Anzu and the Realm of Darkness

Anzu has just moved home during Obon, a time for remembering ancestors. But she does not feel like celebrating; she feels isolated by her Japanese heritage, and embarrassed by the school children who picked on her for being different.  

Then, when a dog steals her grandmother’s amulet, she finds herself lost in Yomi, the Shinto underworld realm. This land of darkness is ruled by the beautiful but cruel Queen Izanami and is filled with magical beings from the folkloric traditions of Japan. 

Anzu must team up with the dog, who serves as a gatekeeper, to destroy Izanami and free the souls of children she has imprisoned; but it is only by accepting her true self that she can unlock the power to do so.  

This stunningly original graphic novel drives forward at great pace and is packed full of action. Nguyen’s illustrative style adds wonderful character and detail to the mythological foundations of this story, and readers may well be inspired to learn more about Buddhist and Shinto folklore. 

As well as its dynamic action sequences, this text also covers themes of identity and representation really skilfully. The battle for the realm serves as a metaphor for Anzu’s own struggles with accepting her heritage in the face of conflicting cultural influences.