“Van resolves to fight the Zol Empire and save his homeland, only to be captured and sent to the salt mines. Then one night, a pack of wild dogs attacks the mine, trailing a mysterious and deadly disease in their wake. Van and a young girl named Yuna are the sole survivors of the disaster. But why? And where do they go from here?” (Yen Press)
“The Deer King” is one of two adaptations of the original light novel, with the 2021 film of the same name likely to be where the majority are familiar with the title, considering the manga and light novel have just recently seen release through Yen Press. Coming to the series without reading the light novel first, which is set for future release, or having watched the film, it is hard to draw a comparison to either. So while the manga may come under scrutiny of whether it is a faithful or adequate adaptation, this review will look to explore the manga as a standalone.
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The most notable feature of the book is its pacing, and for a larger edition release (308 pages), “The Deer King” makes for a quick read due to many dialogue-free or light panels. However, that is not to say that it lacks narrative substance. Instead, its story is primarily expressed through the actions and kindness of a proud protagonist, Van, a man of few words. In addition, the inaugural volume focuses more on relationship building, so while there are some fantastical elements to the story, the manga primarily sticks to themes of family and redemption.
This approach will decide how most readers react to the release, as “The Deer King” borders on mundanity and requires patience. Still, those who can appreciate the atmosphere will find comfort in the considered pace of the story. However, this direction effectively establishes the calm veneer of Van, and when he does speak, the words carry meaning. Comparatively, his young travel partner and adopted daughter, Yuna, radiates childlike exuberance and curiosity, bringing a wholesomeness to the story.
The art has a slightly nostalgic feeling, which helps complement the light fantasy elements and a more significant focus on family and Van's quest for personal redemption. It is not stunning in its execution, though the landscapes and background are impressive, rather it radiates a warmth that suits the story. The physical release is ideal for a longer omnibus-type release, given how fast a read the book is.
“The Deer King” is a hard title to recommend, as it kind of passes like white noise, offering a nice comforting distraction but not feeling substantive or impactful. This is welcomed for those who read a large variety of manga and will fit nicely in the rotation, particularly considering the relatively soft nostalgic visual style. Essentially, the series won't be anyone's ‘favorite,' but its considered pacing and wholesome vibes set in a beautiful fantasy world is still worth checking out.
