Graphic novels could be thought of as glorified, book-length comics. They present
a story in the style of comics book but are usually
longer and bounded in hardcover or softcover. Graphic
novels are enjoyed both for their storyline as well
as for their usually superb drawings. Popular illustrators,
such as Wing Shing Ma achieve a sort of cult hero status.
A good graphic novel is the closest equivalent to a
good martial arts or kung fu flick. Some of the best
graphic novels become collector's items. One added
bonus of the currently available graphic novels is that there
are several that are based on storylines by famous
martial arts authors Louis Cha (Jin Yong) and Wang
Du Lu, most of whose work have not even been translated
into English yet.
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Title |
Mini Review |
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Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre
Story by Louis Cha
Written by Wing Shing Ma
ComicsOne
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"Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre is an epic adventure set
against the backdrop of the Mongol invasion
in ancient China. The story follows WuJi
Chang's growth as a Kung Fu master amidst
the frenzied pursuit of two ancient and powerful
weapons: Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre. In
order to unite his country and overthrow
China's Mongol oppressors, WuJi must develop
his own formidable powers while understanding
both swords' relationship to his parents'
legacy." Publisher's Synopsis |
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Storm
Riders
Written by Wing Shing Ma
ComicsOne
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"Storm Riders takes us on a journey through an amazing world in ancient China
where, aside from the hegemony of the Royal
Government, an individual and separate society
exists: The World Fighting Association. Conquer,
a powerful Kung Fu master, aspires to gain
control of the Association and assembles
the mightiest force of fighters known to
humanity. Forgetting the evil deeds he's
committed in his lifetime; he takes on Wind
and Cloud, two very talented and young martial
artists, as his disciples. His destiny to
be the Ultimate Master draws nigh; however,
destiny has a will of her own ..." Publisher's Synopsis |
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Black Leopard
Written by Wing Shing Ma
ComicsOne
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"Black Leopard follows the adventures of an elite task force dealing in intense
covert special ops missions. The group is led
by battle-hardened assassin trained under the
most torturous conditions. His will is unbreakable,
yet he has just learned that he and his most
deadly enemies share a past which cannot be
denied." Publisher's Synopsis
Black Leopard has been referred to as the modern day Storm Riders. |
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The Legendary Couple
Story by Louis Cha
Written by Tony Wong
ComicsOne
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"Set in the violent and turbulent world of ancient China, The Legendary Couple
is the touching love story of an orphan,
Kuo Yung, and his beautiful wife, Xiao Longnu.
The story begions sixteen years after the
fateful day the two were separated. Kuo Yung
has overcome countless hardships to become
an unparalelled martial artist but his accomplishments
are not enough to satisfy him, because he
has never stopped longing for Xiao Longnu.
Now, as the two are reunited, both wonder
if their love has stood the test of time." Publisher's Synopsis |
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The Four Constables
Written by Tony Wong
ComicsOne
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"Four of China's supremely skilled assassin/detectives serve only their Master
Zhuge Zhen-Wo - The Little Flower, who in
turn is head bodyguard and advisor for
China's all powerful Emperor. Yet the Constables'
reputation strongly precedes them. Wu Chen
- The Emotionless cripple is a master of
weapons and devices. Tie Sho - The Iron
Hand possesses incredible chi and can stop
the sharpest blades bare-handed. Zhue-Min
- The Life Snatcher is highly skilled in
lightfoot granting him undaunted legwork.
Lastly Len Hsueh - The Cold Blooded was raised
by wolves and since learned to transfer
his pain when fighting to strength
enabling him to defeat opponents much stronger
than himself." Publisher's Synopsis
This based is based on the "The Four Imperial Constables",
a wuxia novel by Wen Rui An. |
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Weapons of the Gods
Written by Tony Wong
ComicsOne
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"In
Ancient China, Celestial Goddess was
locked in battle with the Dark Spirit.
She used five colored stones to create
a magical weapon known as Heaven's
Crystal. One hundred years later, Heaven's
Crystal disappears. Now, evil forces
are trying to use Tiger Soul to destroy
the world. Our hero, Tian, must search
for Heaven's Crystal; only its power
can defeat the fearful might of Tiger
Soul." Publisher's Synopsis
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Mega Dragon and Tiger
Written by Tony Wong
ComicsOne
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"In 1999, asteroids bombard the earth and the world is plunged into chaos. From
the ashes, a new society arises where
only the strong survive. In this society,
scientists give the elite superpowers, while the weak
are left at their mercy. These elites
rule the world with an iron fist. In
2020, two heroes rise up to battle the injustice of the
elite and restore peace. They are known as
Mega Dragon and Tiger." Publisher's Synopsis |
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Shaolin Soccer
Written by Andy Seto
ComicsOne
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"Young kung fu adept "Sing" is an honor-bound disciple of the legendary Shaolin Temple. His sole goal in
life is to find a way to package the
philosophy and physical teachings of
his beloved Shaolin kung fu so that
contemporary masses can learn, benefit,
and apply these doctrines to
their daily life. When he hooks up
with a former soccer champion
he quickly realizes that
the world's most popular sport may just
be the vehicle to spread Shaolin kung
fu all over the globe. But first he
must assemble a team worthy of the
Shaolin name. Yet his secular, out
of shape former kung fu brothers are
far from impressed with his idea." Publisher's Synopsis
This series is based on the Stephen Chow hit comedy of the same name. |
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Hero
Written by Wing Shing Ma
ComicsOne
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"Hero is the graphic novel adaptation of Zhang Yimou's breath-taking feature
length martial arts movie of the same name but it has a new ending. At the height of China's Warring States
period, the country was splintered into seven kingdoms: Qin, Zhao, Han, Wei, Yan, Chu and Qi. For years, the separate
kingdoms fought ruthlessly for supremacy. This brought decades of death and suffering. The
soon-to-be first Emperor of China is on the cusp of conqering the war-torn land, yet three martial arts
masters are determined to assassinate him. However one loyal subject stands in their way, ironically
in the name of peace for all the land" Publisher's Synopsis |
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Story by Wang Du Lu
Written by Wing Shing Ma
ComicsOne
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"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a beautiful story filled to the brim with
fast paced action, well-developed characters, trials of loyalty, deception,
ambition and intrigue. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Ancient China, Crouching
Tiger, Hidden Dragon takes the reader on an exciting allegory of epic proportions. Rejoin
warriors Shu Lien and the legendary Li Mu Bai as they fight the love they feel for each other as well
as many highly skilled and elaborate kung fu masters." Publisher's Synopsis |
