In A Battle Of Light Vs. Dark…Who Is The Real Champion?

Otherwise known as Siúil, a Rún (a traditional Irish song that translates to “Go, My Love“), The Girl From The Other Side offers an old timey folktale story to its manga platform. This form of storytelling lends itself beautifully to the black and white artwork that litters the pages.

Following that folktale theme, the reader is dropped right into the middle of a bleak world where Insiders are battling “demonic entities” known as the Outsiders. Unknowingly stuck in the middle of this feud is an innocent child Shiva who is guarded, oddly enough, by an Outsider who we only know as Teacher. The story starts out peacefully enough showing the whole of Shiva‘s relationship with Teacher and how he has taken the role of her guardian and strives to give her a normal life filled with tea parties and morning walks to the local (although quite empty) village for food. Of course, like with any fairy tale, things don’t stay happy for long and soon Teacher finds itself in the midst of this dark battle to save Shiva and find out both of their pasts.

With the series already on its 3rd Volume, many truths have already reared their ugly heads. However, it also leaves more questions than it answers. What is Shiva‘s destiny? Was Teacher born an Outsider? Will the Insiders fears prevail? All of these will hopefully be answered in Volume 4. But why the rush? The series is quite enjoyable and I would recommend it to just about anyone. For dipping my toe into manga for the first time, I can truly say that I couldn’t have made a better decision. With each page turn and sudden plot twist, I find myself getting more and more entwined with the story and never wanting it to end. Take a look for yourselves and spread the word! You will not regret it…