manhua: Four Constables Vol 3-5 (end)

[meganbmoore]

In the end, I think I prefer wuxia in movies/TV series form than in comic form. Which, for me, is strange, as I almost always prefer the printed version. Though part of it may just be that the translation reads awkwardly. I suspect it may be a case of a too-literal translation. OTOH, I think there’s another Four Constables series coming out soon, and I’ll likely end up reading it, too.

Still, despite the awkward translation, this is a pretty fun wuxia/detective series with pretty spiffy art. I’m particularly fond of the design for Bloody Phoenix. It also plays around a bit with some interesting psychoses. Though, because I am easy and predictable when it comes to wuxia, my main interest remained in the storyline of Emotionless and Yan.

Because her adopted father was a famous swordsman who was seduced (literally) into working for the bad guy only to leave when it became too much for him, and then agreed to go back so he could get her scar cured, and then Yan had to (sekritly!) take his place when he died and finish fulfilling his debt! And so found herself at war with her childhood true love!

*cough*

I so could have used more of that storyline. Also, I have an overwhelming fondness for wandering warriors who are accompanied by wee cute things.

I’m especially fond of their scene before the big battle where he was all “now, you’re still like a naughty kid when you aren’t trying to kill us.” The kiss was more cute and sweet than tragic and angsty, but they made up for it with all the “Woes! In three days we must fight to the death!”

And then there was the whole “dying together after she helps the good guys as the building collapses around them” bit. Which tends to get a stern look from me in most places but wuxia. But I’m taking the hint that he lived and running with it as “they snuck out and are living in hiding so she won’t have to go to jail.” I’m certain that wheelchair bound martial arts masters with long purple hair were common then! And I subscribe to the comic book/soap opera rule of “no body=no death.” Stop looking at me like that.

Now I want to watch a wuxia. Has the subbed TaiSeng version of the new Legend of the Condor Heroes been released yet?

Comments

[the-sun-is-up.livejournal.com]

Totally random, just out of curiousity: what's the difference between a manhua and a manhwa?

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

manga=Japan
manhwa=Korea
manhua=China

There isn't, that I've found, a whole lot of manhua that's been licensed. Or scanslated, for that matter.

[anime-babble.livejournal.com]

Now I want to watch a wuxia. Has the subbed TaiSeng version of the new Legend of the Condor Heroes been released yet?

Oh Ditto to that question. Despite the horrific changes to the story I've heard about, I really want to see it.

Have you seen the TVB 1983 version? *is curious* I love this one, but I also wonder if it's too campy for people who didn't grow up with it.

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

I have yet to see any version of it! I only discovered wuxia dramas a few years ago.

[anime-babble.livejournal.com]

If you ever get the chance/time to check it out, give it a try (it's available subbed in R1, though I doubt Netflix carries it). As wuxia dramas go, it's considered the gold standard for Legend of the Condor Heroes, and as you can imagine there's fandom uh, discussions, on the merits of each version.

Strong points in it's favor are a very strong primary and secondary cast, and a highly addictive adaption. This was back in the golden years of HK drama serials, when they placed more emphasis on acting classes vs the churn-them-out mentality that they seem to have adopted. (You can also see Stephan Chow as an extra in the first ep!)

However, it does carry the heavy makeup and costuming of the '80s, and cheesy effects at times. Which is why I think fans that grew up with it have a higher opinion of it than someone who comes into it after seeing alternative adaptions.

Still, as wuxia dramas go, I still think this one is the best out there. (And I've seen a lot. Until a few years ago, I didn't watch modern asian dramas at all!)

[lostopenwindows.livejournal.com]

I actually saw the 94 version first when I was little but wasn't that impressed despite being all hyped before watching it. I remember fastforwarding a lot. The 83 version I saw a few years later and couldn't get enough of.

[lostopenwindows.livejournal.com]

It's been released!

http://www.yesasia.com/global/the-eagle-shooting-heroes-2008-dvd-end-multi-audio-english-subtitled/1012057427-0-0-0-en/info.html

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

WTH? THE EAGLE SHOOTING HEROES? WHAT??

[lostopenwindows.livejournal.com]

It's just another translation of the Chinese title. :) Legend of the Eagle Shooting Hero or Arching Hero is a better translation than Condor Heroes as no actual condor appears in the story. Legend of the Condor Heroes was originally TVB's English title for the 83 version and I guess it's stuck around ever since. Same with Return of the Condor Heroes, which isn't very similar to the Chinese title.

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

Ah. Makes sense.