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アルスラーン戦記 [Arslan Senki] #3
The Heroic Legend of Arslan, Vol. 3
Though Arslan and his party have escaped Kharlan’s forces, Kharlan will stop at nothing to capture the former prince of Pars. To draw out Arslan, Kharlan has an underhanded plan to massacre innocent villagers until the prince makes his appearance, but Arslan will not stand idly by while the lives of his people are at stake, so he heads out to take on Kharlan and his army of over one thousand soldiers. Though it may seem like Arslan’s sense of justice is far from strong enough to take on Kharlan’s overwhelming military might, with Narsus’ razor-sharp wit, Daryun’s unmatched prowess as a soldier, Elam’s excellent bow skills, and the help of two new and formidable allies, Arslan has more than a fighting chance to prevail and journey closer to reclaiming his once lost kingdom.
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2015
35 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Hiromu Arakawa
345 books2,854 followersHiromu Arakawa (author: 荒川弘) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師 Hagane no renkinjutsushi).
Her real name is Hiromi Arakawa (荒川弘美).
Arakawa was born and raised on a dairy farm in Hokkaidō.
She thought of being a manga artist since she was little. After graduating high school, she took oil painting classes while working on her family's farm. During that time, she also created dōjinshi manga with her friends and drew yonkoma for a magazine. After eight years she moved to Tōkyō and started out as assistant writer for Hiroyuki Etō.
Her debut as manga artist is in 1999 with STRAY DOG. In 2001 she started working on her famous and award winning series Fullmetal Alchemist, that soon gets a successful anime adaptation.
Other works include Silver Spoon (銀の匙 Silver Spoon, Gin no saji Silver Spoon).
Her real name is Hiromi Arakawa (荒川弘美).
Arakawa was born and raised on a dairy farm in Hokkaidō.
She thought of being a manga artist since she was little. After graduating high school, she took oil painting classes while working on her family's farm. During that time, she also created dōjinshi manga with her friends and drew yonkoma for a magazine. After eight years she moved to Tōkyō and started out as assistant writer for Hiroyuki Etō.
Her debut as manga artist is in 1999 with STRAY DOG. In 2001 she started working on her famous and award winning series Fullmetal Alchemist, that soon gets a successful anime adaptation.
Other works include Silver Spoon (銀の匙 Silver Spoon, Gin no saji Silver Spoon).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 17, 2025
wow! this volume really picked up the plot and introduced a few new interesting characters; now i’m really intrigued to see where this story will go!
May 20, 2015
With the notable exception of the idiotic outfit the Priestess of Mythra is wearing, very enjoyable. I'd also love to hear what Edward Said thinks of this series (the Orient orientalizing the Orient?).
June 18, 2025
In this third volume we get to see why Daryun and Narsus are so feared by everyone, they are so badass together! When they team up, they are unstoppable. Narsus, the court painter (previous banned assassin) is gently nudging Arslan in making wise tactical military decisions. So we get to see how Arslan's character is developing. He is witnessing a lot of death and betrayal, and somehow remains steadfast. He really wants to get back to Ecbatana and see his parents.
We also meet Farangis, whom Gieve the musician drools over. Since her outfit has provoked some discussion I will say that I usually don't appreciate overdone underboob, however Farangis is a Djinn priestess so sort of super-human, also no gratuitous close ups. So it's like her whole look makes her look unreal like she was formed from clay like a Djinn. I personally wouldn't want to use a bow and arrow while wearing a bikini, but everyone is different. And she is a really good shot. I have seen a lot more pointless gratuity in other manga and I dnf them.
Narsus, Daryn, Arslan, and the rest of their crew used some really clever strategies to trick the Lusitanian army into a trap and defeat them even though they are horribly outnumbered. The storytelling was done immaculately in a way that this was all shown and demonstrated through the characters and not exposition. And thankfully because exposition puts me in a mood.
There's also a masked man, who seems to be playing both sides, who is he--find out in the cliffhanger! Andragoras is still imprisoned and being tortured until the enemy captures Arslan. The Lusitanians really don't want Innocentis to marry Arlsan mom. Her beauty is a curse and all who have entered relationship with her have been doomed.
Narsus has quickly become a favorite character with his coy side glances and paintbrush at the ready.
We also meet Farangis, whom Gieve the musician drools over. Since her outfit has provoked some discussion I will say that I usually don't appreciate overdone underboob, however Farangis is a Djinn priestess so sort of super-human, also no gratuitous close ups. So it's like her whole look makes her look unreal like she was formed from clay like a Djinn. I personally wouldn't want to use a bow and arrow while wearing a bikini, but everyone is different. And she is a really good shot. I have seen a lot more pointless gratuity in other manga and I dnf them.
Narsus, Daryn, Arslan, and the rest of their crew used some really clever strategies to trick the Lusitanian army into a trap and defeat them even though they are horribly outnumbered. The storytelling was done immaculately in a way that this was all shown and demonstrated through the characters and not exposition. And thankfully because exposition puts me in a mood.
There's also a masked man, who seems to be playing both sides, who is he--find out in the cliffhanger! Andragoras is still imprisoned and being tortured until the enemy captures Arslan. The Lusitanians really don't want Innocentis to marry Arlsan mom. Her beauty is a curse and all who have entered relationship with her have been doomed.
Narsus has quickly become a favorite character with his coy side glances and paintbrush at the ready.
August 10, 2019
This volume covers chapters 11 to 19.
From what I understood, the first three volumes, of the manga series combined, adapts the original novel by Yoshiki.
And I suppose that reading them together makes sense but if you think about them as single volumes, they somehow feel incomplete.
Moving on, we are introduced to a new character, priestess Falangies. I have seen the original illustrations of Falangies. I've never seen the old anime (or the new one) but I can see why many people disliked this look. I personally don't mind the skimpily clad warrior priestess but it could have been interesting keeping it old school with heavy armor.
The ending was a no-brainer and one can see it coming from miles away. So was a disappointed that I didn't get a grand ending. But I still loved it.
The art is beautiful as always and I look forward to reading the next volumes.
From what I understood, the first three volumes, of the manga series combined, adapts the original novel by Yoshiki.
And I suppose that reading them together makes sense but if you think about them as single volumes, they somehow feel incomplete.
Moving on, we are introduced to a new character, priestess Falangies. I have seen the original illustrations of Falangies. I've never seen the old anime (or the new one) but I can see why many people disliked this look. I personally don't mind the skimpily clad warrior priestess but it could have been interesting keeping it old school with heavy armor.
The ending was a no-brainer and one can see it coming from miles away. So was a disappointed that I didn't get a grand ending. But I still loved it.
The art is beautiful as always and I look forward to reading the next volumes.
November 7, 2017
I nearly put this volume in the trash can when I saw what Farangis was wearing. The only speaking female character in the present storyline and she's clad like a token video game avatar. But she's just so awesome at fighting that she doesn't need to protect--or shucks, even cover--her entire torso and lower breasts, right? The temple of the Divine Mithra provisions its servants with some quality cotton apparel; the mysterious fabric tension keeping her upper breasts in an upright and locked position is indeed of a higher power.
March 25, 2023
エラムもカッコいい！
何かこの話のアクションシーンはすごくいい！！！
アニメで分からなかったけどギーヴはエトワールは女の子の事が理解した。さすがギーヴ。
何かこの話のアクションシーンはすごくいい！！！
アニメで分からなかったけどギーヴはエトワールは女の子の事が理解した。さすがギーヴ。
October 31, 2015
Such an amazing series. I can't wait for the next volume!!
May 19, 2019
Where the warrior-priestess Farangis is introduced, a traitor meets his untimely end, and earth-shattering secrets are revealed!
Having recently watched the first OVA, I must admit I'm somewhat disappointed by Farangis' skimpy outfit in the manga, when she wears such a beautiful armour in the OVA. Still, this is only a minor complaint that doesn't impede enjoyment of the story. Gieve, ever the womanizer, falls for our warrior-priestess and throws in his lot with Arslan and his forces as a result. Étoile, a character I had mostly forgotten about, not least because he vanishes from the face of the Earth after this volume, is confronted with the reality that his own people deceived Ecbatana's slaves, promising them a freedom that they never intended to deliver. Unfortunately, he never dwells on the matter and continues to espouse his faith to the boy he met three years ago. Beyond this, Narsus gets to show more of his strategies and Arslan gets to show his skills with a bow and arrow, which are none too shabby.
A good follow-up to Volume 2, just not as good. Don't worry, it will get better.
Having recently watched the first OVA, I must admit I'm somewhat disappointed by Farangis' skimpy outfit in the manga, when she wears such a beautiful armour in the OVA. Still, this is only a minor complaint that doesn't impede enjoyment of the story. Gieve, ever the womanizer, falls for our warrior-priestess and throws in his lot with Arslan and his forces as a result. Étoile, a character I had mostly forgotten about, not least because he vanishes from the face of the Earth after this volume, is confronted with the reality that his own people deceived Ecbatana's slaves, promising them a freedom that they never intended to deliver. Unfortunately, he never dwells on the matter and continues to espouse his faith to the boy he met three years ago. Beyond this, Narsus gets to show more of his strategies and Arslan gets to show his skills with a bow and arrow, which are none too shabby.
A good follow-up to Volume 2, just not as good. Don't worry, it will get better.
August 26, 2018
It's been a while since I've read part 2 so it took me a moment to remember what happened and who is who but the story makes it easy to remember everything. :)
I like where this is going in the moment and I love to see the growth of Arslan. I'm very curious how that will go on and what will happen in regards to certain characters.
I really, really like the art. <3
The thing I didn't like - the outfit of Farangis. I mean, seriously?
I like where this is going in the moment and I love to see the growth of Arslan. I'm very curious how that will go on and what will happen in regards to certain characters.
I really, really like the art. <3
The thing I didn't like - the outfit of Farangis. I mean, seriously?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2019
A wonderful series!
I am constantly reading! As a fan of full metal alchemist, I am thoroughly enjoying another well written series and beautiful artwork done by Yoshiki Tanaka & Hiromu Arakawa. I've watched the animation for the manga and was really sad to see that it was discontinued due to the lack of supporting fans in Japan. So I wanted to read the manga to find out what happens after the animated series came to an end. Can't wait to read more!
I am constantly reading! As a fan of full metal alchemist, I am thoroughly enjoying another well written series and beautiful artwork done by Yoshiki Tanaka & Hiromu Arakawa. I've watched the animation for the manga and was really sad to see that it was discontinued due to the lack of supporting fans in Japan. So I wanted to read the manga to find out what happens after the animated series came to an end. Can't wait to read more!
February 18, 2023
Political intrigue, villainy, and grand humor. At this point in the series it feels like the cast is all on stage and the setup of the situation has been established allowing for the action to commence. As the stakes raise and we see further detail on the characters I feel more invested and look forward to seeing where it goes from here.
May 2, 2024
Character 3| Plot 3| Setting 3.5| Art 3.5| Enjoyability 3.5
Overall Rating: 3.3
This volume follows as Arslan as he tackles an ambush, and the group inflitrates Ectaban.
This is an enjoyable read, but nothing too serious happens in this novel. It's a light volume. I do love Arslan and the interactions of the group.
Overall Rating: 3.3
This volume follows as Arslan as he tackles an ambush, and the group inflitrates Ectaban.
This is an enjoyable read, but nothing too serious happens in this novel. It's a light volume. I do love Arslan and the interactions of the group.
February 21, 2025
In diesem Band verfolgen wir weiterhin Arslan. Gleichzeitig bekommen wir aber auch ein paar andere Charaktere und ihre Geschichte mit. Dabei bekommen wir mehr Politik, Glaube und auch Blut.
Die neuen Charaktere bringen noch mehr Möglichkeiten, wie die Geschichte verlaufen kann. Dabei find sich alle sehr interessant und bin gegenüber einigen sehr skeptisch.
Die neuen Charaktere bringen noch mehr Möglichkeiten, wie die Geschichte verlaufen kann. Dabei find sich alle sehr interessant und bin gegenüber einigen sehr skeptisch.
August 10, 2019
This series is still great fun, even if there are some problematic elements, like Farangis's outfit. Seriously, what is that?
This installment moved a little fast with too much going back and forth. I would have liked some more character development. I'm confident it will come in the next installment.
This installment moved a little fast with too much going back and forth. I would have liked some more character development. I'm confident it will come in the next installment.
October 12, 2021
3.5 true rating
I am loving the way this series is going for the war and the fighters. I am a bit disappointed in the reveal at the end, but hopefully this reveal won't f**ked up the series too much.
I am loving the way this series is going for the war and the fighters. I am a bit disappointed in the reveal at the end, but hopefully this reveal won't f**ked up the series too much.
August 22, 2017
Good volume
September 6, 2017
J'ai lu ces tomes 1&2 un peu en accéléré car j'avais déjà vu l'anime, mais quand j'ai vu ces deux tomes à la bibliothèque je n'ai pas pu m'empêcher de les prendre :')
September 16, 2017
I KNEW IT. I KNEW IT. I had suspected who he was for awhile and I was right.
May 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this volume it had me wondering what will be happening next to Arslan as well as those who are with him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2019
I love Narsus.
November 7, 2019
I thought Masky looked like the King! I wonder how he got his burns 🤔
Also, never thought I'd like a character that looks like Kimblee so much.
Also, never thought I'd like a character that looks like Kimblee so much.
February 18, 2020
Los dos primeros tomos estaban más centrados en la guerra y todo sucedía a toda castaña. Éste es más táctico, mucho más centrado en la estrategia y en recopilar información.
October 29, 2020
Super early reveal but damn this manga just gets better and better
January 29, 2021
Un troisième tome qui fait enfin décoller l'histoire et donne plus d'épaisseur aux personnages; je suis ravie!
March 15, 2021
Chronique sur le blog.
Après la chute d’Ecbatâna, le tome précédent se terminait sur la réapparition soudaine du jeune homme que nous découvrions au tout début du premier tome, tandis qu’il rencontrait le prince Arslân et le confrontait à la réalité de l’esclavage que promouvait son royaume. C’était aussi surprenant que plaisant de recroiser ce personnage et de voir qu’il cherche toujours ses comparses d’alors, faits prisonniers avant qu’il ne s’échappe.
Tandis qu’un petit groupe commence à se former autour du prince Arslân pour le soutenir dans sa défense du royaume Parse, Arslân continue d’être testé discrètement par Narsus. On comprend que ce dernier ne trahira aucun de ses idéaux dans la défense de ce prince. Si ce dernier est prêt à laisser son peuple mourir ou à cautionner l’esclavage, il déguerpira sans demander son reste. Arslân est encore très naïf et plutôt ignorant dans ce tome, même s’il n’hésite pas à prendre son courage à deux mains (littéralement) quand il le faut, il reste autrement en retrait pour apprendre de ses conseillers. Je sens que cela permettra de remarquer l’évolution et la progression du personnage plus tard et c’est très plaisant.
On découvre enfin dans ce tome un personnage de femme qui promet d’avoir de l’importance dans la suite du récit : Faranghîs. Elle est à la fois érudite et capable de se défendre (ou de défendre les autres) sans l’aide d’aucun homme. Bon, elle est très dénudée, je ne peux même pas me plaindre d’une « boob armor » vu qu’on est plutôt à un stade bikini…
Ce tome aborde plus encore les guerres de religion et comment une croyance peut être utilisée comme prétexte à faire la guerre à un pays, en stigmatisant les autres comme des hérétiques ou des personnes cruelles et en prônant une paix, un partage et une liberté conditionnée aux conversions des personnes. Les promesses de libération des esclaves d’Ecbatâna faites par les Lusitaniens deviennent rapidement bafouées.
Enfin, on découvre l’identité du mystérieux homme au masque d’argent qui semble avoir orchestré la chute de l’armée parse et le siège d’Ecbatâna. J’ai toujours une crainte au début de séries qui sont déjà longues, que l’intrigue peine à avancer et qu’on s’ennuie rapidement, du coup j’étais soulagée de voir que le suspens n’allait pas durer pendant des tomes et des tomes (sur ce point en tous cas) !
Après la chute d’Ecbatâna, le tome précédent se terminait sur la réapparition soudaine du jeune homme que nous découvrions au tout début du premier tome, tandis qu’il rencontrait le prince Arslân et le confrontait à la réalité de l’esclavage que promouvait son royaume. C’était aussi surprenant que plaisant de recroiser ce personnage et de voir qu’il cherche toujours ses comparses d’alors, faits prisonniers avant qu’il ne s’échappe.
Tandis qu’un petit groupe commence à se former autour du prince Arslân pour le soutenir dans sa défense du royaume Parse, Arslân continue d’être testé discrètement par Narsus. On comprend que ce dernier ne trahira aucun de ses idéaux dans la défense de ce prince. Si ce dernier est prêt à laisser son peuple mourir ou à cautionner l’esclavage, il déguerpira sans demander son reste. Arslân est encore très naïf et plutôt ignorant dans ce tome, même s’il n’hésite pas à prendre son courage à deux mains (littéralement) quand il le faut, il reste autrement en retrait pour apprendre de ses conseillers. Je sens que cela permettra de remarquer l’évolution et la progression du personnage plus tard et c’est très plaisant.
On découvre enfin dans ce tome un personnage de femme qui promet d’avoir de l’importance dans la suite du récit : Faranghîs. Elle est à la fois érudite et capable de se défendre (ou de défendre les autres) sans l’aide d’aucun homme. Bon, elle est très dénudée, je ne peux même pas me plaindre d’une « boob armor » vu qu’on est plutôt à un stade bikini…
Ce tome aborde plus encore les guerres de religion et comment une croyance peut être utilisée comme prétexte à faire la guerre à un pays, en stigmatisant les autres comme des hérétiques ou des personnes cruelles et en prônant une paix, un partage et une liberté conditionnée aux conversions des personnes. Les promesses de libération des esclaves d’Ecbatâna faites par les Lusitaniens deviennent rapidement bafouées.
Enfin, on découvre l’identité du mystérieux homme au masque d’argent qui semble avoir orchestré la chute de l’armée parse et le siège d’Ecbatâna. J’ai toujours une crainte au début de séries qui sont déjà longues, que l’intrigue peine à avancer et qu’on s’ennuie rapidement, du coup j’étais soulagée de voir que le suspens n’allait pas durer pendant des tomes et des tomes (sur ce point en tous cas) !
April 2, 2021
Starting to put together a cast of characters so we’ll see where it goes
November 5, 2023
planning on going back to the beginning & actually reading the series
January 16, 2024
Clairement j'achèterai pas la suite, c'est pas pour moi
April 6, 2024
The role of a king’s retainer is so important! Thank goodness Arslan has someone like Narsus on his team 💪
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews