Гелена та Сірий Вовк. Том 1

海倫娜與大野狼先生 #1

by Bliss, Ганна Дягіль (Translator)

Щемка історія про таємничого автора книжок-картинок, який приховує обличчя, і дівчинку, яка втратила родину.

Гелена любить малювати власні історії й читати чужі. Саме вони підбадьорювали дівчинку та її молодшого брата Артура, коли сварилися мама з бабусею чи надовго зникав тато. Варто лише зануритися в сюжет — і труднощі минали швидше. Після того як Артур, її єдина близька людина, постраждав у аварії, історії стали для Гелени опорою.


Вона відвідала автограф-сесію Сірого Вовка, свого улюбленого автора книжок-картинок, і познайомилася з ним ближче. Цей письменник з головою вовка здається загадковим і неймовірним. Іноді він відкриває Гелені свою м’яку сторону, але, схоже, приховує якусь таємницю.

Genres: Manga, Graphic Novels, Comics, Slice Of Life, Cozy

196 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2022

About the author

For Taiwan's author named Bliss, please see 布里斯

Reviews

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't quite what I thought it would be, but I believe there is a need for stories like this. Ones that use fiction to show you're not alone in using books to escape harsh reality. Or when you're a writer/artist and in such a deep slump that you feel a breakthrough is forever out of reach.

I really really loved Helena as a female heroine and her consistent courage and strength to bring happiness to her brother when it seemed they had been abandoned. However, my heart really hurt for her as she continued to use picture books as an escape from the pain of things with her brother.

I would say that Mr. Big Bad Wolf's story wasn't any easier to read, but not by much (and only because he was an adult, not a child like Helena). I might not be a writer anymore nor am I an artist, but as a creative who has struggled, I related far more than I expected.

Overall, this wasn't what I personally expected, but I definitely feel it would be deeply encouraging or relatable to struggling creatives! It was a very heartfelt story and I am curious about what will happen next, even if I'm unsure if I'll pick up the second volume or not.

[Katya Katarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not prepared for gut punch after gut punch or to cry so early in the day. I want to hold Helena so desperately and tightly to shield her from her past.

[Automne.Litteraire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un manga percutant et émouvant qui aborde la question du deuil mais aussi celle de la reconstruction

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

[Ｂｅｅｌａｈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baca tajuk auto rasa nak nyanyi lagu Helena.

So long and goodnight

Mula2 baca ingat si Helena ni budak yang terlebih optimis.
Dia yang selalu tenangkan adiknya waktu adiknya sedih.
Kakak yang sangat kuat, baik dan bertanggung jawab.
Sekali tiba-tiba dia breakdown dalam kelas, dengan saya pun turut sebak.
Eh tapi takde la saya nangis sebab umi ada kat sebelah ni je ha.
Malu la cik kalau nangis depan komik. hehe...
Tapi serius, memang ada babak sedih sangat dalam komik ni.

[Joldettori · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say never to pick up a book by it's cover, but what if there is a reason books call to you? the previous work i gravitated torward solely because of it's cover was bittersweet manwha Bloody Sweet, my favourite manwha ever since. here i was immediatly sold because i saw yen press announce this manhua a few days after my calico cat passed away. i saw this little cutie on the cover and immediatly went "allright yenpress, just take my money". seeing it in store immediatly brought back that feeling. spoiler alert, the calico cat isn't even present in the story, however, grief is. it is a gut punching story about how books of all kinds provide a way of coping, grieving and escaping from the ever crushing feeling loss can bring us. it is a story that nearly brought me to tears, but is somehow the exact representation of what i wanted this story to be, even if i didn't give it a single thought before. with grief in the back of my mind, all i needed to pick it up was this calico cat, unaware of how this story is a message of hope, strength, resilience and the healing power of stories. The story is about a young child Helena dealing with the loss of her parents and the inevitable (soon) parting with the brother as well as the adult "mr bad wolf" who is overal feeling lost in the world (reason why we don't know yet). it is completed in 2 volumes and it is safe to say that i absolutely cannot wait for that final volume.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has Siúil, a Rún: The Girl From the Other Side, Vol. 1 vibes but it's also different. But because I feel the same feelings, it's why I enjoyed the volume much more than expected because Helena is an innocent character with a lot of adult emotions projected on her because of the trajectory of her life. Her goal is to protect her younger brother and even that ended tragically enough. So an orphanage and a dream to continue to be an artist, so a change encounter with the mysterious Mr. Big Bad Wolf ends up changing both of them in ways that they don't expect. I'd be interested to see where it goes in volume 2.

[Zephorah Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story totally went a different way than I imagined it would and I'm so grateful because it turned out to be a really heartwarming story.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Yen Press for the DRC.

I came in expecting a cutesy story about a kid getting lost and found a much darker story that touched on some real and complex topics. Volume one handled it very well while also ending on a crazy cliff note. As an adult who loves picture books (and just read one before reading this) I'm totally going to continue this series and can't wait for the next volume.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphaned Helena loves picture books. They provide her with both joy and escape. She is delighted to be granted the opportunity to meet the author of her favorite picture book--"Mr. Big Bad Wolf". Helena discovers a reclusive and withdrawn man who actually wears a wolf's head in public. The two discover an unexpected connection that might bring healing to them both. I really enjoyed this sweet, sad, series opener.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't quite what I was expecting. Some dark moments in here and the end surprised me when it was revealed that the Arthur in the hospital wasn't Arthur her brother as so much misfortune has befallen her. I quite like the art as well as the art within the book as they are all drawing pictures. Looking forward to the next volume.

[Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having trouble getting into the story because there are too many "wait, what??" moments. What do you mean this child is allowed to just hang out at this unrelated adult man's house. What do you MEAN they were all lying to her about her brother being in a coma??????

Don't think I can force myself through vol. 2, even though it's the final volume. ^_^;

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

c'était sympa mais je ne m'attendais pas à ça, la couverture est un peu trompeuse et, même si annoncé dans le résumé, son frère est dans le coma, c'est tout de même un manga dur et triste pour moi...

je lirai tout de même le 2e vu qu'il n'y a que 2 tomes à cette histoire.

[Stephanie Molnar · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a bit all over the place--was it about the girl being an orphan? The wolf having writer's block? The wolf's past life? The orphanage? It jumped between all plots and I wasn't engaged with any of them.

[devynreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

WHY WAS THIS ANOTHER SAD AS HELL MANGA AND WHY DID THE MC'S NAME HAVE TO BE HELENA?!?! AHHH 3

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the Girl from the Other Side, this is a very reminiscent read. It will more than likely destroy my heart, but it will probably also make it so warm.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story. I was crying before I even made it to page 20. I believe this will be a good series that will break me, but I will enjoy the breaking.

[Bryan Burton · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is quite odd. not in a good way. so disjointed.

[nina :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Cody Roecker]

intriguing

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

More poignant than Expected. I enjoy the author wearing a mask in public!

[Shira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book about how creativity can help you through grief and crippling self-doubt.

[BreAnna (Bre'sBooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this, but the format or style or something was throwing me off. It's only two volumes, so I might finish it sometime..

[Stas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure how I feel about this.
It felt kind of... messy?

There's only 2 volumes, so I'll stick with this.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art that turns me into an emotional punching bag. Love that the premise is all around picture books.

[Sol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave me an incredibly cathartic cry tbh
I want to know what happens next ;_;

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So deep and sad, but making me really appreciate the fortune I have in this life

[Orion · Rating 2 out of 5]

rushed the last 1/3, kinda dreading vol2

[Ctecain · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 J’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé.

[阿近 · Rating 5 out of 5]

　　布里斯在社群網站上連載《海倫娜與大野狼先生》時，我就非常喜歡這部作品，雖然同人誌三集價錢加起來所費不貲，我真的太想收藏，還是決定花錢買快樂了！架空的故事背景，但內在核心將一九五零至一九六零年代的英國風情融入其中，正如書名所示本作為雙主角，一位是名聲響亮卻陷入創作低潮期的繪本作家大野狼先生、一位是失去家人而無法面對傷痛的孤兒海倫娜。文化背景上的呈現、兩人邂逅為彼此帶來的轉捩點都擊中了我的好球帶與淚點，整部故事既感受得到他們未癒的傷痛仍血流汩汩的痛楚，也能體會到他們互相關懷與寬慰彼此的溫暖，呈現出常人直視傷痛並學會與之和諧相處的過程是何等艱難，且保留能夠同理深陷反覆苛責與自我厭惡者內心糾葛的溫柔與耐心。

　　向日葵般笑開懷的模樣、驚訝困惑而張大嘴巴的模樣、害臊尷尬而滿臉緋紅的模樣，起初只是覺得海倫娜各種表情都畫得好可愛，隔著次元壁，久違地體會到「想要什麼我都給你」的孩童魅力。與之相對的是，海倫娜蹙眉面露愁苦又悄悄隱忍的神情好讓人心疼，好想抱著海倫娜疼惜一番，告訴她「沒事的！」。真正牽動我熱衷《海倫娜與大野狼先生》的關鍵是第三話大野狼先生的繪畫課上，海倫娜對探視弟弟一事躊躇未決，一直推遲前往醫院的時間點，直到畫出內心真正渴求的未來——小魔女和騎士再度聚首，終於能夠正視唯恐永遠失去弟弟亞瑟的膽怯，責備著如此軟弱想逃離一切的自己，不再強作笑顏，淚流滿面地釋放積壓許久的情緒，允許自己表露出脆弱難受的一面，承認仍想見亞瑟的心願。

　　我向來對這種一直在內心說謊告訴自己「沒關係！不要緊！」，不停壓抑真實情感，內心高高築起的厚重心防卻在某個瞬間倏然瓦解潰堤的情節毫無抵抗力，海倫娜察覺到真實心意卻又感到難以承受時，我也忍不住跟著哭了。許多壓抑住的情緒像是冰山融化般全倒了出來，讓海倫娜百感交集也動彈不得，只能讓自己在情緒的河流中浮浮沉沉，感受並接納肆意發洩的暴烈情感，等待內心風暴慢慢歸於寧靜。長遠來看，我認為能夠在身邊都是可信任者的情況下坦露情緒，對海倫娜的心理健康比較妥當，總比一輩子自欺欺人直到最後才崩潰卻為時已晚好多了。在適切的時機正視並排解情緒，方有整理療癒內心傷痛的開始，且身邊育幼院師長朋友們的關懷，能夠在那時多少成為支持她振作的力量。

　　另一方面，大野狼先生（蘭登．布雷克）陷入創作瓶頸，甚至在景仰自己才華的後輩尚恩．卡羅面前說出自我貶低的話語。我很喜歡尚恩聽到那番話後的愕然與隱忍的憤怒，彷彿在說「我這麼喜歡你的作品，你卻這麼輕視自己。那你把我們這些喜歡你的人當作什麼了？」隨後反擊的言詞，多少將大野狼先生從自我厭惡的陰影中拉出來，讓他恢復一點理智，留意到自己對待他人的失禮之處。看見奧利佛編輯陪伴蘭登談心的過程，覺得蘭登能遇見奧利佛真的非常幸運，不僅是發掘他才華的伯樂，也是盡力瞭解他、陪伴他、耐心等候他度過低潮期的夥伴。面對自暴自棄的說想放棄繪畫創作這條路的蘭登，他沒有隨著他的情緒起舞，而是順著蘭登的話回答「那就放棄吧。」再緩緩指出蘭登這般痛苦、難堪卻還是拼命掙扎向前行的理由，不正是因為他還不願放棄，只是在追求琢磨得更好更完美這條路上屢次挫敗才感到痛苦嗎？感覺得出奧利佛開導他的話語：「創作就是條沒有終點的路嘛。中途還會遇見無數條岔路，讓人不小心偏離原本的目標，甚至迷了路，都是為了達到自己所追求的更高更遠的境界，只不過這次花的時間稍微長了些罷了。」（第四話）有稍微消解蘭登的心結，重新全神貫注地投入繪畫。不停地想、不停地想，或許就能找到新的路途。

　　大野狼先生在接觸海倫娜、陪同她度過內心煎熬的旅途期間，也回想起被自己遺忘的過往，除了調適憎恨著無視他受到父親家暴的姊姊的情緒以外，曾經被拯救過的感念亦重新浮上心頭。大野狼先生在向海倫娜訴說童年經歷與心境轉折時，跟往昔傷痛和解的道路似乎也漸漸形成，走出受害者情結的泥淖裡，令他決定捨棄那份怨天尤人的姿態，從全新的角度去思考仍擁有的事物和力所能及的事情，並以自己的心路歷程寬慰海倫娜，鼓勵克服痛苦的她想起仍有著能出手相助他人的力量，為另一位處境艱難的孩子講述故事，回報這段時間的恩情。事件落幕時，懸宕已久的書中繪本《科學家與巨人》的結局靈感似乎也伴隨著相處的體悟嶄露出一線曙光。

　　繪本與創作在《海倫娜與大野狼先生》裡是承載著人心和情感的存在，創作的過程為他們帶來痛苦也迎來歡悅，承載並分擔著他們的悲歡離合，創作能力始終風雨同路，陪伴他們走向一道道人生難關。我很喜歡海倫娜想起關於弟弟亞瑟的真相，在徹底發洩積鬱後在睡眠中夢見小魔女試煉繪本的後續冒險，也在夢中和摯愛的弟弟告別，消融淡化海倫娜一直責怪自己的悲痛與愧疚，可以鼓起勇氣向亞瑟說再見。漫畫裡談及繪本的劇情，布里斯會改變畫法，呈現充滿童趣或壯麗的幻想景色，小魔女菈菈和黑貓帕米的畫真的非常可愛。無論是《科學家與巨人》或《小魔女的試煉》夢境、現實兩版結局，都隱喻著兩人經歷痛苦淬鍊後的體悟，小魔女菈菈最後擁抱老巫師的畫面不但映襯著夢境裡的亞瑟提點海倫娜「姊姊，妳不是一個人喔！」（第五話），亦延伸象徵著海倫娜不會只停留痛惜喪親的心境，今後也會好好珍惜身邊人的意涵吧。結局某方面而言不算意外，我很喜歡最後兩幕畫面，從此以後，小魔女和大野狼會一起結伴畫畫，在同一個屋簷下享受著波瀾與快樂交疊的平淡生活。

　　後面會有些四格漫畫番外，稍微平衡本傳的鬱悶之氣，我最有同感的應該是大野狼先生送海倫娜回家之前幫忙挑書那一篇，從原本非常愛書、不讓小孩子碰，到最後愛書魂發作，瘋狂推薦這本繪本很好看的差異實在太可愛了！前陣子的番外小冊我也買下來了。《海倫娜與大野狼先生與！》是記錄本傳結束後，海倫娜和蘭登的生活小趣事，還有一些寶可夢或偵探Paro或的短篇漫畫。敞開心扉跟大野狼先生一起生活的海倫娜好可愛好活潑，蛋糕都給妳吃都給妳吃啦！（被萌得心花怒放）但是有些竄進家中、騷擾人類生活的生物就不需要這麼大發慈悲了。（委婉）

　　《海倫娜與大野狼先生》是我在CCC創作集特別喜歡的作品，很希望有更多讀者讀到這部漫畫，但同人誌的普及度與取得難易度仍遠不及一般書籍的廣泛，想推坑其他漫畫同好也比較不容易。眼見其他連載漫畫都陸續推出商業版單行本了。我心裡很焦急，想著「為什麼海倫娜沒有商業版呢？明明是很溫馨、很感人的故事啊！」暗暗祈禱有出版社能夠賞識這部漫畫，願意簽約出版。讀到第三集同人誌和番外小冊布里斯的後記，隱約猜測是暗示商業版單行本正在規劃中，默默等待終於等到台灣角川宣佈會出版《海倫娜與大野狼先生》了！（歡呼）

[Zaghol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aduh... aku tak bolehlah baca komik sedih2 ni, dah la watak utama dia kanak2, tragis pulak kisah hidup dia, lukisan pun lawa. Sediakan tisu sebelum baca.