Real/Fake Princess #1
Reviewed by Kat Avila - Sequential Tart
Credits
Writer: I-Huan
Artist: I-Huan
Distributor: DrMaster Publications, Inc.
Translator: Yun Zhao
ISBN: 1-59796-079-9
Grade: 8
The historical period is the Southern Song Dynasty. Zhi Li Tang has been living the life of a commoner for more than 10 years with Hui Tang, a country doctor who thinks of her like a younger sister. Now, the royal family is searching for its loved ones scattered by war. Dr. Tang puts forth that the 15-year-old Zhi Li is the Princess Yi Fu, half-sister of the current emperor. If the claim is judged false by Lieutenant Zhong Lu Wu, they could both lose their lives.
While their claim is being evaluated, Zhi Li endures a makeover to make her more presentable. If it is determined that Zhi Li is a real princess, it will mean being separated from Hui Tang whom she thinks the world of. But Sir Wu would like nothing more than to find the members of the royal family so he can go back to leading armies, and Zhi Li might be his ticket out.
I-Huan's manhua Real/Fake Princess reminds me of OEL (original English language) manga, because the art, at times a bit flat and stiff, resembles the efforts of someone emulating popular manga style. Still, I-Huan manages to put her own unique stamp on things. She pays attention to period detail. A lot of thought has gone into layout.
For something with a slightly different accent from its Japanese manga and Korean manhwa cousins, look for the Taiwanese Real/Fake Princess at your favorite bookstore.
