We’re back with a new featured Webtoon series! This week we’re reading ‘The Legendary Fossil‘. Based on an original novel by Chung Jong (unfortunately never translated in English), the webtoon is adapted by BESI and illustrated by ABYU. It’s a reincarnation isekai fantasy drama, and if you don’t know what those are, we’ve got you.
The Legendary Fossil
After Kang Yerin is hit by a truck she is reincarnated in the fantastical kingdom of Elberton as Ashleigh Lute. All she wanted was an easy life, and being born the second daughter of count, she really thought things would go her way. Alas, fate had other things in store for her. Instead of a cushy life in high society, she ends up from one life-threatening hassle to another. First she’s forced to go on a quest to defeat the Demon King… only to then have to keep her heroic quest a secret.
No laurels to rest on, Ashleigh has to re-enroll at the academy she left behind years ago. Compared to her peers, she’s really a “fossil”. On one hand, her controlling and slightly murderous older sister; On the other, a sibling rivalry over the crown she wanted no part in. Ashleigh just can’t seem to catch a break! In twisted irony, how hard will Ashleigh have to work to be able to live the easy life she’s always wanted?
The verdict
Let’s start with my one gripe to get it out of the way: I have no idea why this needed to be a reincarnation isekai. The story stands on its own, and the part about being reincarnated has had exactly zero influence in the plot so far. It’s mentioned literally once, in the first chapter. After that, it’s just forgotten. We don’t know whether this was a novel world, a game, or something else. It feels completely random, irrelevant and pointless. If it’s not going to be a plot point, why even bother? Maybe it will become something later on, so I’m holding off on further judgement.
Now, the goodies. And oh, there’s so many! Ashleigh is a kickass main character. I like how she goes about navigating life in the academy and high society. I like how she thinks her moves through, but not exclusively, not in a genius calculating mastermind way. It’s very straightforward. But not as straightforward as precious cinammon roll Lord Ternak. Oomph. He a snack. What do you mean he’s 2D, I should not stan? Pfft. He’s adorable and strapping at the same time. The budding romance between them is super cute and if anyone threatens this ship I will go ballistic.
I really like the art, it’s clean, it’s simple without being plain, and it’s pretty. I especially like the eyes. I’m very invested in the storyline so far, and I wish I could read ahead. Trust me I’ve searched for translations of that original novel to no avail. The Legendary Fossil so far has amazing potential plot-wise, and I hope this keeps up.
If fantasy/ drama with just a hint of romance is your thing, you won’t be disappointed with this one. Enjoy 🙂
