The Legend of Hong Kil Dong: Outlaw Hero of Korea

Robin Hood acquires super powers in this exciting crossover book based on a traditional legend from Korea. Kil Dong is the younger son of a powerful minister to the king but cannot claim his heritage because his mother is not his father's wife, only a maidservant. Jealous scheming among the women of the household (whom the book tactfully refers to as the minister's "companions") causes Kil Dong to leave home at an early age. Studying with a mountain sage, he masters not only literary pursuits but also martial arts, swordplay, the wisdom of the I Ching, and the uses of magic. Still not welcome at home, he next falls in with a band of outlaws, honest men who have been displaced through the oppressive practices of government officials. Thus is born the Robin Hood of Korea. The graphic novel format is ideal for this rousing and wide-ranging adventure. The basic layout is based on boxes with speech balloons familiar from newspaper comic pages, but O'Brien varies this format with insets, landscapes, and the occasional dragon. In one inspired spread, the action boxes showing simultaneous events in eight provinces are placed across a background map of Korea. The book appears to be a labor of love by O'Brien, an American who grew up bilingual and bicultural in South Korea. The narrative is the result of careful research, and author's notes at the end provide fascinating additional cultural and biographical information. The volume itself is a work of art. Even the endpapers are detailed, reproducing an archaic Korean woodblock edition of the legend. After battling injustice and righting wrongs throughout seventeenth-century Korea, Hong Kil Dong ultimately finds and embraces his destiny. Readers will rejoice at the magical ending, even as they wish for the adventure to continue.

I enjoyed this version of the story in "comic book" style. The pictures/drawings were entertaining and informative. I learned a little about Korean culture and words. If you collect graphic novels, it's a nice addition to one's collection.

One of the greatest Korean folk tales is given fully illustrated treatment here and it's about time. The legend of Hong Kil Dong is about a boy born from his rich father's servant. This low birth forever keeps young Kil Dong from being able to rise into the upper class. He, however, finds his own way to beat the overbearing system and help the poor, all while making it to the top of the king's MOST WANTED list. Compelling story for children and can be a nice addition to any multicultural library as well as an introduction to Korean culture. Enjoy!

I purchased The Legend of Hong Kil Dong after checking out a copy from the local library. My son, who is almost seven and was born in Korea, loves the colorful illustrations and the engaging legend of the Robin Hood of Korea. The story is long, but just right for a child who loves to see justice prevail and a former "underdog" rise to make everything right. With the wonderful story line and illustrations, this book is a keep-forever for our family.

When I first saw this book I was stunned by its beauty and authenticity. The gorgeous colors and graphic art work used in telling the story of this "Robin Hood of Korea" are a feast for the eyes. The author and artist, Anne Sibley O'Brien, grew up in Korea and has drawn upon her knowledge of Korean design, iconography and bold use of primary colors as well Korean history and culture in creating this book. It is a wonderful way to introduce children and young people to Korean culture through the use of an exciting, traditional tale in graphic novel form. My wife is Korean and says that she remembers this story well while growing up in Korea. It is basically the tale of a young man who was the son of a lowly maidservant and a high-born minister who because of his "low birth" was not allowed to acknowledge his father but who went on to become a warrior for justice, defending the common folk who had been cheated and abused by the rich and powerful. His skill in martial arts, magic and divination will most certainly appeal to young readers. At this Christmas season if you are looking for the perfect gift for that young book-lover, this is the one. It is a feast for the eyes as well as the mind. At the end of the book Ms. O'Brien provides an illustrated sequence of her own story in Korea as well as some charming illustrations of Korean dress, language and history. One learns about Korea in a most enjoyable way in reading this book.