(An abbreviated, original review can be found at www.comicsvillage.com)
Croquis Pop, Volume 1
Written by KwangHyun Seo and Illustrated by JinHo Ko
Rated T for Teen (13+), USA $10.99, CAN $11.99
208 pgs.
Croquis Pop is at its very core, a story about change. No sooner than the main character Da-Il gets a new job with a famous manhwa-ga (comic writer), he’s helping his boss move into a new studio in the countryside. Once at their new home (or should I call it a hovel?), Da-Il begins to learn how to draw comics, under the tutelage of two aspiring comic artists who also work with Da-Il. At night, as he sketches on the floor, Da-Il accidentally learns that he is a Croquer, an artist who has the ability to give form to ghosts and grudges through his artwork. Thankfully, he’s not alone when he summons all these bad spirits and feelings. He’s also somehow drawn a ghost-killing sidekick, a a ghost that Da-Il draws as a mysterious muscleman. Named Mu-Huk, he’s a ghost that does a lot more butt-kicking than question answering. It’s up to Da-Il to find out what a Croquer’s job is, and why he’s the one who’s to do it.
The first volume chronicles Da-Il’s journey as he learns to be a manhwa-ga’s assistant as well as a Croquer. The volume is split into three arcs, each in which Da-Il learns something about the art of manhwa and the art of being a good Croquer. The art isn’t amazing, but it’s consistent, and Yen Press has delievered a book that is well put together. There are even color page inserts in the middle of the book, which is a welcome addition. There are no issues with guttering, and overall the book read very well.
One of my main problems with this first volume as an introduction to the rest of the series, is that it asks a lot of questions, and doesn’t even attempt to help the reader answer them. This cat and mouse game of chase the answer and catch it only works when you have a mouse and cat, not a cat and a cheese grater. It would have been beneficial for the writer of Croquis Pop to slow down a bit and work through the story. Rushing isn’t a huge deal, but it leaves the reader slightly confused.
Overall, Croquis Pop is a fairly average shonen manhwa, and it’s an interesting enough read if you’re looking for something besides Naruto or Bleach to get your hands on. The main characters are interesting, and it’s got enough action and an interesting premise to keep the pages turning. Getting into the series is an entire matter independently, though. More volumes will show if it’s going to be worth collecting.
