Kiriko Yumeji

this manga develops some really interesting stuff, drawing on diverse sources that range from the mystery tradition in western culture to real historical figures (including the Chevalier,a noted swordsman employed by Louis XV Secret Service, who dressed as a woman) in France's pre-revolutionary period. and out of these disparate sources it builds a fantastic and macabre world, loaded with detail, that feels in a dream sense pretty real. about (fine subject) poetry/poets as a corrupting force in the word/world. ah, you're beginning to intuit, maybe, why i might like it?*g*… (meer)

This much-anticipated quasi-historical fantasy turned out to be VERY disappointing.

I could tolerate the loose interpretation of French history, places, and personages - having seen some of the anime (which I love), I was already used to it.

But a large part of the appeal of manga is the visual. Sadly, I found the artwork wanting. The drawing is heavy-handed. The costumes are unrealistic for the time period (the policemen seem plucked from the late 19th or early 20th century, and one female character is prancing around in a minidress and platform boots!). Many of the characters have a glassy-eyed look.

The story itself isn't a bad idea: A mysterious group is murdering young women in Paris. Bumbling policeman D'Eon de Beaumont has secretly been assigned by the king to find out the truth and stop a 'revolution'. With his trusty child-assistant Robin, and the vengeful spirit of his murdered sister Lia (whose personality he dons with a quasi-biblical incantation and a flowing blonde wig), D'Eon must solve the mystery before another innocent victim dies.

Two stars might be generous. It is an interesting story idea, and I do like the historical period covered. But this is one case where I would suggest sticking with the anime.… (meer)