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Big Hero 6: The Series Vol. 1 brings the animated show to manga for the franchise’s second outing in the medium — and it’s surprisingly good.
When Disney first announced Big Hero 6, it was fated to eventually become a manga. Beginning as a manga-inspired Marvel comic before becoming a Disney film and then a Disney animated series, Hong Gyun An’s manga adaptation is actually Big Hero 6’s second go-round in the manga-sphere, with the first being an adaptation of the movie. “Based on the hit TV show!” adaptations are often low-quality efforts but, thankfully, instead of a cheap cash-in, Big Hero 6: The Series Vol.1 is a well-paced, well put together adaptation of its source material, and a smart way to keep interest alive now that the series itself is over.
Big Hero 6: The Series Vol.1 adapts three episodes of the cartoon: “Issue 188,” “Failure Mode” and “Baymax Returns — Part 1.” These episodes actually aren’t in order — “Baymax Returns” is the last chapter of the book but the first episode of the series — but reading the manga, it’s not especially obvious. The first two chapters adapt the episodes in a way that their throughlines are front and center, but don’t ruin the breezy pace of the overall book.
“Issue 188” and “Failure Mode” succeed as connected stories mostly because they are. Both follow Hiro’s struggles as a superhero and with fellow kid genius Karmi, who crushes on his Big Hero 6 identity but can’t stand (or recognize him) as Hiro. All three chapters follow their respective episodes closely, but Big Hero 6: The Series Vol.1 comes from the Kingdom Hearts school of manga adaptation, meaning it tries not to waste the advantages the medium gives it.
While the story beats are the same, much of the presentation is punched-up and adjusted to fit the manga format. And, although this often results in over-the-top, slightly out-of-place reactions, the expert pacing and excellent art more than make up for it. As someone who has seen these very episodes multiple times, Hong Gyun An’s adaptation of them makes each feel almost brand new.
The art of Big Hero 6: The Series is a major factor in this. No one version of Big Hero 6 shares the same art style, going all the way back to the original Marvel comic. Big Hero 6: The Series had a striking, angular style that was totally different from the movie’s much softer look. Those edges are smoothed out again in Big Hero 6: The Series Vol. 1, making for an art style much more classic to the manga medium. Hong Gyun An’s art is clean, expressive and does everything it should, skillfully representing the characters without forcing the show’s style onto them. The one exception is Karmi, who genuinely looks like a completely different girl. Off-model doesn’t mean bad, but her nose will still be sorely missed.
Big Hero 6: The Series Vol. 1 is an unexpected masterclass in adaption, as it gives even those familiar with the source material reason to read it. It doesn’t do this by significantly changing anything, but by simply making what’s already there fit into the manga medium as best as it can. Along with some great art (including a very well-rendered Wasabi no Ginger) and pacing that keeps the energy going, Big Hero 6: The Series Vol.1 is a genuinely good read for Big Hero 6 fans, especially those who slacked off on getting into the show.
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