6 Must-have Historical Manga
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I've decided to write up a manga list as this week's article. I don't know about everyone else but I like to keep a handy list of shojo/shonen, fantasy/supernatural – or whatever genre floats your boat – type of manga. Why? Well, in case I showed up at the comic book shop and they happened to be out of the manga I wanted – you know who you are, local comic bookshop with a poorly stocked Nana comics – then, at least I could try out something new. So, for purposes of this article I checked out for historical manga. This simply refers to manga that are set in the distant past and/or contain number of well-known historical figures/events. Do note, most of the following also fall into the shojo genre and thus, will have generous doses of drama and romance. You have been warned!
Count Cain
Count Cain
Next to Nana and Ouran Host Club, this will be the manga I am eager to start collecting. True, it is a crime-solving series but it has certain features that grabbed my attention. Firstly, the art work in Count Cain is deliciously stylish and you end up ogling over it. Secondly, the manga has supernatural elements sprinkled throughout the story and, from what I gathered, these tended to fall into the somewhat darker, surreal category. Oh and it also draws from famous Western stories, namely Alice in Wonderland and Twin Peaks. How quirky is that? Keep in mind, the first half of the series seem to be called Earl Cain and then the storyline is continued in a new series called Godchild.
Mademoiselle Butterfly
Madmoiselle Butterfly
Ah, this one's for serious shojo fans only. It appears to be heavily inspired by novel/opera piece by the same name – well, variants thereof i.e. Madame Butterfly, Madama Butterfly, etc. The story is set in early 20th century Japan and it follows the sad and touching love story of a geisha called Butterfly. At first, the story sticks true to the pains of unrequited love – and hence can be a sob-fest for readers - but then the manga writer has deviated a bit from other sources and incorporated moments of joy and happiness pops up towards the end. At least that's the impression I got.
Tail of the Moon
Tail of the Moon
This is another goodie for female readers. Tail of the Moon is set in a much earlier period – late 16th Century – and follows the adventures of a clumsy ninja-wannabe, Usagi. She is supposed to marry a mean-and-green ninja (and thus, honor her family and all that). However, it doesn't look like Ninja Hanzo is interested.
The manga follows her attempts to get to know Hanzo and get close to him. It appears light-hearted in most parts and thus, will make for fun reading. Or is it that it comes across as a sweet tale after reading up on Madam Butterfly and her fickle Pinkerton?
Eternal Sonata
This particular manga is inspired by a game of the same name. Its strong points are its art work and fantasy elements. I am unsure if there are any noteworthy love stories within this manga; I was distracted by the pretty figures roaming the various frames as well as the occasional scary figure adding to the story's suspense. The idea behind the overall plot line has something to do with composer Chopin and the imaginary world described/created by him. Remember, this story is derived from an RPG-adventure game. Check this story out if you love a dose of surreal fantasy in your reading.
Kuroshitsuji
Kuroshitsuji
I referred to this one in my Western-themed anime list but it is note adding to this list as well. The story of the young lord and his amazing demon butler will dazzle you with its beautiful artwork. Oh, and do note, it will also creep you out with its dark themes. The story is set in the distant past when Jack the Ripper was having a gleeful old time in the streets of England. Well, the young master and his butler are housed in England, at the service of her Majesty the Queen. And they are all set to solve such creepy crime cases. Beat that, Ms. Fletcher, where's your demon butler?
Peacemaker
PeacemakerI am not sure if Peacemaker counts as shojo; I think it will appeal to a broader range of readers. Having said that, I should say that the manga has elements of emotional drama and sniffle-worthy moments that will do justice to the shojo genre. At this point you wonder why I am assigning all sniff-fests to shojo … if it makes you feel any better, I am wondering the same thing. This particular manga is about revenge, action and drama as well as a bittersweet coming-of-age sort of tale. The lead joins up with a warrior because he wants revenge for injustice of the past. That's where the similarity to any Van Damme movie ends and the story grabs you like a ravenous zombie. Try it, see what you think.
