Yan vol 1 by Chang Sheng

When she wasn't going to school and trying to pretend to be a normal teenager, young Yan Tieh Hua performed with her family in a classic Chinese theater or learning her family's signature fighting style. Little did she know that an all-out battle on stage with her mother during a performance, begging for the opportunity to be normal for a moment, would be the last before her entire world would turn upside down. Yan would be framed for murder, sent to a secret, high-security prison for 30 years, and presumed dead. Detective Lei, the lead investigator for Yan, gets dragged into the case once more as a viral video of Yan committing a new murder dredges everything up again and uncover new mysteries far beyond the local police.

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This larger format, 10"+ sized manga is the perfect way to appreciate Sheng's gorgeously detailed illustrations and intense fighting throughout volume one. From the very first page, Sheng draws the reader in with a dark, viral moment that resonates with readers who are often caught in a cycle of scrollable content on their own devices. These reels often start off innocuous, just as Yan's did. Once we are hooked with this dark setting, Sheng doesn't let up with twist after twist of beautifully realized and choreographed fights. The mystery builds steadily and new characters are introduced skillfully and brought in with distinguished personalities, movements, and voicing. From start to finish, this was a wild, entertaining, beautiful ride, and the ending promises even more outlandish fun to come.

Titan suggests this title for Mature Readers. There is a lot of physical violence with plenty of bloodshed, and folks are murdered directly on the page. Gun violence is prevalent, as well as physical violence through Yan's martial arts fighting style. There is also plenty of strong swearing. The female form is celebrated and slightly exploited through a few fan-service type poses, but Yan is more so using her sexuality rather than the artwork feeling grotesque or voyeuristic.  

Sara's Rating: 10/10
Suitability Level: Grades 10-12, Adult

Publisher: Titan Comics
Publication Date: Jun 24, 2025
ISBN: 9781787744424 (Paperback)

​Tags: Rating: 10/10, Suitability: High School, Suitability: Adult, Manhua, Action Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction, Superheroes, Titan