Yu Wo - author. ½ 王子 Èrfēnzhīyī Wángzǐ (½ Prince).
(2004) Choi Hong Chong - illustrator. Tong Li Publishing, Taiwan. ISBN:
97889867391209.
Author website: http://www.wretch.cc/blog/kim1984429
Ilustrator website:
Media: pen and ink
Genre: manga, fiction, fantasy, comics
Annotation
It’s 2100A.D. in this futuristic manga about a virtual
reality game called "Second Life"* where the 19-year-old protagonist,
Feng Lan, is challenged by her twin to play in a life changing game. *This is a different Second Life.
Summary
It’s a boring summer break for Feng Lan until her twin
brother comes home with the newest virtual reality game “Second Life.” This
virtual reality game is really real. “The realism level is 99%. Even the
slightest wind, the buzz of insects, and the chirping of birds seem life-like.”
Feng Lan is challenged by her brother to play against him in “Second Life” and
taunts her by saying that “girls are afraid of pain” and “being a girl would be
so easy. You don’t have to fight, since someone will always volunteer to fight
for you.” This incites her to play. While her brother is using the bathroom, she puts on the dream gaming device and starts to play.
Feng Lan is surprised, however, to discover that she is
first online and that she can be granted one wish. Determined to prove to
herself and her brother that her abilities are independent of her gender/sex
and that she can win without gender benefits, she requests to play as a male
avatar. Feng Lan is granted her request and plays as a handsome elfin named “Prince.”
The adventures start here. From this point on, Prince gatherers other
characters to form the “Odd Squad.” One companion is a meat bun.
Later in the series, the Odd Squad fights against opponents
to win a large city named Infinity City and Prince gatherers players to fight
against the threat of the Lord of Life.
My thoughts
This is the first manga/manhua series that I have ever read.
I did not know what to expect. This particular one is amusing and interesting. Fantasy
has always appealed to me and this has lots of that in addition to some plot
twists and humor.
(Half Prince can be read online through:
http://www.mangareader.net/278/12-prince.html)
Curricular connections
This book could be used outside of class for teens
interested in gender and identity construction.
Reading level/ Interest Age
Grade 9 and up
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