“The search for the kidnapped Yuna leads Van, Sae, and Hohsalle to the sacred Fire Horse Town, an Aquafa settlement that resisted Zol's conquest. As Hohsalle struggles to find the cure for mittsual, Van wonders why he, a man who lost everything, was chosen to survive the deadly disease. Before long, he'll find the answers he's been looking for, as destiny beckons him and Yuna ever forward…Caught in the throes of political warfare and a fight against fate, will Van be able to reunite with Yuna and bring peace to the land?” (Yen Press)
“The Deer King” manga adaptation of Nahoko Uehashi's original novel started excitingly with its oversized volume one release. Notably, the manga did a spectacular job of world-building under Taro Sekiguchi's art. In its second and final volume, the question of whether it is worth collecting the entire series has been answered with a resounding yes, though not without a few caveats.
It proves challenging to overlook a few elements that feel limiting within “The Deer King,” with the shortness of its story being one of the major deterrents. Projecting a vast and meticulously constructed world with unique politics and culture, the manga offers only a brief glimpse. This will disappoint those unfamiliar with the previous novel/anime as the sensation of building an epic gets cut short. This is most notable in the conclusion, which will remain spoiler-free, wherein the details of what happens years later are left purposely to readers' imagination.
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The expected gap between the publishing of volumes also questions whether this should have been done in a single book, much like the recently released manga adaptation of “Appare-Ranman!” Jumping back into the world of “The Deer King” myself, between a few other titles, was a somewhat overwhelming experience. Ultimately, I had to revisit the first to find footing to engage the second volume. While not necessarily a negative aspect for those who read casually, for high-volume readers, it is a slightly frustrating realization that the story would have been better served in a single release.
Both of the book's negatives can be overcome by limiting expectations of duration based on the movie/book and reading both volumes in one shot. After that, what is left is nothing but positive. Taro Sekiguchi's art gives the work a wonderfully nostalgic vibe that entices the reader to dig deeper into the world Uehashi has created. In addition, when read in one shot, the story flows in a naturally engaging way that also gives readers moments to pause and enjoy the natural beauty depicted throughout.
The continued familial relationship built between Yuna and Van is utterly endearing and a testament to the importance of fatherhood that will appease many who feel such stories are lacking in the arts. The story's fantasy elements also become more pronounced in the second volume but never overtake the more dramatic focus that gives the book an oddly wholesome vibe. Despite its ‘T' rating, the title feels suitable for younger manga fans and is an excellent introductory series.
“The Deer King” is an enjoyable yet short manga series whose only major disappointment comes from wanting more of an already good thing. Those interested would best grab both volumes simultaneously and treat it as a single release. Ultimately, those looking for a unique and endearing visual and narrative experience should fall in love with the manga adaptation of “The Deer King.”
