Noblesse: A Vampiric Masterpiece
Noblesse, the webtoon written by Son Je-Ho and illustrated by Lee Kwang-Su, is a genre-blending masterpiece. Combining action, drama, comedy, and supernatural elements, it's a worthwhile read even if you think it's not for you. This colossal series, which ran for 545 episodes on Naver Webtoon from December 30, 2007, to January 8, 2019, is without a doubt one of my all-time favorites and a beloved series for many other readers for a myriad of reasons.
If you're looking for a complete and addictive story, look no further. I guarantee Noblesse is a masterpiece you can devour in a few days, taking you on an incredible emotional rollercoaster. Go read it now! And if you want, you can come back later to read the rest of this review. We don't judge here.
An Elegant Being in a New World
The story centers on Cadis Etrama Di Raizel (or simply Rai), a being of immense power and unmatched elegance known as a Noblesse. He is the highest-ranking noble (vampire) and the protector of his entire species. After an 820-year slumber, Rai awakens in a radically changed and technologically advanced modern world. This new setting gives rise to some of the series' funniest moments, as Rai struggles to understand how simple, modern things work.
If you're looking for a story with a "fish out of water" trope, I have to recommend this one.
Rai isn't alone. His powerful and fiercely loyal servant, Frankenstein, tries to ensure Rai lives a "normal" life and helps him acclimate to the modern world by enrolling him as a student at Ye Ran High School, an institution Frankenstein himself founded. This is where Rai begins his hilarious and heartwarming journey of adaptation, making new human friends and encountering a complex web of other beings, including fellow Nobles, werewolves, and the dangerous and mysterious organization known as the Union. The plot masterfully intertwines Rai's attempts to live a simple life with intense, large-scale conflicts that test his resolve and reveal the dark secrets of his past.
Noblesse's Characters:
Cadis Etrama Di Raizel
A being of immense power and elegance who serves as the highest-ranking noble and protector of his species
Frankestein
Rai's fiercely loyal and powerful servant. He attempts to help Rai adjust to the modern world, even enrolling him in a high school he founded.
Han Shinwoo
A student at Ye Ran High School, he is a highly skilled martial artist and is known for being athletic.
An Impeccable Reading Experience
I have absolutely no complaints about this manhwa; everything in Noblesse is simply perfect and flawless. It is an incredibly well-written story that manages to balance multiple tones, fluidly shifting between:
- Action: The fight scenes are intense and detailed.
- Humor: Rai's cluelessness about modern, simple things (like ramen or video games) and his interactions with his human friends and eccentric servant are a constant source of laughter.
- Drama: This series will make you feel everything. It deeply explores powerful themes such as solitude, friendship, responsibility, and the greed of humans.
The Art and Character Development Shine
A significant highlight for me is the exceptional artistic progression. The art in the early chapters was somewhat simplistic, but with each new chapter, it improved dramatically throughout the series, becoming more detailed and simply beautiful.
The series features a vast and diverse cast of characters, each with complex personalities and compelling motivations. The character development is incredible; some of the villains even become heroes.
Beyond the Webtoon
For those who, like me, couldn't stop reading and finished all 545 chapters in record time, you'll be happy to know the franchise extends even further:
- OVAs: There are two animated shorts: Noblesse: Beginning of Destruction (40 min, 2015, by Studio Animal) and Noblesse: Awakening (30 min, 2016, by Production I.G).
- Anime: The webtoon was adapted into an official anime television series by Production I.G, which premiered in October 2020 on Crunchyroll, continuing the story after the Awakening OVA. Opinions are divided on it, which has prevented me from watching it since I don't want it to ruin my love for the series.
- Spin-offs: You can also check out the brief prequel Rai's Adventure and the light novel Noblesse S.
Whether you're a veteran manhwa reader or looking for your first webtoon experience, I give Noblesse the highest possible recommendation: a solid 10/10! I would definitely reread it, and I sincerely hope it becomes a lifelong favorite for you too.
