If you love Blade of the Immortal, you probably already know Hiroaki Samura’s amazing work. He’s great at drawing and telling interesting stories, especially historical dramas. MANGA REVIEW: Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze is similar, even though it’s set in a different time. It looks beautiful and has a dramatic story, but this time it’s set in the Soviet Union in the 1930s. Let’s take a first look at this powerful manga, which will be available in English next month!
Puppy and Squirrel
Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze starts with lots of mysteries right from the beginning. The main characters don’t even use their real names. Instead, they call each other Bielka (“squirrel”) and Shchenok (“puppy”). They care a lot about each other. Shchenok pushes Bielka’s special wheelchair, and Bielka seems to be the only one who can help him with his strange condition. They get caught up in the events of the early Soviet Union and face abuse from both enemies and supposed “friends.”
As the manga goes on, it becomes clear that there’s more to both of them than you might think. Important people become very interested in them, for both good and bad reasons. And when Bielka’s true identity is revealed, it opens up a whole new possibility for one of the biggest mysteries of the 20th century.
Myths and Legends
Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze gets its name from the Snow Maiden in Russian fairy tales. The manga tells the story of the Snow Maiden, who is the daughter of winter and spring and shouldn’t exist. Bielka uses a version of this name as her fake last name. And by the end of the story, the name becomes much more important than anyone could have imagined.
The manga uses some ideas from old legends, but it also uses modern legends. In the early Soviet Union, there was still a lot of mystery surrounding the last Tsar and his family. Even if you think you know who Bielka is, there are still surprises to come.
Dark and Beautiful
If you’ve read Blade of the Immortal, you probably know that Samura’s stories can be dark. Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze is the same. This manga deals with some serious topics, so keep that in mind before you start reading. It’s just as honest and unflinching as Samura’s other works.
But because of this, along with the beautiful art, deep story, and accurate historical details, this manga from 2013 is a real treasure in Samura’s collection. Whether you’re interested in early 20th-century history or just want something different, you should definitely check this one out.
Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze goes on sale June 24.
Expanding on this review, Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze truly shines as a unique entry in Hiroaki Samura’s impressive body of work. While his name is often associated with the samurai action of Blade of the Immortal, this manga demonstrates his versatility and ability to craft compelling narratives in vastly different settings. The shift from feudal Japan to 1930s Soviet Union is not just a change of scenery; it’s a complete reimagining of his storytelling style, while still retaining the core elements that make his work so captivating.
The characters, Bielka and Shchenok, are immediately intriguing. Their chosen names, “squirrel” and “puppy,” hint at a playful innocence that belies the harsh realities they face. The dynamic between them is the heart of the story. Shchenok’s devotion to Bielka, pushing her wheelchair and protecting her, is both touching and mysterious. Bielka, in turn, is the only one who can alleviate the symptoms of Shchenok’s strange condition, creating a codependent relationship that is both their strength and their vulnerability. This reliance on each other in a world that seems determined to tear them apart makes them instantly relatable and worth rooting for.
Samura’s art style is, as always, exceptional. The detailed backgrounds bring the Soviet Union of the 1930s to life, from the grand architecture of Moscow to the bleak, snow-covered landscapes. The character designs are expressive, conveying a wide range of emotions with subtle nuances. The action sequences, when they occur, are dynamic and visceral, but it’s the quieter moments, the stolen glances and subtle gestures, that truly showcase Samura’s skill as a visual storyteller.
The manga’s exploration of myths and legends adds another layer of depth to the story. The Snow Maiden, or Snegurochka, is a figure deeply ingrained in Russian folklore, and her presence in the narrative raises questions about identity, destiny, and the power of stories. The connection to the Romanov family, the last Tsar and his family, adds a historical mystery that keeps readers guessing. The manga cleverly weaves these elements together, creating a narrative that is both fantastical and grounded in reality.
However, it’s important to reiterate the warning about the manga’s dark themes. Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life in the Soviet Union during this period. The characters face abuse, betrayal, and violence, and the story can be emotionally challenging to read. This is not a lighthearted adventure; it’s a story that explores the darker aspects of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
In conclusion, Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze is a must-read for fans of Hiroaki Samura and anyone interested in historical fiction, alternate history, or stories with complex characters and thought-provoking themes. It’s a beautiful, dark, and ultimately unforgettable manga that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. Be sure to pick up MANGA REVIEW: Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze when it goes on sale June 24th.