Friends or enemies?
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Jun Mochizuki
Translation/Adaptation: Taylor Engel
What They Say
Long ago, France was terrorized by The Beast of Gévaudan, who indiscriminately murdered hundreds. Before the creature could be stopped, the Beast vanished into thin air. Now, on the streets of nineteenth century Paris, news breaks of the Beast’s gruesome return. As Noé and Vanitas rush to learn more about the Beast and its connection to vampirekind, none other than the Holy Knight, Astolfo, and Jeanne, the Hellfire Witch, stand in their way…
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
While Vanitas is on a “date” with Jeanne, he realizes that Noé may be in danger from Lord Ruthen, but when he rushes back it seems Noé is the same sleepy vampire he left behind. The only thing different seems to be Noé’s desire for his blood. Before Vanitas and Noé can agree on anything, they are sent and eventually end up with a variety of people on the way to Gévaudan where a beast has been reported murdering many. Unknowingly, Jeanne and Astolfo from the Chaussuers are on the scene with Roland and Olivier close behind.
While theoretically, they are there to fight the Beast, their focus is easily lost. Astolfo wishes to crush Jeanne, so Vanitas lures him by taunting the younger boy, so Noé can take care of the rampaging Jeanne, who believes the Beast is her curse-bearing friend, Chloe. But Jeanne wants to kill the curse-bearer as she feels it is her duty, while Vanitas and Noé wish to try to save her.
During the midst of the fight, chaos descends on them and Noé is once again confronted by Charlatan. Vanitas brings out his book to end the dark beings surrounding being, but the chain that connects Vanitas to the book is shot and the tether breaks. Noé is picked up by Chloe, no longer a Beast, and another. Meanwhile, Vanitas is not doing well from the battle and Jeanne tries to save him even if their goals are different.
In Summary:
This series has been an absolute thrill to read. I am deeply in love with the art and the way Parisian and French culture and lore is threaded into the story. I am still keeping my fingers crossed for anime adaption someday. This is a story that is widely appealing to many people with action, humor, supernatural and mystery. It is exceptionally well done, and Yen Press has again done an outstanding job on its production. There are several color inserts and the cover has a nice treatment to it. I also appreciate the lack of ads at the end volume and the book is dedicated solely to the story. Read this series!
Content Grade: B+
Art Grade: A
Packaging Grade: A
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: Older Teen
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: January 22, 2019
MSRP: $13.00
