Introduction
Meet Versailles of the Dead, a manga series authored by Kumiko Suekane. Versailles of the Dead is a unique manga that combines zombies with France’s Queen Marie Antoinette and her historic residence at the Palace of Versailles. It was published in Japan in 2018 and quickly gained popularity among manga enthusiasts. It’s a relatively new series that has already drawn attention from the manga niche due to its creative concept and engaging storytelling.
The manga’s plot revolves around a new heroine named Lady Oscar, who is a member of the Marie Antoinette’s royal guard. Furthermore, the story takes place in early 18th century France, at the historic Palace of Versailles. However, the palace has been overrun by zombies after the French Revolution. The story follows Lady Oscar and her companions as they attempt to take back the palace and restore order to France. The story is creative and original, which has driven its success in the manga niche.
One of the manga’s unique points is the world-building created by Kumiko Suekane. She masterfully creates a story that brings together a historical French setting, zombies, and royalty. The zombies in Versailles of the Dead have a more significant role than in typical zombie series. They are not just part of the background, but they are part of the story and its resolution. This differentiates Versailles of the Dead from other zombie, horror, or historical fiction manga.
Kumiko Suekane is the author of various other fantastic manga series, including Blood+ Adagio, Afterschool Charisma, and more. This indicates that Kumiko Suekane is an expert storyteller and has a significant following in the manga industry. The readership of Versailles of the Dead has been drawn to the story and world created by Kumiko-usekane.
Additionally, Versailles of the Dead features beautiful artwork that captures the essence of the French setting and characters. The artwork is detailed and elegant, bringing the story of Versailles and its characters to life. The art also adds depth to the story and makes the manga more interactive and immersive.
The popularity of Versailles of the Dead is growing, with plenty of people waiting for the next chapter. With Kumiko Suekane’s fantastic storytelling, the manga could potentially continue to break new grounds in the manga industry. It is a good manga for many readers, including historical fiction fans, manga enthusiasts, and zombie fiction fans. Overall, Versailles of the Dead manifests unique creativity, a fantastic plot, beautiful artwork, and a unique style that quickly captured the hearts of its readers.
Plot Summary
Step into a France of the past, this time with the unexpected twist of zombified historical figures. Versailles of the Dead is a manga series written by Kumiko Suekane that takes place during a time of political turmoil and chaos. The story follows Marie Antoinette, the former Queen of France, who has recently been turned into a zombie. She becomes the head of a team of zombie agents, made up of other resurrected nobles. Together they fight off supernatural forces that threaten the stability of their country and even the world.
The plot starts with the iconic moment in history where the commoners are gathering outside the palace gates in protest of the lavish monarchy, in the midst of this chaos however, something else is escalating- something even more sinister. The Royal Corps of the Undead has awoken, with Marie Antoinette as its queen, to protect the country from creatures beyond our realm. It’s up to the team to uncover the root of the mysterious events that have been happening in Versailles and to protect France as best they can. With a combination of action, spooky magic, the undead and a bit of humor, Versailles of the Dead won’t fail to captivate its readers.
The undead play a significant part in the plot, with the newly turned Marie Antoinette learning to navigate her new life as an undead leader, showing the struggles of this new lifestyle. It raises interesting questions of how individuals deal with grief and death, not just for the living but also for those who have come back from the dead. The manga also tackles themes such as politics, power, and loyalty, with Marie Antoinette caught between her ongoing desire for wealth and the responsibility to protect her country.
The setting of Versailles in the 18th century adds an element of historical realism to the manga, as it portrays French nobility in the context of the time, and incorporates well-known historical figures into the plot such as Emperor Napoleon and his wife Josephine, Benjamin Franklin and his assistant Louis Charles Antoine Desaix. The author creatively injects these figures into the supernatural world, making for a unique read.
With striking visuals, impressive art style, and intense action scenes, Versailles of the Dead weaves a surprisingly compelling tale of the unlikely combination of zombies and historical figures fighting off supernatural threats. This series is perfect for those with an interest in historical fiction, horror, and action, and for people who are looking to read something out of the ordinary.
Character Analysis
Set in an alternate history with zombies, Versailles of the Dead is a captivating manga that portrays the adventures of Marie Antoinette and her companions as they seek to survive the zombie apocalypse. The manga features various characters, including some of the prominent figures in French history. Here is a breakdown of some of the main characters, their motivations, and their roles in the manga’s story.
Marie Antoinette: The Queen of France is arguably the central character in Versailles of the Dead. She is depicted as a fierce, capable, and determined leader who is ready to use all means necessary to protect herself and those she cares about. Despite her royal upbringing, Marie has a deep affinity for the poor and underprivileged and is always willing to fight for their rights. Her motivations stem from her desire to protect France and her people from the zombies that have overrun her kingdom.
Oscar Francois de Jarjayes: Oscar holds the title of “Commander of the Royal Guards” and dedicates herself to serving the royal family. She is Marie’s loyal and devoted protector and ensures that she is safe at all times. Oscar is depicted as a strong, intelligent, and compassionate character, and her motivations stem from her sense of duty to the royal family.
Andre Grandier: Andre is the captain of the Royal Guard and serves Marie with utmost loyalty. He is depicted as a skilled warrior who is always ready for battle and is willing to make any sacrifice to protect the queen. His motivations stem from his desire to honor his duty as a protector of the royal family.
Queen Marie-Therese: Queen Marie-Therese is the queen mother and Marie Antoinette’s mother-in-law. She is depicted as a cold, calculating, and ambitious character who is more interested in preserving her power than in protecting her people. Her motivations stem from her desire to remain in control and ensure that her family maintains their position as the rulers of France.
King Louis XVI: Louis XVI is the King of France and Marie Antoinette’s husband. He is depicted as a weak and indecisive character who prefers to avoid conflict at all costs. Despite his noble title, Louis is often overshadowed by his wife, Marie, who is depicted as a more capable and competent leader. His motivations stem from his desire to protect his family and maintain his position as the king of France.
Robespierre: Robespierre is one of the historical figures featured in the manga. He is depicted as a revolutionary leader who is vehemently opposed to the monarchy and seeks to overthrow the royal family. His motivations stem from his belief in the ideals of the French Revolution, such as liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Madame du Barry: Madame du Barry is another historical figure featured in the manga. She is depicted as a conniving and manipulative character who seeks to undermine the royal family and advance her own interests. Her motivations stem from her desire for power and influence.
In conclusion, Versailles of the Dead features a diverse and well-developed cast of characters, each with their unique motivations and roles in the manga’s story. The historic figures seamlessly interwoven in the plot help augment the manga’s backstory. All the while, Marie Antoinette remains the undisputed central character and an inspiration for readers looking for a determined and headstrong leader in the fight against the undead.
Art Style and Presentation
The art style of Versailles of the Dead manga is truly breathtaking. The manga artist, Kumiko Suekane, has created a unique blend of French elegance and Gothic horror that is both beautiful and eerie. The characters are drawn with incredible detail and precision, with a focus on the delicate intricacies of French fashion, such as lace and embroidery. The backgrounds are equally stunning, with intricate depictions of the grand halls and gardens of Versailles.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the art style is the way it draws inspiration from the Gothic subculture. Many of the characters are dressed in traditional Gothic outfits, with long dresses, frilly parasols, and intricate corsets. This adds a new layer of darkness to the manga, as the contrast between the refined French setting and the Gothic outfits creates a sense of foreboding and unease.
The use of shading and lighting also adds to the eerie atmosphere of the manga. Suekane expertly employs light and shadow to create a sense of depth and dimensionality to the characters and settings. This gives the manga a cinematic quality, making it feel almost like a movie rather than a comic book.
In addition to the beautiful artwork, Versailles of the Dead also features stunning presentation. The cover art is particularly awe-inspiring, with a detailed illustration of the main characters surrounded by intricate patterns and designs. The use of gold-foil lettering and embossing also adds a touch of luxury and elegance to the manga.
Overall, the art style and presentation of Versailles of the Dead manga is a true masterpiece. The attention to detail, the use of Gothic elements, and the stunning presentation all come together to create a hauntingly beautiful work of art.
Similar Titles and Why Fans Love It
Versailles of the Dead is a unique manga that combines historical figures and supernatural creatures in a fascinating way. Fans of this genre are drawn to the intricate plotline and the beautifully drawn art. Here are some other manga titles that Versailles of the Dead might remind readers of, and why fans love them.
Black Butler
Black Butler is a popular manga that takes place in Victorian England. It follows the story of Ciel Phantomhive, who is not only the head of the noble Phantomhive family, but also a secret agent for the Queen of England. Similarly to Versailles of the Dead, Black Butler also features supernatural elements, including demons and ghosts. Fans love the intricate and unpredictable storylines, as well as the dark and gothic artwork.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is set in a post-apocalyptic world where giant humanoid creatures called Titans roam freely, threatening the survival of humanity. The story follows Eren Yeager, a young man who joins the military to fight the Titans. Similarly to Versailles of the Dead, the manga features action-packed elements and an intricate plotline. Fans love the intense emotions and battles, as well as the complex relationships between the characters.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a manga that spans generations and follows the story of different members of the Joestar family. The manga features supernatural elements, including the power of the Ripple and the mysterious Stand abilities. Similarly to Versailles of the Dead, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure features complex character relationships and an unpredictable storyline. Fans love the bizarre and unique artwork, as well as the inventive use of supernatural abilities.
Shingeki no Bahamut
Shingeki no Bahamut is a manga that borrows from various mythological sources to create an intricate and fantastical world. The story follows a bounty hunter, a demon, and a noblewoman as they attempt to save the world from the dragon known as Bahamut. Similarly to Versailles of the Dead, Shingeki no Bahamut features a mix of supernatural and historical elements. Fans love the detailed and mesmerizing artwork, as well as the high-stakes action and drama.
Overall, Versailles of the Dead is a unique and captivating manga that’s sure to appeal to fans of the historical and supernatural genres. With its complex characters, intricate relationships, and beautifully detailed artwork, it’s no wonder that fans of this genre keep coming back for more.
Future Possibilities and Conclusions
As fans eagerly wait for the release of Volume 3 of the manga, there is also speculation about the possibility of a second season of the anime adaptation. While there has been no official announcement yet, there is hope that the positive reception and growing popularity of the series will encourage the creators to continue the story.
If a second season were to be made, fans can expect to see more of the unique blend of history and horror that makes Versailles of the Dead so captivating. With the introduction of historical figures like Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI at the end of the first season, it will be interesting to see how their presence will affect the story. It is also possible that new characters, both historical and fictional, could be introduced to add even more depth and complexity to the world of the story.
Additionally, it will be exciting to see how the relationship between the two main characters, Marie and Hironmoyu, develops. At the end of the first season, there were hints of a romantic connection between the two, and it will be interesting to see if this dynamic is explored further.
Finally, one of the biggest draws of Versailles of the Dead is the stunning art and design. From the intricate period costumes to the gruesome depictions of the undead, the visuals of the series are a true feast for the eyes. A second season would provide even more opportunities for the creators to showcase their talent and create even more stunning and memorable scenes.
Overall, there is a lot of potential for Versailles of the Dead to continue to captivate audiences with its unique blend of history, horror, and romance. Whether through a second season of the anime or future volumes of the manga, fans can look forward to more exciting and unexpected twists and turns.
In conclusion, the appeal of Versailles of the Dead lies in its one-of-a-kind mix of elements that are not typically seen together. The art, storytelling, and characters all come together to create a world that is both beautiful and haunting. Whether you are a fan of horror, history, or romance, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this series. As the story continues to unfold, it will be exciting to see where it goes next.