Select one of the keywords
We Shadows: Volume 1    by Sonny Strait Amazon.com order for
We Shadows
by Sonny Strait
Order:  USA  Can
TOKYOPOP, 2008 (2008)
Paperback
* * *   Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto

My favorite genre of manga is fantasy. I also really love most Original English Language manga. Reading something that makes me laugh is a bonus. These elements all come together perfectly in Sonny Strait's We Shadows.

We Shadows is an interesting combination of mythology from A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Sword in the Stone, with nods to familiar manga conventions. The story follows two main characters – Jim Tucker, a down-on-his-luck cubicle grunt who is starting to have weird dreams of Faerie; and Goat, an unconventional princess-in-training who has something big in her future. Both are crucial in saving Faerie after Queen Tatania has been captured and Oberon has lost his kingly mark. Also added to the mix is a greedy faerie and her sidekicks, Cosmo and Vogue, who are determined to replace the missing Puck. All these characters come together (sort of) in a crazy comic fantasy full of action and adventure.

The story of We Shadows makes for a wonderful graphic novel. Strait knows how to draw the reader in, and has excellent comic timing. His characters have a great American manga look and his polished artwork helps the narrative flow with ease. But the humor is what makes We Shadows unforgettable. I look forward to Sonny Strait's next installment featuring the land of Faerie.

Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.

Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews