manhua: Four Constables Vol 3-5 (end)
In the end, I think I prefer wuxia in movies/TV series form than in comic form. Which, for me, is strange, as I almost always prefer the printed version. Though part of it may just be that the translation reads awkwardly. I suspect it may be a case of a too-literal translation. OTOH, I think there’s another Four Constables series coming out soon, and I’ll likely end up reading it, too.
Still, despite the awkward translation, this is a pretty fun wuxia/detective series with pretty spiffy art. I’m particularly fond of the design for Bloody Phoenix. It also plays around a bit with some interesting psychoses. Though, because I am easy and predictable when it comes to wuxia, my main interest remained in the storyline of Emotionless and Yan.
Because her adopted father was a famous swordsman who was seduced (literally) into working for the bad guy only to leave when it became too much for him, and then agreed to go back so he could get her scar cured, and then Yan had to (sekritly!) take his place when he died and finish fulfilling his debt! And so found herself at war with her childhood true love!
*cough*
I so could have used more of that storyline. Also, I have an overwhelming fondness for wandering warriors who are accompanied by wee cute things.
I’m especially fond of their scene before the big battle where he was all “now, you’re still like a naughty kid when you aren’t trying to kill us.” The kiss was more cute and sweet than tragic and angsty, but they made up for it with all the “Woes! In three days we must fight to the death!”
And then there was the whole “dying together after she helps the good guys as the building collapses around them” bit. Which tends to get a stern look from me in most places but wuxia. But I’m taking the hint that he lived and running with it as “they snuck out and are living in hiding so she won’t have to go to jail.” I’m certain that wheelchair bound martial arts masters with long purple hair were common then! And I subscribe to the comic book/soap opera rule of “no body=no death.” Stop looking at me like that.
Now I want to watch a wuxia. Has the subbed TaiSeng version of the new Legend of the Condor Heroes been released yet?