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In the first book, “Invasion!,” we were introduced to a situation where Saddam Hussein’s Iraq had begun a second Gulf War. This conflict created an economic crisis. The Japanese Government decided to use the opportunity for profit by assisting Maluku rebels in conquering Indonesia; reserving all of the oil rights for themselves. While this was all going on the story of Korean gang leader Hae-Sung was also explored. The young man interacted with his family and gang. This interaction showed the conflict and distrust that still exists between the Japanese and Korean people. Eventually Hae-Sung’s gang became involved in a gang-war with Japanese Yakuzas. The book ended with Hae-Sung being filmed murdering a Yakuza boss.
This second book, “Conquest,” follows Hae-Sung who is now a fugitive from the law as he hides out to avoid capture. He ends up staying with his brother’s ex-girlfriend, Uhmji, who happens to be a cop. Since he is trapped inside, he spends his time watching the unfolding of the war on TV. The war is escalating. Japan sends their forces to attack Indonesia, resulting in the building of a coalition in opposition by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and South Korea. This leads to the persecution of individuals that descend from these various countries and live in Japan. A perfect example of how war can bring out the ugliness in people.
The book is intense and highly accurate. I found this book to be more clear than the last concerning the political specifics involved in the conflict, which was helpful. The story and art is serious from cover to cover. Hyun Se Lee can draw quite realistically, but in other books he can also use more comical looking characters. This books art reflects a realistic style the whole way through particularly in the area of the ships, planes and trucks used by the military. It is a heavy subject with a very mature feel.
Nambul War Stories is not a cheery and fun series to read. It is actually downright depressing, especially when considered against current global events. It is, however, highly artistic and incredibly accurate in the ways that it shows how governments and individuals react in the face of war. I am not Hyun Se Lee’s biggest fan, but I think he has an almost ingenious sense for the darker sides of human nature. I don’t really like reading these books because of the depressing nature of the subject. But I also imagine that these may be some of the best stories out there for a true fan of the war genre. -brant-
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