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Spring 2023 is upon us, and we’re anticipating several returns for anime series with second and third seasons! From another serving of the Shonen global hit Demon Slayer to magical girl reboot Tokyo Mew Mew, here’s a quick sampling of what to expect for the highly anticipated series making their way back to our television screens this month!
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc
Premiere Date: April 9, 2023 on Crunchyroll
Premise: Tanjiro Kamado, a boy whose family is killed by a demon, joins the Demon Slayer Corps to turn his younger sister Nezuko back into a human after she is transformed into a demon. Along the way, he befriends other young Demon Corps potentials and together they learn more about protecting innocents from demons and their plans of manipulation and ill will. Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu have grown much with the aid of Demon Slayer Hashira Rengoku and Tengen with adventures on a train and through an entertainment district. Tanjiro has learned more about his sister Nezuko’s transformation and battling abilities as the two were pressed into life or death circumstances.
What to Expect: Tanjiro’s journey currently leads him to the Swordsmith Village, where he reunites with two Hashira, some of the Demon Slayer Corps’ highest-ranking swordsmen – Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji. With his leg of his journey comes new understanding of the Demon Corps, new demons revealed on the opposite side, and the return of a masked ally! Look forward to a new battle begins for Tanjiro and his comrades in this newest arc!
Recommended for lovers of: The Shonen Manga/Anime machine working with a formula that works, best siblings
on the scene once again, stunning animation
Tokyo Mew Mew New
Premiere Date: April 4, 2023 on HI-DIVE
Premise/Synopsis: The anime follows Ichigo Momomiya, a girl who transforms into Mew Ichigo (Strawberry) with the power of the Iriomote leopard cat to save Earth from parasitic Chimera Anima aliens.
What to Expect: Another season of this magical girl reboot! Ichigo Momomiya, awakens to discover she is armed with all the skills of a Iriomote cat. Ichigo must band together with other Mew Mew girls, now united to repel an alien incursion, all the while hiding their thrilling double lives from friends and family. The anime will mark the 20th anniversary of the manga, as well as the 65th anniversary of Kodansha‘s Nakayoshi magazine, which originally serialized it. This season features a super cute opening theme song that is super fun and catchy, hopefully setting the scene for this new season!
Recommended for lovers of: magical girls, Shojo anime reboots and lots of silliness and fun
Ranking of Kings: Treasure Chest of Courage
Premiere Date: April 13, 2023 on Crunchyroll
Premise: How prosperous your nation is, how many powerful warriors it boasts, and how heroic and strong its king is. These are the criteria that factor into the system known as the Ranking of Kings. The main character, Bojji, was born the first prince of the kingdom ruled by King Bossu, who is ranked number seven. But Bojji was born unable to hear and is so powerless that he can’t even swing a sword, properly. In consequence, his own retainers and the public, look down upon him as completely unfit to be king. It is then that Bojji finds his first friend, Kage, and Bojji’s life takes a dramatic turn. Ranking of Kings is a masterclass of the grand adventure of this pure hearted boy who stole all of hearts and who goes on to save his kingdom, his family and countless others.
What to Expect: Is this a special animated film or an short anime? I’m not sure entirely but the trailer seems to suggest brand new animation that will be adding a brand new story to the Ranking of Kings universe that we’ve all fallen in love with being in. There seems to be some flashbacks for several key characters like Kage’s childhood (with his mother), Bebin’s time as guardsman in the time before, and even king of the Underworld Desha during the bloody revolution that took place. I’m looking forward to Bojji on yet another adventure with some mysterious stranger, along with some of the other characters traveling and making discoveries!
Recommended for lovers of: If you’re a fan of fantasy adventure anime, seemingly a sequel to a well-loved series, one of Fall 2022 Season most lovable child characters
Dr. Stone: New World
Premiere Date: April 6, 2023 on Crunchyroll
Premise: Several thousand years after a mysterious phenomenon that turns all of humanity to stone, Senku Ishigami awakens. Facing a world of stone and the total collapse of civilization, the extraordinarily intelligent, science-driven boy, Senku, makes up his mind to use science to rebuild the world. Starting with his super strong childhood friend Taiju Oki, who awakened at the same time, they will begin to rebuild civilization from nothing.
What to Expect: Perhaps this series had fans annoying their loved ones with rock puns, maybe this series was more effective in teaching science than high school–what we do know for certain is that the saga returns. With the first episode: lots of Minecraft jokes thanks to the chat! Senku and gang are on on their long-awaited voyage. Revolution is on the horizon and prosperity of mankind is on the minds of our crew. With the Dr. Stone manga now being officially completed in Japan, now fans can look forward to another addition of the story being adapted. Science meets compassion. Curiosity meets responsibility. World views of who gets a say in how the world evolves or doesn’t is still a prevalent theme for this season.
Recommended for lovers of: over the top humor, sci-fiction goodness and more of a crew we love to see
The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Premiere Date: April 6, 2023 on Crunchyroll
Premise/Synopsis: Hatori Chise has lived a life full of neglect and abuse, devoid of anything resembling love. Far from the warmth of family, she has had her share of troubles and pitfalls. Just when all hope seems lost, a fateful encounter awaits her. When a man with the head of a beast, wielding strange powers, obtains her through a slave auction, Chise’s life will never be the same again. The man is a “magus,” a sorcerer of great power, who decides to free Chise from the bonds of captivity. The magus then makes a bold statement: Chise will become his apprentice–and his bride!
What to Expect: Has it really been five years???!??!!! Chise was able to accept Elias and herself, if not necessarily everything about her situation. Then she receives an invitation from a mutual aid organization for mages called the College. Under the British Library exists a secret society of mages. Encounters and interactions with people are about to open some new doors for Chise who once lived a life devoid of love and purpose!
Recommended for lovers of: fantasy romance, schools of magic not created by TERFS and female character centered anime
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury
Premiere Date: April 9, 2023 on Crunchyroll
Premise: The newest entry in the Gundam series presents an era when a multitude of corporations have entered space and built a huge economic system. After transferring to the school colony known as Asticassia School of Technology from the planet Mercury, Suletta Mercury has experienced so much. She’s started a colorful school life filled with excitement and heartbreak , as both Miorine Rembran’s bridegroom and a member of GUNDAM-ARM, Inc. The first cour left viewers (See our site’s review here!) with a stunning cliffhanger and a after credit scenes that we are all still talking about!
What to Expect: It has been two weeks since the incident at Plant Quetta where an ambush was had and other Gundam appeared! Suletta passes her days at the school with friends, anticipating her reunion with Miorine. Meanwhile, her bride has stationed herself at the head office of the Benerit Group, monitoring her father’s condition. The two are about to face new hardships and pressing decisions with new revelations of all the additional players who made themselves known two weeks ago. The two girls will confront the mighty curse the Gundam brings and uncover more plots and enemies coming their way.
Recommended for lovers of: EMOTIONAL DAMAGE, Another season of Suletta adoration and most definitely more intrigue from those who want Gundam
Check out all the other anime features and reviews here on the site!
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram!
The post BNP’s Anime Spring 2023 Season Preview appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Spring 2023 is upon us, and we’re anticipating several returns for anime series with second and third seasons! From another serving of the Shonen global hit Demon Slayer to magical girl reboot Tokyo Mew Mew, here’s a quick sampling of what to expect for the highly anticipated series making their way back to our television screens this month!
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc
Premiere Date: April 9, 2023 on Crunchyroll
Premise: Tanjiro Kamado, a boy whose family is killed by a demon, joins the Demon Slayer Corps to turn his younger sister Nezuko back into a human after she is transformed into a demon. Along the way, he befriends other young Demon Corps potentials and together they learn more about protecting innocents from demons and their plans of manipulation and ill will. Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu have grown much with the aid of Demon Slayer Hashira Rengoku and Tengen with adventures on a train and through an entertainment district. Tanjiro has learned more about his sister Nezuko’s transformation and battling abilities as the two were pressed into life or death circumstances.
What to Expect: Tanjiro’s journey currently leads him to the Swordsmith Village, where he reunites with two Hashira, some of the Demon Slayer Corps’ highest-ranking swordsmen – Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji. With his leg of his journey comes new understanding of the Demon Corps, new demons revealed on the opposite side, and the return of a masked ally! Look forward to a new battle begins for Tanjiro and his comrades in this newest arc!
Recommended for lovers of: The Shonen Manga/Anime machine working with a formula that works, best siblings on the scene once again, stunning animation
Tokyo Mew Mew New
Premiere Date: April 4, 2023 on HI-DIVE
Premise/Synopsis: The anime follows Ichigo Momomiya, a girl who transforms into Mew Ichigo (Strawberry) with the power of the Iriomote leopard cat to save Earth from parasitic Chimera Anima aliens.
What to Expect: Another season of this magical girl reboot! Ichigo Momomiya, awakens to discover she is armed with all the skills of a Iriomote cat. Ichigo must band together with other Mew Mew girls, now united to repel an alien incursion, all the while hiding their thrilling double lives from friends and family. The anime will mark the 20th anniversary of the manga, as well as the 65th anniversary of Kodansha‘s Nakayoshi magazine, which originally serialized it. This season features a super cute opening theme song that is super fun and catchy, hopefully setting the scene for this new season!
Recommended for lovers of: magical girls, Shojo anime reboots and lots of silliness and fun
Ranking of Kings: Treasure Chest of Courage
Premiere Date: April 13, 2023 on Crunchyroll
Premise: How prosperous your nation is, how many powerful warriors it boasts, and how heroic and strong its king is. These are the criteria that factor into the system known as the Ranking of Kings. The main character, Bojji, was born the first prince of the kingdom ruled by King Bossu, who is ranked number seven. But Bojji was born unable to hear and is so powerless that he can’t even swing a sword, properly. In consequence, his own retainers and the public, look down upon him as completely unfit to be king. It is then that Bojji finds his first friend, Kage, and Bojji’s life takes a dramatic turn. Ranking of Kings is a masterclass of the grand adventure of this pure hearted boy who stole all of hearts and who goes on to save his kingdom, his family and countless others.
What to Expect: Is this a special animated film or an short anime? I’m not sure entirely but the trailer seems to suggest brand new animation that will be adding a brand new story to the Ranking of Kings universe that we’ve all fallen in love with being in. There seems to be some flashbacks for several key characters like Kage’s childhood (with his mother), Bebin’s time as guardsman in the time before, and even king of the Underworld Desha during the bloody revolution that took place. I’m looking forward to Bojji on yet another adventure with some mysterious stranger, along with some of the other characters traveling and making discoveries!
Recommended for lovers of: If you’re a fan of fantasy adventure anime, seemingly a sequel to a well-loved series, one of Fall 2022 Season most lovable child characters
Dr. Stone: New World
Premiere Date: April 6, 2023 on Crunchyroll
Premise: Several thousand years after a mysterious phenomenon that turns all of humanity to stone, Senku Ishigami awakens. Facing a world of stone and the total collapse of civilization, the extraordinarily intelligent, science-driven boy, Senku, makes up his mind to use science to rebuild the world. Starting with his super strong childhood friend Taiju Oki, who awakened at the same time, they will begin to rebuild civilization from nothing.
What to Expect: Perhaps this series had fans annoying their loved ones with rock puns, maybe this series was more effective in teaching science than high school–what we do know for certain is that the saga returns. With the first episode: lots of Minecraft jokes thanks to the chat! Senku and gang are on on their long-awaited voyage. Revolution is on the horizon and prosperity of mankind is on the minds of our crew. With the Dr. Stone manga now being officially completed in Japan, now fans can look forward to another addition of the story being adapted. Science meets compassion. Curiosity meets responsibility. World views of who gets a say in how the world evolves or doesn’t is still a prevalent theme for this season.
Recommended for lovers of: over the top humor, sci-fiction goodness and more of a crew we love to see
The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Premiere Date: April 6, 2023 on Crunchyroll
Premise/Synopsis: Hatori Chise has lived a life full of neglect and abuse, devoid of anything resembling love. Far from the warmth of family, she has had her share of troubles and pitfalls. Just when all hope seems lost, a fateful encounter awaits her. When a man with the head of a beast, wielding strange powers, obtains her through a slave auction, Chise’s life will never be the same again. The man is a “magus,” a sorcerer of great power, who decides to free Chise from the bonds of captivity. The magus then makes a bold statement: Chise will become his apprentice–and his bride!
What to Expect: Has it really been five years???!??!!! Chise was able to accept Elias and herself, if not necessarily everything about her situation. Then she receives an invitation from a mutual aid organization for mages called the College. Under the British Library exists a secret society of mages. Encounters and interactions with people are about to open some new doors for Chise who once lived a life devoid of love and purpose!
Recommended for lovers of: fantasy romance, schools of magic not created by TERFS and female character centered anime
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury
Premiere Date: April 9, 2023 on Crunchyroll
Premise: The newest entry in the Gundam series presents an era when a multitude of corporations have entered space and built a huge economic system. After transferring to the school colony known as Asticassia School of Technology from the planet Mercury, Suletta Mercury has experienced so much. She’s started a colorful school life filled with excitement and heartbreak , as both Miorine Rembran’s bridegroom and a member of GUNDAM-ARM, Inc. The first cour left viewers (See our site’s review here!) with a stunning cliffhanger and a after credit scenes that we are all still talking about!
What to Expect: It has been two weeks since the incident at Plant Quetta where an ambush was had and other Gundam appeared! Suletta passes her days at the school with friends, anticipating her reunion with Miorine. Meanwhile, her bride has stationed herself at the head office of the Benerit Group, monitoring her father’s condition. The two are about to face new hardships and pressing decisions with new revelations of all the additional players who made themselves known two weeks ago. The two girls will confront the mighty curse the Gundam brings and uncover more plots and enemies coming their way.
Recommended for lovers of: EMOTIONAL DAMAGE, Another season of Suletta adoration and most definitely more intrigue from those who want Gundam
Check out all the other anime features and reviews here on the site!
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram!
The post BNP’s Anime Spring 2023 Season Preview appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Modern anime fans have a real good deal. So many of the major anime properties in this day and age are getting proper adaptations. Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, Bluelock, the list goes on and on (much like the final “season” of Attack on Titan), but the point stands that anime production studios are currently making faithful translations of the manga source onto the silver screen. Gone are the days of the endless filler of Naruto and One Piece (although, Boruto is one of the unlucky properties to have been cursed with even more filler somehow) as the anime had to constantly readjust to the pacing of the source manga. It was common enough that anime felt like it could meta-reference the way studios were forced to operate back then.
However, perhaps the most famous property that suffered from catching up to its source while it was still running is none other than Full Metal Alchemist. The saga of the Elric Brothers is one of the most iconic, beloved stories of the early 2000s. However, the first, original Full Metal Alchemist (releasing only two years after the manga started) quickly caught up and lead to what was unfortunately an all too common practice of gecko ending. Studio Bones, in an attempt to wrap up the anime in a reasonable manner, eventually had to go rogue, not unlike the final season of Game of Thrones. The story ended up faithfully translating the opening arcs of FMA, but ultimately diverged greatly from the path.
The original 2003 series never even mentioned Xing and somehow incorporated a portal to our world. While not awful by any means, it’s a pale imitator to the complex geopolitical alchemical conspiracy that the world properly knows as Full Metal Alchemist, and in a fortuitous twist of fate, a mere half decade after the Conquerors of Shamballa, the series managed to a get a full on remake with the same cast and studio and thus Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood was ushered into the world. It was a near perfect 64-episode run that properly translated the epic story and is now part of my yearly rewatch queue alongside Pacific Rim and rereading the Haikyuu manga.
Brotherhood was made under the assumption that anyone who was watching had at least seen the starting episode of the original anime, and Studio Bones accelerated through the original arcs so they could get to the introduction of Xing. Studio Bones also animated some of the best sequences in anime and maybe also multimedia as a whole. Brotherhood also holds the distinction of being the highest profile anime reboot, and I, for one, think there is another that should join its rank: Soul Eater.
Both the manga and the anime were contemporaries of FMA and similarly fell victim to the weird instinct of Studio Bones to make an original ending. This month marks the 15th year anniversary of the anime’s premier in April 2008. In a world where the Moon was a more sinister smile than the one in Majora’s Mask and Death himself is not able to do all of the reaping himself, Soul Eater told the tale of meisters and weapons working together in a school setting and ending up saving the world a couple different ways.
The world itself is still very much in the cultural zeitgeist, if only thanks to mangaka Ohkubo arc-welding Fire Force to be a prequel to Soul Eater. (Something that several of my friends have tried explaining to me several times. I still don’t quite understand how human combustion and going faster than the speed of light translates into people gaining the spontaneous ability to transform into a weapon, but that’s neither here nor there.)
I’m here to petition the universe to give Maka and Soul, Black Star and Tsubaki, and Death the Kid and Liz and Patty Thompson a chance to return back to the screen and tell the entire back half of the manga that the original anime didn’t get to tell.
[From here on out, we’re talking heavy spoilers.]
The majority split happened right around the halfway where the anime covered the broad strokes of Operation Capture Baba Yaga Castle. The anime went directly into a confrontation with Kinshin, the big bad of the series, and ultimately concluded with Maka being part weapon and defeating the embodiment of madness with courage in an ending that was conclusive if not moderately satisfying.
This leaves several arcs that among other things:
- Give more screen time to Team Kilik, featuring Ox Ford and Harvar D. Eclair, Kilik Lunge, and the Pot of Fire and Pot of Thunder, and Kim, and Jacqueline (Gotta love anime naming conventions)
- A much more interesting version of Justin Law, the Death Scythe
- Four additional Global Death Scythes
- A living book that played with media conventions and also fanfiction writer’s heartstrings with in-world gender bending.
- Several fights on the moon.
While the back half of Soul Eater isn’t quite as world changing as the addition of entire political factions, the additional characters and arcs do provide interesting progressions. The manga’s ending does end a bit less definitely than the anime, perhaps the reasons why Studio Bones was reluctant to revisit it, but given that 15 years have passed and we’ve seen reduces of the original Digimon Adventures, Shaman King, Sailor Moon, and Card Captor Sakura, I think we can manage one or two more.
A 15th year anniversary is nothing to scoff at either. Soul Eater is one of those properties that constantly lingers on fan tongues. It’s a fun Shonen with an astute understanding of what makes Shonen work: ridiculous characters, ridiculous stakes, and iconic moments from even more iconic attacks. And of course, the occasional bit that gets taken a little seriously at any given moment.
Since Atsushi Okhubo isn’t putting anymore manga out in the world, I think we could, at the very least, give the beloved Soul Eater a glow-up, and maybe even sneak some Soul Eater Not in there as well. If we’re remaking everything else under the paper moon, it would be madness not to keep asking for one last go around.
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The post Fifteen Years is Long Enough: The ‘Soul Eater’ Anime Deserves a ‘Brotherhood’ Edition appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
With Witch Hat Atelier, I started a new series here at BNP about the manga series you should be reading. I aim to write about manga series that are highly acclaimed, manga series that are finally getting anime adaptations, and hopefully manga that will move you the way that they have moved me.
At heart, with these entries–major spoiler free–I hope to give you a good feel of the series and why it is so loved and poured over. This here is a manga series that I did not catch the very beginning of but quickly caught up and devoured it for good reason. My friends, you should be reading the brilliant The Apothecary Diaries!
The Apothecary Diaries
Story and Art by: Natsu Hyuuga (Author), Nekokurage (Artist), Itsuki Nanao (Compiler), Touco Shino (Character Designer)
Publisher: Square Enix Manga & Books
Available Formats: Print & Digital
Ongoing or Completed: Ongoing (7 volumes as of April 2023)
Localization Team: Julie Goniwich (Translator), Lys Blakeslee (Letterer), Andrea Miller (Cover Designer), Tania Biswas (Editor)
What is this Manga About:
Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is kidnapped and forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. She is just trying to keep her head down. She intends to work off whatever contract she’s been sold off with and make her way back home to her apothecary father and extended family. The Rear Palace is a place she never wants to see again with its perfumed halls and snobbery. Yet, it is a place where the emperor’s favorite consorts and their offspring live and how Maomao’s troubles begin.
The Apothecary Diaries is the manga adaptation of a light novel series that follows seventeen-year-old Maomao and her secret that pushes her into being indispensable to the palace! While she looks just like an ordinary girl, Maomao is quick witted and has an extensive knowledge of medicine. She also knows how to read and has fine deducing skills. When the palace is in an uproar, she ponders what to do to help anonymously and attracts the attention of the head eunuch, Jinshi. This high-ranking official assigns the anti-social teenager as a lady-in-waiting to none other than the emperor’s favorite consort.
Maomao is not quite sure what to make of this newest job of hers when she learns that she has been placed to taste the lady’s food for poison; however, it is her making a scene brewing potions and…solving mysteries results from this career change. At her lady’s side, Maomao starts to learn about everything that goes on in the Rear Palace—not all of it is what is seems. Can she ever return home and back to her quiet life? Or will her powers of deduction and insatiable curiosity bring her ever more adventures, new allies, and even more dangers?
Recommended for:
- For those who love detective stories
- People who like their light novel tie-ins
- Fans of the historical, romance, and mystery genres in manga
- Readers looking for recent manga series with female protagonists
- Manga readers who want stunning, detailed artwork to compliment an engaging story
Can My Kid(s) Read the Source Material:
The publisher’s website labels the manga as “TEEN.” So this manga is for readers roughly ages 13 – 17 years of age. The protagonist was raised in a brothel in pleasure district, and she ends up serving the ladies in the harem for the emperor. I would recommend this series be to be held for the older teens. Maomao does mention and discuss sexuality and bodies–as it is part of her world, but there is no nudity and no graphic imagery to be seen in the volumes that I’ve read so far. There is also some cheeky humor from time to time that certainly hits in a way that would go over the heads of younger readers.
Where Can I Read It:
In print, the manga series is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-million, and Indigo. Digitally, the series is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indigo. (The light novel series which I am told is a superior one, that I haven’t had the chance to start reading yet is available digitally by J-Novel Club through Amazon, Kobo, Nook and Bookwalker.
Who are Some Important Characters You Should Know About:
Maomao: She’s not a people pleaser, but she sure can read them. Our teenage protagonist is a bit of an anti-social person, who would rather spend her time collecting precious herbs for medicines than make small talk. The daughter of an apothecary, she picked up on her father’s work and found it was something she enjoyed. She’s quiet but not dim-witted, and this comes in handy as she comes to live in the Rear Palace that caters to the consorts of the Emperor. Thanks to Jinshi, she finds herself caught up in mystery after mystery with new dangers and clues popping up at every corner. She doesn’t fawn over the handsome official and keeps him at an arm’s length as she doesn’t care much for nobility and those of higher rank who could abuse their power.
Jinshi: The good looking, popular eunuch who takes a liking to Maomao and sees beyond the facade she places up in the palace. He usually has lots of free time on his hands and moves freely in the place, seemingly to oversee the inner palace. He has no shortage of admirers and yet he seems to hold an intimate connection to the emperor, himself. Maomao has speculating for a while that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to him, and she’s right! He often pesters the young woman for his own amusement yet still manages to shield her with his protection when she needs it.
Why I Believe You Should be Reading it:
The Apothecary Diaries employs a narrative about challenging the status quo which is always an interesting theme in the media we consume. Here in a historical setting, not just Maomao feels the pressures and tensions of navigating her workplace, the palace, and the road back home. Jinshi, shrouded in all the mysteries and infamy of his high ranking position, also feels out of place at times when orders from above test his loyalties and his morals. Everyone from the maids to aides of officials to the doctor assigned to one of the high-ranking concubines are all working their lives away attempting to do their jobs to the best of their abilities, whether they are truly good at their jobs or not. Some seek out nefarious means, too. With each volume comes new information about the factions and different motivations of the people entering the home of the Emperor and his favored ones.
Maomao is a refreshing protagonist to see moving around and out the inner palace. She is a disrupter, making waves as she goes. She is not obvious to her station in life, born in the pleasure district, she’s eked out a good life catering to her interests and talents of handling herbs and medicines. The upheaval of her life to the palace means she’s aware of the limiting class and gender structures of her day and knows she must be careful in how she proceeds in completing her tasks. Whether that’s making sure not to be arrogant to a male palace doctor as to not lose access to his office to catering the higher rankling consorts to make aphrodisiacs to win favor of the emperor, it is insightful to see her plan her next moves.
The Apothecary Diaries is a manga that speaks to the ways that girls and women made a way for themselves in a time and place that may have not always cared much for them. From young women in the pleasure districts who wished for their freedom one day to concubines in the palace who lost their babies and fell from the emperor’s thoughts, I loved that the more I read the more layered the stories became. The cast of supporting characters grows and grows and readers will start to see how lives are impacted by small and big news. They all do their best to survive given their circumstances.
I think of the young palace maids being illiterate solely dependent on trying to recognize correct signage on visuals alone or by asking those they trusted not to ridicule them. Or the ladies in waiting assigned to a beloved consort for years and seeing a new maidservant enter her service made them feel their position was in jeopardy. There are layers to the many characters, most of them women, and all the ways their places in society at every level were fragile and worth fighting for. On that note, Maomao’s complicated backstory and family lineage is absolutely worth reading and becoming emotionally invested in, several volumes in. It is masterful as piece by piece is revealed
Is there a curse targeting the heirs of the emperor or is there a scientific reason why the babies and their mothers are falling ill? Is there really a ghost out dancing at midnight scarring all who see her or is there a crafty young woman out there attempting to change public opinion of her to better her fate? The Apothecary Diaries pulls some fantastic “cases” with Maomao at the heart of them with her sharp mind and detective work, often doing overtime.
Sure, sure of the first few mysteries run too episodic and are solved a little too cleanly. Yet the more volumes of the series that I read, the more and more the never-ending work for our little apothecary-turned-maidservant-turned-beloved servant-of-the-concubines-turned-detective revealed a much bigger picture that is not to be missed. The political intrigue runs hand in hand with lots of little surprises and conspiracies that boil to the top and make it perfect for fans of thrillers and crime.
It was announced this year that the manga is receiving an anime adaption via TOHO animation! The Apothecary Diaries has quickly moved its way up my reading list with its engaging narrative about using your talents to weed out corruption and better the lives of others. Yet, I was not aware that I would come to cherish Maomao and the growing number of friends and allies she gains as she solves the cases and survives the dangers brought to her. You should be reading this series as it is a great time to read up before the manga adaptation ends and before the anime arrives on the scene!
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The post Manga You Should Be Reading: ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.