YBFREE.comIn Pursuit of Human Interests
| YBFREE.com In Pursuit of Human Interests |
Archives | BLOG | Auctions | Shoppe | Message Board | Company Info | Search |
I may sound like a broken record, but if a vampire is featured in an anime, comic book, movie, or videogame, I am definitely going to check it out. Being partial to that genre, when I heard that the new Manwha (Korean Comics) series by TOKYOPOP, Model, featured a vampire, I had to pick up the first volume and thus far I am impressed.
Model follows Jae, a Korean art student who takes a trip to Europe to advance her studies (Editor's Note: Series Creator Lee So-Yong is a painter). Jae is not as good as she hoped, but the struggling artist has a passion that will not let her quit. Jae’s life suddenly changes, for the better or the worse, depending on your take. In a very unusual move, Jae’s friend coaxes her to let a drunken man crash at her house. Even though Jae agrees to let the man stay, she cannot shake the strange feeling that she has made a mistake.
That night, Jae dreams the man comes into her room and sucks some of her blood. Upon waking Jae discovers the act was not a dream. Most would be frightened by the reality of the situation, but Jae decides that if she is going to have her blood drunk, the least the vampire could do is pose for a portrait. Painting the vampire was easy at first, since he was out cold, but when he awoke, the fun began.
The vain and effeminate vampire, named Michael, was disgusted that he drank Jae’s blood, not knowing whether or not she was pure and worthy enough. In fact Michael is so vain he actually became a vampire by choice just to preserve his looks! And since the time of his conversion he has not allowed anyone to paint him and becomes angry at Jae for her attempt. Unnerved and yet intrigued by his anger Jae demands they strike a deal. For the price of her blood, he must allow her to paint his portrait. Taken back by her brazen attitude, he agrees and has Jae move into his mansion where she meets some strange characters with interesting relations to Michael and discovers some disturbing secrets that would make anyone else flee in fear.
Creator Lee So-Yong takes many impressing liberties with Vampire lore that I found notably entertaining. For instance it is revealed that the legends of crosses and vampires are not true, and that not all vampires like bats. In fact Michael has managed to maintain much of his human curiosity when it comes to the living, as he begins to appreciate Jae’s unwavering style and arrogance.
Model was an intriguing tale that in the end left many, many possibilities. It seems like Jae could develop a relationship with Michael. There seems to even be a possible storyline where Jae might end up with Michael’s servant who is hell bent on destroying him, or she could end up dead. Model is mired in sexual angst which leaves room for plenty of over the top drama. Add melodramatic drawings, glamorous dark backgrounds, and it is clear why Model appeals to both sexes.
Who needs America’s Top Model when the world’s oldest living model is all you need to know?
Send your comments and or questions about this article to Bandwidth@ybfree.com.