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少女革命ウテナ [Shōjo Kakumei Utena] #1
Revolutionary Girl Utena, Vol. 1: To Till
Deeply depressed by her parent's death, grade-school girl Utena throws herself in a river but is rescued by a prince, thereby making Utena vow to become a strong and courageous prince.
200 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
January 30, 2011
The premise is deceptively simple and decidedly shoujo - A young girl, distraught by the death of her parents is kissed by a traveling prince and given a ring, told that if she never loses that noble heart of hers it may one day lead her to him. So impressed is she by him, that the little girl vows to become a prince herself one day.
But is that really such a good idea?
Before I continue on with this review (and for the sake of convenience and in regard to this manga's rather short five volume length, I'll be reviewing it as a whole) I feel a bit of background is necessary, for the reader's experience with Chiho Saito's Shoujo Kakumei Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena) will differ greatly depending on whether or not you've had the pleasure of seeing the animated series - additionally and heavily influenced by Director Kunihiko Ikuhara and the brilliant minds of the BePapas team (including Yoji Enokido, a brilliant screenwriter). I have seen the entirety of the 39 episode anime series and the movie, Adolescence of Utena. In fact, its the anime I hold dearest to my heart and has had an incredible influence on my life and personal philosophy. This manga was developed alongside the series, and there is a lot of speculation concerning just how much influence Chiho had on both it and the series, how her ideas and talent where utilized, whether or not Chiho was kept in the dark on certain issues, and just what purpose the manga had -was it meant to be a separate continuity, or simply a running test before the animated series debuted?
Having said that, this is one of the biggest cases of reverse adaptation-deterioration I've seen (meaning that that anime is leagues better), which I guess isn't completely fair to say for a number of reasons. The first being that this was written alongside the creation of the series, making it neither the original nor the re-telling. It's also unfair to expect a manga of this length to encompass the incredible amount of literal and figurative content expressed in the animated series. We're talking about a show that explored and subverted and referenced numerous philosophies, religions, fairy tales, archetypes, gender stereotypes and shoujo cliches to create a disturbingly moving and human story about self-revelation, the difference between dreams and reality, what adulthood and love is and is not, and redemption and saving oneself.
So, on one hand I can understand and to a degree forgive this manga for its watered down and over simplified version of the characters and plot. For half the cast, beloved for their multifaceted personalities and depth in the series being represented by pale caricatures of themselves. For the removal of the Black Rose Arc (save one small bonus chapter).
What I have a harder time forgiving is how much Saito seems not to get it. All the same tired shoujo cliches and romantic cheese found in the series can be found here, but sans any of the irony or subversion (granted, irony can be a lot harder to pull off in printed medium without going too over the top). It's like Saito watched the show and took it at face value. I also raise a bit of an eyebrow at some of the pointless changes Saito makes -whether they be for the sake of making a more commercially accessible product or for more troubling reasons- such as re-writing Juri's sexuality from lesbian to straight. You know. That little facet of Juri's character from which nearly the ENTIRETY of her story and development is rooted? She merely ignores the romantic subtext between the two most pivotal characters, Utena and Anthy, and the story suffers little for it, but this is a huge and entirely unnecessary edit. Saito went out of her way to establish Juri as a straight woman. For the sake of my sanity, I'll just assume something got lost in translation, as her and Ikuhara did seem to have communication issues during production, and its been said he is difficult to work with.
Other than that, while the art and pacing is good, elements of Saito's storytelling and her art suffer tiny, awkward hiccups here and there, mostly in the form of weird postures and angles. The prologue is also fairly drawn out and boring without adding much of anything to the story other than that, hey, Utena has a an aunt and her prince likes to lick her face. Seriously. I don't know if that's how it's truly written or it's a mistranslation, but either way "Prince Licky-Licky" and oh god, yes, that is a quote, needs to not exist.
Still, it's hard to go wrong with a story as intrinsically powerful as Utena's. Chiho Saito has her moments where the beauty and the gravity of the series is matched beat for beat or even exceeded and the ending is just as uplifting. Those sparse though memorable moments of storytelling genius make this manga worth picking up, even if only to whet one's appetite to see the series. You just have to slog through a lot of trite, poorly written moments to get to them.
But is that really such a good idea?
Before I continue on with this review (and for the sake of convenience and in regard to this manga's rather short five volume length, I'll be reviewing it as a whole) I feel a bit of background is necessary, for the reader's experience with Chiho Saito's Shoujo Kakumei Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena) will differ greatly depending on whether or not you've had the pleasure of seeing the animated series - additionally and heavily influenced by Director Kunihiko Ikuhara and the brilliant minds of the BePapas team (including Yoji Enokido, a brilliant screenwriter). I have seen the entirety of the 39 episode anime series and the movie, Adolescence of Utena. In fact, its the anime I hold dearest to my heart and has had an incredible influence on my life and personal philosophy. This manga was developed alongside the series, and there is a lot of speculation concerning just how much influence Chiho had on both it and the series, how her ideas and talent where utilized, whether or not Chiho was kept in the dark on certain issues, and just what purpose the manga had -was it meant to be a separate continuity, or simply a running test before the animated series debuted?
Having said that, this is one of the biggest cases of reverse adaptation-deterioration I've seen (meaning that that anime is leagues better), which I guess isn't completely fair to say for a number of reasons. The first being that this was written alongside the creation of the series, making it neither the original nor the re-telling. It's also unfair to expect a manga of this length to encompass the incredible amount of literal and figurative content expressed in the animated series. We're talking about a show that explored and subverted and referenced numerous philosophies, religions, fairy tales, archetypes, gender stereotypes and shoujo cliches to create a disturbingly moving and human story about self-revelation, the difference between dreams and reality, what adulthood and love is and is not, and redemption and saving oneself.
So, on one hand I can understand and to a degree forgive this manga for its watered down and over simplified version of the characters and plot. For half the cast, beloved for their multifaceted personalities and depth in the series being represented by pale caricatures of themselves. For the removal of the Black Rose Arc (save one small bonus chapter).
What I have a harder time forgiving is how much Saito seems not to get it. All the same tired shoujo cliches and romantic cheese found in the series can be found here, but sans any of the irony or subversion (granted, irony can be a lot harder to pull off in printed medium without going too over the top). It's like Saito watched the show and took it at face value. I also raise a bit of an eyebrow at some of the pointless changes Saito makes -whether they be for the sake of making a more commercially accessible product or for more troubling reasons- such as re-writing Juri's sexuality from lesbian to straight. You know. That little facet of Juri's character from which nearly the ENTIRETY of her story and development is rooted? She merely ignores the romantic subtext between the two most pivotal characters, Utena and Anthy, and the story suffers little for it, but this is a huge and entirely unnecessary edit. Saito went out of her way to establish Juri as a straight woman. For the sake of my sanity, I'll just assume something got lost in translation, as her and Ikuhara did seem to have communication issues during production, and its been said he is difficult to work with.
Other than that, while the art and pacing is good, elements of Saito's storytelling and her art suffer tiny, awkward hiccups here and there, mostly in the form of weird postures and angles. The prologue is also fairly drawn out and boring without adding much of anything to the story other than that, hey, Utena has a an aunt and her prince likes to lick her face. Seriously. I don't know if that's how it's truly written or it's a mistranslation, but either way "Prince Licky-Licky" and oh god, yes, that is a quote, needs to not exist.
Still, it's hard to go wrong with a story as intrinsically powerful as Utena's. Chiho Saito has her moments where the beauty and the gravity of the series is matched beat for beat or even exceeded and the ending is just as uplifting. Those sparse though memorable moments of storytelling genius make this manga worth picking up, even if only to whet one's appetite to see the series. You just have to slog through a lot of trite, poorly written moments to get to them.
May 31, 2015
I like the theme of this manga. A girl who goes against the whole "all girls need a prince to protect them" thing and decides to be her own prince and save herself. That had to be good, right?! But there are a lot of things that are unclear and bizarre to me. Maybe they get explained better in the other volumes, which I'm not sure I will continue.
November 27, 2023
I remember the anime from my younger days, saw this in a used book store and picked it up for old time’s sake. It’s….not how I remembered it. Not bad, but I think I need to just watch the anime.
The VP is not quite well and I don’t remember why. He’s quite violent and not sure why it’s allowed. And where in the world are all of the teachers at this school?!? What are they even learning?!? And how does her aunt’s assistant tie into the school and Mr. “Licky Lick”? (And holy COW but that is the creepiest nickname EVER for a love interest.)
And I feel so bad for Utena’s best friend, he was friend-zoned SO HARD.
3, time to watch the anime, stars.
The VP is not quite well and I don’t remember why. He’s quite violent and not sure why it’s allowed. And where in the world are all of the teachers at this school?!? What are they even learning?!? And how does her aunt’s assistant tie into the school and Mr. “Licky Lick”? (And holy COW but that is the creepiest nickname EVER for a love interest.)
And I feel so bad for Utena’s best friend, he was friend-zoned SO HARD.
3, time to watch the anime, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2015
I'm so glad I read this. I've seen a bit of Utena and I like it, but it's really weird. Probably the weirdest anime I've ever watched - and I've watched Sex Pistols - but it's also really fascinating and even though the fact that nothing is ever explained is infuriating, it always keeps me coming back.
Maybe it's because I knew what to expect, but this was less weird and less confusing than the first few episodes of the anime. I'm so glad I got this for my birthday (thanks Sylwia! xx) and I'm looking forward to the rest of this series :D
Maybe it's because I knew what to expect, but this was less weird and less confusing than the first few episodes of the anime. I'm so glad I got this for my birthday (thanks Sylwia! xx) and I'm looking forward to the rest of this series :D
November 14, 2020
The art is very pretty but I don’t think this manga adds anything interesting to the RGU story. I have heard in the later volumes it’s gotten very het-washed (Juri is a straight now and for some reason Utena/Touga romance happening). Even in volume 1 we see set up for the weird Utena/Touga thing. I don’t remember it in the original story.
In any case, I don’t mind having read this volume I picked from the library. I won’t be continuing with this manga though. I do want to rewatch RGU now.
In any case, I don’t mind having read this volume I picked from the library. I won’t be continuing with this manga though. I do want to rewatch RGU now.
January 28, 2013
There is absolutely no way I could love Utena less no matter what version, possible reading of the story or pairing of the charaters because making it gender irrelevant made this story unexplicably infinite and possible in almost every form, fashion and idea.
Tho, the "legitimate plotline" does come as a surprise :D
Tho, the "legitimate plotline" does come as a surprise :D
March 26, 2019
Pretty cute manga with clean art and a fun storyline. You know Utena was gonna be different and fun when she found a way around the uniform rules for her new school.
December 31, 2021
That was super convoluted... I really didn't get it.
June 16, 2023
⭐3.5
We love a knight that is like "oh these clothes are gendered? Yeah, I think not anymore". Excited to see Utena continue and learn her story. I already see the them talking about gender and sexuality and I love it
We love a knight that is like "oh these clothes are gendered? Yeah, I think not anymore". Excited to see Utena continue and learn her story. I already see the them talking about gender and sexuality and I love it
May 8, 2020
*full series review*
This is going to be a long review. To sum it up without spoilers, just read this:
The manga version of Revolutionary Girl Utena is unfortunately nothing more than a watered-down straight-washed version of the powerful, queer and yes, revolutionary anime. If I read it without seeing the anime first, I would have dismissed the entire story as decent, dull and ultimately forgettable. And though it passes as an okay shoujo, the manga plays into many the tropes the anime subverts, leaving anime fans likely disappointed.
Now if you're ready for a full rant with HEAVY SPOILERS for BOTH THE MANGA AND THE ANIME , see below:
April 4, 2022
I’m so thankful they stopped saying “Licky lick” although it did take about 100 pages to stop using that nickname hahaha
January 13, 2022
How strange to read this after watching the anime. The latter remains my favorite anime series ever, only to be challenged by Puella Magi Madoka Magica. The ritual, music, and bells which held me enthralled aren’t in this particular medium, but the roses are here as well as the pomp and grandeur of Ohtori Academy, the castle in the sky along with Dios, the mysterious beautiful prince who lures Utena into this setting. Utena leaps from the pages, larger than life and lovelier than ever, determinted to wear her particular boy’s uniform before she even sets foot in Ohtori Academy. Readers get a much closer look at Utena and her life with her aunt, how much Utena’s encounter inspired her before she enters his world. Wakaba is at Ohtori Academy when Utena gets there, as smitten with Utena as ever, yet swooning over Saionji. Humiliation leads Utena to duel, drawing her into the Rose Crest dueling games, drawing Utena close to Anthy, the Rose Bride. Vessel for the Sword of Dios, Anthy is the prize the duelists fight for, each of them craving the power to revolutionize the world. Once Utena defeats Saionji, Anthy becomes Utena’s bride, but how much of what Anthy tells Utena of the games is true? How much of what Touga, the amorous Student Council president reveals to Utena is for real? Or is it all part of the game, a game being played at Ohtori Academy via ritual dueling challenges which Utena doesn’t understand? Just who and what is Utena’s prince? Touga would be more than happy to be Utena’s prince for all he’s a duelist and wants Anthy as well. Saionji wants Anthy back and will stop at nothing to get her. Utena isn’t sure what she wants, but she won’t back down from a challenge, nor will she leave Anthy at the mercy of Saionji’s brutal affections.
Filled with mystery; treacherous beautiful men with flowing hair, and a specific aestheticism which lures the reader into this contained world while warning them to beware; Revolutionary Girl Utena evokes a specific mythos which revolutionized story for me. I doubt I would have written Fairest and A Symposium in Space, let alone even thought of Stealing Myself From Shadows if not for this remarkable story. Thank you, Chiho Saitö and Be-Papas for this enduring work of art which revolutionized my way of writing.
Filled with mystery; treacherous beautiful men with flowing hair, and a specific aestheticism which lures the reader into this contained world while warning them to beware; Revolutionary Girl Utena evokes a specific mythos which revolutionized story for me. I doubt I would have written Fairest and A Symposium in Space, let alone even thought of Stealing Myself From Shadows if not for this remarkable story. Thank you, Chiho Saitö and Be-Papas for this enduring work of art which revolutionized my way of writing.
February 15, 2018
The prologue was stupid. Like, for reelz.
So far, the anime beats this by a mile.
So far, the anime beats this by a mile.
December 21, 2022
Tbh I like the manga's story even more than the anime's version of it!
reread: Um 2.5? I am glad I watched the anime b4 reading the manga.
reread: Um 2.5? I am glad I watched the anime b4 reading the manga.
July 28, 2021
This is an interesting series. Apparently the anime is well loved. This manga didn’t leave that much of an impression on me.
It’s an interesting premise, I’m always down for headstrong female protagonists. It’s just that it was odd the Rose Bride appears to exist as property, she’s resigned to that fact and she gets hit do many times and it’s uncomfortable to watch. I don’t really know how to feel about it but I think I’ll check out the anime.
It’s an interesting premise, I’m always down for headstrong female protagonists. It’s just that it was odd the Rose Bride appears to exist as property, she’s resigned to that fact and she gets hit do many times and it’s uncomfortable to watch. I don’t really know how to feel about it but I think I’ll check out the anime.
February 26, 2018
The premise for this manga is what drew me how could you not love a tomboyish girl who insists on saving herself.
February 28, 2018
I never watched the anime growing up but I decided to give them manga a go. I think I would prefer this in anime for but I'm curious to see how the plot goes
February 15, 2022
Este manga estaba muy adelantado a su época.
March 2, 2021
Odio a Saionji!!!!!!!
June 14, 2017
Revolutionary Girl Utena, a series I have been meaning to watch, and read, for ages. Now I finally have the chance with the Complete Box that VIZ brought out.
I already had at least 1 or 2 volumes of this manga, but the old volumes are hard to find, so I thought I wouldn't be able to read it. And then there was VIZ! Thanks to VIZ for releasing this one in a complete box (which is stunning and gorgeous btw).
Yep, this is pretty much as weird as I thought it would, and from what I remember reading about this series (research!). There are awkward lickings of tears from faces (whut?), there is a Rose Bride who can become someone's property (and thus that person can do whatever they want with said Bride), there is some sort of weird duel thingie going on and Utena is now involved, we have some sort of prince and Utena desperately wants to meet him, oh and lets not forget to mention how the characters look (some look normal, but wow, those council members). But I just love that craziness. Though I do hope we will be getting some answers about the World's End, the duelling, Dios, and all the other things that were mentioned soon.
Utena is an absolutely fabulous character, she is brave, fun, smart, she will kick your butt if needed. I just love that she went to protect Anthy even though she doesn't know her at all. She saw injustice and just went for it. Go girl! Many people would just have turned away, but not Utena.
I love her uniform and what she did with it. Too bad we can't really see the colour of it, I wouldn't have minded seeing that bright pink uniform of hers.
There were some things that were a bit too convenient. Like Utena's aunt having to move thus creating a situation in which it was possible for Utena to transfer to her first love's school. Or that Utena is the one Dios is reacting so strongly towards. Or Utena's ring.
I am not sure what team I am on in the shipping department. I am floating between two camps. Utena x her prince. Utena x Anthy.
I already have found a character I dislike, Saionji. My word, what a sexist pig. Bah!
And I am glad that Kaido is out of the picture, I didn't like him and his pushiness. I get that he likes Utena, but he just goes too far to show his love/interest in her.
The art is absolutely amazing (but I knew that already). I had a laugh at the illustrations at the beginning of the book though. Most of the characters stay in their colour scheme with the exception of Utena and Anthy. Utena's hair in two illustrations are blonde, and the rest is her normal pink hairdo. But Anthy.... Her hair switches from blue to brown to purple, and her eyes go from green to blue to purple to brown. :P
Now I could talk some more about this awesome volume, but I want to continue reading, this volume ends on a cliffhanger and I am dying to know what will happen! So all I will say is that I would recommend this one to everyone!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I already had at least 1 or 2 volumes of this manga, but the old volumes are hard to find, so I thought I wouldn't be able to read it. And then there was VIZ! Thanks to VIZ for releasing this one in a complete box (which is stunning and gorgeous btw).
Yep, this is pretty much as weird as I thought it would, and from what I remember reading about this series (research!). There are awkward lickings of tears from faces (whut?), there is a Rose Bride who can become someone's property (and thus that person can do whatever they want with said Bride), there is some sort of weird duel thingie going on and Utena is now involved, we have some sort of prince and Utena desperately wants to meet him, oh and lets not forget to mention how the characters look (some look normal, but wow, those council members). But I just love that craziness. Though I do hope we will be getting some answers about the World's End, the duelling, Dios, and all the other things that were mentioned soon.
Utena is an absolutely fabulous character, she is brave, fun, smart, she will kick your butt if needed. I just love that she went to protect Anthy even though she doesn't know her at all. She saw injustice and just went for it. Go girl! Many people would just have turned away, but not Utena.
I love her uniform and what she did with it. Too bad we can't really see the colour of it, I wouldn't have minded seeing that bright pink uniform of hers.
There were some things that were a bit too convenient. Like Utena's aunt having to move thus creating a situation in which it was possible for Utena to transfer to her first love's school. Or that Utena is the one Dios is reacting so strongly towards. Or Utena's ring.
I am not sure what team I am on in the shipping department. I am floating between two camps. Utena x her prince. Utena x Anthy.
I already have found a character I dislike, Saionji. My word, what a sexist pig. Bah!
And I am glad that Kaido is out of the picture, I didn't like him and his pushiness. I get that he likes Utena, but he just goes too far to show his love/interest in her.
The art is absolutely amazing (but I knew that already). I had a laugh at the illustrations at the beginning of the book though. Most of the characters stay in their colour scheme with the exception of Utena and Anthy. Utena's hair in two illustrations are blonde, and the rest is her normal pink hairdo. But Anthy.... Her hair switches from blue to brown to purple, and her eyes go from green to blue to purple to brown. :P
Now I could talk some more about this awesome volume, but I want to continue reading, this volume ends on a cliffhanger and I am dying to know what will happen! So all I will say is that I would recommend this one to everyone!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 22, 2017
2017 EDIT: This is one of my first reviews, and it's embarrassingly outdated. I'll only say that I have matured significantly since first writing it, and 'Revolutionary Girl Utena' is now one of my favourite anime. Goes to show how one's viewpoint in adulthood over childhood and adolescence changes for the better, doesn't it? For further thoughts on the RVU manga series, here is my oh-so well-thought-out review of the deluxe box set. Enjoy!
Years ago, after reading very positive reviews of this manga on Amazon, I bought it from there.
While I had trouble getting into the anime version of 'Revolutionary Girl Utena', in my opinion the manga flows more naturally and further focuses on a straightforward and heartfelt story structure. Not really heavily reliant on symbolism, it takes its time developing other necessary aspects. For instance, I know more about the protagonist Utena in reading the first manga volume than I did in viewing 27 episodes of the TV series. I now know what her life was like before she went to the academy: such as who took care of her after her parents died, and who her friends were and how much of an impact they had on her character. I could connect to her insecurities and thoughts easily; she is a feisty, passionate but confused human being.
Accompanied by wonderful artwork and clever and logical plot twists, 'RGU Vol. 01' is a lovely and fun action manga that packs girl power to a punch. Utena Tenjou is an awesome heroine. The story is her own, even when she is involved with other characters; like the Rose Bride Anthy, her unintended "fiancee".
The other volumes I remember being okay, though I haven't read all of them since they are very expensive on all the shopping sites I look into.
Oh well, still a gripping first volume.
Final Score: 4/5
Years ago, after reading very positive reviews of this manga on Amazon, I bought it from there.
While I had trouble getting into the anime version of 'Revolutionary Girl Utena', in my opinion the manga flows more naturally and further focuses on a straightforward and heartfelt story structure. Not really heavily reliant on symbolism, it takes its time developing other necessary aspects. For instance, I know more about the protagonist Utena in reading the first manga volume than I did in viewing 27 episodes of the TV series. I now know what her life was like before she went to the academy: such as who took care of her after her parents died, and who her friends were and how much of an impact they had on her character. I could connect to her insecurities and thoughts easily; she is a feisty, passionate but confused human being.
Accompanied by wonderful artwork and clever and logical plot twists, 'RGU Vol. 01' is a lovely and fun action manga that packs girl power to a punch. Utena Tenjou is an awesome heroine. The story is her own, even when she is involved with other characters; like the Rose Bride Anthy, her unintended "fiancee".
The other volumes I remember being okay, though I haven't read all of them since they are very expensive on all the shopping sites I look into.
Oh well, still a gripping first volume.
Final Score: 4/5
December 22, 2012
Unfortunately, my library has the first 3 Utena volumes in the old-school flipped artwork layout. A page was also ripped out of this volume, but neither thing, I think, really impacted my enjoyment of the first volume. I'm fairly used to the flipped artwork thing, as it was impossible to find manga in its original, Japanese format in the early 2000s when anime started to really find its American audience (and when I got into it as a brand new teenager).
As a self-professed otaku in my teen years, it's surprising that I haven't read Utena or watched the anime before. I adore magical girl anime, but somehow I could never quite get a hold of this one (my library back then didn't have much in the way of manga, and I only had so much money!). Thankfully I am correcting this grievous error now.
I did enjoy this first volume; my chief complaint was how slowly it started out. I would have preferred to start out at Ohtori Academy and get the background on the mysterious "prince" from there. That's really the only thing that's preventing me from giving this four stars, but the prologue was about half the first volume. The prologue also neglected to mention Utena's skill with the sword. We know she's good at sports, but being good at sports doesn't equal being a good swordsman. Considering how long the prologue was, that's a pretty significant oversight.
I really enjoy Utena as a character, though. She reminds me a bit of Sakura from Card Captor Sakura. I prefer my magical girls to be capable rather than total ditzes like Usagi from Sailor Moon or Miyaka from Fushigi Yuugi. I also really appreciate that Utena features a colored character (Anthy) who's not a total stereotype or sexualized to death. I expect future volumes to garner higher ratings.
As a self-professed otaku in my teen years, it's surprising that I haven't read Utena or watched the anime before. I adore magical girl anime, but somehow I could never quite get a hold of this one (my library back then didn't have much in the way of manga, and I only had so much money!). Thankfully I am correcting this grievous error now.
I did enjoy this first volume; my chief complaint was how slowly it started out. I would have preferred to start out at Ohtori Academy and get the background on the mysterious "prince" from there. That's really the only thing that's preventing me from giving this four stars, but the prologue was about half the first volume. The prologue also neglected to mention Utena's skill with the sword. We know she's good at sports, but being good at sports doesn't equal being a good swordsman. Considering how long the prologue was, that's a pretty significant oversight.
I really enjoy Utena as a character, though. She reminds me a bit of Sakura from Card Captor Sakura. I prefer my magical girls to be capable rather than total ditzes like Usagi from Sailor Moon or Miyaka from Fushigi Yuugi. I also really appreciate that Utena features a colored character (Anthy) who's not a total stereotype or sexualized to death. I expect future volumes to garner higher ratings.
August 21, 2015
When Utena learns that her parents have died, she throws herself in a river, hoping to drown herself and her grief. A man whom she believes to be a handsome prince rescues her and tells her to grow up strong and noble. Inspired, Utena decides to become a prince herself, wanting to save others as she herself was once saved. But when Utena enters a new school, she finds herself caught up in a dangerous game of swords, power, and possession. If Utena can manage to hold on to her noble spirit, she may obtain the power to revolutionize the world––and if she can't, that same power may very well consume her.
In junior and senior year of high school, my favorite anime was "Revolutionary Girl Utena". It was the prettiest, coolest, WTFiest show I had ever seen. My 7th hour art class friends and I would swap our tapes, marathon episodes, and come to class bouncing off the walls in our eagerness to discuss our interpretations of the metaphors, symbolism, and references. We speculated more than we painted! And curious eavesdroppers thought we were crazy.
Though I knew "Revolutionary Girl Utena" was based off a manga, I'd never actually read it (manga in a local 1990s bookstore? Pfft, yeah right). But while looking up teen-oriented graphic novels to add to my library's collection, it occurred to me to see if Utena was still in print. And lo! It was! I snatched up a copy of the first volume without a second thought.
The art is beautiful and the story is fast-paced. It is dramatic, with a balance of humor, tragedy, mystery, and action held together by a romantic undertone. Though I do like the anime better, the manga is still a good read.
In junior and senior year of high school, my favorite anime was "Revolutionary Girl Utena". It was the prettiest, coolest, WTFiest show I had ever seen. My 7th hour art class friends and I would swap our tapes, marathon episodes, and come to class bouncing off the walls in our eagerness to discuss our interpretations of the metaphors, symbolism, and references. We speculated more than we painted! And curious eavesdroppers thought we were crazy.
Though I knew "Revolutionary Girl Utena" was based off a manga, I'd never actually read it (manga in a local 1990s bookstore? Pfft, yeah right). But while looking up teen-oriented graphic novels to add to my library's collection, it occurred to me to see if Utena was still in print. And lo! It was! I snatched up a copy of the first volume without a second thought.
The art is beautiful and the story is fast-paced. It is dramatic, with a balance of humor, tragedy, mystery, and action held together by a romantic undertone. Though I do like the anime better, the manga is still a good read.
November 7, 2019
So stop me if you've heard this one before.
A young girl loses her parents. In utter despair, she wanders the streets in the pouring rain and is rescued from her near-death by a prince. She falls for said prince despite her young age and becomes determined to change for him... into the perfect prince!
Okay, maybe you haven't heard this one before. Unless you're familiar with Revolutionary Girl Utena, that is.
Now, I'm not sure which came first, the anime or the manga. I can say, though, that this first volume feels more like a summary of events than a fully fleshed out story. The prologue feels like one of those bonus chapters you see in manga that take place outside of the main story's timeline, just put first. I'm fairly certain that none of these characters are going to show up in the rest of this series.
As for the main story, it's one very long chapter of Utena going "lolwut?" to the crazy rules of the duels and generally being a bad ass. The characters aren't too fleshed out, but the art is pretty (except for the weird sailor fuku uniforms with the big fluffy sleeves, but whatever).
I get the feeling that the manga was a tie in to the anime and thus was made with those already familiar with the series in mind. As someone who only has a vague knowledge of Utena via memes more than a decade old, I'm a little lost.
A young girl loses her parents. In utter despair, she wanders the streets in the pouring rain and is rescued from her near-death by a prince. She falls for said prince despite her young age and becomes determined to change for him... into the perfect prince!
Okay, maybe you haven't heard this one before. Unless you're familiar with Revolutionary Girl Utena, that is.
Now, I'm not sure which came first, the anime or the manga. I can say, though, that this first volume feels more like a summary of events than a fully fleshed out story. The prologue feels like one of those bonus chapters you see in manga that take place outside of the main story's timeline, just put first. I'm fairly certain that none of these characters are going to show up in the rest of this series.
As for the main story, it's one very long chapter of Utena going "lolwut?" to the crazy rules of the duels and generally being a bad ass. The characters aren't too fleshed out, but the art is pretty (except for the weird sailor fuku uniforms with the big fluffy sleeves, but whatever).
I get the feeling that the manga was a tie in to the anime and thus was made with those already familiar with the series in mind. As someone who only has a vague knowledge of Utena via memes more than a decade old, I'm a little lost.
July 15, 2015
I admit, my reasons for loving Utena so much are very similar to my reasons for loving Mulan. As a trans, non-binary person, she gave me someone I could kind of relate to. It was imperfect, and it wasn't 100%, but I could see just a bit of myself in her character, and when I was a preteen exploring my identity I needed that. Utena breaks the gender binary. She wants to be a prince, she prefers to wear the boy's uniform in school, she generally dresses in drag, and she still embraces the parts of her identity that are feminine. I loved this about her, and since it is so hard to find nonbinary or transgender characters in manga, literature, and films that do not exist solely for the point of a plot related to their struggles as nonbinary or transgender... I attached myself to Utena.
The plot line itself is all over the place and hard to follow. It has all the makings of a typical Shojo manga, and it gets just plain weird at times. If I had not attached so strongly to Utena, I'd probably give the series a 2 or a 3 star rating. But because this manga is part of what helped me explore my identity, and for once gave me a character I could see myself in, I can't stand to give it anything less than four.
The plot line itself is all over the place and hard to follow. It has all the makings of a typical Shojo manga, and it gets just plain weird at times. If I had not attached so strongly to Utena, I'd probably give the series a 2 or a 3 star rating. But because this manga is part of what helped me explore my identity, and for once gave me a character I could see myself in, I can't stand to give it anything less than four.
April 28, 2015
When Utena's parents are killed, she decides she doesn't want to live either and throws herself into a river. She's saved by a mysterious man who urges her to grow up strong and noble and Utena, dazzled by the experience, complies...especially since the man promises to return someday.
Kind of hard to avoid being shaped by an experience like that, especially since Utena receives a letter once a year that smells of roses, and is sealed with a rose seal. Trying to solve the mystery leads her to a mysterious academy where she enrolls in the hopes of finding her rescuer. What she gets is an elaborate ritual mythology, complete with swords, roses, castles that float in the air, and a lot of dueling. It makes no sense to her, but she rolls with it, because, really, what else can you do when the biggest mystery of your life is so close to being solved?
I'm a little bit impatient with Utena's bumbling, but compared to the sophisticated people around her, she's mostly charming/refreshing. I'll stick with this one for a few volumes, because I like the symbolic setup and want to see where it's going. But also, dueling!
Kind of hard to avoid being shaped by an experience like that, especially since Utena receives a letter once a year that smells of roses, and is sealed with a rose seal. Trying to solve the mystery leads her to a mysterious academy where she enrolls in the hopes of finding her rescuer. What she gets is an elaborate ritual mythology, complete with swords, roses, castles that float in the air, and a lot of dueling. It makes no sense to her, but she rolls with it, because, really, what else can you do when the biggest mystery of your life is so close to being solved?
I'm a little bit impatient with Utena's bumbling, but compared to the sophisticated people around her, she's mostly charming/refreshing. I'll stick with this one for a few volumes, because I like the symbolic setup and want to see where it's going. But also, dueling!
September 16, 2009
Utena's parents died when she was young and she has lived with her aunt ever since. She is kind of a tomboy and she is looking for her prince. The prince from her childhood that saved her. She has thought of him ever since then. But, was it real? Or was it a dream? One day she gets a letter, the same letter that she has gotten every year for the last seven years. It has the scent of roses, but the letter is a little different this time. It says "This year, we will meet."
She decides her prince must be truly real! She has to find him.
I picked up this manga not knowing what to expect from it. I had never heard of Revolutionary Girl Utena and I was surprised at how good this story was. I think the manga has a nice story and I really like Utena. She is not the girly-girl type, she is brave and believes that no matter what gender, anyone can be a prince. I plan on buying all Revolutionary Girl mangas as soon as possible.
She decides her prince must be truly real! She has to find him.
I picked up this manga not knowing what to expect from it. I had never heard of Revolutionary Girl Utena and I was surprised at how good this story was. I think the manga has a nice story and I really like Utena. She is not the girly-girl type, she is brave and believes that no matter what gender, anyone can be a prince. I plan on buying all Revolutionary Girl mangas as soon as possible.
October 15, 2015
It's good, I just liked the anime better so I might be biased. Juri's straightwashing really rubbed me the wrong way though. I know that it wasn't "technically" straightwashing, since it was being produced at the same time as the anime, but still. Anyway, Saitō clearly didn't understand what the anime was doing, because tons of stuff that the anime rips apart and analyzes are played straight here. A lot of the subtext is removed, and the adaptation suffers for it.
But at the end of the day, it's still Utena, and I still love these characters and this story. It's not like there's nothing good here, it's just that the anime is so much better.
Watch the anime, then only read this if you're a completionist like me. Other than that, there's basically no reason to read this because it's just a less good version of the anime.
But at the end of the day, it's still Utena, and I still love these characters and this story. It's not like there's nothing good here, it's just that the anime is so much better.
Watch the anime, then only read this if you're a completionist like me. Other than that, there's basically no reason to read this because it's just a less good version of the anime.
August 10, 2009
i saw the movie years ago, which was freakishly good, and slightly confusing. i couldn't tell if i was to read into it symbolically or just as it was. but the manga is fairly straight forward. no possible hidden message for me to try to decipher. well, at least not yet anyway.
"to till" was an extremely appropriate title for book one. the series is set up nicely, much like preparing the soil for the future crop to be planted in it. i can't wait to see how this evolves and see where the inspiration for the movie came about. then will totally read "adolescence" b/c that is suppose to be even closer to the movie. whoot!
"to till" was an extremely appropriate title for book one. the series is set up nicely, much like preparing the soil for the future crop to be planted in it. i can't wait to see how this evolves and see where the inspiration for the movie came about. then will totally read "adolescence" b/c that is suppose to be even closer to the movie. whoot!
August 2, 2019
Basically this is just the prologue for the actual story. It's Utena's life before she went to Ohtori Academy and how she wound up transferring there in the first place, at least in this version. It's all standard shoujo fluff in this volume. It's good for what it it, but Utena's not standard shoujo fluff.
The anime's one of my most favourite things ever, and this honestly doesn't compare. It's not bad, it's just not nearly as good as the anime.
Well, on to the next volume.
The anime's one of my most favourite things ever, and this honestly doesn't compare. It's not bad, it's just not nearly as good as the anime.
Well, on to the next volume.
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