Orange (v. 1)
*Starred Review* Starting with the literal and figurative bang of a falling body smashing into a car, Orange—one in Tokyopop’s new line of full-color graphic novels—tells its story in flashback through some of the most beautiful art rendered in modern manga. Orange is a girl who feels “pathetic and alone,” troubled by empty friendships with people she feels are poseurs and boyfriends who treat her poorly and make unwanted sexual advances. But a chance meeting at a crucial moment with a mysterious man who makes the ultimate romantic sacrifice brings her story back to that inevitable bang in a surprising way. While Orange’s inner narrative is drenched in nihilism, the pastel washes of the art encompass an extraordinary range and depth of emotion. The melancholy blue of her mood and the fluid and vibrating life of her city are counterpointed by sharp flares of color and faces real enough to reach out and touch. Featured in huge panels that often take advantage of splash and double-splash pages, the art plays to the format’s strengths to stupendous effect. A sure winner for teen girls feeling the crush of angst or for art lovers who want to marvel at some terrific visuals. Features copious (and gorgeous) artwork extras. Grades 11-12. --Jesse Karp