There is a dreamer in everyone. As kids, we would often harbor pure and naive desires to want to be like those in the fantasies but through the vicissitudes of growing up, inevitably sealed those elusive thoughts away. As we matured, we rationalized that certain things are simply unachievable and unrealistic. We couldn't fly and save people like Superman; we couldn't be like Peter Pan who will never grow up, nor was there any Neverland in our world. We didn't have powers.

And that magic is not real.

Some point in our life we became adults and started prioritizing more earthly, materialistic wants. In order to conform to society's expectations, in order to 'live'; gone were those innocent wishes of the past. But what about those who couldn't abandon them and still clings onto the hope to be something they couldn't possibly become? What about those who are conflicted in-between? In this manhwa titled Annarasumanara, we get a glimpse into said characters with those struggles in all of its unforced candor. A thought-provoking and touching story told earnestly and devoid of unnecessary contrived plot devices. A truly wonderful read.

As it'll be a shame to spoil anything for future readers, I will not discuss about the story or its cast. Instead, I want to divert your attention to the visuals. Just take a look at the first few pages.

It's hardly surprising how this manhwa has the ability to grip its reader from the onset. Any decent writer can tackle a story about magic and life but are they able to embellish it with jaw-dropping illustrations? This aesthetic aspect is what I feel makes Annarasumanara so mesmerizing and a cut above the rest. After all, humans are naturally attracted to beautiful things. Annarasumanara does not only tugs our heartstrings with its beautifully-woven tale but also possesses the gorgeous arts to complement with its mystical atmosphere, making for a truly immersive and surreal experience.

It is no wonder how easily us readers could be so captivated in the fanciful flights of this manhwa when you have such enchanting visuals graced upon you.

"Do you believe in magic?"

You know, there is a dreamer in us all. A purity deep down that wants to believe that magical things do exist. Just like our characters in the story.

I wish I could better express how special Annarasumanara is but the right words just don't seem to flow through from my incompetent self. It saddens me how such a beautiful manhwa isn't that particularly well-known and there's nothing much I could about it. If there's even anyone reading this so-called review, do yourself a favor and give this manhwa a try. I sincerely believe that you'll like it :)