Peach Boy Riverside 1 Paperback June 29, 2021

**** The latest manga offering cleverly weaves an adventurous tale featuring Sally, a princess with a yearning for freedom, who quickly gets drawn into a world filled with demon slayers and intriguing folklore. When she escapes the confines of her palace, she encounters the legendary Momotaro, a demon-slaying hero, who catalyzes her journey into a perilous and vibrant world filled with ogres and demihumans. Sally's character arc is refreshing; initially unsure and somewhat privileged, she grows into a more self-reliant individual, determined to carve a path of her own as she meets extraordinary companions like Frau, a compassionate rabbit demihuman. Despite its engaging plot and unique character dynamics, readers may find the integration of Japanese folklore somewhat challenging if they aren't previously acquainted with the Momotaro legend. Some criticism arises over moments where vital story elements seem to skip or rely heavily on prior knowledge, which might leave new readers feeling lost. However, those willing to explore and dive into the lore will likely find the depth of the world, alongside the underlying themes of prejudice and the hero's journey, compelling. Visually, the artwork adds another layer of charm, although some may misinterpret character designs, further complicated by gender presentation. A mix of humor and supernatural elements balances the more intense moments of the narrative, engaging fans of action-adventure manga while promising deeper exploration in future volumes. In summary, this manga manages to provide a Fun and dynamic read that successfully combines action, adventure, and humor, wrapped in folklore, even if some pacing and clarity issues persist. **