One Nation by Gifted Cuddo, Artwork by Axel Aguirr
Gifted Cuddo’s One Nation is a bold story written “for the culture,” blending compelling character designs with a unique world where physical darkness takes shape in creatures like Falo. While the world-building and premise are fascinating, the pacing feels rushed. Key moments—like the introduction of Falo, Riah’s injury and healing, and her encounter with characters like Arkano and Fang—unfold too quickly to fully immerse the reader. Slowing down to establish the world and give these events room to breathe would allow the story’s richness to shine.
By chapter three, however, the narrative finds its rhythm, and everything flows naturally. The characters of Riah and Arkano are especially engaging, leaving me curious about their journeys. Gifted Cuddo has created a world with a lot of potential, and with more time to flesh out the narrative, this story could become truly unforgettable. For now, it’s a solid start that promises much to come. Rating: 3/5 stars—I can’t wait to see what happens next!
#mangabook #blackmanga #Lemon8Diary #mangaoflemon8 #blackgirlreads
I recently dived deeper into 'One Nation' by Gifted Cuddo, with the fantastic artwork by Axel Aguirre, and I wanted to share a bit more about why this series has captured my attention. Beyond the initial review, there’s so much to unpack, especially if you're looking for a refreshing take on action-fantasy manga. What immediately struck me from the cover of 'One Nation Volume 0' was the distinct character design. The image of a woman in a light blue kimono alongside a man with a sword promises a blend of traditional aesthetics with dynamic action, a true testament to Axel Aguirre’s artistic vision. And once you open those pages, the black and white art truly shines. I found myself lingering on panels, appreciating the detail, like the atmospheric landscape shots that really set the scene for the unfolding drama. The world-building, as mentioned in my initial thoughts, is genuinely unique. The concept of physical darkness manifesting as creatures like Falo adds a layer of intrigue that keeps you guessing. It's not just another fantasy setting; it feels deeply woven into the narrative's core. And speaking of characters, Riah and Arkano really grow on you. I loved seeing glimpses of Riah’s feisty personality, even in brief dialogue snippets like her exclamations of "OWWW! I HA SHUT UP YOU HIT YOU SOTTA ADMIT THO YOU SNAPPINE HARD! JERKI ME THINKING YOU WAS BOUT TO MAKE A BEAT AND PREESTYLE." It shows she's not one to back down, and that resilience is something I always look for in protagonists. Then there's Fang! I was so curious about the male character with dreadlocks holding a teddy bear, as seen in one of the manga pages. His dialogue, "FANG!? IT'S REALLY YOU!" and "UP WITH YOUR TRAINING?", hints at a rich backstory and established relationships, which makes me even more invested in uncovering his role in the bigger picture. It’s these kinds of details that make the cast feel alive. While the pacing felt a bit fast at first, especially with significant events like Riah's injury and healing, I’d advise new readers to stick with it. By chapter three, everything truly clicks, and you start to appreciate the momentum. This manga is a fantastic example of a story crafted "for the culture," offering diverse representation within the genre, which is something I deeply appreciate as a #blackgirlreads enthusiast. If you're searching for your next #blackmanga read or just a compelling new series, 'One Nation' has a lot to offer. I'm genuinely excited to see where Gifted Cuddo takes these characters next!
