Customer Reviews

The Tarot Cafe, Vol. 4

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sang-Son Park, The Tarot Cafe, vol. 4 (Tokyopop, 2003)

I have to say that I'm writing this review a goodly amount of time after I read the book itself, and what I have learned from doing so is that the fourth volume of this series did not leave nearly as much of an impression on me as did volumes 2 and 3. It's enjoyable, and if you've been going along with the series you'll certainly want to pick this up, but it seems to have backed off a notch in the interest-and-innovation department.

While there is a main story here, the real focus of the book is on revealing more of Pamela's storyline, which is rapidly growing complex. The problem is that just as things are starting to get to the point where you're going to need an "on last week's episode..." summary at the beginning of every issue, some of the flaws in the first volume (the main one by far being difficulty telling the characters apart) crop back up. Still, if you've come this far, you'll keep going. ** ½

The biggest problem with Tarot Cafe is that it spends a lot of time and focus on the supernatural ministories instead of on Pamela, the main character. That's not a bad thing, persay, but the coverage it gets is out of proportion, considering the fact that Pamela has a fascinating backstory that one gets impatient about seeing more of. There are a number shadowy figures that seem relevant to Pamela and her gang that pop up all over the place, but never seem to appear again. Where's Nebiros? The "devil" who made the contract Pamela's preist adversary? The mysterious stranger who banishes Alexis? They will probably come up again, but are slow in coming about; and number four is likely the last book we'll see in a while, as Tokyopop has released no information on when the next book will be published.

That said, Tarot cafe number 4 DOES reveal a big chunk of Pamela's past, although the other half is about another two clients. The stories, which are about a ghost boy seeking to reconcile with his unusual sister and a music superstar trying to escape his personal version of the Faust legend, are up to standard, but not amazing. More satisfying is what they tell you about Pamela and Belius, finally revealing the nature of thier "contract." Thier interactions are witty and enjoyable. You also get more insight in Ashe's cruel streak. Like others mentioned, this volume ends in the middle of the superstar story, aka a cliffhanger. Expect some feelings of frustration not knowing what will happen and when you'll find out, as it might be a while before see another book out.

In the 4th issue of this supernatural fantasy Manga, Pamela, the owner of the Tarot Café, is visited by the spirit of a young man named who wants to reconcile with his adopted sister before moving on to his eternal rest. His gentle, adopted sister and been treated cruelly by both himself and his mother for years, locked away in the attic of their estate. Now the young mans guilt and remorse is preventing him from moving on and comes to Pamela for assistance. This was a beautiful, moving story of love and redemption.

The main feature of this issue though is that much of Pamela's secret past is revealed. We find out she was the daughter of a witch and was herself about to be executed as a witch when she was rescued by Belus, the Prince of Pandemonium, a handsome demon who spirited her away to his castle. Pamela learns that she's basically immortal due to her contact with the blood of a dragon. Her attempts at suicide are both comical yet sad as she doesn't want to live this way. Belus offers her a deal, not for her soul, but for her help in finding the beads to the necklace of Berial, the Prince of Deceit. Only when all of the beads are recovered will the necklace regain its vast magical powers.

Tarot Café is an interesting Manga combining elements of fantasy, supernatural, the occult, and romance into one big cauldron that provides a lot of mass appeal. The art of Sang-Sung park is exquisitely detailed and among the most gorgeous I've seen in any Manga. Very beautiful and exotic. Enthralling!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

I have loved the series so far and still love it. I got this in the mail quickly. I read it through quickly to see what would happen. If you read the others you will enjoy this.

The fourth installment of this beautiful and original manhwa by the talented Park Sang-Sun does not disappoint.

Pamela's past is shown in the main part of this volume, revealing how she came to know the enigmatic and handsome Belus (as well as how she got that unique hair of hers!). Volume Four answers many questions, but also brings up more intriguing possibilities for Pamela's future.

The beginning story about Fay and Shandy is quite adorable, but with a dark tinge to it that lends it a more "Tarot Café" feel. The ending story about a troubled rock star contains a cameo by John Lennon and ends off in the middle--to be continued in the next volume.

Overall, a great addition to this series, and I personally found it to be my favourite.

Note: not suitable for younger readers.