THE RESTORER’S HOME (VOL. 1), from Ablaze Publishing on 4/18/23, follows Sunwoo Yoo – a teenager on his own, struggling to make ends meet, who has a mystical talent to restore handmade items and the souls that inhabit them.
The Details
- Written by: King Sang Yeop
- Art by: King Sang Yeop
- Letters by: King Sang Yeop
- Cover art by: King Sang Yeop
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $19.99
- Release date: April 18, 2023
Is It Good?
File this one under “a magical comedy with a heart of gold.” THE RESTORER’S HOME (VOL. 1) is yet another expertly-crafted Manhwa (Korean Manga) import from Ablaze Publishing, and it’s as charming and amusing as any wholesome story you’re likely to find.
Set in a Korean town, Sungwoo Yoo can’t seem to catch a break. Abandoned by his parents and left to maintain the historical mansion left to him by his grandfather, Sungwoo is forced to use his mystical ability to restore any handcrafted item while restoring the memories and relationships of those in need. When Sungwoo’s father runs off, leaving Sungwoo with debts to gangsters and an ancient guardian of the land, Sungwoo has no choice but to take on an increasingly bizarre series of jobs to make ends meet while paying off his father’s obligations.
This volume works because it drips lighthearted charm with annoying yet likable characters constantly pestering Sungwoo, imaginative challenges for our protagonist, and outstanding character development that slowly forces Sungwoo to embrace his talent when he’s blessed by the good he can accomplish. The story isn’t Hallmark movie levels of sappy, but this is a feel-good story with a fair bit of humor and supernatural shenanigans.
The warmhearted tone and lighthearted humor are elevated further by King Sang Yeop’s expressive art. The characters are constantly acting and reacting in amusing ways, the intricate details of Sungwoo’s restorations are more visually interesting than you might expect, and the emotional moments are well done.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with an introduction to Sungwoo Yoo, a 16-year-old student whose handsome enough to catch the eye of all the girls in his class. However, Sungwoo doesn’t have time for a social life because he’s too busy working part-time jobs since his parents divorced and abandoned him in his grandfather’s mansion.
Sungwoo also has a unique power. He can see the souls of handmade objects and can project his vision into the object’s creation to restore the objects and the souls inhabiting them. One day, gangsters come calling to collect on a debt Sungwoo’s father took out, and the emissaries of an ancient guardian arrive to require Sungwoo to make good on a promise his father made to restore the guardian’s tomb.
Before long, Sungwoo finds his empty mansion populated with ghosts, spirits, guardians, and all manner of unusual visitors needing restoration help. We conclude the volume with new techniques, tearful reunions, lost souls, and surprising discoveries.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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THE RESTORER’S HOME (VOL. 1) is a sweet, charming, supernatural tale about an overwhelmed teenager forced to use his mystical gifts to help the living and the dead find restoration. The eclectic cast of characters is enjoyable, Sungwoo’s character growth is surprisingly nuanced, and the art is highly entertaining.
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