First Chapter of India’s First ISEKAI Manga ‘Soul Contract’.
Plot: In a fictional world, where demons and humans co-exist. Our protagonist, Chirag. is a disciple of the great Dragon Master, who becomes the very reason for his master’s Demise. After being branded as betrayer and Devil’s spawn, and chased away by locals; Chirag stands with no choice but to take a leap from Sinner’s Cliff. When Chirag thinks he’s dead, He sees himself inside the body of a 9 year Old. Chirag wants to atone for his deeds, Whilst the Barrier between demon and human world has been tampered, the Demon lord is awakened.
Genre: ISEKAI, Historical Fiction, Dark fantasy, Supernatural, Slice of life
Demographic: Shounen
Language: English
Size: 5.2 × 7.96 (in Inches)
Total pages: 80 (Included Coloured Pages)
Printed with Ultra Violet Technology (UV)
Book Credit:
- Written & Illustratied by – Aparna Chaurasia
- Letters by – Ankit Mishra
- Editor – Mohammad Shahbaz
Vineet Kohli –
Soul Contract Chapter 1, with story and art by Aparna chaurasia, marks another impressive contribution into the world of manga by Cosmic Entertainment. This opening chapter delivers a captivating blend of compelling storytelling and striking visuals, setting the tone for what promises to be an engaging and emotionally resonant series.
Narrative Brilliance
Aparna Chaurasia’s storytelling is both fresh and thought-provoking. The premise, rooted in themes of destiny, inner conflict, and the choices that define us, immediately hooks the reader. The protagonist’s journey begins with intrigue, introducing a layered and mysterious world where the stakes are personal yet universally relatable.
The pacing in Chapter 1 is spot-on, striking a balance between world-building and character development. Without rushing, the story manages to immerse readers in its unique universe while leaving them eager to uncover its deeper secrets. The dialogue is crisp and meaningful, delivering key emotional beats and establishing a strong connection with the characters.
What truly shines is the emotional depth woven into the narrative. Aparna Chaurasia creates characters that feel alive, their struggles and motivations pulling at the reader’s heartstrings. The cliffhanger at the end of this chapter ensures that readers are left yearning for more.
Artistic Mastery
The art is where Soul Contract truly stands out. Aparna Chaurasia’s illustrations are dynamic, polished, and packed with detail, bringing her vivid imagination to life. Each panel is thoughtfully composed, with fluid line work that captures both the energy of the action sequences and the subtlety of quieter, introspective moments.
The character designs are unique and memorable, perfectly reflecting their personalities and roles in the story. The backgrounds are rich in detail, creating a tangible sense of place and atmosphere. Chaurasia’s use of shading and contrast is particularly noteworthy, adding depth and dimension to the visuals while amplifying the story’s emotional impact.
The integration of traditional manga aesthetics with a modern twist is beautifully executed, making Soul Contract feel familiar to seasoned manga readers while also carving out its own distinct identity.
A Promising Addition
Aparna Chaurasia’s dual role as writer and artist is a testament to her talent and vision. Her ability to harmonize story and art ensures that Soul Contract Chapter 1 is a statement. It showcases the potential for Indian creators to make a mark in the global manga space, delivering a story that is both culturally resonant and universally appealing.
Final Thoughts
Soul Contract Chapter 1 is an outstanding start to what promises to be a gripping series. With its compelling narrative, stunning artwork, and emotional depth, it has all the ingredients of a manga that will capture hearts and minds. Aparna Chaurasia and Cosmic Entertainment have set a high bar with this, leaving readers eager for the next chapter.
Rating: ★★★★★
Abhishek Mishra –
The most interesting thing about Cosmics is that if you follow them on social media, whether or not you remember the names of their books, one thing you’ll definitely remember is their “India’s First” gimmick. So this time they’ve published India’s First Isekai Manga, and let’s find out how it is.
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Plot: Chirag, a disciple of the Great Dragon Master, kills himself after the death of his master. He awakens in another world as Zaki, a 9-year-old girl. As he explores Zaki’s memories, he finds that she has her own share of problems. To know how Chirag/Zaki will deal with this situation, you have to read the book.
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I liked the storytelling in this book. This is volume 1, so the book is just an introduction to the characters and their motivations. One thing worth mentioning is that usually, when a mind-swap/reincarnation type of plot is written, the mannerisms of second character become an exact replica of the first. But the thing I liked most in this book is that when the older Chirag was introduced, he was a defeated and depressed warrior. But when he’s reborn as Zaki, while he still remembers everything and has the same serious determination toward his master, his mannerisms change to those of a 9-year-old girl. For me, this was the standout part of this book.
This is a manga, and the artwork is entirely in black and white. I liked the artwork. The characters’ facial expressions are drawn very well, something missing from a few recent comic books I’ve read. The cover design and character descriptions at the end of this book are beautiful. It’s similar to popular Western YA hardcover novels.
I liked this book, and I’ll wait for the second part to comment on the overall story. But I think teenagers are the target demographic for this book, and they’ll definitely love it.
I’ll recommend this book to every reader who enjoys the YA fantasy genre.