Apple Black, Volume 1 - Rockport Edition

Title: Apple Black, Volume 1 - Rockport Edition

Author: Odunze Oguguo, also known as Whyt Manga

Publisher: Rockport Publishers, part of MyFutprint Entertainment

Series: Apple Black, a serialized manga series published bi-weekly in Saturday AM

Key Themes

1. Magic and Sorcery: The series is set in a world where humans acquired magical powers from "Black" fruits, which are now extinct. However, the effects of these fruits still exist in the bloodlines of humans, allowing them to harness magical power using various objects as wands.

2. Isolation and Destiny: The protagonist, Sano, is raised in isolation to be the world’s savior known as the Trinity. He is blessed with the Arodihs arm, an ultimate wand, by Merlin, the god of sorcery. This isolation and his prophesied destiny shape his journey and interactions with others.

3. Power and Responsibility: Sano's journey is fraught with the responsibility of saving the world from the Infinite Night, an eternal night of chaos. He must navigate treachery, betrayal, and evil forces that threaten Eden, the continent where the story takes place.

4. Diversity and Representation: The series is notable for its diverse cast of characters, including those with light skin, Black, and South Asian skin tones. This diversity is a key aspect of the Saturday AM brand, which aims to showcase a wide range of cultures and identities in its manga.

Plot Summary

Volume 1: Neo Freedom

The story begins with Sano, a young sorcerer who has been isolated for most of his life. He is raised and trained in secrecy to be the world’s savior, known as the Trinity. After being admitted to Black Bottom Island’s guild for young sorcerers, Sano gains his newfound freedom and starts his training among other talented magic-users. However, his life is soon threatened by treachery and evil forces that have plagued Eden. Sano must navigate his new surroundings and confront the challenges ahead while dealing with his mysterious powers and the expectations placed upon him.

Critical Reception

Positive Reviews:

• Kirkus Reviews: For Volume 1, "Neo Freedom," Kirkus Reviews described it as "an inventive series opener with promise." The review highlighted the complex world-building, intricate plot, and diverse cast of characters. It noted that the story combines humor and action, making it appealing to manga fans seeking something off the beaten path.

• Customer Reviews: Some readers have praised the series for its engaging storyline and diverse characters. One reviewer mentioned enjoying the series despite some criticisms about the dialogue and exposition.

Negative Reviews:

• Customer Reviews: Another reader criticized the series for awkward speech bubbles and textbook-level dialogue, which made the story hard to read. They also noted an excessive amount of exposition-heavy pages, although they acknowledged that the art and action were good.

Additional Information

• Creator Background: Odunze Oguguo, also known as Whyt Manga, is a Nigerian artist and designer. He is the creator and owner of several manga/comic series, including Apple Black and Bacassi. Oguguo is also a co-founder of MyFutprint Entertainment, LLC, which publishes diverse manga anthologies like Saturday AM.

• Saturday AM Format: The series is part of the Saturday AM TANKS format, which collects global heroes and artists in a new graphic novel format similar to Japanese Tankobons. These volumes include select color pages, revised artwork, and innovative post-credit scenes to enhance the storytelling experience.