Big Hero 6: The Series Volume 1 is the first in a new manga adaptation of the animated series of the same name based on the hit Disney film Big Hero 6. Big Hero 6: The Series Volume 1 is written and illustrated by Hong Gyun An and is published by Yen Press‘ JY imprint.
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Big Hero 6: The Series Volume 1 brings new stories featuring the main cast of the Big Hero 6 film that was previously portrayed in the Disney XD show and in comic book form, and the volume is broken up into three chapters. Each chapter is its own story, with little connecting them other than some new characters and locations. Typically in manga, we see chapters leaving on cliffhangers and being picked up in the middle of the story with the next chapter, but Big Hero 6: The Series Volume 1 does not do that here in the first volume until the very end of the third chapter. I liked this change of pace, it was easier to read in bite-sized chunks and will be much easier to digest for the target audience of young kids. My only real issue with it is that the third chapter jumps back in time in a very jarring way, it would have flowed much better if the volume had started off with the third story. Flashback arcs aren’t uncommon in manga, it just didn’t quite feel like a smooth transition here.
What makes Big Hero 6: The Series Volume 1 stand out is the quality and delivery of the characters. Not only do they look as excellent as they did on screen, but they feel just as authentic and interesting too. The quirkiness of each of the main heroes really shines throughout the entire volume. Each new character also had their own distinct feel to them. The introductions and delivery of new characters to pay attention to were done exceptionally well. It wasn’t just the heroes that were brought to life on the paper though, as each villain also felt very unique and intriguing. I loved the variety and the motivations behind each villain, even if they were more watered down for a wider appeal to audiences.
The art in the entire volume is very well done, and I was so excited we got to see a few color pages to start the story off. It should help make the transition easier for younger audiences potentially getting into manga for the first time. In that same vein, the entire volume is read in the left-to-right format instead of the traditional right-to-left we see in most manga. It did take me a little bit to get used to since I don’t often read manga in that format, but the art and dialogue were placed well and made it quite easy to make that mental transition. Fans of the original movie both young and old are really going to feel like they are jumping right back into San Fransokyo with the quality of presentation throughout.
Big Hero 6: The Series Volume 1 is a delightful romp through San Fransokyo with a lovely cast of characters. The quality of both the art and the writing is outstanding, and fans will absolutely enjoy the new adventures of the Big Hero 6 crew. My only complaint is that some of the pacing and chapter order felt a little odd, but that doesn’t come close to ruining what is an otherwise fantastic start to a new series.
Big Hero 6: The Series Volume 1 is available on August 24th.
Big Hero 6: The Series Volume 1
TL;DR
Big Hero 6: The Series Volume 1 is a delightful romp through San Fransokyo with the same lovely cast of characters from the 2014 movie. The quality of both the art and the writing is outstanding, and fans will absolutely enjoy the new adventures of the Big Hero 6 crew. My only complaint is that some of the pacing and chapter ordering felt a little odd, but that doesn’t come close to ruining what is an otherwise fantastic start to a new series.
