In a previous post I shared my library of romance manga to read in your 20s & 30s. Here’s my list of historical / fantasy manga that I can still read over and over as a grown-up (female).
(I’m not associated in any way to the Amazon links; it’s just an easy way to embed imagery without breaching copy right.)
In order of my current recommendations:
Sora wa akai kawa no hotori (天は赤い河のほとり)
I own the version with the grown-up-friendly cover, but the original cover of this historical fantasy manga looks like below. Revolving around the kingdom of the Hittites in ancient Turkey, this author is great at story-telling and it’s hard to put it down.
Tenjou no niji (天上の虹)
This historical manga is set in ancient Nara and features the 41st emperor of Japan, from her birth to her death. It’s an intriguing way to learn about how Japan started to function as a country (although you need to keep in mind it’s fictional between the facts.)
Crystal Dragon
I’ve never read any manga like this before. Crystal Dragon is a fantasy manga based in Ireland, ancient Rome, and surrounds. (This manga started before I was born in 1981. Now that the author is in her seventies or so, the newer volumes after 25 become a bit odd.)
Bokura no kiseki (ボクラノキセキ)
At 27 volumes in, I can’t wait ’til the next one comes out. While it starts with a classroom of reincarnated castle dwellers and magic, the unfolding of truth keeps having twists.
Otoyome gatari (乙嫁語り)
While there is a main story otherwise, it’s really interesting to read about marriage in the old middle east; the author manages to portray things that we view as unpleasant (like arranged marriages, dowries, and polygamy) as positive things that support brides. The details in the pictures are worth reading on its own.
Oukoku no ko (王国の子)
Interesting take as this manga features the body doubles of royalty, in particular of the young Queen Elizabeth.
Reimei no arcana (黎明のアルカナ)
Magamaga shiki kemono no iku hate wa (禍々しき獣の逝く果ては)
Donten ni warau (曇天に笑う)
Tokimeki tonight (ときめきトゥナイト)
Forgive me, the characters aren’t mature in this manga but, I have a soft spot for this one. You can skip the first 6 volumes as it started off as a comedy manga. The main story happens during volumes 7-16.
Did you find your favourite? What are your recommendations?
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