Graphic Novel Review: Daughter of a Thousand Faces Vol. 1

In a world where immortal bloodlines determine worth, Shen Yuhua has nothing. No powers, no true allies, and no future she can see. Daughter of a Thousand Faces by Velinxi follows the clan's biggest disgrace as she stumbles upon Chu Tian, the fearsome Demon with a Thousand Faces, and accidentally frees him from her father's imprisonment. Now bound to him as his disciple, Yuhua must navigate a dangerous mentorship, complicated family ties, and her own path to strength.

Shen Yuhua is the disgrace of her clan. She inherited none of her immortal father’s powers, she’s been rejected by more than twenty suitors, and her mother was executed for treason. With no one but her bumbling servant Swallowtail on her side, Yuhua seems destined to live in shame and obscurity.

Her world turns upside down when she encounters Chu Tian, the fearsome Demon with a Thousand Faces—and accidentally frees him from the abyss where her father imprisoned him decades ago. Even worse, she’s forced to become his disciple. Can Yuhua finally develop powers that will make her a warrior worthy of the Shen name, or will her new teacher become her greatest downfall?

The Premise

Daughter of a Thousand Faces tells a compelling story with complex characters and showcases the many connections between them. The main character, Shen Yuhua, is one of many children of her immortal father. Unlike her siblings, she didn’t inherit any of his powers, so she’s left out and seen as a disgrace by her family. Her mother was executed for treason, so Shen Yuhua only has her clumsy servant, Swallowtail, for company. Her father has had many wives and children because he is immortal. He keeps building a big family and then watches them grow old and die. Shen Yuhua feels like she doesn’t matter because she doesn’t have the abilities her siblings do.

There are many complicated relationships in this series. Most of Shen Yuhua’s siblings are actually half-siblings and aren’t close to her. This first volume introduces a few of them. One is her full sibling, Shen Yuying, who cares about her a lot, though that care has its limits. Some of her half-siblings are less kind, and one badly bullies her. When the bullying becomes too much, everything suddenly changes for Shen Yuhua. This work shows how a traumatic moment can lead to character growth.

Character Relationships Are a Highlight

This volume is mostly about character development and training. I enjoyed seeing how Shen Yuhua kept training to get stronger. I also enjoyed seeing her relationship with her mentor, Chu Tian, the Demon with a Thousand Faces. She is bound to him by blood, which is both interesting and funny, and I suspect there might be a twist in their relationship later. Her mentor is charming and likes to tease her, but he can also seem suspicious at times. As a reader, you get the feeling there’s more to him, especially since her father had wronged him in the past. It wouldn’t make sense for him to treat someone related to his enemy kindly. It’s interesting to watch their relationship grow closer, even with all the suspicion around it.

While reading, I found the relationships between the characters really interesting. They’re all different in their own ways, but sometimes they’re also quite similar. Each character has something special to them but also something that troubles them. I like how the story introduces and places its characters. Unlike some stories where characters feel forced in, here everyone has a purpose.

Velinxi's Storytelling

This comic uses a watercolor-style of approach to its artwork, or at least that’s how it looks to me. I enjoyed it because I don’t see it often. The art is interesting and visually appealing. There are serious fight scenes but also comedic moments on the side. I like how the art shows both the serious and silly sides of the characters. While fight scenes are intense, the funny or emotional moments help show us more of who the characters truly are.

Since this is a graphic novel, most of the story comes through the dialogue bubbles, but there is also text outside alongside the comic panelling of moments that aren't being depicted in the drawings. It’s a bit like reading a novel alongside the images. The art isn't always necessary to understand what’s happening because the text often adds even more detail. I think it’s a unique way to approach the storytelling in a graphic novel.

Inklore's Release

Daughter of a Thousand Faces by Velinxi is now available in hardcover from Inklore. The digital version is available to read on Tapas until the platform shuts down on March 31, 2027. The series is currently on hiatus. Xiao Tong Kong, known professionally as Velinxi, has built a career spanning webcomics, illustration, and fiction writing. An Eisner Award nominee, she created Countdown to Countdown and DPS Only!, and her latest work, Daughter of a Thousand Faces, became a USA Today bestseller. She says her endless daydreaming set it all in motion.

Daughter of a Thousand Faces Volume 1 left a strong impression on me. Yuhua's journey from outcast to disciple kept me hooked, and I loved how the story handled her trauma and growth without rushing it. Her relationship with her suspicious yet playful mentor, Chu Tian, added tension and charm in equal measure, and the watercolor-style art made every page a pleasure to look at. The characters feel purposeful, each with their own role, and the mix of serious fights and silly moments gave everyone more depth.

© 2026 by Tapas Entertainment, Inc. and Xiao Tong Kong

Anime Atelier received a copy of the book to review.