Writer: Mogin
Artist: Sadam
Original Creator: Yasik
Translator: Helen Cho
Letterer: Mina Sandoval
Publisher: Tapas (Ongoing)
Publication Date: October 8, 2021
Rating: All ages
Genre: VSC adaptation (S. Korea), Fantasy, Romance, Comedy
Need a break from modern-day people reincarnating as the villainesses in their favorite novel or video game? Little Rabbit and the Big Bad Leopard is the right webtoon to check out. Each chapter has thousands of likes with over 9 million views in total, it’s clear how well-liked this title is in Tapas‘ library. You might want to top up your ink just in case, because this webtoon gets addictive!
In a world where werehumans exist and can easily shapeshift between their animal and human forms by the age of three, Vivi is an anomaly. She’s 18 years old but still stuck in her rabbit form. Her family deems her a disgrace to the Ravien house, so Vivi’s off to be left in the Black Leopard Clan’s territory to meet her end. By sheer luck, her life is spared by Lord Ahin Grace, the successor of the territory’s chief, but it’s soon clear that Vivi’s not exactly saved yet. This man dares to demand Vivi to “cry some more” if she doesn’t want to be eaten!
Currently on hiatus after the 3rd season finale, Little Rabbit and the Big Bad Leopard has been a joy to read so far. And it’s mainly thanks to Vivi and Ahin, the characters individually and their dynamic together. It’s common sense, but don’t go “Duh?? What else is as crucial as the leads in a romance series? ” on me just yet.
Sadam, the artist behind the VSC adaptation, masterfully breathes life into Vivi. It probably wouldn’t be as fun to read about her inner thoughts in words as a webnovel because one can never have enough of her cute, expressive face. She may not be able to speak or change into her human form, but her expression can shift from one emotion to another with ease. She can communicate with simple gestures as well, letting Ahin and others know she understands them. I might be stooping down to Ahin’s level by having fun watching Vivi barely surviving yet another day in a land full of predators, but it is what it is. She’s smart, she’s spunky, she’s fluffy; makes you want to pinch her cheeks whenever she appears.
So we can’t judge Ahin for wanting to push Vivi’s buttons night and day, to keep her close even when the Grace household doesn’t know for certain whether she’s just a rabbit or a werehuman that can’t transform. I find Ahin to be a very balanced and charismatic character. Due to his predatory nature, he gets territorial or cruel at times. A “stab first, think later” kind of man, according to himself. However, there’s always a playful, boyish, warm, and teasing side to him that evens out the rest. It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day leopards are just huge cats with strong jaws that can crush a skull. How scary can they be, really?
The leads of Little Rabbit and the Big Bad Leopard having stark differences gave me the impression that I was about to read a romantasy title with enemies-to-lovers as the trope. Indeed, Vivi and Ahin aren’t friends, but they don’t harbor animosity toward each other either so their banter is thrilling to read. As satisfying as it is for two sworn enemies at each other’s throats to end up sickeningly in love, it’s also refreshing to read two characters that are simply at odds at times and support each other at others. I couldn’t help but think the two clicked perfectly early on in the series.
Soft, pastel colors dominate this series’ palette. The character designs are quite pleasing to the eye and stay consistent throughout the chapters. With fantasy series, especially when nobility is involved, the artists are tasked with constantly drawing elaborate clothing and backgrounds rich with ornaments. On top of that, Little Rabbit and the Big Bad Leopard is filled with werehumans that shapeshift into all kinds of animals and it’s applaudable that the artist/team behind the series were able to keep everything clean, pretty, and consistent all the while keeping up with a tight schedule.
Humor, good characterization, and compelling writing are Little Rabbit and the Big Bad Leopard‘s biggest strengths. When you add lovely and expressive character designs that convey the energy this series is brimming with, smooth translation, and beautiful lettering, we have a webtoon (or should I use VSC?) that truly deserves a chance!
