Versailles of the Dead, Vol. 1

Versailles of the Dead #1

by Kumiko Suekane

LET THEM EAT BRAINS!

Marie Antoinette is about to become queen of France. While en route to marry King Louis XVI, her carriage is attacked by bloodthirsty zombies and everybody dies—except for Albert, Marie's twin brother!

Genres: Manga, Horror, Historical Fiction, Zombies, Comics, Fantasy, Historical

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 2017

About the author

SUEKANE Kumiko: スエカネクミコ

Kumiko Suekane worked at a video game company before becoming a successful mangaka. Besides Afterschool Charisma, her other work includes Blood+ A, Once Upon a Glashma (Hajimari no Gurashuma), and Seijou Koucha–kan no Jijō (The Seijou Teahouse Affair).

Doujinshi circle: Little Garden

Writes doujinshi under: Macho
Other pseudonyms: Cinnamon
Published boys' love under the alias: Ryo Mutobe (むとべりょう)

Reviews

[Stay Fetters · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Die one more time! You monsters!"

Marie Antoinette! Blood! Deviousness! Zombies! What else could a girl ask for!? *swoon*

Cue the opening ceremony at the Olympics featuring Gojira!

This was a very unique tale with lies and brains spilling from every page. It was quite delightful.

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, not totally sure yet, but curious and interest enough top get the second volume and we'll see from there!

[Maija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread 24.4.21

I expected this to be a silly and fun horror manga, and it kinda is, but I liked it a lot more than I thought! Zombies, demons, some light Hellsing vibes there at the end - I find this very entertaining.

[Myriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un premier tome introductif qui met en place l'histoire revisitée d'une Marie-Antoinette tuée par des zombies avant son mariage avec le futur Louis XVI, et remplacée par son frère jumeau...
Ce manga avait attiré mon attention même si je ne savais pas trop à quoi m'attendre.
La fin est assez déstabilisante et me rend curieuse de connaître la suite.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the style. Not sure if Albert is good or evil- only time will tell. Love the court intrigue

[Michelle Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t decide of Albert is just crazy or actually possessed. This isn’t my usual pick of manga, but I love the art style and seeing how the main character deals with court life and the zombies. I can’t wait to see where the series goes.

[queen0f_hearts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This. Was. Unexpectedly. And. Surprisingly. Awesome.

I mean, I was drawn to read this first volume of a new manga series because of the beautiful art style (not talking about the zombies, though) and because of the story’s setting: Versailles in its fullest bloom! I always enjoy those intriguing and political stories about this age. This plot has everything I love about it in store: politics, the nobles and royals, power and hierarchy struggles, the suffering of the poor citizens, the clergy. Everything dressed in finest linen. But then Versailles of the Dead also offers new material: the supernatural! At first, there seem to be zombies, then there are angels and even demons! I couldn’t stop marveling! It was greater than ever expected because of the way those supernatural creature are implemented.

Even before starting to read, I knew I wouldn’t read the other volumes if this wasn’t more but a simple “survive the zombie apocalypse”-story. Because I don’t like those at all. But I felt drawn to Albert the moment I saw him and then, luckily, those zombies turned out to be more than it appears and though I already had a hunch, the end provided some hint on the true role of the zombies and I unintentionally held my breath and clapped my hands as it is so brilliant to come up with this idea and I enjoy even more how historical and political this promises to get!

Nonetheless, my favorite supernatural beings for now are the angels! When the first showed up, I had to look twice but YESSS, there were wings! I was stunned because I had expected the zombies to be the only fantasy inspired bit of the plot but NOOOO! And those angels I encountered in volume 1 are great, especially as they’re not as I would have angels expected to be. Without doubt I can say, they will provide a lot of input to the plot, haha. I love it so much!

Finally, the demon. Okay, there’s not much info on this plot line yet and I am unsure what to think about it. Actually, from my current point of view, I think I wouldn’t have needed this kind of addition. Especially, as this demon causes enormous trouble to the one character I loved the very most in volume 1: lord Bastien. He 100% suits my tastes! So conscientious and determined! A real knight! I shouldn’t have fallen for him, it is a pity. //sighs heavily// Will I ever learn, I wonder? At the very end, a new character was introduced but I can’t give his name away without spoilering. However, he was a cutie pie whom I immediately adopted ^-^

Aside of the supernatural staff and some other characters I mentioned, the story is very intriguing and therefore entertaining. Everybody and everyone has secrets and is scheming. There are quite some mysteries which support to make it even more interesting and appear to set the stakes higher than they already are. It’s Versailles to the core! Plus, the gender bent addition is overly fresh in this setting and I’m curious if Louis XVI truly is gay as this would turn out as useful... no spoilers, though.

I’m overly hyped to read the 2nd volume and I’m grateful, this series was licensed in english!

[Gethyn Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A badass-cross dressing-demon possessed-super powered-imposter sets their eyes on the throne of Napoleon era France but with zombies.

Stunning art, captivating intrigue and kick ass characters paint this amazing first entry into a manga that spans only 5 books but only 2 have been released in english! I can't wait to read the second one (that I might be doing right now :P) and then keep my ear to the scanner for when volume three comes to our shores!

I blew through this, as I do most my manga, it does not slow down to explain anything about the era or politics that it is inhabiting, however it is not a requirement as heavy liberties are taken. Don't mind me screaming at the fact that the zombies are called Mort-Vivants, just the coolest name for a zombie in 1700's France.

I literally said "that guys my favourite character" and then he died... I both hate it when they do that and love it when they do that!

Japanese Grimdark in its prime.

Keep Reading Friends!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Resurrection Curse has taken over France and zombies are running rampant. Throughout all of this, the kingdom is trying to solidify it's alliance with Austria through a marriage. Nothing goes as planned and the intrigue continues to build.

This was okay, a little hard to follow at times and it is definitely out there. Not my favorite story and I am not sure if I will continue.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did zombies cause the French Revolution? Is Kumiko Suekane struggling towards a religious metaphor with the Church creating les morts-vivants? Damned if I know, but this was definitely an interesting read.

[Jessa Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨4.5✨
Marie Antoinette, Gore, Zombies?! I'm loving it!!

[♡━━━Judit ━━♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Julio RGuez · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 tomos. Empieza con una premisa muy buena, zombies en la revolución francesa, y se va complicando de una manera absurda sobretodo a medida que acelera para un final al que le falta desarrollo. Eso sí, muy ágil y divertido.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some mystery to this story. The knights kept the kigdom safe so that the noblility can remain oblivious. The rules for the undead are unclear.

[Pastel Quartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the funniest but most anxiety-inducing things I have ever read.
I kinda wished that it was Marie Antoinette herself tho. I'm a bit disappointed that we don't have a female lead for this one.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the French Revolution, with characters you may know, conspiracies and murder plots run wild… but there is more that is running wild… zombies. Yep. Nom nom, will eat your brain.


When I saw the premise of this manga I was instantly in love. Zombies in a French Revolution, sign me up. The art, based on the cover, look wonderful. I was so happy that the German TOKYOPOP has the license for this book and I could pre-order it.

The book starts off in an awesome way and believe me, at times you think that things go a bit more frilly and a bit more OMG look how tall my hair is, that tension sticks the whole entire book. Each time you may relax BOOM something happens and you are book to being suspicious of everything. Because there is a lot to be suspicious of. We have Madam Barry, the mistress of the king who has two very sexy guys who are willing to do anything for her. Someone else also seems to have bad plans. And then there is Albert. Who looks pretty fine and nice.. but believe me there is darkness in him and we see it manifest. I guess in the next coming books we will discover what happened to him (other than the big thing at the beginning which took his sister’s life).

I loved how at times everything just seemed normal. We get glimpses at the court, at the king, we see Albert get changed into dresses and get very exorbitant hairdos (including one with a boat, which to be honest looked like awesomeness but also WTF). We see Albert giggling with the girls from the court. It was really a nice reprieve from all that is going on.

I love the zombies, they are creepy as hell. I have many questions about them and I hope that in the next books we get a few more questions answered! How far spread are they? How did it start? And what is up with that scene later on in this book? Who are they and most importantly, what are they. We see that there is a team actively pursuing zombies and making sure that things don’t get too out of hand. Dang, the French Revolution time has a better zombie hunting team than I have seen in most modern horror stories. 😛

I love love the art in this one. It was all so nicely one.

I cannot wait for the next volume in this series. I would recommend it to all looking for a spooky and at times scary read with plenty of mystery and scariness, but also frills and fluff.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm invested now. I have no idea how this could go on. I had ideas but by the end of finishing the book, it flipped my theory on it's head.

[Anahys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un manga qui mélange l’histoire de France, les complots, les zombies et des combats sanglants. C’est quelque chose de peu commun qui m’a fortement incité à découvrir l’univers de Versailles of the Dead crée par SUEKANE Kumiko.

Pour commencer, je suis très satisfaite des riches décors et costumes d’époque qui nous plongent directement dans le 18e siècle et qui sont l’essence même des codes français de cette période. Quant aux dessins, ils sont beaux et retransmettent superbement les expressions que les personnages arborent. Pour un manga qui inclut des combats je n’ai pas trouvé les cases brouillonnes, j’ai donc pu me repérer facilement au fil des pages contrairement à certaines œuvres.

Le gros point négatif de Versailles of the Dead c’est bien sa vitesse. Je n’aime pas quand l’intrigue d’une série traîne en longueur mais cette fois-ci c’est bien le contraire : elle avance trop rapidement. Nous n’avons même pas le temps de nous imprégner de l’atmosphère ni même de nous attacher aux personnages, ce qui est dommage puisque j’aime beaucoup la tournure que prennent les événements, et j’aurais aimé en savoir encore plus ! En ce qui concerne les personnages, heureusement Albert sauve tous les pots cassés ! Il a éveillé ma curiosité à travers son caractère, ses actions ainsi que ses secrets, ce qui fait de lui un personnage très intéressant et imprévisible qui, j’espère, aura le droit à un développement digne de ce nom !

En conclusion, je continuerai la lecture de cette série notamment afin de suivre l’évolution de l'un des personnages principaux. Malgré une approche originale, le côté fantastique reste peu surprenant et n’a pas encore su me convaincre pour le moment.

En résumé :

Points positifs :
+ Le personnage d'Albert
+ La tournure des événements
+ Les décors et costumes

Points négatifs :
- La rapidité de l'histoire
- Le côté fantastique peu surprenant

Lien de ma chronique sur le site Icotaku

[LaPommequirougit · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://lapommequirougit.com/2019/07/...

Je regardais mon fils d’actualité instagram, quand je suis tombée sur une photo de ce manga. Direct, le titre, la couverture m’ont interpellé. Je les trouvais beaux et attirant ! Je regarde un peu plus le post et y lis la critique donnée. C’était très positif. Il ne m’en fallait pas plus pour me faire acheter ce manga.

J’avais quand même un peu peur d’être déçu. Prendre un fait historique existant, en ajoutant à ça des zombies. Cela aurait très bien pu être raté. Des zombies par-ci, des zombies par là. C’est un peu la nouvelle mode, on aime en mettre partout. Ce qui justifie mes grandes inquiétudes.

Heureusement pour moi, l’histoire est très bien menée. Marie-Antoinette est en France et se dirige pour aller retrouver son futur époux. Cette alliance doit permettre une union entre la France et l’Autriche. Malheureusement, sur la route, ils se font attaquer. Seul survivant… Le frère jumeau de Marie-Antoinette, qui lui ressemble comme deux gouttes d’eaux.

Il est histoire de complot et de secret. On ne sait pas réellement d’où sortent ces zombies, mais on sent que certains personnages en savent plus qu’ils n’osent le dire. Un lourd secret pèse sur certain. Le tome deux nous apportera sans doute plus d’explication.

Ce premier tome nous captive comme il faut. L’autrice a su mettre ce qu’il faut, là où il faut. Il nous en donne suffisamment pour qu’on apprécie, mais nous laisse quand même sur notre faim, en nous donnant très envie de découvrir la suite. Versailles of the dead est une belle découverte !

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has potential to get interesting.
A zombie-laced alternate history wherein Marie Antoinette, on her way to marry the Dauphin, is attacked and killed by zombies. Her twin brother escapes and, to save the alliance, poses as his sister so the marriage can go forward as planned. Key players like the King, the Dauphin, and the bodyguards are in the know, but most people are unaware of the deception--including the ones who organised the hit on Marie Antoinette and plan to try again. To complicate matters, one of the bodyguards is suspicious of the false princess's motives and story. And it does indeed seem like something is not right about this stand-in princess/prince. And let's not forget the mysterious outbreaks of morts-vivants that need to be stamped out.
Actual details of Marie-Antoinette's life are blended in to give the story authenticity--like her penchant for partying, her friendship with the Swedish Count Fersen, and the tensions between her and the old king's mistress--and I'm curious to see how the story may continue to mirror history and where it will diverge.

[Artemissia G · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 étoiles

Bon, si les faits historiques sont respectés dans les grandes lignes, toute la partie avec les zombies est quant à elle bien amenée. On pourrait presque croire que l’Histoire s’est vraiment passée ainsi. Mon seul bémol sera cette zone de flou qui persiste sur le comment du pourquoi. J’espère qu’on en saura plus dans les prochains volumes. Et sinon le graphisme est superbe avec un découpage des vignettes bien maîtrisé et qui rend vivant le récit. J’adore ! J’aime également Albert, le héros qui n’a pas froid aux yeux, mais qui semble avoir beaucoup de mystères et les personnages secondaires ne sont pas en reste. Ma chronique complète : https://songedunenuitdete.com/2019/05...

[Rosa Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not gonna lie this was an impullsive buy for me, i got it for $7 at barnes and noble and i just gotta say, though it's not perfect it was pretty good. I usually don't buy manga that involves zombies, i mean it just isn't the thing i like about it. I also don't watch shows with zombies, but for some reason i always watch or read historical crossovers with zombies, i find those better, i don't know why but i do. Anyways this reminded me a lot of Alice In Murderland the manga series, and i loved that series though I read it a long time ago not gonna lie. Overall i liked this and the art style was really good. I'm here to read the next volume whenever i get the chance.

[AN · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.2/5) As anyone who knows me knows, French history around Louis XVI and the French Revolution are very much my jam. Add zombies (called mort-vivants, which I find endlessly amusing) and cross dressing bad-assery, and this was basically a predestined review. I had a great time reading this - Albert was interesting, especially since I don't know what exactly is going on with him (the mystery intrigues me). It was a bit fast, and I felt like it could've fleshed out somethings a little bit more, but I am eager to read the next installment.

[Roos148 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m sorry this is hysterical. Why is there nuance to the zombies. Why are the zombies treated as like, a dirty dog at some point. Why do they seemingly not bite those they previously loved.
Why did they go with Marie-Antoinette’s non-existant twin pretending to be her? I fucking love Marie’s brother he’s so evil. I want whatever he wants. Which is most likely the destruction of France. I hope he gets to fuck the king. I love how NAPOLEON is just hoarding zombies. This is gorgeous. Truly a masterpiece

[Elly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ça avait plutôt bien commencé ! Une série de dark fantasy qui revisite l'histoire de la révolution française en mode zombie, ça sonne plutôt pas mal ! En plus, on parle de diversité : avec un personnage masculin contraint de se travestir pour sauver la France ! Mais finalement c'était plutôt creux, je n'ai pas accroché aux dessins, et j'ai détesté le personnage de Marie-Antoinette ! Je laisse donc cette série de côté !

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

While en route to marry, Marie Antoinette is killed by zombies and her twin brother Albert takes her place.

Bizarre! A French pre-revolution story with turns of gorgeous dresses and nasty looking zombies. The storytelling was a little piecemeal and sometimes I wasn't sure if the story had transitioned to a different place or was still a continuation of the panel before. The artwork is beautiful and the concept is intriguing enough that I'll be continuing the series.

[Kassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very confused for the most part but Its interesting enough to make me pick up the next one. The text was difficult to follow and transitions were rough but the story itself is pretty entertaining. What’s going on with Albert? Who is Maximillion? Is the Bishop the cause of the plague? What the heck is going on with the kings treasure vault?? Is the dauphin really into men?? There’s a lot here.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was honestly a huge surprise for me. I only bought it because I was trying to hit the free shipping amount on Book Outlet, but I'm really glad I picked this up because it was really good. This story has a lot of layers and a lot going on, and it's all very intriguing. Definitely want to read the second volume!

[Michellejulia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this manga! Sure, the storyline is ridiculous, but I thought the pacing was nice and the storyline intriguing enough for me to possibly continue.

I’ve now finished reading all of the manga I bought that I had never heard about just to try out and it was a fun experience, I’m sure to do it again!

[Cerys_Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this as a volume 1, they established the multiple plots of the story, while establishing the characters as well.
The main story is quite interesting and is looking to be taking a demonic turn in the future.
Visually, it's not very special when compared to other mangas, but every scene with Albert in really tries to visually cement that there's something unsettling about him.