Last time, I reviewed Siren’s Lament and Blood Stain. This time, I cover The Red Archer and She Would Never Know.
The Red Archer
The Red Archer cover art of Robin Hood with a mask holding Marion, by IsabelleRanson
The Red Archer retells the Robin Hood story from Maiden Marion’s perspective. In this version, Marion, a village girl, is childhood best friends with Aaron Buckingham, the son of a village Lord. While Aaron is in love with Marion and wants to marry her, she is unsure about how she feels about him beyond friendship, and his mother is a scary jerk who hates her. Enter a chance meeting with the infamous criminal, the Red Archer (Robin Hood as many of us know him), and Marion has to consider between justice and mercy. Of course, there’s lots of drama after that, tests of friendship and bonds, shocking revelations, etc. Things are rarely as they seem initially.
Marion is strong, smart, spirited, independent, and is very principled. I love this depiction of her as extremely capable and not as a damsel-in-distress. She marches to the beat of her own drum, much to Aaron’s dismay. The characters are well developed with their own stories, including villains. Paced comfortably, the art is lovely and more cartoony, with more suitably neutral colors. In fact, this Canvas webtoon would make a great television (streaming, whatever platform) adaptation. I highly recommend this and greatly enjoy it. Can’t wait to see where it continues!
She Would Never Know
She Would Never Know cover art of Songa and Hyeonseung, by JINHA
She Would Never Know is the story of Songa, a well-mannered and talented assistant brand manager at a cosmetics company. One day, her junior colleague and protégé (Hyeonseung) suddenly tells her not to put on her lipstick as she’s about to apply it. She apparently applies it before seeing her boyfriend and manager at their company. However, unbeknownst to Songa, said boyfriend is engaged for an arranged marriage with the CEO’s niece. Enter a crazy, twisty journey to move past this situation. Turns out, Hyeonseung cares for Songa as more than his superior, adding a love triangle.
The pacing of this was excellent, and the plot didn’t drag on, nor was rushed. It was just right, including the ending. Very few stories wrap up to be fully satisfying, yet this one managed, down to the bonus scene! The art style was lovely and the characters were well-developed.
It includes themes of emotional trauma, neglect, deception, attachment issues, stalking, an entitled narcissist, and unhealthy relationships. In stark contrast, it also includes healthy relationships, effective communication, secure attachment, and support.
This recently completed webtoon won’t be on Daily Pass until March 31, 2022, making binging easier for now.
Join me next time for even more webtoons to read.
