An uneven reimagining of a classic story.
A lonely boy and his childhood friend embark on a dreamy and philosophical train ride across the galaxy in this translated graphic novel from Japan.
This adaptation of Night on the Galactic Railroad, Miyazawa’s classic fantasy novel published posthumously in 1934, follows Giovanni, a sensitive and awkward boy in a village that evokes continental Europe, who works to support his sick mother while his father is away at sea. Too tired from work to engage, he’s isolated from classmates, who, save for Campanella, are often unkind to him. While on an errand to get milk, Giovanni contemplates going to the riverside Galactic Festival, but an encounter with class bullies sends him running to the hills. There, he’s transported onto a train that’s departing Galaxy Station; somehow, Campanella is also on board. Although they’re perplexed, the two embark on an ethereal journey across the Milky Way, encountering intriguing travelers and gradually unraveling a hidden truth. The story delicately engages with themes of death, loss, and friendship. While Kitahara faithfully adapts the original storyline, some nuances are lost between the sometimes clunky and vague language and the poor layout of text within the speech bubbles. The beautiful art can be detailed to the point of overstimulation, making it easy to miss important information. Those unfamiliar with the original may find this presentation too opaque to convey the story’s full impact; previous fans will likely appreciate elements of this version.
An uneven reimagining of a classic story. (cast of characters) (Manga. 12-18)Pub Date: March 18, 2025
ISBN: 9784805318713
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Tuttle
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.
The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.
Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9798987380406
Page Count: 538
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
A lushly written story with an intriguing heart.
After praying to a Fate for help, Evangeline discovers the dangerous world of magic.
When her father passes away, Evangeline is left with her cold stepmother and kind but distant stepsister, Marisol. Despite inheriting a steady trust in magic, belief in her late mother’s homeland of the mystical North (where fantastical creatures live), and philosophy of hope for the future, her dreams are dashed when Luc, her love, pledges to marry Marisol instead. Evangeline desperately prays to the Prince of Hearts, a dangerous and fickle Fate famed for his heart that is waiting to be revived by his one true love—and his potentially lethal kisses. The bargain they strike sends her on a dark and magical journey throughout the land. The writing style fluctuates from clever and original to overly verbose and often confusing in its jumble of senses. While the pervasive magic and concept of the Fates as a religious system add interest, other fantasy elements are haphazardly incorporated without enough time devoted to building a cohesive world. However, the themes of love, the power of story, family influence, and holding onto belief are well rounded and add depth. The plot contains welcome surprises, and the large cast piques curiosity; readers will wish more time was spent getting to know them. Evangeline has rose-gold hair and, like other main characters, reads as White; there is diversity among the fantasy races in this world.
A lushly written story with an intriguing heart. (map) (Fantasy. 12-16)Pub Date: Sept. 28, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-26839-6
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2021
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