As the third poster noted, this is a great entertaining and informative manga with clean artwork, clear action sequences, and intriguing characters. I especially enjoyed the beautifully detailed drawings of the various beijing opera roles and their costumes as well as the anecdotes regarding the history of beijing opera.

Unfortunately, as noted in the last volume (and by the third poster), the mangaka was forced to cut the story short. Accordingly, the last volume only glosses over events that leave the various mysteries half-solved and also leave the reader with unsatisfying plot resolutions.

Was it still worth the read? IMHO, definitely yes.

... Last updated on September 6th, 2006, 12:53am

This manga is really good. It covers a unique topic for a shonen manga (beijing opera), and has beautiul drawings and interesting characters. Unfortunately, the manga was cut short. The last couple of chapters cover roughly six volumes worth of content, which is a great shame, since this is where most of the interesting stuff happens (or was supposed to, at least). Thus a lot of things are wrapped up half-heartedly, not least of all the quest to find out just what the heck happened with the mask and the grandfather - no clear answers are given, and the last couple of pages' implied meaning is no big help. The early childhood parts that the manga does cover are done well, however.

this is the 2nd manga i read about chinese background (2nd to Ryuuroden, and its also about spirited away to the past). firstly, reading on just a whim, but quickly i must dl all the vol ^o^ (too bad still in early volume, and doesnt seem will be a long serie).. try learn some chinese lifestyle and culture a bit from this manga, very factual in some way and has interesting plot.

Very interestig stoy and nice artwork to watch.