Oldman

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I read an English fan-translation, and I'm pretty sure more than a few things were lost in the process of translation. The story's resolution confused me, so I went back and read it over. That actually made it worse, as I discovered more flaws in the story. Anyway, my evaluation as follows...

--Plot/Pacing: B
I'd really like to give this a higher rating, but I just can't ignore all the plot-holes, character inconsistencies, contrived circumstances, and loose ends. Any subject matter that deals with the manipulation of Time is always tricky due to the inherent paradoxes, but the resolution of this story is nothing short of inscrutable.

An ... example of a character inconsistency: the queen repeatedly asserts her disbelief in magic, despite having asked Eide to work his time-magic on her, and being an actual living testament to its effects.

An example of a contrived circumstance: a female character (Neleh) needed to find the protagonist, Oldman. Later they just happen run into each other when some guards are chasing her...but why were the guards chasing her? I don't believe this part was ever explained. It's just random and too convenient.

An example of a loose end: Oldman gets his magic from a cosmic butterfly...just who or what is this butterfly?

On the flip-side, there is enough humour and action present to keep the plot from being a complete disaster, and I think one of the best parts is the chase scene in volume 3 that culminated in a climactic death-match between Rebecca and Hammer.

--Design/Drawing: A+
The art is incredible (especially the chapter covers) and is of the realistic type, similar to what you'd find in western-style comics rather than Asian ones (although it's actually pretty similar to Takehiko Inoue's Vagabond.) Beside the high standard of drawing, the action is also well presented.

--Characterisation: A
Despite the relatively short length (only 4 volumes), the characterisation is pretty strong. The old but resourceful Oldman, the crippled but fiery Rebecca, the inventive but lecherous Vincent, and the ditzy but loveable Neleh compose the principal cast, and they make for a fun and interesting bunch. Although Oldman is the primary protagonist, the others too have their moments and are crucial to the plot in their own way. Even the secondary antagonist, Hammer, was quite compelling as a powerful adversary.

--Bonus/Bias: +10%
Personally I like the characters and would have loved to see a continuation or expansion of this story, or perhaps new stories involving them.

I love short stories, don't get me wrong, but this one really needed some more time in the oven.

While it isn't, “Oldman” feels like an author debut. A mix of ideas that definitely work, that lend a story that's interesting with characters you understand, but not one that's fleshed out. Starting with the world. Beautiful idea of an old-timey, medieval period, with some speculative science. Characters ridden with war, king duties, the times of treason, of speaking formally, of a queen saying “you dare defy your queen!?”. It's all there, and the author uses it with something special, time magic. A modern concept, brought upon ... a land that isn't ready for it. The limit of being a magician, and an actual warlock. We stand in a world where this brings upon the story we experience.

The story develops like it should, characters have a motivation, but it's only 22 chapters. Only the main character, Oldman, manages to reach a satisfying point, but the rest are just people with an archetype. The crazy scientist, the ditsy and skilled girl, the war woman, the queen, the bully. It all becomes part of a destiny, or prophesy, that's forced on the audience without much development. It would've been so great if every character had at least room to get explored. Three, hell, two chapters of everybody doing their thing, their emotions being brought to light. We only get climactic moments, but no build-up to them through the workings of the story. Things happen, and eventually we get a happy, yet, forced ending. The tone and actions of the characters didn't make sense at the very end. If they had some panels, even an extra page to reflect. You can see small fixes, and that's why it feels like a debut.

Not bad by any means, the art being a beautiful aspect of this manga. Strangely realistic at times, with some marvelous detail on the faces. The cover art blows me away, and it shows the author knows how to draw. I have no problems with the art, and could call it the best part about “Oldman”.

6/10. Very much not perfect, undercooked to hell, characters change abruptly, too short, with a world that could've been explored just a bit more. The magician aspects were left to rot, and we end with a beautifully drawn medieval story that feels like an okay film, but wasted potential as a Manhua.