Favorite Historical Manga!
Today on the blog, I’m delving into the wonderful world of Historical Manga! If you’re interested in seeing my previous post on Josei Manga click here!
I’ve read so many over the years, but here are some picks of stories that I’ve read and continue to stick with me. Enjoy!
Synopsis: Poor Sumi Kitamura… Her irresponsible older brother Eisuke keeps bringing home orphans for her to take care of even though they can barely afford their own basic needs! Just when Sumi’s financial problems become dire, wealthy Soichiro Ashida enters her life with a bizarre proposition: he’ll provide her with the money she so desperately needs if she agrees to marry him. But can Sumi fool high society into thinking she’s a proper lady? Moreover, is it worth giving up everything for this sham of a marriage?
This series focuses on a marriage of convenience story line and plays on the “rich man, poor girl” trope used in the romance genre. This series is mainly historical romance and it was interesting to see how Sumi and Sochiro grow in their relationships and also keep up the act of a married couple. It’s also a “fish out of water” story as Sumi has to learn to adapt to a complete new life. It’s humorous, romantic, and entertaining!
Synopsis: Set in Victorian London at the end of the 19th century, Emma is the story of a housemaid who falls in love with a member of the gentry. However, the young man’s family disapproves of him associating with people of the lower classes.
This is a manga I have yet to finish, but so far I love it. I love star-crossed lovers and historical fiction and this series has both of these things. Both lead character fall for each other despite society’s rules. I love how detailed Mori’s artwork is detailed and the attention to all of the Victorian clothes, speech, and people makes this an immersive read.
Synopsis: Deep in the heart of 19th century London, a young nobleman named Cain walks the shadowy cobblestone streets of the aristocratic society into which he was born. Forced to become an earl upon the untimely death of his father, Cain assumes the role of head of the Hargreaves, a noble family with a dark past. With Riff, his faithful manservant, and Mary Weather, his 10-year-old half sister, Cain investigates the mysterious crimes that seem to follow him wherever he goes.
A bit darker than the other picks on my list, Godchild is a mixture of Gothic horror and and mystery. The story is very suspenseful and the mangka Yuki uses the Gothic architecture and shadowing techniques to give the overall series an ominous feel. Reading this series gives me a mixture of Edgar Allan Poe and Sherlock Holmes vibes.
Synopsis A is a prequel written to the popular manga/anime series Fushigi Yuugi. Novelist Einosuke Okuda came back to Japan from China obtaining the original Chinese version of an ancient ceremonial scripture called The Universe of the Four Gods (Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho) where he worked tirelessly translating them into Japanese and bind them into book form. His daughter, Takiko takes the translated book from her father and it absorbs her into the book, becoming the legendary Priestess of Genbu.
I never could get into the original Fushigi Yugi series, but the prequel series had me hooked from book one. The book is set in a historical period, but has a stronger fantasy feel. The whole story is one big adventure full of romance, action, danger, and mystery. I love how the artwork has a magical feeling and detailed landscapes that transport readers to another time and place.
Synopsis: From just a child, Argent had been fed all manner of poisons in order to be immune to them — but now his touch is toxic and his hair has turned silver. With his unique body, he was hired as a food tester to protect the Princess Primula. But Primula hated seeing him poisoned and freed him.
Years later, Argent has returned to Primula, now as a skilled healer and apothecary. Their friendship blooms once again, but also something more. Is there hope for love between a princess and a man of poison?
This story piqued my interest due to the characters and setting. I have read about poison testers in history, but it was unique to see this concept in a historical manga. The attraction between Argent and Primula is evident from the start and we get to see them transition from friends to secret lovers. I loved the apothecary aspect and it was interesting to read about Argent’s work in the kingdom.
Synopsis: On her walk to school, ordinary Kyoto High school student Motomiya Akane hears a voice calling to her from an old well in an abandoned historical estate. The voice is that of the oni leader Akuram, and Akane finds herself summoned into another world that resembles the city of Kyoto during the Heian Period. Here she is asked to be the Priestess of the Dragon God, a legendary figure who possesses the power of the gods. Akane is told that she must defend this world, called Kyou, from the encroachment of the Oni Clan before she can return home.
This manga series is actually based off a video game series (which I haven’t played). The artwork has a dreamlike quality which give the readers a feeling that they have been transported to a whole different world. The story like Genbu Kaiden, feels more fantasy like than historical and I really enjoyed the journey aspect of the story. I haven’t finished this series as of yet, but I do enjoy all of the main characters and their varying personalities. This series is pretty lighthearted, but it does have it’s moments of suspense.
That concludes my favorite Historical manga list! What are your favorites or recommendations?
