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Naoto Saki is an ordinary young boy with average grades and no particular distinguishing features. His favorite pastime is sleeping, which often gets him into trouble with his teachers when he dozes off in class. Whenever Naoto falls asleep, he dreams of the same fantastical world. One day, he is magically transported into the very world he once only dreamed about. Suddenly, he finds himself embroiled in a conflict between powerful beings known as Elphis and human-like creatures called the Sand Dusts. In this desert world of Orgos, Naoto's experiences are no longer just dreams—he can feel pain here and even risk death. Fearing for his life, Naoto decides he wants nothing more than to return home. However, the beautiful sorceress who summoned him has other plans for him.
Desert Coral had three volumes published in English by ADV Manga from June 8, 2004, to November 16, 2004, before the license was dropped and the publisher went defunct.
I enjoyed it from the very first page. Although the art in this manga might appear simple at first glance, its true strength lies in its perfectly executed fight scenes and how well they fit every situation. One minor drawback initially is that you may need to read it two or three times to fully grasp the story, but ultimately, it all makes sense. Unlike many mangas that focus primarily on fights, this one excels in portraying emotions through characters' faces, which always reflect their speeches and thoughts accurately. The standout feature of this manga is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is introduced meticulously, complete with a detailed backstory and all aspects of their personality, likes, and dislikes. While other mangas often only fully develop their main characters, here even the smaller roles are thoroughly explored, explaining why they act the way they do. The connections between the characters add another layer of complexity; there isn't a single character who isn't somehow linked to at least one or two others. This interconnectedness makes the reading experience deeply engaging. As you progress through the manga, you'll find yourself constantly swept up in the characters' emotions. I actually cried, especially towards the end of volume 5. Both the sad and happy scenes are portrayed so effectively that it's impossible not to empathize with the characters. It's amazing how the author continually introduces new twists just when you think you've figured everything out. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. There is a noticeable difference between the first two volumes and the subsequent three: the initial ones feel like a typical adventure and are relatively light-hearted. The latter volumes take a completely different tone, with the main storyline really kicking off in volume 3. However, this variation adds to the manga's charm and keeps things interesting. It brings a lot of enjoyment because it isn't monotonous. I highly recommend this manga to anyone looking for a great story that blends shojo elements with action seamlessly.
Desert Coral is an unconventional manga, primarily action-oriented yet featuring minimal combat scenes. Initially, it may seem dull, particularly in volume two, but as you progress, the intrigue and excitement gradually build up. The storyline can be challenging to grasp at first, but a re-read should clarify everything.