Manga Review: Land of Silver Rain Volume 1

[Eclipse]

Land of Silver Rain (Volume One)
Author: Mira Lee
Genre: Romance

The Land of Silver Rain is based in a fictitious world called the Land of Silver Rain, hence the title. Within this world exist several different races: Dokebi (those who have two horns on their heads), and the offspring of Unicorns who inhabit another part of the world not far from the Dokebi. Humans are also featured in the story, but we are given the impression that Humans are, for some reason, looked down upon, especially by the Dokebi. References to humans are made throughout the story in a somewhat negative tone.

The main character of the story is Misty Rain, a Dokebi, who is treated like an outcast because of the difference of her appearance. A rather nasty character by the name of Thornpricker enjoys making Misty Rain feel out of place and unwanted. The rivalry between Misty Rain and Thornpricker is a consistent recurring theme throughout the Manga.

Thanks to Thornpricker, rumours begin to circulate that Misty Rain is human and not Dokebi. The main reason for this is that Misty Rain has black hair and only humans are known to have black hair. The story continues with the plight of Misty Rain and her inability to gain acceptance. This particular direction of the story in the first few chapters builds the foundation for the rest of the plot.

The storyline progresses with a few entertaining encounters between Misty Rain and her nemesis, Thornpricker. The introduction of one of the other main characters, the King of Darkness, puts an interesting twist in the story. Various other characters play minor parts, such as Misty Rain's Granny, who is a Witch.

Although this Manga is written for the romance genre, there is very little romance happening at this stage of the story. The main focus revolves around several relationships, none of which are romantic. Misty Rain's struggle to uncover her true identity is brought into the story early on. Misty Rain's bond with the King of Darkness is also heavily emphasised. When Misty Rain was born she was given permission to live and grow up in the Dokebi kingdom by the King of Darkness. Because of this, the bond they share is questioned by suspicious Dokebi who think the King favours Misty Rain over others.

Prince Sirius' character is introduced as he meets Misty Rain and ultimately finds his path and fate intertwined with hers. At this stage, the story takes on a different tone and becomes, at times, humorous and entertaining. Although the characters seem a little superficial, the themes introduced in the story, such as morality, trust, honesty and respect, make up for this. The characters themselves could definitely be improved with more depth. We know that there is a rivalry between Thornpricker and Misty Rain, but we are never really told why. This could perhaps be expanded upon a little more.

The coloured pages between several of the chapters are quite beautifully done. The male characters are all drawn in an effeminate style that blends in well with the story. We are given the impression that male and female Dokebi do not look that dissimilar from each other. The attention to detail in the costumes of the characters also really comes to life in the coloured pages.

The flow of the story, at times, does seem a little disjointed. At one stage in the story we are following Prince Sirius as he encounters the Wicked Queen who captured Snow White. This encounter does not really make any sense and doesn't seem to blend in with the rest of the storyline. The only real connection we feel between the characters occurs whenever there is interaction between the King of Darkness and Misty Rain.

Although Thornpricker's character adds to the excitement factor whenever she is at her absolute worst, there really isn't a whole lot more going on in the story. Prince Sirius' character doesn't seem all that compatible with Misty Rain. It is hard to envision that their relationship will develop any further than friendship at this point in the story. Overall, the beginning of this manga shows some potential to develop the story further, especially in the area of the relationship between Misty Rain and Prince Sirius, but I don't think it will be quite enough to hold a reader's interest.

Reviewed by: Xen
Proofed by: RainyFrog
Edited by: Firedog