Shaolin Soccer

    (ComicsOne, 2003)
™ and © ComicsOne

With the popular Hong Kong film on its way to the states, Shaolin Soccer receives the royal treatment in Comics One’s new series of graphic novels. The story revolves around Sing, a young follower of the Shaolin teachings who is trying to get the form of martial arts to be more accepted in society. He figures the easiest way is to do this is by combining it with Hong Kong’s most popular sport, soccer.

The action-packed manga can be tough to follow at times, because the story moves so fast, as Sing tries to put together a team of soccer players. Though much is occurring in the first installment, it doesn’t yet feature any clear villains. The art is impressive: something that both American and non-American readers should be able to enjoy. Unlike much traditional manga, the issue reads from front to back and left to right and is colored well.

The buzz surrounding the Shaolin Soccer film has been growing since previews were shown at Comic-Con International: San Diego in 2002. With the film in theaters later this year, this is the perfect point at which readers can prepare for the fun.

— Nathan Melby
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