The Ancient Magus' Bride, Vol. 1
Ratings28
Average rating4.1
Really great stuff. I already watch some of the anime but wanted to read the manga it was based on and it did not disappoint. Very strong start.
This manga is the first in a series, called “The Ancient Magus' Bride” by Kore Yamazaki. This manga is quite interesting, it is about an orphan named Chise, who is sold to a mage named Elias. With her sale as a ‘slave' to Elias, she starts to learn the truth about the world, she lives in, which is filled with magic, fairies and other magical beings in the world.
This manga is very interesting, and strange, but I really enjoyed the type of magical and magical creatures that were introduced in the manga. I also liked the fact that there is alchemy and alchemists in this word alongside the mages. I gave this manga a 5/5 Stars. I really enjoyed the art and the story.
What an utterly charming read. As I was farting around at B&N, I saw a review in OtakuUSA, in which they recommended this manga. I just so happened to have pulled it off the shelf to read that very same evening. It was kismet. So far, Chise, the human, is a blank slate. She's an orphan sold to a skull-headed magus. He's a fairly decent, if ditzy, sort who wants her for both his apprentice and, apparently, his bride. And misadventures ensue.
The art is quite lovely, and the world is well constructed. Yamazaki's magic in the story is interesting and seems to be thought out well. The characters are utterly delightful. The adventures are engaging. From London witches who make magical implements to dragons in Iceland, to the Molly the King of Cats, everything was just absurdly, engagingly charming. And I even cried.
I tried picking this up once before and couldn't get into it for some reason...it must have been my mood at the time, because I decided to give it a second go, mostly because it's fantasy and that's usually a genre that I love, and I'm glad I gave it a second chance. I think the biggest hurdle to get through is Chise and Elias relationship. It's....strange to say the least. And surprisingly not because it's between a girl and a monster-like creature, but more the whole mentor student thing or father daughter thing...only it's suggested to be more...which makes it awkward at times. That aside though, this is a rich fantasy world that feels somewhat Ghibli-inspired and I really enjoyed that aspect. Obviously the creatures and world are heavily based on European folklore and fairytales, but Kore Yamasaki gives it a unique flair all its own. I enjoyed the introduction of the world in this first volume and to see a positive arc in Chise's storyline, definitely making me curious for future volumes. Honestly don't let the romance aspect turn you off, there is actually a lot more to the story than meets the eye and if you're a fantasy fan, it is a worthwhile read.
