is a translation issue or not, but I just couldn't get into it. It didn't give me much to say it was worth the read.
I wanted to like this book. The plot had so much potential, but it fell flat for me. I don't know if it is a translation issue or not, but I just couldn't get into it. It didn't give me much to say it was worth the read.
December 2, 2025
Thank you, Netgalley for an advanced copy of this graphic novel for an honest review
this started off as a good story and the art style was nicely done, unfortunately the story didn't keep me interested much and wish more was done.
this started off as a good story and the art style was nicely done, unfortunately the story didn't keep me interested much and wish more was done.
October 1, 2025
This wasn't what I expected but I still enjoyed it. It's super fast and interesting. Time seems to pass by you when you read it, really.
The whole dynamic was fun but I think it could've been a bit more developed.
Still, thank you so much to NetGalley for this opportunity.
The whole dynamic was fun but I think it could've been a bit more developed.
Still, thank you so much to NetGalley for this opportunity.
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