Anzu and the Realm of Darkness

(Paperback)

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Description

5 Worlds meets Spirited Away in this graphic novel of a girl fighting to return home from the spirit world.

Anzu has just moved to a new town during Obon, a time for families to remember and celebrate their ancestors. Ever since her grandmother Obaachan died, though, Obon has lost its magic for Anzu. She doesn't feel like celebrating.

Escaping the festivities, Anzu chases after a stray dog. She slips and falls down a ridge - to find herself in the Shinto underworld known as Yomi, a place she's heard about in Obaachan's stories. The stray dog, she finds out, is actually the Gatekeeper of Yomi, and he warns her to return to the human realm before it's too late.

Only, getting home is not simple. Faced with the nefarious Queen Izanami and a realm of creatures, Anzu is in a race against the clock. Can she break a curse, free the spirits of other lost children and reach the gate home before sunrise . . . Or will she be stuck in Yomi for ever

Reviews

'This captivating adventure into the land of spirits comes to life with charming illustrations and a highly imaginative story about the power of heritage and friendship. Perfect for young fans of Demon Slayer or Spirited Away!' - Victoria Ying, author-illustrator of Hungry Ghost and City of Secrets

'A warm, wise and delightfully ghostly adventure that celebrates the power in loving who we are and knowing where we come from.' - K. O'Neill, creator of the Tea Dragon series

'An epic journey through the underworld of Japanese folklore, with darkly delightful art, it reminds us that the path to self-acceptance is complex. Anzu's story is richly crafted with beauty, horror, and heart.' - Nidhi Chanani, author-illustrator of Pashmina

'This beautifully illustrated work is full of magic [...] An enchanting fantasy about finding the confidence to take up space in the world.' - Kirkus

Author Bio

Mai K. Nguyen is a Japanese-Vietnamese American comics creator. Her debut graphic novel, Pilu of the Woods, was published in 2019. She lives along the salt marshes of the California Bay Area, where she spends her free time chasing either a toddler or a dog and drinking too much milk tea.