As one chapter of Richard’s life closes, peace for England comes at the heaviest cost.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Aya Kanno
Translation/Adaptation: Jocelyne Allen
What They Say
As the war between Lancaster and York rages on, the physical bond between Richard and Prince Edward becomes ever more apparent. Edward’s loyalties are tested in the heat of battle as his wife, Anne, carries out a desperate act to protect their dominion.
Content: (please note that content portions of this review contain spoilers for a very old bit of history):
The final battle of the war is at hand. Forces are being amassed and all cannons are being brought to the battlefield. It is here that the victor will finally be decided, Lancaster or York.
We don’t really care about that at the moment though because Richard finally realized that Henry was his sworn enemy. The despair nearly swallows Richard whole, who finds the only solace in throwing himself wholly into the upcoming battle. He comes up with a dangerous strategy to lure out the enemy and split them. It’s a risky plan, ruthless, but it succeeds.
He’s not the only one who struggles with despair. Anne learns of the death of her father. She finds the strength to move forward in supporting her Edward, at the request of his manipulative mother. Margaret ends up leading the forces, attempting to keep her son out of conflict because as long as he exists they have claim to the throne. Her plan is thwarted by the son she sought to protect, who learns that Anne is the one who is out to protect him.
The battle is illustrated fantastically. Kanno has an amazing sense for drama, not only in the execution of the plot but in panel framing as well. The depiction of the battlefield bordered by brambles of roses is perfect. Everything is perfectly planned and depicted, there’s not a wasted panel or detail.
As the House of York claims victory over Lancaster it would appear the war is over. However, loose ends need to be tied up, which means carrying out executions of the remaining Lancaster line. Here’s where the real tragedy moves in. We’ve watched Richard struggle for some length with what he is, and the one moment where it looks like he might be able to accept what he is and find acceptance is brutally snatched away by a specter from the past. It’s incredibly disappointing but history is clear and we know where the tragedy was heading but not the final form it would take.
Richard carries out his final duty in the blood feud which began long ago. He seeks to finally carry out his revenge, but the revelation that King Henry didn’t order his father’s death matters little. The emotions of betrayal of the different sort and the forbidden love which took root in both of them remains so fleeting. Even knowing that this moment was coming is doesn’t pull any punches. It hits hard.
In Summary
The first act of Richard’s life draws to a close and the curtain falls, for a time. This volume finally brings the sword that’s been dangling overhead for so many of these characters crashing down. Richard’s victory for his family comes at a great personal cost, as all his hearts desires are destroyed by his own hand. Everything is personal, raw, and ultimately damned. Kanno continues her fascinating and gripping retelling of the War of the Roses, adding new layers on top of an already tragic tale. As the story moves forward into the next act of history I can’t wait to see what other new twists Kanno adds.
Content Grade: A –
Art Grade: A –
Packaging Grade: B
Text/Translation Grade: A –
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: November 14th, 2017
MSRP: $9.99
