Strange Symmetry Volume 1
- PAPERBACK: PAGES
- Language: English
- ISBN:
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- AVAILABLE: NOW
- MSRP: $0.00
MANGA + COMICS
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User Reviews
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PILOT SYNOPSIS
Ariel has had an extraordinary life living all over the world, but at age 16, she wishes for nothing more than to have stability, friends, and the ability to do the ordinary things every girl her age would like to do. She has just moved reluctantly to the Twin Cities with her recently divorced mother. She is bored and lonely until she meets her neighbor Xigi, who opens up a doorway to magical adventures. She will learn about the world and herself by encountering the demons of everyday life.
Ariel Tesla:
Ariel has relocated several times which, at 16, is pretty difficult. Depressed and lonely, she is having a hard time adjusting to her new environment. All this changes when she meets Xigi. He introduces her to the world of magic, and in so doing, gives Ariel a sense of belonging and purpose. In this new world she can alter reality, but soon enough she learns about the responsibility that comes with every decision she makes. Awkward in almost every situation, her good-hearted nature and sincerity often saves the day.
Xigi:
This mysterious neighbor of Ariel has a bag full of magic tricks. His outdoor domestic decoration business is a disaster. He bickers with his talking cat as though they were an old couple. Reclusive, Xigi keeps a low profile to avoid discovery, but when he senses Ariel’s good nature, he decides to get involved. This decision leads him to develop a bond with Ariel that becomes his salvation.
Gypsy:
Attitude with claws is the best description for this talking cat. He befriends Xigi because they share a similar predicament, stuck in limbo. He constantly argues with Xigi to make it clear that he is in no way his master. Deep down he is a loyal friend. He loves getting attention from girls. He constructs a tough cat image, but he just can’t beat his weakness for catnip.
Margie:
Ariel’s mother acts flaky but is a serious woman who knows what is going on. She often provides insight for Ariel in tough situations. She has a hard time balancing her work schedule with her family life. Although she cannot be there all the time, Margie maintains a close relationship with Ariel. She likes Xigi, and her flirting will be a constant embarrassment to Ariel.
Born into a family of graphic artists, Dennis was introduced to paper and pen at a very young age. Although he first used them as weapons to attack invisible enemies, he also began to use them as they were intended. His early drawings were not half bad.
While his imaginative warfare with invisible villains eventually waned, his enthusiasm to create stories never did. Growing up immersed in anime, manga, and manhua (the Chinese version of manga), he developed a desire to draw everything he had ever seen in fiction and entertainment, from sci-fi movies and TV shows to sequential art stories of all kinds. That resulted in stacks of sketchbook comics that he promised never to show the world. Only recently has he overcome his own modesty and begun to share his stories with the world.
Struggling between adjunct teaching and the demands of his two cats, Dennis is an aspiring manga-ka. He was a finalist in RSoM 7 & RSoM 8. Showing his dedication to experimentation and improvement, he reworked his RSoM 7 entry, Rain. Click HERE to see the old and new versions side-by-side. Decide for yourself which version you prefer.
In addition to his work on TOKYOPOP's site, Dennis has a webcomic, Guernica, on www.Wirepop.com. that he has published in print. Click here to read Guernica.
While his imaginative warfare with invisible villains eventually waned, his enthusiasm to create stories never did. Growing up immersed in anime, manga, and manhua (the Chinese version of manga), he developed a desire to draw everything he had ever seen in fiction and entertainment, from sci-fi movies and TV shows to sequential art stories of all kinds. That resulted in stacks of sketchbook comics that he promised never to show the world. Only recently has he overcome his own modesty and begun to share his stories with the world.
Struggling between adjunct teaching and the demands of his two cats, Dennis is an aspiring manga-ka. He was a finalist in RSoM 7 & RSoM 8. Showing his dedication to experimentation and improvement, he reworked his RSoM 7 entry, Rain. Click HERE to see the old and new versions side-by-side. Decide for yourself which version you prefer.
In addition to his work on TOKYOPOP's site, Dennis has a webcomic, Guernica, on www.Wirepop.com. that he has published in print. Click here to read Guernica.
CREATOR’S INTRODUCTION
Have you ever wondered why things are the way they are? Did you ever wish you had the power to change things? What if you were given that power? What would you do with it? This is the story of a young girl named Ariel and the realization of her power to change. In a chance encounter with her mysterious neighbor, she opens up a doorway to magical adventures that will transform both of their lives.
~ Dennis Lo
USA
UK
JAPAN
Only registered members can post comments
I absolutely LOVED the art! It's fantastic! I thought the paneling was good, but the way the story unfolded could have been executed better. I mean, the first half of the pilot was done excellently, but when Ariel ran to Xigi for help, everything seemed really rushed. There was just SO much information thrown at us, it was hard to figure out what was going on. I thought that there should have been more "mystery" surrounding Xigi and Ariel powers and abilities and supernatural situations. Also, I thought that Ariel accepted these strange events far too well--I thought it was a bit out of character. HOWEVER I am also truly hooked by this story and really want to know what happens next!
SKATORA
07.15.2009 12:00 AM
i reslly liked the art, it might not look like common manga but just remember there are realistic mangas outthere too. The cover 's amazing, it catched my attention. the angles and perspective are really good, as well as the backgrounds. Though i think some of the girls face expressions looked a little odd as well as some of the panels in the battle scene. About the story, in my opinion it's kind of cliche ( girl moving, can't addapt meets guy who gives her life a paranormal twist), the characters are interesting, i didn't like her much at first but after reading the pilot, i wanted to see more of her. The story flows and it's catchy, i liked this pilot .
MONTIZ
07.10.2009 12:00 AM
Hello! Hello! Just to let everyone know that I have a new manga up on my website. It is at: http://manga.dloartwork.com Please check it out!
LOONY
05.12.2009 12:00 AM
The story line was VERY interesting and pulled me in completely. I would love to see how it turns out! Not to crazy on the art but the story makes up for it all!
KITKATTWIZZLER
03.30.2009 12:00 AM
i like it :p
SAKURALOVE14
03.14.2009 12:00 AM
It might be the browser that you are using. I use firefox. Also, restarting the computer after downloading your flash player might help.
LOONY
01.18.2009 12:00 AM
fullscreen doesnt work. I download newest flashplayer but it cant help! HELP ME
ORGILBATULZII
01.17.2009 12:00 AM
It's been a while! Thank yo all for kind words, encouragement, and suggestions.
LOONY
01.13.2009 12:00 AM
Strange Symmetry is a work consisting of interesting art and engaging storyline. The characters are like new friends that you want to spend all of your time with, enjoying their antics again and again. The heroine is a charming girl full of awkwardness and that nostalgic memory of when we were that teen and maybe still are, easy to relate with as she goes about her day to day life even when it takes a turn for the weird. The story is well paced and easy to follow from panel to panel and honestly leaves one waiting desperately for more. ^_^ I truly enjoyed this pilot and will certainly buy it when it reaches stores so that I can experience Strange Symmetry again and again whenever I want.
THEPAPER
01.03.2009 12:00 AM
I enjoyed your pilot, the story is solid and your art is wonderfully refreshing. I'm really sick of every other manga being drawn in the same juvenile style. I think the only major problem with your pilot is the dialogue. You desperately need to re-work it, because it's currently letting you down. It's pretty boring, awkward (grammarically and syntax wise) and generally doesn't fit your very interesting story and characters. As well, probably a couple of scenes should be tightened up, like the teacher scene, it's just not believeable that someone would lend their phone for an entire day. I hope you get picked up!
NATSUKI89
09.23.2008 12:00 AM
good job kid!
PLAW
09.17.2008 12:00 AM
I find it rather boring. The art is okay, but not my cup of tea. Even though the art isn't bad, one of the few things that I feel pulls the standard down is how flat and paper-ish the characters feel, it just doesn't stand out of the paper like a real manga series. Good use of background by the way, great effort! But I like the fact that you used a slightly nerdier sort of girl as a protagonist. However, I don't think any person would leave their hand phone with someone just like that... The only part I liked in the whole thing is when the guy dipped and pulled the blood out of the mug.
SILENTLY
09.14.2008 12:00 AM
I like the way you use screen tones.
OMFG
09.05.2008 12:00 AM
I enjoyed this pilot a lot. The only thing that creeped me out was Xigi. He looked a little too much like a girl. Still, great artwork and awesome story.
YULIAN
08.25.2008 12:00 AM
The characters are amazingly creative and I certainly want to read more about their backgrounds. The story seems highly attractive and entertaining, so I'm looking forward to reading more into the plot. The only flaw that really got me was that the story sort of went by too fast, one thing jumping too quickly into the next from panel to panel. Something to be cautious about so readers don't get lost. Overall, I liked it. The story is very unique.
RAVENCARTEL13
08.23.2008 12:00 AM
Not much to go on, but this looks like it would have a lot of potential.
FAINTLYMACABRE
08.22.2008 12:00 AM
I like it, really good
KANNATRAMOR
08.22.2008 12:00 AM
this is going to be interesting... i definitely want to read more!!!
RYAVEN
08.22.2008 12:00 AM
nice, very nice ...
MUNJI
08.21.2008 12:00 AM
it was good
HUZUKI
08.20.2008 12:00 AM
I like the story, its almost like its really true so much detail :)
AMALIA
08.19.2008 12:00 AM
not bad
ASTRO98
08.17.2008 12:00 AM
I really like this manga. The story and characters have depth. I really like how the main character is nerdy and not on over the top beauty like most women in manga. I must also state that I love the art. It has more detail then you find in your usual manga. Overall, I would buy this manga if it was published.
MANASHINI
08.17.2008 12:00 AM
I didn't love the art, but it was ok. The writing on the other hand was quite good and makes me want to know what'll happen next.
BARNABUSII
08.16.2008 12:00 AM
the art takes awhile of getting used to, but the story is ok. however, "girl/boy moves in to new school and gets ostracized by his/her classmates" isn't a relatively new story concept. But all in all, the story is compelling. I'd read more.
LADYDARKNESS
08.16.2008 12:00 AM
This was okay, nothing special. The story seemed quite unoriginal. Awkward teen moves to a new place, magic sassy talking cats, pretty boy saves the day? The art, however, was quite different, I liked it. I'd probably read a few more chapters to decide how I feel about it overall.
BRITTANYCHAN
08.15.2008 12:00 AM
It's very good to me. I just like the artwork.
ANGELZANE
08.15.2008 12:00 AM
I love the title and cover for this manga. I also love the fact that Ariel is not your typical gorgeous high school cutie of Shoujo mangas. The fact that she has flaws and is an awkward teenager is one of the things that makes her more realistic and also let's the reader identify with her. I also, love gypsy in the story, it brings some much needed attitude and punch to the story. I like the overall look of Xigi as well, especially the hair and googles, but lose the facial hair as it is distracting and takes attention away from what the character is saying and doing. I hope we will definitely see more of Gypsy in upcoming chapters. I really liked when Xigi bound the water and blood together and the art that accompied that scene as well as the artwork with Xigi chanting. Also there were 2 parts in this chapter where the art was really phenomenal and the artists attention to detail and the crisp, sharp look of the pictures draws your eye immediately, the first is on the first page, the second panel, and the second is the bottom ofthe 6th page, he should draw Ariel with this much detail and such clean, sharp lines all the time.I really wasn't a fan of the artwork in the kicking down the door sequence, and some of the shading needs a little work too(sorry). I like the idea that Xigi had for saving Ariel and her mother, the seperate space thing is a new and interesting twist to the story. I would have liked for the fight scene with the demon to have went on for a little longer, but given the space constraints it is understandable. As for following this manga I would say that I would like to see a couple more chapters before I could really decide. The story potential is there but if not careful it could become cliqued and something I would not read. Please whatever you do do not change Ariel or Xigi's overall look, and please do not let Ariel forsake her glasses in favor of contacts, they are part of her personality and something that helps give her that unique and cute and quirky look and feel about her. Also it is nice to see a more realistic mother and daughter relationship in manga as well. In future please allow for more explanation for things like Ariels' abilities in magic, as the reader needs to understand more and also be given more time to digest the news. Overall pretty impressive and I will be watching and waiting for the next chapter in this manga, and hopefully it will go in a direction that will make me want to continue following it in future. Thanks to the author for sharing his art and story with all of us:).
HARUHI13007
08.14.2008 12:00 AM
Haruhi13007, thank you for taking the time to analyze my manga. There is nothing more important and exciting than this opportunity to be able to interact with readers. I already have all 3 volumes written out and questions will be answer. And I cannot tell you how many more exciting thing will happen after this. Let's hope someone will pick this manga up. Again, thank you to all who took the time to comment!
LOONY
08.14.2008 12:00 AM
This seems pretty interesing. A like the artwork too, did you draw all of THAT? I got a long way to go with my Manga project I hope to publish, and I still haven't figure out all the functions in Manga Studio EX. Do you think you can teach? ^_^ Could really use the help, but my artwork style is different than your. Also how did you do that Manga Cover? It's beautiful! I can understand a bit about how the girl feels, but she just met this teacher and gave her, her cell? Don't think that will happen in real life unless the person is too trustworthy and forgetful. I like to see the next chapter too.
VIRUSCHRIS
08.14.2008 12:00 AM
Art-Very detailed with some blanks. not very good with motion.(sorry) Story- the story started pretty tipical and changed within an instant. I like the flow. this story was very well thought out.
KANDI8584
08.13.2008 12:00 AM
This manga has great art, though I'll admit I'm not fond of the style (I think that's easy to overlook, though.) Even though the whole demon story has been done plenty of times, I think this manga definitely puts a new twist on it. I like how the characters are a nerdy girl and a gruff older man rather than two beautiful characters like are often seen in manga. One of the things that really bothered me was the lack of contractions. Saying "I have" or "it is" instead of "I've" or "it's" was really, really distracting and made the characters sound too much like robots.
KOBAKOBA
08.13.2008 12:00 AM
In general, I like the semi-realistic, dramatic art style, but the story is just too campy for me. Too much exhibition and plot development crammed into a couple pages -- the "you're the descendant of witches" line in particular. No real explanation given... just bam bam bam. And all the "keep moving forward" lines.... It's like a shoujo magical girl manga in drama's clothing. One critique about the art: work on movement. The two-page "kick down the door" scene looked terribly static and didn't deserve nearly as much space as the artist gave it. However, it looked pretty great during the "healing mom" scene... why the inconsistency? 2 stars...
KAGITSUNE
08.13.2008 12:00 AM
It very good in art and and plot I like to see it develop more. Although did made me think Sabrina the teen age witch meets Buffy the vampire slayer LOL.
ELDORA
08.13.2008 12:00 AM
I agree with Kagitsune on how some parts are just kinda throw at you, but overall it was pretty good. It'd be cool to see how the plot develops.
DREAMDEMON12
08.13.2008 12:00 AM
Thank you for the inputs! I love constructive criticism. It really helps!
LOONY
08.13.2008 12:00 AM
If this was in a bookstore, I'd take it home to me. Overall, it really appeals to me. I like your attention to detail and how you draw things more realistically. It's fun to look at.
TENKO
08.13.2008 12:00 AM
I like it, I'd agree with Kagitsune that you crammed heaps if info into to small a space, i would like more explaination, however Id still buy it.
KARLAMARIE
08.13.2008 12:00 AM
it was good...not something I would read. Not that it was bad...um, I guess there were some parts that didn't make sense or needed more explanation...
PIKACHU
08.13.2008 12:00 AM
I like the art but to tell the truth I hated the story and it stunk! I feel like I already heard the story before. But that is just my opinion. Sorry!
MIYAKO4EVER
08.12.2008 12:00 AM
that was good. i liked it.
ANIMEQUEEN123
08.10.2008 12:00 AM
Hey, thank you for all the comments! It is such a great opportunity to able to share my work with you all. I worked very hard on this, and I hope you all enjoy the read. Thank you!
LOONY
08.10.2008 12:00 AM
i like this work. it stood out in it's art and somewhat predictable story. even if it could easily be predictable, i believe (from what i've seen and read) that you have the very good potential it takes. you could make great and interesting plot twists and turns. everyone can relate to the characters, which is really good. i'm glad that you put the character descriptions to tell us what's to come in the future. keep up all the good work with this wonderful book.
DINAHBIZENGHAST
08.10.2008 12:00 AM
Please remember this is only a chapter of the story. While I agree and appreciate comments such as overuse of exclamation mark, I believe there are other things one could focus on and enjoy with my manga. From Guinevere and Lancelot, Tristan and Isolde, to Romeo and Juliet, the idea of forbidden love can be reinvented into different stories. Just like the Vampire genre, you have Trinity Blood, then you have Vampire Knight. I used an archetypal structure to introduce the characters, but it doesn't necessary mean a limitation to the possibility of interesting development.
LOONY
08.10.2008 12:00 AM
I thought exclamation points seemed a bit overused in the dialouge, which made some parts seems cheesy. When the teacher says 'I can give you a ride!?' on page 12, the question mark is not needed, and the exclamtion point is odd. No teacher gets that excited over putting a stranger girl into there cra, unless there a pedeophile. The art is very well done, and very sucessfully blends american style comics and asian influences. But I'm afraid the art is all it has going for it. The plot is way overdone. The girl-seperate demensions-demon-parent problems-talking cat-learning to believe in yourself etc, etc, etc, has been beat to death by so many comics before it. Sure, that might make it good to publish, because of the tried and true formula, but what sort of dent would that make in terms of being a company that provides new orginal comics from fresh new talented artist? I think the artist needs to come up with a story that hasn't been done before, and then we have a winner.
MUKIMPO
08.09.2008 12:00 AM
Overall, I liked it. You tried some great angles and some nice shots and some detailed imagery. I love the blood in the water and the mandala pattern on the hands. Very spiffy.
TOUGALOVER77
08.09.2008 12:00 AM
I like the fact that the author explains the way the main character life berfore it is interwined with the magical worldbut without revealing all the facts to give away the story's plot later on in the story. The artwork shows the personality of each character in different ways by the way that the story is written.
FASTREAD
08.08.2008 12:00 AM
wow very cool....when you pulbish this manga???^_^
MOONSEAHORSE146
08.08.2008 12:00 AM
Very nicely constructed. The artwork is very nice, I enjoyed Ariel's eyes. You incorporated some interesting imagery, a nice combination of the routine and supernatural, and some nice pacing. The story was interesting, and the conflict was interesting (Cursed eyelash). I would definitely like to see this piece move into print! 5.0 excellent!
SHERIFFNOTIC
08.07.2008 12:00 AM
Strange Symmetry would be great to see in print, in fact, I would love to see it as an Anime- especially the supernatural segments. The drawing is unique and captures the personality of the characters. The story line is intriguing. I can imagine many potential stories unfolding from Ariel’s first adventure. I also like that it deals with the real heartache and excitement that comes with a big move- especially when you are in high school. Oh- and the cat is awesome. Want more!!!
POWDERKEG
08.07.2008 12:00 AM