Step into the heartwarming world of “The Corner Store” Book 1, where the past and present converge in a touching tale of homecoming and heritage. Chun-Lung, a young real estate agent from the bustling city of Taipei, is drawn back to his rural roots when he learns of his grandfather’s failing health. Tasked with the bittersweet duty of closing down the family’s beloved corner store—a local institution for generations—Chun-Lung finds himself enveloped in a tapestry of memories and faces that have stood the test of time.
As he sifts through the remnants of his childhood, each encounter with the store’s loyal patrons and the echoes of his own past rekindles a deep connection to the community he once knew. Chun-Lung’s journey is a poignant exploration of the delicate balance between progress and tradition, revealing that the true essence of the corner store lies not in its goods, but in its role as a canvas for the community’s shared stories and dreams.
“The Corner Store Book 1” is a graphic novel that captures the soul of a disappearing way of life, inviting readers to cherish the simple yet profound joys of community bonds. With its evocative imagery and heartfelt narrative, this book is a must-read for anyone who cherishes the artistry of graphic novels and the timeless allure of a story well told. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, a testament to the enduring legacy of small businesses in the face of modernity, and a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable treasures are the memories we hold dear. Dive into this beautifully crafted tale and let it transport you to a place where every corner holds a story, and every story is a bridge to our own cherished past.
Ruan Guang-Min | 阮光民
Ruan Guang-Min studied advertising and interior decorating in school. After a stint in the military, he worked as an assistant to comic book artist Lai Yu-Hsien. His first work to receive recognition was a comic book adaptation of the TV show Friends, which told a moving story about a group of young people from the countryside struggling to make a living in Taipei. Conversely, his comic books Dong Hua Chun Barbershop and The Corner Store have both been adapted for television. The Corner Store has been translated into Japanese and Arabic.