What do you think?
ベルサイユのばら [Versailles no Bara] #1
Rose of Versailles, Vol. 1
The Rose of Versailles focuses on Oscar François de Jarjayes, a girl raised as a man to become her father's successor as leader of the Palace Guards. A brilliant combatant with a strong sense of justice, Oscar is proud of the life she leads, but becomes torn between class loyalty and her desire to help the impoverished as revolution brews among the oppressed lower class. Also important to the story are her conflicting desires to live life as both a militant and a regular woman as well as her relationships with Marie Antoinette, Count Axel von Fersen, and servant and best friend André Grandier.
186 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1972
About the author
Riyoko Ikeda
396 books292 followersRiyoko Ikeda (池田理代子) is a Japanese manga author and soprano singer.
As one of the 24-gumi, she has written and illustrated many shōjo manga, many of which are based on European historical events, such as the French Revolution or the Russian Revolution.
Her most famous manga is Versailles no bara (ベルサイユのばら, The rose of Versailles).
Other famous works include Oniisama e... (おにいさまへ…, Dear Brother) and Orpheus no mado (オルフェウスの窓, The Window of Orpheus) that won an Excellence award at Japan Cartoonists Association Award in 1980.
As one of the 24-gumi, she has written and illustrated many shōjo manga, many of which are based on European historical events, such as the French Revolution or the Russian Revolution.
Her most famous manga is Versailles no bara (ベルサイユのばら, The rose of Versailles).
Other famous works include Oniisama e... (おにいさまへ…, Dear Brother) and Orpheus no mado (オルフェウスの窓, The Window of Orpheus) that won an Excellence award at Japan Cartoonists Association Award in 1980.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 22, 2017
Rating: 4.0/5.0
This is the first volume of the this manga. I have already watched the anime series and liked it. What fascinates me about this historical manga that it kept a lot of the historical facts intact along with the fictions characters. The story is easy to read, drawings and illustrations are fantastic. Yes it was released in the 1970s but it still feels fresh and enjoyable in 2017!
This is the first volume of the this manga. I have already watched the anime series and liked it. What fascinates me about this historical manga that it kept a lot of the historical facts intact along with the fictions characters. The story is easy to read, drawings and illustrations are fantastic. Yes it was released in the 1970s but it still feels fresh and enjoyable in 2017!
April 28, 2012
This review was originally written back in 2012, before an official English release had even been announced. Since then, Rose of Versailles has been fully translated and released in the English language in the most beautiful five-volume edition. Please continue to support Ikeda (and future publications of classic manga stories coming to the West) by purchasing your own copies - you won't regret having them take pride of place on your shelves!
Oh gosh, Rose of Versailles. Where do I begin with you?
It is such a shame that this series has not received the treatment of being translated into English completely, as this must be one of the most beautiful and tragic manga stories I have read. The artwork is very typical seventies shoujo, and although some may argue that it's dated I honestly believe the artwork to be beautiful actually.
But the story, oh the story. The story begins in France, and we are introduced to the character of Oscar François de Jarjayes. Very quickly the reader learns that Oscar's father, after their family failed to give them a son and they had six daughters instead, decides to bring his youngest daughter up in the ways one would a boy. Her and her good friend Andre would often practice skills together, the both of them growing up as friends. We then skip forward a few years, and find Oscar works as a commander of the Royal Guard for none other than Marie Antoinette, and so begins the real story of how their friendship grows between them and what hardships they face throughout the years.
Throughout the story we follow Oscar and discover her strengths and her struggles, both in her duties of work and as her duties as a woman, soon developing feelings and discovering the feelings of love and heartbreak. We follow her for a number of years throughout the story and as the reader does so they are also revealed with the downfall of France itself, leading and including what is known as the French Revolution.
The story is wonderfully constructed, blending both fiction and non-fiction together to create what we have here. Ikeda's work on this series has been so well accepted that she has even managed to win awards for the series itself. It's done so very well, and the story ends up finishing in such a tragic way that the reader can't help but feel emotional when reading.
If you are able to pick up or find a translation or copy of this in your own language then I urge you to read this, and it is so worth the effort and the time to do so. Alternatively, there is an anime version out too, which covers the story well also and I would recommend to anyone also. This story is a little gem that has been hidden away as the years have gone by, but it shouldn't be forgotten. I would recommend this to anyone.
Oh gosh, Rose of Versailles. Where do I begin with you?
It is such a shame that this series has not received the treatment of being translated into English completely, as this must be one of the most beautiful and tragic manga stories I have read. The artwork is very typical seventies shoujo, and although some may argue that it's dated I honestly believe the artwork to be beautiful actually.
But the story, oh the story. The story begins in France, and we are introduced to the character of Oscar François de Jarjayes. Very quickly the reader learns that Oscar's father, after their family failed to give them a son and they had six daughters instead, decides to bring his youngest daughter up in the ways one would a boy. Her and her good friend Andre would often practice skills together, the both of them growing up as friends. We then skip forward a few years, and find Oscar works as a commander of the Royal Guard for none other than Marie Antoinette, and so begins the real story of how their friendship grows between them and what hardships they face throughout the years.
Throughout the story we follow Oscar and discover her strengths and her struggles, both in her duties of work and as her duties as a woman, soon developing feelings and discovering the feelings of love and heartbreak. We follow her for a number of years throughout the story and as the reader does so they are also revealed with the downfall of France itself, leading and including what is known as the French Revolution.
The story is wonderfully constructed, blending both fiction and non-fiction together to create what we have here. Ikeda's work on this series has been so well accepted that she has even managed to win awards for the series itself. It's done so very well, and the story ends up finishing in such a tragic way that the reader can't help but feel emotional when reading.
If you are able to pick up or find a translation or copy of this in your own language then I urge you to read this, and it is so worth the effort and the time to do so. Alternatively, there is an anime version out too, which covers the story well also and I would recommend to anyone also. This story is a little gem that has been hidden away as the years have gone by, but it shouldn't be forgotten. I would recommend this to anyone.
July 7, 2017
٧.٧.٢٠١٧
يوم مميز وإنجاز مميز
سيصبح ذكرى سنوية أحتفل فيها 📆
القصة معروفة بالنسبة لي وشاهدتها مرارا ولكن مع ذلك قراءة الصفحات الأولى بالذات كانت كالمخاض! المانجا تحتوي مصطلحات عسكرية، ومصطلحات بلاطية ارستقراطية قد يكون من الصعب قراءتها من المرة الأولى باليابانية والتفريق بينها.
بطلة هذا المجلد هي أنطوانيت بلا شك وليست أوسكار، لذلك تم تقييمه بـ ٤ نجمات.
يوم مميز وإنجاز مميز
سيصبح ذكرى سنوية أحتفل فيها 📆
القصة معروفة بالنسبة لي وشاهدتها مرارا ولكن مع ذلك قراءة الصفحات الأولى بالذات كانت كالمخاض! المانجا تحتوي مصطلحات عسكرية، ومصطلحات بلاطية ارستقراطية قد يكون من الصعب قراءتها من المرة الأولى باليابانية والتفريق بينها.
بطلة هذا المجلد هي أنطوانيت بلا شك وليست أوسكار، لذلك تم تقييمه بـ ٤ نجمات.
December 17, 2014
I now could geek around for 40 pages why this is a manga masterpiece but I will keep it simple.
At first, this comic basically explains Queer theory with a backing of the French Revolution. General Jarjayes is so frustrated about his latest child is a girl like the other so he just decides to raise her as a man, Oscar.
Lady Oscar, later the Royal guard of Marie Antoinette herself, is manlier than most men in fiction, while also elegant and cultured, more empathic, feminine than most women in fiction, therefore the perfect role model for anyone. She possesses both a strong will as well strong ethics. She's also bisexual, like a good chunk of the cast. It's hard to imagine that such a character can work without becoming a Mary Sue, but she also has deeply human sorrows and desires, while she tries to balance her own personality with the society's demands, resulting into a highly dynamic and round character.
To say that Lady Oscar was an interesting character would be an understatement, she's one of the most memorable characters in the history of manga and anime.
The historical setting gives us a vaguely marxist interpretation of the French Revolution, but avoids strict black-and-white thinking. The manga - mostly accurately to the point of having been recommended for students as a device to understand the Revolution - is able to show the different causes for the revolution, that was the radical left around Robbespiere, the overstrained king who apparently was a really nice guy after all and the corrupt bourgeosie and aristocracy. Lady Oscar and her loyal childhood friend and comrade André are in the middle of this, another focus is the flamboyant and naive Queen Marie Antoinette.
The visual style of the comic is striking and marks a perfection of Shōjo manga. The remarkably free-form layout is a tour de force, with dramatic close ups and montage, virtuosically creating a sense of tempo and action. For the layout alone this is essential lecture for every comic fan, as aficionados like Scott McCloud and Frederik L. Schodt will assure you as well.
9/10
At first, this comic basically explains Queer theory with a backing of the French Revolution. General Jarjayes is so frustrated about his latest child is a girl like the other so he just decides to raise her as a man, Oscar.
Lady Oscar, later the Royal guard of Marie Antoinette herself, is manlier than most men in fiction, while also elegant and cultured, more empathic, feminine than most women in fiction, therefore the perfect role model for anyone. She possesses both a strong will as well strong ethics. She's also bisexual, like a good chunk of the cast. It's hard to imagine that such a character can work without becoming a Mary Sue, but she also has deeply human sorrows and desires, while she tries to balance her own personality with the society's demands, resulting into a highly dynamic and round character.
To say that Lady Oscar was an interesting character would be an understatement, she's one of the most memorable characters in the history of manga and anime.
The historical setting gives us a vaguely marxist interpretation of the French Revolution, but avoids strict black-and-white thinking. The manga - mostly accurately to the point of having been recommended for students as a device to understand the Revolution - is able to show the different causes for the revolution, that was the radical left around Robbespiere, the overstrained king who apparently was a really nice guy after all and the corrupt bourgeosie and aristocracy. Lady Oscar and her loyal childhood friend and comrade André are in the middle of this, another focus is the flamboyant and naive Queen Marie Antoinette.
The visual style of the comic is striking and marks a perfection of Shōjo manga. The remarkably free-form layout is a tour de force, with dramatic close ups and montage, virtuosically creating a sense of tempo and action. For the layout alone this is essential lecture for every comic fan, as aficionados like Scott McCloud and Frederik L. Schodt will assure you as well.
9/10
July 17, 2016
This is my review for the whole manga series.
One of the most beautiful manga I have ever read.
Oscar and André is my major otp.
Rosalie is like Cinderella, while Jeanne is the black-hearted, self-conceited bitch.
I love the chapter When Oscar wore a dress...
Heart-wrenching story indeed. I hope they make manga like this again.
One of the most beautiful manga I have ever read.
Oscar and André is my major otp.
Rosalie is like Cinderella, while Jeanne is the black-hearted, self-conceited bitch.
I love the chapter When Oscar wore a dress...
Heart-wrenching story indeed. I hope they make manga like this again.
March 16, 2018
This review is also posted in my blog :
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/...
This review is for the entire series.
Today I want to share about 1 manga that influenced my drawing style and with a background story that makes me look deeper into French Revolution history. I basically love history, but this is one of the first historical-fiction I’ve encountered in manga style.
The story follows some fictional character that run in tandem with the actors of the French Revolution. Oscar Jarjayes, Andre Grandier, Rosalie are all fictional characters that guide the tragic story of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI from their wedding until death.
What I like about this story is although it’s fictional, but the characters are intertwined quite harmoniously with the real persons. For example, Oscar is being made personal guard of Marie Antoinette. That way, we could see the Queen’s life closely. Some humor is also inserted (manga style of course). It makes the whole story lighter, even though they are supposed to be more serious. The love story between Oscar and Andre is bittersweet. It’s a bit too late but it’s there.
Rosalie’s story is intertwined with the story of the affair of the diamond necklace. By the end, Rosalie is the remaining character that accompanied Marie Antoinette during her last days. So, even though these characters are fictional, but they play an important role in telling the tragic story of Marie Antoinette.
Illustration style is very detail. It’s very feminine, with lots of flowers and curves that adorned the details of the costumes and background. The lines are light, curvy and somehow it makes the whole illustration feels romantic and tragic. It really suits the story. The background is also well illustrated, apparently with good research. The cover image is the Indonesian version of this manga.
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/...
This review is for the entire series.
Today I want to share about 1 manga that influenced my drawing style and with a background story that makes me look deeper into French Revolution history. I basically love history, but this is one of the first historical-fiction I’ve encountered in manga style.
The story follows some fictional character that run in tandem with the actors of the French Revolution. Oscar Jarjayes, Andre Grandier, Rosalie are all fictional characters that guide the tragic story of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI from their wedding until death.
What I like about this story is although it’s fictional, but the characters are intertwined quite harmoniously with the real persons. For example, Oscar is being made personal guard of Marie Antoinette. That way, we could see the Queen’s life closely. Some humor is also inserted (manga style of course). It makes the whole story lighter, even though they are supposed to be more serious. The love story between Oscar and Andre is bittersweet. It’s a bit too late but it’s there.
Rosalie’s story is intertwined with the story of the affair of the diamond necklace. By the end, Rosalie is the remaining character that accompanied Marie Antoinette during her last days. So, even though these characters are fictional, but they play an important role in telling the tragic story of Marie Antoinette.
Illustration style is very detail. It’s very feminine, with lots of flowers and curves that adorned the details of the costumes and background. The lines are light, curvy and somehow it makes the whole illustration feels romantic and tragic. It really suits the story. The background is also well illustrated, apparently with good research. The cover image is the Indonesian version of this manga.
Recommend for those who love manga, historical fiction especially French Revolution, bittersweet romance and good illustration (manga style of course)
January 22, 2016
Anni fa avevo comprato Lady Oscar nella versione sottiletta della Planet Manga, ma poi non ero mai riuscita a finire la serie. Visto che la Goen sta ripubblicando l'intera serie ribaltata, mi son detta: perché no?
Cosa dire? Per quel che riguarda il disegno, Lady Oscar dimostra tutti i suoi quarant'anni. Tutti quei fiori che spuntano in tantissime vignette. Quegli occhi con la stellina che ricordano quelli di Mimì... Ecco sì, da questo punto di vista si fa un po' fatica a leggere. Inoltre, c'è molto testo.
La storia però... La storia ha ancora il suo perché nonostante gli anni. Oscar e André, Maria Antonietta e Hans Axel... Uhm... Interessante. Anche perché leggo il manga come se fosse la prima volta. Se dicessi che credo di non aver mai visto l'anime per intero, cosa mi tirereste addosso? Sì, lo ammetto. Non ho mai visto la fine di Lady Oscar. Fustigatemi pure.
All'inizio Maria Antonietta non si presenta proprio benissimo. Cucciola viziata che non ha mai patito niente. Ma poi, nello scontro con la du Barry dimostra tutto il suo carattere. Credo che lo metterò in abbonamento. Troppo curiosa!
Cosa dire? Per quel che riguarda il disegno, Lady Oscar dimostra tutti i suoi quarant'anni. Tutti quei fiori che spuntano in tantissime vignette. Quegli occhi con la stellina che ricordano quelli di Mimì... Ecco sì, da questo punto di vista si fa un po' fatica a leggere. Inoltre, c'è molto testo.
La storia però... La storia ha ancora il suo perché nonostante gli anni. Oscar e André, Maria Antonietta e Hans Axel... Uhm... Interessante. Anche perché leggo il manga come se fosse la prima volta. Se dicessi che credo di non aver mai visto l'anime per intero, cosa mi tirereste addosso? Sì, lo ammetto. Non ho mai visto la fine di Lady Oscar. Fustigatemi pure.
All'inizio Maria Antonietta non si presenta proprio benissimo. Cucciola viziata che non ha mai patito niente. Ma poi, nello scontro con la du Barry dimostra tutto il suo carattere. Credo che lo metterò in abbonamento. Troppo curiosa!
September 23, 2016
Bagus. Sialan.
May 19, 2025
2.5 💫
Pretty cute, not really my cuppa though.
Pretty cute, not really my cuppa though.
June 19, 2017
Γενικά είναι ένα manga το οποίο έχει πράγματα να προσφέρει ανάλογα με το τι περιμένεις από αυτό. Παίζει πολύ με θεματολογία σχέσεων και ιστορικών πλαισίων. Βέβαια ήταν παράτολμο το εγχείρημα για μία Ιαπωνέζα που δεν έχει πάει ποτέ στην Γαλλία να σχεδιάσει ένα έργο χτισμένο πάνω στην ερωτική ίντριγκα και το Γαλλικό ρομαντισμό, και ξεφεύγει σε σημεία αρκετά από το πνεύμα της εποχής που περιγράφει,τόσο ώστε να παίρνεις μια έκφραση απορίας όταν το διαβάζεις. Έχει γενικώς καλή ροή αν και η συνοχή σε μερικά σημεία χωλαίνει,όχι όμως τόσο ώστε να μην διαβάζεται με ευκολία. Το έργο διακατέχεται από την αρχή μέχρι το τέλος από θηλυκό τόνο ακόμα και στους ανδρικούς χαρακτήρες,ίσως γιατί θέλησε εξ αρχής να πλησιάσει μόνο τις γυναίκες,χωρίς αυτό να σημαίνει ότι είναι και sailormoon. To σχέδιο κυμαίνεται στα συνηθισμένα νερά της κλασικής γραμμής manga,με λίγα καρέ όπου λες ουάου. Κάτι το οποίο με χάλασε όταν το διάβασα ήταν ο σχεδιασμός των προσώπων προφίλ, καθώς και τα κοντινά σε εκφράσεις έκπληξης και αποτροπιασμού, όπου μου δινόταν η εντύπωση ότι επειδή δεν της έβγαινε το σχεδίαζε λίγο πρόχειρα και συνέχιζε (καλή προσπάθεια η Γαλλική μυτούλα αλλά σαν τσιγκέλι είναι). Σε βάζει πάντως στο κλίμα της εποχής, οπού όλες οι πράξεις των κεντρικών χαρακτήρων από το "κέρατο" μέχρι την αυτοθυσία, παρουσιάζονται με την γνωστή λεπτότητα των Γάλλων του Διαφωτισμού σε σημείο υποσυνείδητης αποδοχής. Επίσης, οι χρωματισμένες επανεκδόσεις έχουν πάρα πολύ ζωντανά και ξεκούραστα στο μάτι χρώματα.
March 27, 2019
No podía quedarme solo con el anime, TENÍA que leer esta maravilla, y la verdad es que no me estoy arrepintiendo para nada de mis desiciones jajaja
Este primer tomo gira, sobre todo, al rededor de María Antonieta y cómo se volvió princesa heredera de Francia.
Amo que sea un manga histórico y que la autora haya mantenido casi todos los hechos como realmente pasaron (modificando solo lo necesario para contar la historia de María y Óscar)
Fue un principio de lo más prometedor, con personajes con mucha personalidad y unos conflictos muy interesantes.
Me voy a leer YA el segundo tomo.
Este primer tomo gira, sobre todo, al rededor de María Antonieta y cómo se volvió princesa heredera de Francia.
Amo que sea un manga histórico y que la autora haya mantenido casi todos los hechos como realmente pasaron (modificando solo lo necesario para contar la historia de María y Óscar)
Fue un principio de lo más prometedor, con personajes con mucha personalidad y unos conflictos muy interesantes.
Me voy a leer YA el segundo tomo.
August 29, 2026
Girodelle and Lulu has to my fav charecters of all time >>>
I have depression now
Why does everyone keep kissing oscar non-consensually for god's sake!
I have depression now
Why does everyone keep kissing oscar non-consensually for god's sake!
August 7, 2020
Full series rating: 4+/5
Now this is a true romantic tragedy. Marie Antoinette's end is widely known, and yet as you read through this historic drama you'll often forget the looming dark clouds over her and Fersen. The addition of another main character, Lady Oscar (good luck not being charmed by her) with her own love story ends up working as a parallel to the queen's life. Another person who can't follow the desires of the heart, but unlike the queen she has more freedom, having grown up as a man, and ultimately following the revolution through another lens.
I used to watch the anime with my mum when I was really young, it was one of those late evening series. Yes, the drama can get repetitive but for me it was truly moving to finally read Rose of Versailles and experience such an emotional tale.
Now this is a true romantic tragedy. Marie Antoinette's end is widely known, and yet as you read through this historic drama you'll often forget the looming dark clouds over her and Fersen. The addition of another main character, Lady Oscar (good luck not being charmed by her) with her own love story ends up working as a parallel to the queen's life. Another person who can't follow the desires of the heart, but unlike the queen she has more freedom, having grown up as a man, and ultimately following the revolution through another lens.
I used to watch the anime with my mum when I was really young, it was one of those late evening series. Yes, the drama can get repetitive but for me it was truly moving to finally read Rose of Versailles and experience such an emotional tale.
July 12, 2018
عشق الطفولة قصه تاريخية جميله شاهدناها كانمي وشاهدناها كفيلم ولن نمل من قصه الليدي أوسكار تمنيت لو اجد المانغا بالانجليزية أحببتها كما أحب اي قصه تحكي تاريخا جميله انصحكم بها
March 1, 2013
Why you should read Rose of Versailles:
-the historical fiction: it's set before and during the French Revolution. It doesn't deviate at all from history and there's a lot of historical figures who are characters.
-the amazingly badass crossdressing female protagonist: a least half the characters in the whole series are infatuated with Oscar and with good reason, too.
-canon queer women everywhere
-how it deals with oppression and how our protagonist (who's a noble) realizes her privilege
-it's 70's shoujo: seriously, what's not to like? It's ridiculously cheesy and there's enough glitter in the anime to power about 1000 disco balls.
Compared to the manga, the anime waters down the queerness a lot, but it handles its female antagonists better so there's that.
-the historical fiction: it's set before and during the French Revolution. It doesn't deviate at all from history and there's a lot of historical figures who are characters.
-the amazingly badass crossdressing female protagonist: a least half the characters in the whole series are infatuated with Oscar and with good reason, too.
-canon queer women everywhere
-how it deals with oppression and how our protagonist (who's a noble) realizes her privilege
-it's 70's shoujo: seriously, what's not to like? It's ridiculously cheesy and there's enough glitter in the anime to power about 1000 disco balls.
Compared to the manga, the anime waters down the queerness a lot, but it handles its female antagonists better so there's that.
August 2, 2014
I was so close of using this manga for my thesis, by comparing the actual historical events with this manga. Of course, Rose of Versailles AKA Lady Oscar is a work of fiction, yet at the same time, it contains historical facts regarding Marie Antoinette and the French monarchy. Most of what I have read here are what I have learned, since I'm majoring in French Language and Literature (they taught me French history as well), although there were few that can be denied and/or disputed, but not that major. The artwork is what you expect from 80s shoujo manga: very elegant and elaborate, especially coming from a Roccoco-themed manga. The plot itself is very dramatic, and the comedy-relief is rather light. I recommend this to those who likes the types of Glass Mask.
August 30, 2012
Demi perdamaian Austria dan Perancis, Maria Antoinette yang berusia 11 mulai dipinangkan dengan Pangeran Louis VI yang juga berusia sangat muda. Keseharian Antoinette yang masih suka bermain-main harus dikikis demi menjadi sosok Ratu Perancis. Perseteruan diawali oleh Madame Du Vally, selir Raja Louis V, seorng mantan pelacur. Akibat latar belakang dan keangkuhan Madame Du Vally, Antoinette sama sekali tidak bersedia beramahtamah dgn Madame, kondisi yang sangat mempengaruhi perdamaian dua negara
July 18, 2012
My beloved Rose of Versailles... ♥ The anime adaptation, which I used to watch on German TV as a child, was what sparked my interest in the French Revolution and remains one of my favourite anime series to this day.
October 27, 2010
Read this translated in Korean when was a teenager. Cried my eyes out. I think I'll try re-reading it in English
June 29, 2012
Serie completa 24 volumi -
December 2, 2013
Wish that Rose of Versailles is real!
August 1, 2014
Dipikir-pikir kayaknya saya gak bisa objektif ya ngasih skor buat komik, ampir semua dikasih 4 bintang jadinya gara-gara lebay kalo dah urusan komik :D
June 21, 2015
If you love shoujo and Versailles, you should probably be reading this. Probably one of my favorite things about Ikeda: not all women take traditional women's roles.
August 11, 2017
5/5 stars. Shoujo manga terfavorit sepanjang masa, bar none. Period.
April 10, 2018
In short, it is a masterpiece
September 2, 2024
4 stars
I am splitting up my ratings of each volume, but I am reading the omnibus collections (which are stunning and everyone NEEDS!). I bought this volume before I fell in love with the Dear Brother anime. I was so excited when I finished watching and reading the manga for Oniisama e... that I decided I had to start the famous Rose of Versailles (AKA Lady Oscar). I didn't know anything about this series beyond it being labeled as the best shojo of all-time. It's Marie Antoinette fanfiction in manga form! This was a nice little surprise, and it has Riyoko Ikeda's usual queer subtext and twist. Although the first volume doesn't have a ton of it compared to later volumes, but this does a good job of setting up the court politics, the poor suffering in the streets, and Lady Oscar serving looks.
I am splitting up my ratings of each volume, but I am reading the omnibus collections (which are stunning and everyone NEEDS!). I bought this volume before I fell in love with the Dear Brother anime. I was so excited when I finished watching and reading the manga for Oniisama e... that I decided I had to start the famous Rose of Versailles (AKA Lady Oscar). I didn't know anything about this series beyond it being labeled as the best shojo of all-time. It's Marie Antoinette fanfiction in manga form! This was a nice little surprise, and it has Riyoko Ikeda's usual queer subtext and twist. Although the first volume doesn't have a ton of it compared to later volumes, but this does a good job of setting up the court politics, the poor suffering in the streets, and Lady Oscar serving looks.
December 19, 2024
Ok, this is ridiculously good.
Obviously this is one of the most famous Shoujo ever and the reason I finally got around to reading it is *not* that there's a new anime movie adaptation coming next year (though that looks rather gorgeous), it just so happens to be on my list so ner ner. My tastes are probably more inclined to Shoujo than Shonen anyway, so seeing the legitimate beginnings of this wonderful artstyle is incredibly pleasing, but what's surprising is how complex and interestingly structured this is. it's not just influential because it features a woman dressed as a man doing male-gendered things in the 70s, which is what I thought it would be (as in influencing or being a proto- Revolutionary Girl Utena), it's a legitimately fascinating historical drama with complex viewpoints. More thoughts when I've finished the last volume, though.
Obviously this is one of the most famous Shoujo ever and the reason I finally got around to reading it is *not* that there's a new anime movie adaptation coming next year (though that looks rather gorgeous), it just so happens to be on my list so ner ner. My tastes are probably more inclined to Shoujo than Shonen anyway, so seeing the legitimate beginnings of this wonderful artstyle is incredibly pleasing, but what's surprising is how complex and interestingly structured this is. it's not just influential because it features a woman dressed as a man doing male-gendered things in the 70s, which is what I thought it would be (as in influencing or being a proto- Revolutionary Girl Utena), it's a legitimately fascinating historical drama with complex viewpoints. More thoughts when I've finished the last volume, though.
July 30, 2019
3.5 because none of the court drama really interested me. This is however my first foray into the classic (i guess??) manga, and it's amazing to see how much it's evolved over the decades but also how expressive it already is.
For instance there's barely any background drawings so the style of the characters and their clothing really stands out and yet they can seem really simple as well to my untrained eye. The eyes tho. The eyes are probable the most detailed thing in the entire series.
I'm interested to see where the story develops, because going into this manga I only knew that Oscar was a girl raised as a man (no secret identity tho :( ) and that Oscar and Andre has ~chemistry~ and this far we've only seen Andre like 3 times.
For instance there's barely any background drawings so the style of the characters and their clothing really stands out and yet they can seem really simple as well to my untrained eye. The eyes tho. The eyes are probable the most detailed thing in the entire series.
I'm interested to see where the story develops, because going into this manga I only knew that Oscar was a girl raised as a man (no secret identity tho :( ) and that Oscar and Andre has ~chemistry~ and this far we've only seen Andre like 3 times.
September 8, 2020
This manga novel, originally published in Japan, focuses on Oscar de Jarjayes and her loyalty to Marie Antoinette. Oscar, the youngest of 6 girls, was raised as a boy by her father to succeed him as commander of the royal troops. The other major characters are Rosalie Lamoliere, Marie Antoinette, and Axel von Fersen. Covering the years 1755 to 1774, the story focuses on Marie Antoinette's transition from a high-spirited Austrian girl to the tone-deaf, frivolous queen that she became during her reign. Although most of the illustrations are in black and white, a few chapters are done in color. Originally serialized in 1972 Weekly Margaret magazine, this volume includes Episodes 1 through 22.
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