However, although the muses of manga admired this maiden, they felt her story was too loyal wife/damsel. They wanted to give her character. And thus, the concept of the “Legend of Chun Hyang” was born! 

This work consists of two full chapters and one short prequel chapter, making up a 210-page manga book. However, it was meant to continue. Sadly, the magazine it was running in was suddenly canceled. 

Their version of Chun Hyang is feisty and kind. Brave and animated. Headstrong and tender. A perfect balance. And she is epic. I would love to be friends with her…and be afraid to cross her. 

The emperor sent 321 Yang Ban, administrators that spread out to all regions of the country. Unfortunately, many are corrupted. Because of this, the emperor also sent the Am-Hang-Osa, one who would travel when rumors of abuse of power from the Yang Ban emerged, taking evidence and for the guilty, legally allowed to pass judgment and punishment with their magic amulet. 

An amulet that uses magic and can summon a stunning white tiger ride.

Oh yes! And there is magic, be it mild in most sections. And a water dragon god!  So very Clamp! 

In her land of Ryon Fi, the Yang Ban and his son are cruel, taxing the people until they have nothing, stealing food, and forcing the pretty women to entertain the Yang Ban or die. Chug Hyang is fearless, defending the victims and yelling at the oppressors. And she is a pro at acrobatics, material arts, and using her duel blades. 

Chun Hyang’s mother is a mu dang, a medicine woman, known for her beauty, talent, and kindness. Clamp also said she is supposed to be traditional gentle feminine version of the traditional legendary maiden. Awaiting the day she can reunite with her true love, too, Chun Hyang’s father, who is a secret identity in the chapters we got. Mother and daughter have a close bond. 

That is a blessing and curse. 

To get revenge on her defying and humiliating the Yang Ban’s son, her mother gets taken, changing Chun Hyang’s life and perspective on life forever. 

No spoilers beyond that. 

Not only is Chun Hyang a character here from the legend, but also her male counterpart, Mong Ryong, has a starring role as well. But he is reimagined as a charming, but leeching traveler who breezes into her town. He irks our 14-year-old heroine the wrong way and he finds her adorable and endearing. Their banter and rapport is so fun and darling. 

And there is more to him than meets the eye at first meet. 

The art is breathtaking. I know I say that a lot with Clamp (because it’s true.) But the details, the aesthetic to Korean culture and attires (Clamp did a lot of study on traditional garb while in Korea,) the expressions that pull you in, the compelling story of power corruption, and the sacrifice to help a community and bring justice…and of course, romantic and comedic scenes all make this a wonderful read. 

I will admit, this one wasn’t my favorite of mine. There is so much gut-wrenching death and suicide. And it not being complete, giving me enough to whet my appetite, but not satisfy it made me sad. But going back recently for this post, I appreciated all the characters, the world-building, and the gorgeous art style. The first chapter was made with brushes while the second was magic marker (they changed because the detailed backdrops and magical/animal elements were too hard with the brush,) but they are beautifully cohesive somehow. 

And little Chun Hyang from the prequel chapter is so cute! She also is a key chapter in one universe the crew visits in “Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles.” 

Unfortunately, this manga never received an anime or OVA, which I find strange since all their series at this time period and another one-volume series

even got an OVA. It did get an audio drama CD in Japan in 1994. Clamp wrote it of course. 

Blending inspirational lore that shines for culture and the power a maiden can find within to perform her own ‘magic’ for the world and herself. 

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Educator of young minds by day, super nerdy savior of justice, and cute things by night, Morgan Straughan Comnick has a love for turning the normal into something special without losing its essence. Morgan draws from real-life experiences and her ongoing imagination to spark her writing. In her spare time, she enjoys doing goofy voices, traveling to new worlds by turning pages, humming child-like songs, and forcing people to smile with her “bubbliness.” It is Morgan’s mission in life to spread the amazement of otaku/Japanese culture to the world and to stop bullying; she knows everyone shines brightly.

For more information about Morgan and her works, check out her website, which also has links to all her social medias: http://morganscomnick.com