The Girl from the Other Side – Siúl a Rún by Nagabe (Vol 1-8)
Posted on February 4, 2021 in Books
I discovered this manga series through Good Reads. I’ve read volumes 1-8 which were all available through my library. Volume 9 should be coming to me in the next month or so. I think there is a total of 11 or 12 in the series.
There is something so captivating about this medieval fairy tale manga about a girl and a creature from the “Outside” a kind of a monster with history. There is no audience stand in and like the characters, the reader is discovering the mystery of the Outside and the curse of the monsters.
Sometimes, it was a bit frustrating to read about a little girl’s reactions to things or watch “Teacher” the monster character full of doubts and self-pity. On the whole, I found the story really interesting and compelling. It really made use of the black and white visual medium. It had moments of levity and humour. It’s oddly wholesome at times. There’s horror but there is a lot of tenderness between the two main characters as well. It’s really effective character work.
I am looking forward to the last few instalments. Recommended for graphic novel and manga lovers.
Read Dec 2020-January 2021.
I love the cover already ! And I was attracted by the title, “Siul a run”, because of the traditional Irish song 🙂 I’ve added it to my TBR, thanks !