Following the release of the Eisner nominated Raging Clouds, Korean comic artist Yudori returns with Lovers of The Empire – a period drama set in 1920s South Korea. Arisa Jo, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is the most eligible bachelorette in all of Gyeongsung (the capital city). With her Western dresses, movie star hairstyle, and assertive attitude, she embodies bold “Modern” values. Meet her opposite, Jun Seomoon, a young man from the countryside deeply rooted in tradition. When Jun is charged by Arisa’s father to be her escort in the big city, these opposing forces create sparks. Through this unlikely connection, these teenagers open their eyes to new perspectives amidst the rapidly changing world they live in.
In her previous comic Raging Clouds, Yudori proved to have a natural talent for weaving historical settings into compelling stories whilst very much marching to the beat of her own drum. This time, she is looking at a rather turbulent time in Korean history in the old capital Gyeongsung during the time Korea was under Japanese colonial rule. As with Raging Clouds, she has created some memorable and engaging characters that easily draw readers in.
The main hook is the wildly different characters playing off each other. Mismatched couples are a common trope in romance, but Yudori uses the period to bring something fresh to the table. Arisa’s sense of confidence and embracement of more modern values is played off the more traditionally minded Jun – with much of the best moments from the early chapters of this opening volume deriving from Jun’s abject horror at the perceived brashness of Arisa and Arisa’s amusement at how highly strung Jun comes across as. Jun’s attempt to combat Arisa’s enjoyment of western culture and Japanese food against her subsequent verbal sparring creates an organic relationship which proves to be a great hook for the next volume.
Yudori has been widely praised for her artwork, and it continues to be a high point in this latest work. She has a style that mixes retro pulp illustrations with elements of more modern manga. She has an eye for fashion that is reflected in her impeccable character designs used throughout – with her designs for Arisa being particularly on point. Her strong use of colours and creative panel designs that make use of patterns and floral designs also enhance the retro aesthetic that is present throughout. Yudori continues to be a creator to watch with this first volume Lovers of the Empire being a fun and informative romance whilst she shows her continued growth as both an artist and visual storyteller.
Yudori continues to be a creator to watch with this first volume Lovers of the Empire being a fun and informative romance whilst she shows her continued growth as both an artist and visual storyteller.
Lovers of the Empire: Vol. 1 is out now from Fantagraphics (9798875002250, h/b, £22.99)
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