Dawn of the Arcana

One island with two kingdoms engaged in a long and bloody war. Princess Nakaba is from Senan in the North while Prince Caesar is from Belquat in the South. Their marriage finally brings peace to the land, but Princess Nakaba knows better than to think it will last. Now she's a hostage in enemy territory with only her faithful Ajin servant beside her. She expects to wake up with a dagger at her throat every day, and she is prepared to fight to save herself and her kingdom. But she isn't prepared for the kindness Caesar shows her, or the mystical powers she develops. Now her heart is being torn in two. How can she do what is right when everything is so wrong? Will she remain true to herself--even if it means betraying others?

There's a lot of great themes in this series that take it beyond the usual shojo manga fare. Princess Nakaba is a fierce and unique protagonist. There's an overarching theme of discrimination with the Ajin (part human and part animal who are treated as servants and feared and hated by many.) The world-building grows more complex and interesting with each installment and the political intrigue keeps the plot moving. The artwork is exquisite with wonderfully expressive faces and gorgeous costumes. I'd give this to anyone looking for a fantasy comic that is character and relationship driven. 

Dawn of the Arcana by Rei Toma

Erica's Picks:
6th - 8th Grade
Tags: Character Driven, Comics, Fantasy, Romance

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