Found: Brave Story.
Not much new here, actually. The book came out 6 ½ years ago in Japan, the hardcover came out (under the Viz Fiction imprint) 2 years ago — there’s a movie (which isn’t licensed for North America yet), there are manga (5 of the 20 volumes have been released by Tokyopop— unfortunately the rest may be in licensing limbo), and games in three flavours (PS2, PSP, and DS) — and Gia over at Anime Vice also recommends it.
So what’s new?
A paperback edition (only $17 for 820 pages), which released in November, and a helpful pointer from me to you for this work. (meh. sometimes that’s all you get)
It’s a classic epic fantasy gloss over one boy’s family problems and internal struggles. (a bright overlay on some really dark ‘real’ stuff: His father abandoned him, and his mom was recently hospitalized after a suicide attempt.)
There is a lot here to enjoy, and a lot to chew on. I recommend it.
Brave Story TPB, written & illustrated by Miyuki Miyabe. Viz Media, isbn 9781421527734
