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After being imprisoned for five days in Heaven, which is equivalent to five years on Earth, Soma is sent to the human world to retrieve a lost sword. He is overseen by the heavenly princess Aroomee and must address the chaos caused by his actions.
(Source: Tokyopop)
The Legend of Soma was published in English as Blade of Heaven by Tokyopop in ten volumes, from March 1, 2005, to August 7, 2007, before the publisher ceased operations.
I still vividly recall purchasing the 15-volume Soma series many years ago. At that time, I felt this series was unique. The initial episodes left me deeply satisfied, presenting a fantasy world rich with resources to explore and numerous interconnected relationships, spanning from celestial gods to infernal demons. Despite the protagonist's storyline being relatively straightforward and the world appearing somewhat post-apocalyptic, encircled by monsters and gloomy landscapes, Soma showcased creativity in its artwork and offered much to appreciate while watching. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, possibly due to a lack of inspiration, the author discontinued the series midway, coinciding with the story becoming increasingly bland. It is truly regrettable. This series had the potential to evolve into something more intricate and remarkable.
Blade of Heaven was among the first manhwa series I delved into when I began exploring manga and anime. It holds a special place in my heart, colored by nostalgia. Still, I'll strive for an impartial review.
The story is well-crafted and distinctive, though not devoid of clichés. Despite its predictable elements, it's a gripping read that kept me hooked until the last page. However, reflecting as a more mature reader, I notice flaws in the overarching plot. The author struggles with building believable tension, lacks a formidable antagonist to challenge the protagonist’s beliefs, and fails to maintain a coherent narrative flow.
The artwork is exceptional—there's no denying it. Fight scenes are spectacularly illustrated, weapons are impressive, and character designs and outfits are appealing while remaining relatively realistic compared to some over-the-top anime/manga costumes.
My assessment of the characters is somewhat mixed. Most characters lack uniqueness or depth, but the main character, Soma, stands out. Among all the characters I've encountered in anime, manga, and movies, none quite match him. He's one-of-a-kind and ranks among my favorites. Unfortunately, this makes the supporting cast seem bland and forgettable.
I debated lowering my enjoyment score due to the story and character shortcomings, but ultimately couldn't deny how much I loved the series. To fully appreciate Blade of Heaven, approach it expecting an unparalleled protagonist, epic fight scenes, and don't scrutinize the details too closely. This series might resonate more with younger readers or those young at heart.
Overall, I rate this series an 8 ("Very Good") for its stunning art, unique main character, and thrilling battles. The drawbacks include flawed storytelling and unmemorable secondary characters. Fans of light-hearted narratives without excessive angst, coupled with beautifully drawn combat scenes, will likely enjoy this series as much as I did.