Kung fu movies were one of my favorite film genres growing up. These films, gave kids like me, a way to escape what was going in our lives. Whether it is our neighborhood, school or family, they provided the ultimate respite. As this why icons like Bruce Lee, Sammo Hung, Hackie Chan, and Donnie Yen are international superstars but in America, were known by their first names, to the kids who grew up watching them.

As we usually found these movies to be reflections in small ways, as we normally found the truth in what the filmmakers were saying. The Chinese Connection spoke of Japanese occupation and discrimination when many children of color faced these same obstacles in America. As the truth can also be found in The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin, starring the venerable Gordon Liu, where a young man finds himself through the tests his school imposes.  In the debut chapter of RedFlower, we find a protagonist like Liu’s San Te, who must undergo certain trials to become the warrior he always meant to be.

We meet Keli, a young warrior,  who visits his Grandmother who just so happens to be a Witchdoctor, where he seeks guidance on his path forward. As he is training to be part of his tribe’s guards and learning a martial art known as Katafali, but his temper and immaturity under serves his potential, something his teacher is quick to acknowledge. As his blind rage becomes a point of contention, causing him to push everyone he loves away, this comes to the forefront when in a fight with his friend and sometimes rival, Naana, to join the King’s Guard, one that he loses with honor. By issue’s end, his affection for his loved ones outweigh his want to join the King’s Guard, showing him another path, the one he was always meant for.

Overall, an engaging tale that provides for a new protagonist and world to become immersed in. The story by Just Loui is well-paced and well developed. The art by Loui is gorgeous. Altogether, a coming of age story that examines the measure of a man.

Story: Just Loui Art: Just Loui
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy