Suikoden III: The Successor of Fate, Vol. 1 (Suikoden III) [Paperback]

Aki Shimizu (Author)

Book Description

Series: Suikoden | Publication Date: May 11, 2004

Chris Lightfellow knows the horror of war-her father succumbed in the flames of battle when she was just a little girl. Now, wanting to become a soldier like him, she enters a military school and becomes a knight after graduating. When her commanding officer is killed in the line of duty, Chris shows her fellow knights her true strength-in every war, a hero must rise out of the destructive ashes to usher in the peace!

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Shimizu Aki is one of Japan's most talented manga artists.
Inspired by the widely popular Konami video games for PS2.
Based on world renowned classic chinese literature.
Suikoden 4 to be released for PS2 in 2004.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: TokyoPop (May 11, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591827655
• ISBN-13: 978-1591827658
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #562,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Both Book and Game are Good, June 29, 2004

By 

Your Shoe "Y.S.P" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suikoden III: The Successor of Fate, Vol. 1 (Suikoden III) (Paperback)

There's alot of controversy (okay, so maybe not alot) as to whether or not one should simply read the book or play the game. The Suikoden 3 game is played out very similarly to the story, but the first book takes a look at the pasts of the characters of Hugo and Chris, where Geddoe stays mainly in the background. But never fear, Geddoe fans, because he's supposedly having a larger part in the third issue.

The first part of the book focuses on Hugo and his relationship with Fubar, which I felt was an excellent way to begin the story, especially for those who haven't played the game. Later we get some insight on Chris' character and how she became a knight. Geddoe, as mentioned before, gets little fame in this issue and is merely introduced.

There were some downsides to the manga as well. The art wasn't spectacular--more along the lines of average. Some of the characters, I'll be honest, looked downright ugly compared to the illustrations in the game, especially the Zexen knights. It might be that the author simply isn't accustomed to drawing them yet, but if you're looking for spectacular character art you're not going to find it here. All in all, it's a good retelling of the game and a nice book to read for the casual reader, but if you're looking for a spectacular way to spend your time and money, just put in the effort and buy the game instead.

4.0 out of 5 stars "I'll call him Hugo...", August 2, 2007

By 

dehanna bailee "dehanna" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suikoden III: The Successor of Fate, Vol. 1 (Suikoden III) (Paperback)

Based on a fantasy video game series, Suikoden III: The Successor of Fate Volume 1 takes place eighteen years after Suikoden I and opens with the birth of Hugo, the son of the Chief of the Karaya. Moving quickly into his childhood, while out hunting with a Karaya warrior, Hugo comes across a fallen gryphon shot down while leading it's chick away from danger. Hugo finds the orphaned babe, brings it home, and names it Fubar--however after living with him for a few months, Hugo's mother decides it's time to sell the growing animal with the reasoning it could kill someone since it is still a wild beast. Sneaking into the shadows of darkness to save it's life, Hugo sets Fubar free only to have a surprising experience change their relationship forever.

The second storyline is about Lady Chris Lightfellow, a girl orphaned by a father who is presumed deceased. After entering the Service Academy, Chris rose to the position of Secondary Knight in the Zexen Federation and this is where her story begins, with Chris on a battlefield accompanied by Sir Salome, a character of which we are introduced to through a flashback along with several other key players as the backstory continues. Jumping back to the present, Chris watches helplessly as the soldiers fall around her, mercilessly slaughtered until an unforeseen incident leads to her earning the title of "The Silver Maiden."

It is at this point where the two storylines converge and build the groundwork of why these two clans, and specifically Hugo and Chris, suddenly find themselves deep in conflict even though they both were trying to build towards peace.

The artwork effectively elaborates the storyline and generally speaking Suikoden III is drawn fairly well providing fine detail as needed, like with Chris's backstory, and offset enough with a heavier pen to show contrast in scenes of high action or when featuring masculine personas like Hugo.

The characters themselves, from Chris to Hugo to a varied assortment of usual archetypes came across as distinct personalities, although there's always that one that makes you wonder what the authors/artists were thinking ;)

In closing, Suikoden III: The Successor of Fate Volume 1 is good Manga that offers the beginning to a complex storyline and shows good promise of developing into an attention-holding, entertaining read. Enjoy!

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, September 23, 2005

By 

K. Stowell "Rabid bibliophile" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Suikoden III: The Successor of Fate, Vol. 1 (Suikoden III) (Paperback)

So far I've only read this edition of this series. I bought it for a friend and nearly didn't send it to him >.> I very, very much enjoyed the characters and the drawing style. Definetly recommended.