Thanks again to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title.
It’s my first review in a month, and we’re diving into one of the best Shojo titles in manga today, CLAMP’s Magic Knight Rayearth Part One: Book One. It is one of the classic isekai tales that uses a traditional coming-of-age formula and is considered to be CLAMP’s masterwork. Magic Knight Rayearth has brought forth a sequel, two anime adaptations, an OVA, and several video games. CLAMP is known for its other work such as Cardcaptor Sakura, Angelic Layer, Chobits, xxxHolic, and Tsubasa.
What started as a normal field trip to Tokyo Tower, turned into a trip beyond time and space as three girls found themselves transported to a world called Cefiro, thanks to Princess Emeraude, who used the last of her strength. Following the prophecy, the three girls become magic knights, who must save the princess and Cefiro.nb
If you’re looking for a book to introduce someone to the Isekai Genre, Magic Knight Rayearth is the perfect book for new readers and ones who are up for a nostalgic walk down memory lane, in my case, I am a first-time reader of this series. This is a title that has it all. Magical Girls, Giant Mech Fights, and a meld of Fantasy and Science Fiction mixed.
To this day, the story still holds up strong in this iconic manga. It may feel outdated to some, but it was one of the first isekai titles on the market, a formula that is still used to this day. The first volume does a great job of setting up the world and the lore, but felt rushed in certain situations. I enjoyed how Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu are written. Each character is opposite from the other but is driven by the same goal, to save the Princess and prove themselves against Zagato. One other thing that is the most enjoyable about the story is how simple the plot is. It’s simple enough for a new reader to jump in.
Aside from the writing, the artwork is phenomenal. Each scene, action sequences, and layouts are well-drawn. The world of Cefiro looks amazing. From the creatures to the beings who inhabit it, Magic Knight Rayearth Book One certainly won me over. I haven’t read their work (aside from reading about Cardcaptor Sakura), but I will look into their work more.
Be sure to check out the re-release of Magic Knight Rayearth Book One, available now in print and digitally!
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Final Grade:
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