I'm not much of a manhwa reader, so I was a bit skeptical of this little title that I came to know as "Kanojo no Shin Sei" on the Comico app. Upon hearing that this was a yuri title, I started to read it completely blind (as I usually like to do), to the point that, for a moment, I thought this was a manhua.

Shim Cheong didn't actually grip me from the start; the setting, language and promise of yuri is what kept me reading. I wasn't expecting even for a second that the story would turn into a mix of mystery, suspense and fantasy on old Korea, and one of the best things I ever read.

Shim Cheong blends the innocence and simpleness of Asiatic sequential art with dark, serious themes delivered by a writing of the highest level coming from its writer, Seri. Heavy on details of the era it describes; Shim Cheong plays with music, literature, fairy tales and visual arts to tell its tale, and elevates itself to the same heights of the tales it sings about. Its deep cultural connection with its setting makes it obvious how connected with it its own writer is, making it not only a fun, but also intellectual read.

Biwan, on the other side, does her work as a manhwa artist in a capable, if not unimpressive manner for the most of the time. It is, though, on the brief of a few important scenes that her work shines in poetry, colors and stunning details, showing her stellar skill as a conscious artist working under the constrictions of time to make a much polished work. If the writing could do well on its own, Biwan shows with her depictions of the beautiful meeting the ominous that she's a fundamental part of the title, and it wouldn't be the same without her.

Despite their bibliography, the due proves to be extremely experienced and versed on the art of manhwa writing. Shim Cheong knows exactly its place and gives every single step with intention, thriving not only as a manhwa, but also as a proper story in every single one of its elements. No matter what you're looking for in it, be it a romance (lesbian or not), a mystery, a suspense, or an old Korea tale with hints of fantasy; this should be your pick.