Product Description
Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine, February 10, 2006
The setting for this story is a secondary school and it involves a new teacher, the good looking and mysterious Orion. In many ways this is a tale of typical teenagers - some with a crush on teacher, some with stronger feelings for fellow students. Much of it concerns two female students. Sebin is the daughter of a rich gang leader. She is often left alone with servants to make her own way. She is used to having things her way - she makes the chauffeur let her drive even though she is too young, she gets other students to do her cleaning chores, she has enough money to buy what she wants, and thinks money can solve all problems. Beneath she is hurting from the knowledge of where the money comes from. She falls for Orion and sets out to win him over. She has made an enemy of sorts out of another girl, Dali. Dali confronted Sebin about her arrogant ways, particularly her manipulation of other students to do her chores. She also has a revelation about Orion when she realizes she knew him long ago. She wants to put Sebin in her place and somehow make Orion realize who she is and fall for her. Orion himself is another story. We see some of his past at the beginning, the wedding of his sister has some importance. Being a first year teacher he needs to learn the ropes and fit in. The students take to him right away, and as we see some adore him. A chance incident forces him to take action against some local thugs that will set a fateful meeting into motion. Once things get rolling the story gets more interesting. There are a bunch of scenes in the first chapter that will not make sense right away but will become clear as the story unfolds. By the end of this volume there is intrigue about Orion's past, a potential gang war and that is nothing compared to the scheming of two teenage girls! The art is top notch with a good use of black and grays as needed. One keynote of quality black and white art is how well it stands alone without the dialogue. You can see the craftsmanship in every panel. I enjoyed Pine Kiss overall but parts of it bogged down in teenage silliness, which is of course a major part of its intended audience. It can be enjoyed on many levels so everyone should take a look.
Description
In Pine Kiss, the graceful and endearing series by the celebrated Eunhye Lee, Orion is the beautiful and mysterious new teacher at school. He immediately catches the attention of Sebin, daughter of a rich gang leader. When Orion is involved in protecting her from gang rivalry, it becomes apparent that there is more to this teacher than just a pretty face. Not only are students surprised, but Orion's effect entangles the already troubled relationships of the different students. The passionate triangle between Orion and Sebin and another student, Dali, as well as the mysterious past of the beautiful teacher is realized in Lee's elegant drama.
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