The Ancient Magus' Bride Vol. 1

Absolutely love this story about a lonely throw away who finds a home. Of course there are several issues one can take with that concept and the main character's immediate acceptance of her circumstances but I choose to see it as a story of hope and a journey of discovery of one's self. Both main characters will learn and grow and both have a desire to do so. The world and mythology are also quite intriguing and the art detailing is just phenomenal.

I read this series online and I immediately loved it!! I am so happy to finally be able to own a copy and support this wonderful author!! Her drawings are so detailed and the world she created is magnificent! In the back of the book theres even a diagram of the set up of Elias' living room, now THATS dedication! The only thing that really bothers me is a translation error (as far as I can tell, its the only one but its really stupid) they translated "Slay Vega" which is what Chise is referred to in the first chapter, to "Sleigh Beggy". Why they would even think that thats what the author was going for is beyond me, it just sounds so stupid it makes me actually angry. But other than that the book is great! The story is unique and really enjoyable filled with dark twists and heartwarming cute moments between Chise and Elias. The book arrived in perfect condition, it comes with an inserted color page of the cover and from what I can tell, the rest of it is translated rather well. I just hope that in the future volumes Seven Seas will change Sleigh Beggy to Slay Vega, though they dont mention it as often in later chapters I would like newcomers to the series to get the epic name and not the begging vehicle pulled by a horse. If you want a full review of the story I suggest either reading it online yourself first or going to any number of forums dedicated to manga review, I am positive you will love it though, regardless.

I read this series online and I immediately loved it!! I am so happy to finally be able to own a copy and support this wonderful author!! Her drawings are so detailed and the world she created is magnificent! In the back of the book theres even a diagram of the set up of Elias' living room, now THATS dedication! The only thing that really bothers me is a translation error (as far as I can tell, its the only one but its really stupid) they translated "Slay Vega" which is what Chise is referred to in the first chapter, to "Sleigh Beggy". Why they would even think that thats what the author was going for is beyond me, it just sounds so stupid it makes me actually angry. But other than that the book is great! The story is unique and really enjoyable filled with dark twists and heartwarming cute moments between Chise and Elias. The book arrived in perfect condition, it comes with an inserted color page of the cover and from what I can tell, the rest of it is translated rather well. I just hope that in the future volumes Seven Seas will change Sleigh Beggy to Slay Vega, though they dont mention it as often in later chapters I would like newcomers to the series to get the epic name and not the begging vehicle pulled by a horse. If you want a full review of the story I suggest either reading it online yourself first or going to any number of forums dedicated to manga review, I am positive you will love it though, regardless.

I was a little disappointed with this book. The creatures and world are all really cool, but the main character is rather boring. I think she's given up on life and as a result its hard to root for her or even be interested in what happens to her. I might get vol. 2 because there's a lot of potential for character development, but I'll probably wait for it to come out and read other people's reviews first.

The Ancient Magus Bride is about Chise a girl who is given the choice to be sold into slavery instead of commiting suicide. In doing so, she is sold to a kind, mysterious man with a animal skull for a head who tells her that magic is not only real but that she possesses it. He decides to take her in as her apprentice mage as well as his possible future bride.

This manga is very unique with its setting and world building. It sets up a very interesting world where just hidden within the real world is several forms of real magic, magical creatures exist and even cats have their own magical Kingdom. The first volume explains all about magic and how it works, often comparing it to how computer systems. They travel around visiting different areas of the world, like the last place on earth dragons live (Iceland) and a little island where the Cat Kingdom is. The volume does a great job of really making it feel like the world is full of new and exciting places while firmly placing it in our current world.

However, that being said, the characters themselves are quite boring. Our main heroine shows very little personality and often walks around like a empty shell. These fantastic things are presented to her and she barely even flinches. Her character reminds me a lot of the current trend of writing blank slate characters into Teen romance novels in order for the reader to self insert. But, with the visual medium, this doesn't work at all. The Thorn Mage, Elias, seems to be reserved to the point where i'm not sure if he's genuinely kind or actually is meant to come off as secretly planning something. The most interesting characters of this volume are probably the Cat King Molly and the Fairies/Neighbors. And they aren't in the volume much at all. I just didn't care much about the characters, even when one of them is put in danger at the end. And as for a relationship between the leads? It doesn't exist.

The artwork is pretty generic. With the exception of Elias' head/skull design, the characters are pretty generic and don't stand out much. The outfit designs are pretty forgettable and blend into the background half the time. It's not bad artwork, it's just forgettable.

The one thing this manga has going for it is the worldbuilding. I honestly have never read a manga that actually takes the time to explain what everything is, what is going on, the different cultures that each magical creature has and how magic works. For that, i'd say it's an interesting read to at least see what the world is about. But, this is one I really wouldn't read for the characters or artwork.

“The Ancient Magus’ Bride” is a fantasy manga created by Kore Yamazaki. Set in the alternate world (that vaguely looks like Victorian England), the comic follows the story of a young heroine Chise Hatori, a 15-year-old Japanese girl who is “sold” to a mysterious mage named Ellias Ainsworth. And his head is an animal skull.

Part of the story is probably inspired by “The Beauty and the Beast,” but the difference is that the “beast” can teach a lot about the world Chise lives in, especially its beauty and danger the young girl did not notice. The fantasy contains some dark elements, but the entire tone is neither violent nor depressing.

The greatest part of Kore Yamazaki’s comic is its detailed illustration of creatures and landscapes, but you must keep one thing before reading her manga. As the author says in the afterword, the comic originally started as a one-shot doujin manga, and as is the case with some doujin or self-published comics, “The Ancient Magus’ Bride” tends to lean on style rather than story. Sometimes the (often dialogue-heavy) story is difficult to follow, with characters whose motives are not clear.

So read the comic very slowly, enjoying the beautifully drawn artwork of the strange universe where humans and non-humans, and modern technologies and magic co-exist. Some of the offbeat humor in the original may be lost in translation, but the comic will be still very attractive.

*The Ancient Magus Bride* is a unique story. It is a sweet story, yes, but also much darker and more serious than some might think given the description. Not dark as in "dark and edgy", but not a sweet *My Love Story* either.

I've heard the plot described before as some Welsh mythology and Lovecraft (minimal as it is still a very happy and - sometimes - whimsical story) mixed together with a romantic subplot.

Basically the story takes place in England where a strange creature, the Thorn Mage (Elias), purchases a girl from a slave auction (I think in Japan). He then changes their lives by warping to England, freeing her while declaring her his apprentice, and what's more, declaring his intent to marry her. Chise, the girl, has had a hard and harsh life. She has contemplated suicide from the absolutely shitty things she's had to endure. Her life was so hard, in fact, that she willingly became a slave to be auctioned (I'm guessing on the black market) just to have something worthwhile and - hopefully - less traumatic happen to her. *That* is how messed-up her circumstances were.

Of course, to make this worse is her appearance. Some might not grasp this, as I did not at first, but it would be something one can surmise, even though not mentioned, that her looks due to her European ancestor somewhere along the line might make some disdain her in the somewhat still (but less than previous years) xenophobic and racist Japan. Since the trope of anime hair colors doesn't seem to be in effect, her red hair and green eyes would be viewed as making her not a "true Japanese" to some in the country. To be clear, it's not stated in the narrative, but I think one can guess it as part of the rejection so many had for her, along with other reasons.

One quick note. Elias does NOT try to compel or pressure her to accept him as a suitor. It's just that in the world he belongs too, mages often marry an apprentice. But there is no Stockholm Syndrome and what not going on. In fact, while he treats this as something his background says is natural, he acts more parental towards Chise at first than anything else.

Anyways, after her purchase and release, Chise begins to cautiously take to this new life as she finally can see some good happening around her and not her pitiful luck before. Two things she must contend with though, the true nature of her powers, and Elias' declaration of their betrothal.

It's quite fantastic, but still sweet in so many ways. The loving treatment of Elias for Chise. The love Chise can summon for others despite her crappy life. The new and fun friends they meet. All of these make the story fun and romantic. On top of that, any darkness is mixed with enough light to make it generally an optimistic and happy manga.

I really like this and am eager to continue soon. The mangaka, Kore Yamazaki, has done some obvious research into the myths she uses, and (though stylized and not accurate as she herself admits in the afterword) presents England in such a way that shows she has a fondness for the country. Placing the story there wasn't an afterthought, but purposeful.

I think if one enjoys various fairy tales and myths, Celtic, Welsh, European, and otherwise, one will really enjoy this story. In fact, Elias bears a similarity to Arawn, Welsh leader of the Wild Hunt and Grim Reaper, and thus also to (for those who have read it) the "Horned King" in the Welsh mythology-based *The Chronicles of Prydain*. And much of the rest of the elements of the story are derived from such mythologies. Of course, much of this is what I've read online and is thus in later volumes, but this first volume is needed to lay the foundation of the story and I can't wait for the later developments.

The art was fantastic. Though it can be vague at some points, it also nicely captures the mood. If the tone is serious, the art is detailed, while if it is funny, the art is goofy, so on. I would say that this is one of the better examples of art I have seen in a manga.

If anyone enjoys these fairy tales and myths like the mangaka does, and you can tell she does, I really think you will enjoy this manga. Highly Recommended.

This was an excellent start to this fantasy/steampunk manga series. I really loved all the wonderful world-building, magic, characters, and the intriguing story.

Chise has been purchased by the Thorn Mage and he wants to make her his apprentice. Chise goes from being a slave to suddenly being immersed in a world of faeries, dragons, and magic that she could never have imagined existed.

This manga was beautifully illustrated and full of amazing characters. I loved the world and the intricacy of the plot. A ton happens in this volume and I found it all really intriguing.

Overall I thought this was one of the best opening volumes to a manga that I have ever read. I loved the intricate story, world-building, characters, and magical creatures. I definitely plan to continue the series and can’t wait to see what happens next!

The anime and manga industry has pumped out plenty of 'normal person somehow goes to a fantasy world' works over the past few years, but they're been running low on standard fantasy. Enter the new manga that's been getting plenty of attention, Ancient Magus Bride. The story that looked at Beauty and the Beast and said 'hey, think we can make that a bit less creepy?'

The story starts out as all great love stories do. Chise Hatori was abandoned by her adoptive parents and sold at auction. She ends up being bought by Elias Ainsworth, who takes her on as an apprentice mage and eventual wife. While the implications of this are sketchy, Elias treats Chise very well, and over the course of 5 issues, introduces to a bunch of characters I would love to see more of. The one downside is that not a lot actually happens, and the story ends on a massive cliffhanger. I won't be able to fully judge the series until I read volume 2.

Wow, just wow! I adore this series. It's beautifully drawn, but what's really hooked me are the wonderful characterizations. Chise is an orphan whose ability to see and sense the supernatural made her childhood miserable. She is "bought" by Elias, an ancient, enigmatic mage who isn't human and who wants to make Chise his bride.

What sounds a little squicky (old mage, young woman) is not at all that. It's beautiful. With Elias's affection (not sexual at all, very sweet) and a place to call home, Chise blooms and grows. But it's not just Chise who grows because of the relationship. Elias, too, changes over the course of the series so far (I've read through the 7th volume). With Chise's warmth, Elias begins to understand the entire range of human emotion.

The story is infused with wonderful supernatural elements and sub-plots. The installments feel much longer than your usual manga. There's so much beauty and joy in these pages! I can't recommend this one enough! Can't wait for the next volume!

Love the story and the art. Nicely spun story kept me rivited for the entire read. Chitose is a teenager who has been thrown curveballs by life. It'll be fun to see her as the story develops, and her ties to the world strengthen.

I absolutely love what the Kindle version has to offer. For me, with eyes that tire easily, it's easy to miss small details. The Kindle version can show you one panel at a time. Perfect! I am chomping at the bit to get vol. 2, but that needs to wait until next pay-day.

This is about a young Japanese girl who is purchased by an inhuman alchemist as his appreciate and his bride. This book has a very fairy tale type feeling.

I'm a conflicted with the context as she is only 15 and he is hundreds of years old. I don't forget that Disney movies leave the age of their princesses out of their movies all the time to avoid having viewers experience this kind of internal conflict to the age differences between love interests.

Elias, the inhuman alchemist isn't a pervert by any means and the delicate nature of this context has been tastefully displayed.

I did enjoy this as the primary target audience is teens.

That's only the most obvious of the intriguing twists in this variation on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. Fifteen year old penniless Japanese orphan girl Chise Hatori has gotten to the point where she openly says she doesn't care whether she lives or dies, and she's apparently attempted suicide at least once. Her father abandoned her, her mother died right in front of her, a possible suicide, and EVERYBODY, including Chise herself, blames her for it. Her remaining relatives wanted nothing to do with her, and said so constantly, within her hearing, but were too embarrassed to just dump her in an orphanage like they wanted to, but of course enough has leaked out so that she is mercilessly teased about it. The cause of all this abuse? Chise sees things that aren't there....

Turns out, they ARE there, and Chise just happens to be blessed with an extremely rare magical talent. Somehow it came to the attention of a rather sleazy magical creature slave auctioneer who suggested, as an alternative to suicide, "Why not give yourself over to someone who can make use of you?" It speaks volumes about her mental state that Chise's response was a shrug of acceptance, "What difference does it make? All I want is a place I can call home."

Happily, she gets lucky. She is bought by a towering, scary looking old mage with an animal skull quite literally for a head, who turns out to be a kindly if clueless old softy who was looking, not for a slave, but rather for an apprentice to train...

and a bride to marry. Chise's response, so typical of her, is not to scream with horror but rather to wonder silently if she should take him seriously about either proposal, it being somewhat difficult to read the expressions of a man with an animal skull for a head. Elias Ainsworth is a slightly prickly, set in his ways, somewhat mannerless, old British eccentric, but his basic if inept kindness shines through like a beacon for someone as affection starved as Chise. She EXPECTS to be treated like a pet and tossed out when he gets bored, but she'll stay until he does because he offered her a home and a family.

Some readers might be upset by the slow pace of this first book; we run out of pages just as things start to get exciting, but IMHO this is exactly what this book needed. Chise and Elias don't know it yet, but they are EXACTLY what each other needs in a soul mate.

It will be fun watching them ever so slowly figure it out in the rest of the series: The Ancient Magus' Bride Vol. 2,The Ancient Magus' Bride Vol. 3,The Ancient Magus' Bride Vol. 4,The Ancient Magus' Bride Vol. 5,The Ancient Magus' Bride Vol. 6, and The Ancient Magus' Bride Vol. 7.

Hands down my favorite series of all time. YES THATS RIGHT. ALL. TIME. You won't be disappointed, I could rave, write paragraph after paragraph about how wonderful it is, but there are over a hundred other reviews who have done the same. Just pick it up, read it, you'll love it. There is also an OVA now and the anime series which RELIGIOUSLY follows the manga ( no deviations what so ever - at the time of this review 8 episodes have aired ) you'll be sucked into it and won't be able to put it down.

I was just watching Anime music videos on you tube and came across this. So I started to look in to it. OMG, I love this series. I found the OVA's online then found the manga. Its so good, I cant get enough. I got to the last book and was like no......... as the next one does not come out till july 2017. So now I am starting over reading it. I cant get enough I love all of the characters in the book. Super good. Keep up the good work Mr Kore Yamazaki

This first volume does a great job of getting the reader interested in the story's world. The art work is absolutely stunning, as are the character designs. The main character Chise's withdrawn personality is refreshing compared to the the verious loud and over the top protagonist s that many other series have. I own all the volume s of Anicient Magus Bride that have been made at the time of writing this. It is currently my favorite manga series.

The script and writing is very much tailored toward a younger audience or people who enjoy the likes of Twilight. It is centered around a MAry Sue style character, and lacks any depth or glaring quality in the first book of this series. I am woefully underwhelmed, and disappointed after having read so many good reviews. This is ultimately a matter of taste, as I am not the sort of person who enjoyed Twilight and writing in that style.