Gadirok, Volume 1

Rating:
Summary: A very good start to an intricate tale
Review: ADV-Manga's first volume of Gadirok: Requiem Chorus is the beginning of an interesting series. Some readers might find the beginning a tad confusing, but the manwha artist/writer is simply doing a thing called "in media res." This is Latin for "in the midst of things." They have put you in the middle of an exciting event and then gradually fill out the details.

All of the characters are well-rounded or well on their way to becoming so. The parallels between Gat and the prince are enthralling, the flashbacks giving only a hint of the intricate friendship Gat (a common-born fighter) and Prince Chi-Woo have.

My one problem with the manwha is that it falls into the same cliche trap as do most manwha or manga, and that is the idea that every pretty girl in the story must be assaulted by lecherous men. This gets old really fast, but luckily Gadirok isn't strewn with the cliche.

Aside from that, however, Gadirok: Requiem Chorus is an action-packed, enthralling beginning to a story of a prince and his loyal companion's fight to regain the throne and avenge the royal family's murders. I would gladly recommend this manwha to anyone.