I purchased the three volume manwha (Korean manga) “The Color Trilogy” by Kim Dong Hwa when ALA had it listed on their initial list of best graphic novels for teens last fall. A few reviews and the super appealing art style on the cover really spoke to me, though I hadn’t really been a graphic novel reader.

I’m quite glad I took the time to read through this series, with its richly layered story.

Ehwa and her mother live in a rural town, where her mother works as a bartender at a tavern. The father had died years ago, so this was the fate of the family: mother worked hard for their money outside the home. We meet Ehwa in The Color of Earth when she is a pre-teen. She’s a definite child, intrigued and naive about the ways of the world and her culture. But as that volume progresses, we see Ehwa learn more about being a woman and the role she will play in the world. We know this will be a true coming-of-age tale from the beginning of the story, as we are introduced to rowdy and raunchy neighborhood boys.

Ehwa, in her interactions with friends and neighbors, begins to suspect that there is a lot involved in the process of becoming a woman. And Kim, in writing and illustrating this complex puzzle, introduces the reader and Ehwa to the symbolic Korean flowers — throughout all three volumes, flowers play an intricate role in romance, in development, and in social norms. It is this that helps cement what could be otherwise lewd or gratuitous aspects of the sexuality in this trilogy as cultural and sensitive.

When we have nearly concluded the first book in the series, we learn that Ehwa has fallen in love (or like, more likely) with two boys: a monk and a scholar at home from school while he nurses a broken arm. Immediately, we know the monk is out of the question, but as a reader, I really fell for him — I wanted Ehwa to pursue that opporunity. And was I lucky since he appears a few more times in the series, but in ways that aren’t necessarily what I had anticipated.

In the second installment in the series, The Color of Water, Ehwa’s mother suggests that maybe the third time is the charm when it comes to finding a life mate. And indeed, a third male comes along — Duksam. He is a field man who will later be reassigned when a trickster tries to buy off Ehwa’s mother in exchange for Ehwa herself. Luckily, Ehwa’s mother will not let this happen, but it will be Duksam who pays a price for it.

Quite honestly, I never felt much connection to Duksam as a reader. I didn’t like him, particularly with the way he is crudely introduced to Ehwa. He’s a bit presumptuous and pushy. But, he is who Ehwa begins to fall for as seasons change.

The Color of Heaven gives a satisfying conclusion to this trilogy and is just as beautifully rendered in both words and images as the prior two volumes. It is here Ehwa will be betrothed and find out the reality of being a woman. She becomes a fully realized member of Korean society, and in addition, we see a satisfying conclusion to the romance that buds between her mother and a traveling painter. Oh, and our monk will reappear, though I was certainly saddened in the end.

The Colors Trilogy is a delicate story, with marvelous art and a satisfying storyline. It is easy to identify with Ehwa and her struggles, and it is certainly not surprising that readers will find one of her potential mates as a better fit than others.

Though the book does contain nudity, sex, and some frank discussions, the sheer literary merit within the story line makes them completely appropriate and well-used for a teen audience. However, this is a series that will require a mature reader to appreciate, and I suspect it may not be an ideal introduction to manwha or a satisfying reader for diehard manga fans. Fans of graphic novels may find this a good read, particularly those who enjoy the heavy hitting literary style.

Art throughout the series is gratifying, though at times it can become confusing to distinguish among the secondary characters. Ehwa is rendered throughout her maturation quite well. In addition, each volume comes with a small concluding chapter with discussion questions, definitions of the elements of graphic novels, and even some explanation of cultural issues. I loved this, as it really helped me ensure I was getting the most out of the story.

Try this series out if you are looking for something new and different, but be particular when recommending it. This could easily become a bore or uninteresting to readers, but those who are willing to be swept up in a lush story will find this a perfect fit.