Graphic Novel Review: The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha

The Fox Maidens is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Robin Ha. It was published by Andersen Press and was released in March 2024. I have read the book in ebook format. This review is intended to be free of spoilers for the book, but nobody’s perfect. A review copy of the book was provided. There are affiliate links at the end of this review.

Blurb:

Kai has trained all her life in her father’s martial arts school. Though she is looked down upon for being a girl, she proves her courage when assassins launch a ruthless attack on her family. Yet Kai is the inheritor of a dark secret: each month she is transformed into a fox demon, and must hunt and kill a man so she can return to her life as a young woman. As the deaths mount and the townspeople start to voice their suspicions, Kai desperately searches for a way out.

Meanwhile, there is a mysterious girl who shares a secret bond with Kai, and whose love may be the key to breaking her curse…

Inspired by the ancient nine-tailed fox legends of Korea, The Fox Maidens is a searing, thrilling fantasy romance told in beautiful, striking graphic art.

Review:

I like Robin Ha. I really enjoyed her previous work, culinary graphic novel Cook Korean! It was a delightful cross between a cookbook and a comic book. I never quite got around to reading her other graphic novel, the autobiographical Almost American Girl. The Fox Maidens is Ha’s first fully fictional publication.

The Fox Maidens weaves a captivating tapestry of Korean mythology, historical intrigue, and fierce characters. Ha ventures into the realm of fantasy with remarkable finesse.

Set against the backdrop of Joseon-era Korea, the story revolves around Kai, the daughter of General Song. Haunting rumors link her to the mystical gumiho, the nine-tailed fox. When Kai begins to transform into a fox herself, her mother whisks her away to the secluded mountains. There, she encounters the last surviving gumiho, who becomes her mentor. Together, they navigate a world where magic and men intersect.

Three core themes are woven through the text. Namely, these are the themes of identity and acceptance, forbidden love, and power and responsibility. The first of these themes, that of identify and acceptance, is developed as Kai grapples with her dual nature; part human, part fox. Her struggle to reconcile these facets mirrors the broader theme of self-acceptance.

We see the theme of forbidden love develop as Kai unravels the mystery behind a series of murders. She forms an unexpected bond with a human. Their love defies societal norms and adds a layer of tension to the narrative.

Finally, Ha explores power and responsibility through Kai’s magical heritage. The gumiho’s magic is both a gift and a curse. Kai must learn to wield it wisely while protecting those she cares about.

As a graphic novel, the artwork is crucial to the experience of the story, particularly in setting a visual tone. Ha’s illustrations burst forth with vibrancy. The lush landscapes, intricate hanboks, and mystical creatures come alive on the page. Each panel feels like a brushstroke in a traditional ink painting. This is clearly a labour of love.

But why read it? What does The Fox Maidens have to draw in and reward the reader? The first thing is the cultural element. This graphic novel invites you to really dive into Korean folklore and experience the gumiho’s allure; the delicate balance between the human and supernatural.

It also features a satisfyingly fierce heroine. Kai defies gender norms, particularly as they would have been understood at the time in which this story is set, wielding her martial prowess and fox magic with equal grace. This also ties into something of a queer retelling of the gumiho legend; a nice twist on Ha’s part.

The Fox Maidens is a feast for the senses. It is a tale of love, sacrifice, and the magic that binds us all. Whether you are a seasoned graphic novel enthusiast, a fan of Ha’s previous work, an admirer of Korean folklore, or a curious newcomer, this book will ensnare your heart like a fox’s spell.

Rating: 5 / 5