SPECIAL FEATURE: Check out the Priest movie trailer by Blue Eyed Daizy
When I first started here at TOKYOPOP, I was relatively new to the world of manga. I’d been a fan of American comics for quite awhile, but the world of super-deformity and random nosebleeds was all pretty new to me, and I’ll be honest…I wasn’t sure how I felt about any of it.
And then I discovered Priest. Upon seeing it for the first time, I was immediately grabbed by the manhwa’s beautifully rendered covers and unique design. It looked completely unlike anything else TOKYOPOP was publishing at the time, and that intrigued me. It didn’t take long before I was hooked, and to this day, it remains not only my favorite manhwa, but one of my favorite graphic novels of all time.
Yes, Priest is an action/horror title. Yes, it’s packed with grotesque monsters, dark heroes and brutal fights that make you shout, “Holy crap!!” Action junkies will LOVE this manhwa. But here’s the thing about Priest that surprises most people—it’s also one of the most intelligent series we publish.
Through its sixteen volumes (and counting), Priest questions what it means to be an individual in a world where all were created in God’s image, and it looks at the repercussions caused by the creation of man. Prior to our birth, the angels were God’s favored children. It’s hardly surprising that many of them wouldn’t be too happy about being replaced in the eyes of their creator.
Engaging and smart Christian philosophy abounds in a tale that is told over multiple time periods and that centers on one fallen priest’s quest for revenge—a quest that may also save the rest of humanity. Min-Woo Hyung, in an art style that’s entirely his own, has created a masterpiece in Priest. One that I believe will continue to be read and discussed long after Father Ivan Isaacs rides off into his last sunset.
Congratulations. You’ve just discovered the best TOKYOPOP series that you haven’t been reading. Enjoy!
~Tim Beedle, Editor
A word from the editor of Manga Online:
Min-Woo is a prime representative of the extraordinarily imaginative artwork that is coming out of the hotbed of talent that is Korea today. At long last, Korean graphic novels, feature films and animation are earning the critical and fan acclaim they deserve—as well as changing the face of comics around the world.
Ever since TOKYOPOP licensed Min-Woo’s Priest graphic novel series from Nam Ho Kim at Daiwon for U.S. publication, we have all been huge fans of Min-Woo’s work. Priest is a dark and rich story that has caught the attention of countless tastemakers in America, from Hollywood execs and writers to designers and fine artists—not to mention a legion of fans.
As Mike Carrey said in his introduction to Priest, Volume 6:
“…it’s currently evolving into one of the most enthrallingly unpredictable stories in the entire medium.”
If you’re not already a fan, then be prepared to become one once you behold Min-Woo’s amazing work.
Min-Woo is more than an incredibly talented artist—he is also a cool guy and a good friend. Our time spent in Seoul hanging out with him, his family and friends has always been fun. And we can attest from first-hand experience that what he says in his interview (see Creator Profile) is true: most of Min-Woo’s friends are simply crazy…and we at TOKYOPOP hope to always qualify as his crazy friends too.
~Jeremy Ross, Director of New Product Development
TOKYOPOP recommends: A Superb Fan Site
Domas-Porada is an incredible multimedia fan site in the UK with reviews along with tons of information about the series, the creator and the upcoming movie from Screen Gems
In the frontier of the American west, a veil of evil threatens to engulf humanity. Servants of the fallen archangel Temozarela are paving the way for their dark lord’s resurrection.
One man stands in the way of the apocalypse—Ivan Isaacs—a fallen priest who sold his soul to the devil Belial for the power to fight evil. Armed with a wicked blade and silver bullets, Ivan will give the heretics a baptism of blood in his pilgrimage for humanity’s redemption.
In addition to writing and drawing Priest, Min-Woo has also been a part of a collective of top Korean artists working on projects for Image and other US comics labels. Priest, his biggest hit to date, inspired an online computer game and is currently in development to become a major Hollywood release with Screen Gems. Min-Woo is a huge fan of Western films (especially films by Sergio Leone and Walter Hill), horror films (Hellraiser and The Prophecy are two of his faves), and violent video games. He’s also a big action figure buff, with a collection of hundreds of characters.
Interview with Min-Woo Hyung
(excerpted from Justice N Mercy, an art book published by TOKYOPOP)
Q: You are sometimes considered a cult artist and an artist with a distinctive personal style. What do you think about these labels? And is there a vision to your work that you can share with us?
A: I’ve heard that my work has a cult following, but I’ve never been able to give a satisfactory answer as to why. All I can say now is that I don’t know why. It is nice to hear that I’m an artist with a distinctive personal style, no matter what the reason for that may be. My vision depends a lot on external factors—it changes according to what I happen to find interesting at the moment. External factors may include movies, paintings, characters, action figures, and books.
Q: What do you focus on most in your work?
A: The basic theme that runs through my work is masculinity, power, and strength.
Q: Have you ever thought about what kind of impact the comics genre might have on popular culture?
A: To be honest, no. I don’t know enough about each to have opinions on their relationship.
Q: Who would you describe as a “good artist”?
A: I’ll be as honest as I can—I think I’m a good artist.
Q: Where do you get the inspiration for your work?
A: Mostly from movies, comics, novels and art books, but there are a hundred other images as well that suddenly come upon me during the course of the day, giving me ideas about different characters. They’re too many to mention.
Q: I heard that you’re preparing a series for the American market. What kind of series is it going to be?
A: The central character is a warrior who’s been cursed to wear the face of a beast. I don’t know how suited it will be to American tastes, but I’ll follow the style that suits me best and leave the rest to fate. If it flops...well, blame those who should have known better for not stopping me.
Q: It can’t be easy to prepare a series for the American market while living in Korea. What are some of the difficulties you’ve come across?
A: It’s not that difficult, really. Sure, it’s hard to have to work on two different series at the same time, but aside from that there aren’t any special difficulties associated with targeting the American market.
Q: Can you explain the process for getting the series published in the U.S.?
A: It’s the same as in Korea, mostly. You come up with the content, then prepare sketches... One difference is that in Korea, you do hundred percent of the ink sketches by hand, but in the States, you often use a computer. (Even when you use a computer, the main goal is to make the drawings have a hand-crafted feel.)
Q: What do you think are the main trends in American comics market?
A: Well... Living in Korea as I do, I can’t say that I know about the American market very well, but I think the American market is in the midst of what one might call the Warring States* period. In addition to the kinds of American comics that have been traditionally popular, there has been an influx of a large number of manga-style works that bring in a lot of diversity and energy. The market seems to be evolving, moving in a new direction. Still, I don’t know how much of a boost this new trend will give to the depressed American market.
Q: What are some of your favorite American comics?
A: I like Ashley Wood’s Hellspawn and many others. I tend to be an omnivore where comics are concerned.
Q: And your favorite artists?
A: Ashley Wood, Simon Beasley, Kent Williams, and John Van Fleet.
Q: I heard you went to the August 2003 Toy Con in Hong Kong. What was the reason for the trip?
A: I’m extremely interested in dolls and action figures that depict Hong Kong’s street culture. I’m making some of my own action figures, too. I just wanted to know what was new in the field.
Q: What kind of figures do you like?
A: My taste changes every day...but one thing that’s been consistent is that I like a kind of belligerent look in my action figures. I also like Michael Lau’s Urban Vinyl street culture-style works.
Q: Do you have special plans regarding these figures?
A: At the moment, a Hong Kong company is in the process of producing action figures from the Priest series. I also have a lot of personal interest in figure making. If I get a chance, I would like to market the figures I’ve made personally. But if this plan flops...you can blame those who should have known better for not stopping me.
Q: You have tattoos on your arms. What do they mean?
A: Nothing in particular. I just wanted to get tattoos one day, so I did.
Q: What kinds of music and films do you like?
A: It’s all about style for me as far as films are concerned. I don’t care about the content. As for music, I like anything that has a groovy beat. (Sometimes I enjoy listening to film soundtracks as well.)
Q: What do you when you’re not working?
A: Hang out with my buddies or go different places with my family.
Q: What are your friends like?
A: Actually, they’re quite diverse. Musicians, a tattoo artist, a screenwriter, etc. I guess most of them don’t have nine-to-five jobs. (I don’t hang out with other comics artists much.) And most of the friends I spend time with are...simply crazy.
~Min-Woo Hyung as interviewed by Eddie Yu
[footnote]
* A colloquial phrase in Korea that means there are many trends in a certain area. Literally, the phrase refers to a period of wars during the fifth Century B.C. in ancient China.
Ivan Isaacs
Ivan was a young priest with a passion for ancient cultures when he was recruited to study the Domas Porada. Little did he know that this mission would be his last -- at least his last in life. After helping revive an ancient battle for Heaven and Earth, Ivan and his beloved Gena are slain. In order to get revenge and atone for endangering the world, Ivan makes a pact with the devil Belial: his soul in exchange for a second chance at life ... and superhuman strength. Now Ivan wanders the old west, hunting down Temozarela's disciples and keeping a journal of his tragic tale.
Belial/Betheal Gavarre
The devil Belial makes Ivan his agent in the mortal world so that he may battle the agents of the fallen Arch-Angel Temozarela who is planning an upheaval of Heaven and Hell. He used to be a catholic priest in the Middle Ages where he we was a prosecutor in trials of heresy. After Temozarela shattered his faith, Betheal turned himself into the demon Belial in order to get his revenge.
Temozarela
During the war against Lucifer, Arch-angel Temozarela led the angels of light. In the years that followed, Temozarela watched as God's attention shifted from his seraphim to his new creation--man. Jealousy caused Temozarela and his disciples to abandon their heavenly post and attempt to corrupt humanity to prove the superiority of the seraphim to God. During the Crusades, he attempted to begin his plan, but Belial sealed him in the Domas Porada for 500 years. Now, released by Ivan Isaacs, Temozarela is free again, but too weak to carry out his dark designs. His disciples have begun sanctifying the ground in the American West, spreading plague and death in preparation for the Unholy Sabbath.
Nera
Also known as Netraphim, Nera is the "Guardian Saint" of Windtale. This gypsy dancer takes care of a troupe of misfit performers who have recently taken up residence just outside of town. Ivan Isaacs' arrival in town endangers the delicate peace she's managed to keep. Her faithful companion is the spirit-wolf Bendo, summoned by her will.
Armand
Also known as Amandiel, Armand is the Grand Priest in Temozarela's baptism of blood. His loyalties are to his dark lord alone, and he will destroy anyone who dares interfere with his master's plans--even his own comrades
Coburn
A lawman investigating the mysterious events happening around the Old West. He and his companions are the only mortals close to uncovering Temozarela's plot. After Lizzie is found to be the only survivor of the St. Baldlas massacre, Coburn takes her into custody to see what information she might have about the mysterious Ivan Isaacs.
Lizzie
Lizzie inherited leadership of the Rebel Angel Gang from her father. She's loved by her men, and feared by everyone else. She has more of a conscience than some of her fellow outlaws, but her hands are not clean of blood. Her rational world is shattered when her path crosses that of Ivan Isaacs. Now trouble seems to be her only friend. A hanging, a lynching, even a zombie curse -- she just can't seem to get a break these days. Infected with Temozarela's zombie curse, she was taken into custody by Coburn, and for awhile she helped the lawman in his search for Ivan. Lizzie eventually escaped, and has since joined up with another band of outlaws. Her current whereabouts are unknown.
Zombies
They want to eat your brains!
Jarbilong
One of the disciples in Temozarela's circle, this demon in human form controls an army of zombies. He is the first disciple Ivan faces in his quest.
Gena
When Ivan was adopted by Gena's father, she didn't much care for the quiet, studious boy. But over time, this fiery lass developed quite an affection for her adopted brother -- an affection he shares, but is forbidden by his oath as a priest to act upon.
Raul Piestro
The head priest of the order of Saint Vertinez, a secret branch of the Vatican which works with autonomy from the Pope. He recruits Ivan to help open the Domas Porada, but this shadowy priest seems to have an agenda of his own.
Vascar De Guillon
During the First Crusade, De Guillon led the Knights of the 12 Citadels, the greatest warriors of Christendom. After he gets word that his family is killed by plague, he wanders the desert until he comes upon an ancient temple to Temozarela. The fallen angel seduces De Guillon and he and his angel brethren occupy the bodies of the crusader and his knights.
The Domas Porada
A mythical sarcophagus invented by the ancient Belakians to seal the souls of the dead. Betheal Gavarre is rumored to have built one during his bout of heresy following the trial of Vascar de Guillon. Now the Domas Porada has been found in Stonetale Abbey in the American West. What secrets does this ancient prison hold?
Superb Fan Site
Domas-Porada is an incredible multimedia fan site in the UK with reviews along with tons of information about the series, the creator and the upcoming movie from Screen Gems
Dave Halverson - PLAY Magazine If you like Spawn, Priest will open your eyes to a similar, albeit far more symbolic and mature, universe about fallen priest Ivan Isaacs.
Jared Pine, animeondvd.com When I was first introduced to Korean manhwa a couple years ago, I had no idea that this title called Priest would forever change how I read and enjoy sequential art storytelling.
Robert McCarthy - Animerica Priest...blends Resident Evil-style action with the sensibility of a post-Unforgiven to good effect.
Francis Li - The Ticker Priest is told in an exciting and uncommon manner
.. a phenomenal read. A-
Greg McElhatton - iComics A genuinely thrilling book...
Sheena McNeil - Sequential Tart I was enraptured by this manhwa - the art is superb with an excellent use of gore which, amazingly, didn't seem overdone despite the fact that almost every page features a violent and bloody death.
GAME PRO Priest is a series that keeps getting stronger with each volume with a story that goes into unexpected directions at the turn of a page. The epic scope of the story, combined with the cool artwork, makes this an easy recommendation.
