Neotopia Color Manga #1 [Paperback]

Rod Espinosa (Author, Artist)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2004 | Series: Neotopia (Book 1)

In a world where Man has at long last learned to live and work in harmony with Nature, the citizens of Mathenia live a good life under their beloved Grand Duchess. Unknown to them, she is Nalyn, a commoner standing in for Nydia, the real Duchess. Doing Nydia's dirty work is tough enough, but then Nalyn is kidnapped by an enemy empire bent on bringing back the age of world-hurting technological excess. And once rescued, she must then lead her country to war.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This fantasy, told in a breathlessly imaginative style that piles wonder upon wonder, is poised to become a perennial favorite. The all-ages story is set in a future where magical creatures from legends and other worlds have come to live among humans who have abandoned technology for magic. Plucky heroine Nalyn is a servant who poses as grand duchess of the utopian city Mathenia, while the real duchess, Nydia, attends balls in distant lands. Of course, Nalyn is a better ruler in every way, which comes in handy when the evil empire of Krossos attempts to kidnap her. This sets off a spectacular war between flying ships piloted by batlike humans and sinister insectoids. The first volume ends with treachery and sacrifice. The second picks up the story as Nalyn and her romantic interest, the irreverent inventor Philios, have to fight hyena-like pirates and the continuing threat from Krossos. Espinosa's fertile imagination and stunning art create a fully realized world of magical races, fantastic inventions and intriguing personalities. Even if some of the situations are standard, the execution is all his own. The only problem is that shrinking the original comics down to manga size has made the lettering almost impossible to read. This story deserves a wider screen.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-12. In the first book in the new graphic-novel Neotopia series, people in a utopian future live in harmony with nature and magical creatures. Nalyn acts as the Grand Duchess of a rich kingdom called Mathenia, but she is actually just a servant. The true royal is a petty, conceited girl who avoids the tedious duties of state by making Nalyn stand in for her. The scheme works well, with Nalyn playing a compassionate leader. Things change, however, after the kingdom comes under attack by the evil Empire of Krossos. Good writing and strong characterization make this solid entertainment, and Nalyn's role as both a capable leader and a troubled girl will resonate with readers. The full-color art is beautifully detailed, incorporating action and majesty to good effect. Suggest this to fans of Anime movie blockbusters like Spirited Away and Princess Monanoke. Tina Coleman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Antarctic Press (July 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932453571
• ISBN-13: 978-1932453577
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,290,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LUSH, BEAUTIFUL GRAND FANTASY!, May 15, 2006

By 

Tim Janson (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Neotopia Color Manga #1 (Paperback)

Neotopia is another brilliant looking, full-color Manga title from Antarctic Press, simply one of the best publishers, and best kept secrets in comics today. "Neotopia" is a blend of fantasy and sci-fi taking place on a world where technology has largely died out and is mistrusted by the people, and where ancient, mythical creatures like fairies live again. Nalyn is the Grand Duchess of Mathenia...at least that's what most people think. In reality she is a simple girl posing as the true Duchess who abhors physical training, affairs of state, and dealing with commoners. She is also quite cruel and abusive to Nalyn who looks identical to her, but is a bit shorter. Even the King doesn't recognize that the girl he spends so much time with and loves is not really his true daughter.

While off on a mission for the realm on one of their floating ships, Nalyn is kidnapped by the shadowy, evil servants of the Supreme Emperors of Krossia. These beings look somewhat like a cross between Nazgul and the evil Skekses from film "The Dark Crystal". They plan of forcing Mathenia into an agreement by blackmailing them with Nalyn's life. Nalyn's allies know that if the Emperors find out that she is not the real Grand Duchess that she will be killed and undertake a daring rescue attempt led by Nalyn's Elven bodyguard Marro; Philos, a dashing adventurer; and Nimn, a tiny fairy with powerful magic. Will their combined talents be enough to free Nalyn before her secret is discovered? And what sinister plot do the Emperors of Krossia have up their sleeve is the kidnapping is foiled.

Neotopia is a grand fantasy aided tremendously by the fabulous art of Rod Espinosa. Antarctic's `Americanized' style of Manga is always first rate and Neotopia is one of their most beautiful books yet. The colors are simply dazzling and bring the world alive. The book includes a well-documented map and notes to the world of Neotopia. This book collects issues # 1 - 5 of the original comic series. Fantastic!

Reviewed by Tim Janson