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天幕のジャードゥーガル [Tenmaku no Jaadugar] #1
Jaadugar, la légende de Fatima - Tome 01
Deux femmes face au bouleversement de l'empire mongol
Empire mongol, XIIIe siècle. La jeune esclave Sitara découvre ce qui sera sa seule et unique arme pour survivre : le savoir. Lorsque sa route croise celle de Töregene, la sixième épouse de l'empereur, tout bascule. Dans ce monde ravagé par les conquêtes et la guerre, parviendra-t-elle à trouver sa place ? Pourra-t-elle seulement exercer ses talents ?
Librement adapté de la véritable histoire d’une figure influente de l’époque, Jaadugar, la légende de Fatima (Tenmaku no Jaadugar) retrace le partenariat de deux femmes qui ont bouleversé l’Empire Mongol.
Empire mongol, XIIIe siècle. La jeune esclave Sitara découvre ce qui sera sa seule et unique arme pour survivre : le savoir. Lorsque sa route croise celle de Töregene, la sixième épouse de l'empereur, tout bascule. Dans ce monde ravagé par les conquêtes et la guerre, parviendra-t-elle à trouver sa place ? Pourra-t-elle seulement exercer ses talents ?
Librement adapté de la véritable histoire d’une figure influente de l’époque, Jaadugar, la légende de Fatima (Tenmaku no Jaadugar) retrace le partenariat de deux femmes qui ont bouleversé l’Empire Mongol.
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 15, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Yen Press for an eARC of this book to read and review.
Well, this was DARK. It's historical and it doesn't pull punches when it comes to the horribly brutal things humans have done to other humans, and usually for the stupidest of reasons. If you enjoy violent revenge fantasy set in historical times, then this is the series for you.
It's not bad, the artwork and story are fine, but it doesn't resonate with me.
2, not my cuppa, stars.
Well, this was DARK. It's historical and it doesn't pull punches when it comes to the horribly brutal things humans have done to other humans, and usually for the stupidest of reasons. If you enjoy violent revenge fantasy set in historical times, then this is the series for you.
It's not bad, the artwork and story are fine, but it doesn't resonate with me.
2, not my cuppa, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
Set in the 13th century during the expansion of the Mongol Empire, this historical fiction gets off to a rocky start under the weight of its heavy Osamu Tezuka influence.
It's ostensibly based on the life of a real woman from the city of Tus in what is today Iran. Fatima will one day become an influential figure in the Mongol court, but at the start of this book, she is just a slave girl named Sitara, who -- despite her temper -- strives to better her situation through education.
But just as she starts to find her groove -- BAM! -- Mongol invasion!
I don't know much of the actual history here, but a little research shows that the author is probably taking a lot of liberties, which would be fine if the story were engaging on its own, but it comes off like a juvenile adventure story, specifically like one produced by Tezuka, who, despite his huge reputation in manga, never has done much for me with his broad style of writing and cartoonish art.
Honestly, reading this just made me wish I had the newest volume of Kaoru Mori's A Bride's Story, which is also set in Central Asia, though hundred of years later. The drawing and writing are just so much stronger than anything on display here.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Chapters 1-7
It's ostensibly based on the life of a real woman from the city of Tus in what is today Iran. Fatima will one day become an influential figure in the Mongol court, but at the start of this book, she is just a slave girl named Sitara, who -- despite her temper -- strives to better her situation through education.
But just as she starts to find her groove -- BAM! -- Mongol invasion!
I don't know much of the actual history here, but a little research shows that the author is probably taking a lot of liberties, which would be fine if the story were engaging on its own, but it comes off like a juvenile adventure story, specifically like one produced by Tezuka, who, despite his huge reputation in manga, never has done much for me with his broad style of writing and cartoonish art.
Honestly, reading this just made me wish I had the newest volume of Kaoru Mori's A Bride's Story, which is also set in Central Asia, though hundred of years later. The drawing and writing are just so much stronger than anything on display here.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Chapters 1-7
October 27, 2024
3,5/5
J’ai passé un très bon moment de lecture avec Jaadugar. Comme son nom l’indique, le livre nous raconte le récit historique de Fatima. Esclave Perse capturée après que sa ville ait été conquise et décimée par les Mongols, et traversera toute l’Asie pour vivre dans les steppes Mongoles, au service de la reine du Khan.
Si le fond du récit peut paraître violent et cruel, et les magnifiques et très doux dessins le rendent beaucoup plus digeste et agréable à lire.
Je lirais les tomes suivants avec grand plaisir !
J’ai passé un très bon moment de lecture avec Jaadugar. Comme son nom l’indique, le livre nous raconte le récit historique de Fatima. Esclave Perse capturée après que sa ville ait été conquise et décimée par les Mongols, et traversera toute l’Asie pour vivre dans les steppes Mongoles, au service de la reine du Khan.
Si le fond du récit peut paraître violent et cruel, et les magnifiques et très doux dessins le rendent beaucoup plus digeste et agréable à lire.
Je lirais les tomes suivants avec grand plaisir !
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June 22, 2025This was not for me 😅
September 3, 2026
ก่อนหน้านี้ยังแวะไปมัสยิดหรือฮัมมัมอยู่เลย แต่ละคนต่างก็มีชีวิตสุขทุกข์เป็นของตัวเอง แต่ตอนนี้ กลับต้องมาอยู่ที่นี่ ไม่มีทั้งอดีตหรืออนาคต
ชื่อไทย: จาดูการ์แห่งแม่มดมองโกล
ถ้าดูอนิเมะควบคู่ไปด้วย เนื้อหาในเล่มนี้คืออนิเมะตอนที่ 1-4 ค่ะ (จบเล่มนี้ก็ประมาณครึ่งตอนที่ 4 ดูค้างถึงตอนนั้นพอดีเลยจำได้555)
ลายเส้นน่ารักและเหมาะกับเนื้อเรื่องมาก (?) ยอมใจที่สามารถลดทอนเสื้อผ้าดีเทลละเอียดยิบมาอยู่ในรูปแบบลายเส้นน่ารัก แต่ยังคงความเน้นลายปักลายผ้าและดีเทลล้านแปดเอาไว้ได้ คือลดทอนก็จริง แต่นึกภาพออกอะว่าของจริงเป็นประมาณไหน เป็นลายเส้นที่น้อยแต่มาก เรียบแต่โก้ โอ้โห มีเสน่ห์สุด ๆ วาดฉาก วาดวิว วาดตัวละครได้มีเสน่ห์มากจริง ๆ
มีบางจุดที่อนิเมะทำได้ดีมาก และบางซีนที่มังงะอธิบายความรู้สึกของตัวละครได้ดีกว่า ดีคนละแบบ นี่ว่าจะทั้งดูและอ่านควบคู่กันไป555 อย่างคสพ.น้องสิตารากับมูฮัมหมัด ในอนิเมคือฉันเห็นความเคารพ ความรักแบบหนุ่มสาว ความรักและห่วงใยในฐานะลูกชายของนายหญิง ความคิดถึง ความรู้สึกผิด และความชื่นชม แต่ในมังงะจะเห็นได้ว่า...
มันมีความอิจฉาซ่อนลึกอยู่ในนั้นด้วย
ฉันชอบรายละเอียดเล็ก ๆ น้อย ๆ แบบนี้พอสมควร คงได้ตามต่อยาว ๆ แหละ555
และเรื่องนี้ตัวละครในเรื่องมีอยู่ในประวัติศาสตร์จริง นั่นหมายความว่าทุกคนสามารถศึกษาและรู้สปอยล์ตอนจบของเรื่องนี้ได้ตลอดเวลา555 แต่ก็ตามอ่านต่อแหละ จะจบยังไงก็แล้วแต่คนเขียนเลย รับได้หมดอะ มาเลย ๆ 😂
ส่งท้าย ท่านซอร์คอคตานีคือน่ารักมากกกกก เมนฉันนนน
June 7, 2025
This manga is such a breath of fresh air! Unique setting and premise, and the most intriguing and unique artsyle made this story stand out from other new releases this year for me. I'm looking forward to reading more.
January 29, 2026
aspettavo l’uscita di questo manga da diverso tempo e sono felice che questo primo volume sia valso l’attesa!! la storia è molto interessante e mi piace molto il setting storico e culturale in cui è ambientata, lo stile dei disegni è davvero adorabile!!🥺🩷
5⭐️
5⭐️
June 8, 2025
The fact that this is a historical tale set in the Mongol Empire was enough to make my history loving heart sing :)
This did a great job of spotlighting the cultural diversity of the region as well. Mood whiplash and poorly handled time jumps abound and somehow there is more math involved than I would have expected??? ( which is to say none). The heavy lines of the art style won’t resonate with everyone but, I didn’t mind. Reminded me a bit of Persepolis or maybe that old movie everyone always gets confused with Aladdin, The Thief and the Cobbler.
This did a great job of spotlighting the cultural diversity of the region as well. Mood whiplash and poorly handled time jumps abound and somehow there is more math involved than I would have expected??? ( which is to say none). The heavy lines of the art style won’t resonate with everyone but, I didn’t mind. Reminded me a bit of Persepolis or maybe that old movie everyone always gets confused with Aladdin, The Thief and the Cobbler.
March 28, 2025
خب میخوام درمورد مانگاهایی که شخصیت 'ایرانی' دارن صحبت کنم. یه نمونش این اثر:
اسم این مانگا "جادوگر" هست و شخصیت اصلی کتاب یه دختر ایرانی هست
من هنوز این مانگا رو نخوندم ولی جایزه مهمی برده و تعریفش رو زیاد میبینم. آرتش با آرت های معمول حوزه مانگا به شدت فرق داره و خاص هست و داستانش هم تازه است.ترجمه انگلیسی (فن اسکنلیشن)هم شده و ترجمه رسمی اش هم در دست چاپ هست. [ مطلب رو زیر ترجمه رسمی فرانسوی اش مینویسم چون زودتر از نسخه ی انگلیسی منتشر شده] خلاصه اگر با خوندن مانگا در حال انتشار مشکلی ندارید بخونید و لذت ببرید..
یه اثر ژاپنی دیگه که شخصیت های ایرانی داره مجموعه "افسانه قهرمانی ارسلان" هست که مانگاکاش،مانگاکای سری معروف کیمیاگر تمام فلزی هست و براساس یه مجموعه رمان معروف تصویر شده که نویسنده اش همون نویسنده رمان (و انیمه) به شدت معروف legend of galactic heros هست. حالا افسانه ارسلان دو تا ورژن انیمه داره: یکی که قدیمی و مال دهه نود میلادیه ؛ یکی که دو فصلیه براساس مانگای در حال انتشاری هست که گفتم. اون ورژن قدیمی به مراتب طراحی کاراکتر بهتری داره و واقعا چشم نواز هست.خود مجموعه رمان اش ولی تکمیل شده گرچه میدونم پایان بندی خوبی نداشته و بعید میدونم نسخه ترجمه انگیسی کامل داشته باشه.در ظاهر تاریخی ولی حقیقتا فانتزیه و نویسنده فقط از عناصر ایرانی الهام گرفته.
[ فلسفه جدیدم (فعلا) در مورد مانگا خوانی، خوندن مجموعه های تموم شده است. اینقدر دنبال کردن مانگاهای در حال انتشار برام سخت بوده که به این ترجیح رسیدم]
اسم این مانگا "جادوگر" هست و شخصیت اصلی کتاب یه دختر ایرانی هست
من هنوز این مانگا رو نخوندم ولی جایزه مهمی برده و تعریفش رو زیاد میبینم. آرتش با آرت های معمول حوزه مانگا به شدت فرق داره و خاص هست و داستانش هم تازه است.ترجمه انگلیسی (فن اسکنلیشن)هم شده و ترجمه رسمی اش هم در دست چاپ هست. [ مطلب رو زیر ترجمه رسمی فرانسوی اش مینویسم چون زودتر از نسخه ی انگلیسی منتشر شده] خلاصه اگر با خوندن مانگا در حال انتشار مشکلی ندارید بخونید و لذت ببرید..
یه اثر ژاپنی دیگه که شخصیت های ایرانی داره مجموعه "افسانه قهرمانی ارسلان" هست که مانگاکاش،مانگاکای سری معروف کیمیاگر تمام فلزی هست و براساس یه مجموعه رمان معروف تصویر شده که نویسنده اش همون نویسنده رمان (و انیمه) به شدت معروف legend of galactic heros هست. حالا افسانه ارسلان دو تا ورژن انیمه داره: یکی که قدیمی و مال دهه نود میلادیه ؛ یکی که دو فصلیه براساس مانگای در حال انتشاری هست که گفتم. اون ورژن قدیمی به مراتب طراحی کاراکتر بهتری داره و واقعا چشم نواز هست.خود مجموعه رمان اش ولی تکمیل شده گرچه میدونم پایان بندی خوبی نداشته و بعید میدونم نسخه ترجمه انگیسی کامل داشته باشه.در ظاهر تاریخی ولی حقیقتا فانتزیه و نویسنده فقط از عناصر ایرانی الهام گرفته.
[ فلسفه جدیدم (فعلا) در مورد مانگا خوانی، خوندن مجموعه های تموم شده است. اینقدر دنبال کردن مانگاهای در حال انتشار برام سخت بوده که به این ترجیح رسیدم]
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October 26, 2024j’adore
August 22, 2025
oh, I need the rest of this series translated right now—I’m truly enamoured 💕
September 16, 2025
A Witch's Life on Mongol follows the life of a young girl named Sitara in 13th century Persia whose life is upended by the invasion of the Mongol Empire. I was aware going in that this was a historical manga and not to expect magic, but I was really surprised to learn it was based off of a real life historical figure! There's obviously going to be a fair amount of dramatization to the history given how long ago all these events occurred, but the author stays true to the details of the time period even if not to Fatima's actual life. The sad part of history is that so much is lost or never recorded, and I still appreciate that the author is looking to highlight this time period.
I can definitely see comparisons made to Tezuka with both the storytelling and the simplified style of this, but what comedic elements Tezuka usually infuses even in his most serious work are totally lacking here. A Witch's Life in Mongol is pitch black in tone and themes, and explores the atrocities of war without hesitation. If you get tonal whiplash from a chibi art style being used to depict some of the worst things in human history, then know going in that this won't work for you. It still worked for me, and I felt drawn in to the time period and Sitara's quest for knowledge and revenge.
This manga is a breath of fresh air in its subject matter, art style, and appreciation for history. If you like tragic, dramatic explorations of the past, A Witch's Life in Mongol will definitely appeal.
Thank you to Yen Press for my ARC provided through Netgalley.
I can definitely see comparisons made to Tezuka with both the storytelling and the simplified style of this, but what comedic elements Tezuka usually infuses even in his most serious work are totally lacking here. A Witch's Life in Mongol is pitch black in tone and themes, and explores the atrocities of war without hesitation. If you get tonal whiplash from a chibi art style being used to depict some of the worst things in human history, then know going in that this won't work for you. It still worked for me, and I felt drawn in to the time period and Sitara's quest for knowledge and revenge.
This manga is a breath of fresh air in its subject matter, art style, and appreciation for history. If you like tragic, dramatic explorations of the past, A Witch's Life in Mongol will definitely appeal.
Thank you to Yen Press for my ARC provided through Netgalley.
May 18, 2026
Despite knowing roughly what the story is about, I never actually read the blurb so I was surprised by how dark and violent the series gets. I don't have a problem with that, as I'm more put off by how the narrator keeps explaining history to the reader; I wish it's integrated into the story in a more natural way. So far, I like how spunky of a protagonist Sitara is. I'm also a fan of the bold and graphic art style, which is very cartoony.
September 13, 2024
文案說住在伊朗東部的女奴主角
因蒙古西征被俘
之後為了報仇,變成伊兒汗國的魔女
但第一集還講不到那麼遠去
只寫到主角所居的城市被屠城
主角被蒙古人帶著往東走而已
作者挺厲害的是嵌合史實不著痕跡
第一集畫主角被往東運的時候
恰好碰到丘處機正往西去朝見成吉思汗
於是主角偷聽到了長春真人養生的秘密
其他還有好多有點認識又不熟蒙古大臣名將
畫風很明顯模倣波斯細密畫的風格
但古拙可愛,劇情又十分特別
這種冷門到不行的劇情
不知道尖端能撐幾集
等完結我大概奔五了,看得到嗎????
因蒙古西征被俘
之後為了報仇,變成伊兒汗國的魔女
但第一集還講不到那麼遠去
只寫到主角所居的城市被屠城
主角被蒙古人帶著往東走而已
作者挺厲害的是嵌合史實不著痕跡
第一集畫主角被往東運的時候
恰好碰到丘處機正往西去朝見成吉思汗
於是主角偷聽到了長春真人養生的秘密
其他還有好多有點認識又不熟蒙古大臣名將
畫風很明顯模倣波斯細密畫的風格
但古拙可愛,劇情又十分特別
這種冷門到不行的劇情
不知道尖端能撐幾集
等完結我大概奔五了,看得到嗎????
August 22, 2026
A great introduction to a time in history most of us in the west know very little about. The art has a very eastern influence - it reminds me of Arabic calligraphy in many places and the designs and patterns are even more reminiscent of that part of history. So much of science and math comes from and through the Islamic world - which is what made the destruction of Bait al Hikma (the house of wisdom) which contained many books and manuscripts so tragic. It is a pivotal moment in Islamic History.
Fatima (the name our main character has assumed) is quite a clever girl. I love that the story centers around her and around her experiences - how she learns and grows and considers best positioning herself to not only live but to seek revenge. Those she meets along the way - and those that stay constant even if they are not always present. I found this volume to be the most emotional to read - with the story of becoming a slave so prominent. The explanations and history (end of book notes) were outstanding.
Fatima (the name our main character has assumed) is quite a clever girl. I love that the story centers around her and around her experiences - how she learns and grows and considers best positioning herself to not only live but to seek revenge. Those she meets along the way - and those that stay constant even if they are not always present. I found this volume to be the most emotional to read - with the story of becoming a slave so prominent. The explanations and history (end of book notes) were outstanding.
April 7, 2026
Creo que me ha gustado mucho por el dibujo diferente a lo habitual, por centrar la historia en el saber, además de por la agilidad del momento histórico que cuenta que parece más un elemento contextual que no tiene el máximo protagonismo. El centro es ella y su valor para sobrevivir con astucia e inteligencia.
July 7, 2026
I cannot wait to read the rest of this. I started to read it since the anime is coming out soon, and I am instantly hooked. Well researched, with so much respect for its source culture. It already has the potential to be a real gem.....
January 18, 2026
This is an amazing story. I haven't read one like this in a while and the draws are so pretty
September 22, 2024
Je suis tellement hype par le récit historique inspiré d'une femme qui a bouleversé la politique de sont continent, j'ai hâte dans savoir plus. Le dessin est semblable à persepolis et J'ADORE
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August 9, 2026Not quite sure about how I feel by the author using "witch" for a female wielding knowledge who first appears as a slave child.
March 22, 2026
only okay unfortunately. i think what primarily throws me off is the art is a bit too childish for the subject matter. everyone has the same babyish face and the art can’t properly convey the intense emotions—rage, vengeance, humiliation—as needed. i think kaoru mori’s a bride’s story, also set in central asia, accomplishes a similar premise much better; same goes for the very popular apothecary diaries. a lot of the events here rang a bit false (e.g. her mistress calling sitara her daughter, the ensuing revenge arc) and i couldn’t connect to this as much as i’d like to. i don’t say this often, but making this an anime will actually do quite a bit for it...
September 28, 2025
The world...is truly wide, is it not?
Is manga, or comics more generally, the best medium for conveying historical stories? Are illustrations accompanied by text and narrative more effective at helping audiences to understand history and other peoples? Or, like certain television shows and movies, are they just as prone to propagandizing and miseducating?
I don't ask the above questions because I have any answers. They're questions which kick around inside my brain sometimes when enjoying a work of historical fiction, which I'm happy to say was the case with this first volume of A Witch's Life in Mongol.
This is the tale of Sitara, a slave in the Iranian city of Tus, 1213 AD. Adopted by a family of scholars as part of a transaction, Sitara is educated and integrated into the family. Her initial urge to escape becomes tempered by her want for knowledge and her affection for her owners. Unfortunately for her and the city of Tus, this is also the era of Genghis Khan. The Khwarazmian Empire, of which Tus is part of, is soon to be predated on by the Khan's armies...
I was drawn to A Witch's Life by three things: the beautiful artwork, the promise of a glimpse into Iranian history, and the news of Science Saru adapting it. I expected to learn from the book, to find it fascinating. What I wasn't prepared for, perhaps naively, was to be reminded so much of what's happening the Middle East today. As the title and synopsis gives away, this manga is perhaps more about the Mongols than Persia itself. Their arrival, about midway through the book, marks a painful shift in the narrative. Without spoiling much, the images of what happens to Tus reminded me of photos out of Palestine today, and even of the Zionist aggression Iran experienced scant months ago. It made me think of all the Middle East has endured at the hands of the West in the past two centuries. I didn't expect to cry reading this book, but these real-life associations, along with the raw emotion of Tomato Soup's characters, got to me.
Speaking of characters, Sitara is eminently relatable. Deprived of her agency by her status as a slave, she fights to survive through learning, through proving herself too useful to ignore. She's an immediately compelling character, especially as Tomato Soup uses her experiences to illustrate how multi-dimensional and fucked up humanity is. It sets up a tale of using learning to find freedom in a world where freedom and life are too often ripped from people who just want to live and love.
This being a historical tale, it does move rather fast, jumping between years in Sitara's development and introducing characters just as quickly as they're killed off. While Tomato Soup doesn't shirk on giving us intimacy with Sitara, this does give the events in the book something of a sense of passing quickly. It did make me wish for a few more moments of lingering on events in Sitara's life, especially considering how beautiful the art and relationships between the characters is.
And that art. It all has a lovely, storybook-quality to it that weaves in classical Persian art with Tezuka-esque character design, making for very clean blacks and whites. It made some of the violence which occurs feel even starker in contrast to the relative peace of other scenes. Consider me very curious to see how Science Saru will translate it to animation.
This volume ends with Sitara arriving at the next phase in her life, just before the Mongols are to experience a massive shift in their leadership. The promise of what the volume sets up, along with how endearing a character Sitara is and emotional power of the tale, were enough for me to put in an preorder with my local comic shop for volume 2. I look forward to it, and hope Tomato Soup takes more time to let the narrative and relationships within it breathe. This could be a rich, beautiful run of manga if we're fortunate.
Is manga, or comics more generally, the best medium for conveying historical stories? Are illustrations accompanied by text and narrative more effective at helping audiences to understand history and other peoples? Or, like certain television shows and movies, are they just as prone to propagandizing and miseducating?
I don't ask the above questions because I have any answers. They're questions which kick around inside my brain sometimes when enjoying a work of historical fiction, which I'm happy to say was the case with this first volume of A Witch's Life in Mongol.
This is the tale of Sitara, a slave in the Iranian city of Tus, 1213 AD. Adopted by a family of scholars as part of a transaction, Sitara is educated and integrated into the family. Her initial urge to escape becomes tempered by her want for knowledge and her affection for her owners. Unfortunately for her and the city of Tus, this is also the era of Genghis Khan. The Khwarazmian Empire, of which Tus is part of, is soon to be predated on by the Khan's armies...
I was drawn to A Witch's Life by three things: the beautiful artwork, the promise of a glimpse into Iranian history, and the news of Science Saru adapting it. I expected to learn from the book, to find it fascinating. What I wasn't prepared for, perhaps naively, was to be reminded so much of what's happening the Middle East today. As the title and synopsis gives away, this manga is perhaps more about the Mongols than Persia itself. Their arrival, about midway through the book, marks a painful shift in the narrative. Without spoiling much, the images of what happens to Tus reminded me of photos out of Palestine today, and even of the Zionist aggression Iran experienced scant months ago. It made me think of all the Middle East has endured at the hands of the West in the past two centuries. I didn't expect to cry reading this book, but these real-life associations, along with the raw emotion of Tomato Soup's characters, got to me.
Speaking of characters, Sitara is eminently relatable. Deprived of her agency by her status as a slave, she fights to survive through learning, through proving herself too useful to ignore. She's an immediately compelling character, especially as Tomato Soup uses her experiences to illustrate how multi-dimensional and fucked up humanity is. It sets up a tale of using learning to find freedom in a world where freedom and life are too often ripped from people who just want to live and love.
This being a historical tale, it does move rather fast, jumping between years in Sitara's development and introducing characters just as quickly as they're killed off. While Tomato Soup doesn't shirk on giving us intimacy with Sitara, this does give the events in the book something of a sense of passing quickly. It did make me wish for a few more moments of lingering on events in Sitara's life, especially considering how beautiful the art and relationships between the characters is.
And that art. It all has a lovely, storybook-quality to it that weaves in classical Persian art with Tezuka-esque character design, making for very clean blacks and whites. It made some of the violence which occurs feel even starker in contrast to the relative peace of other scenes. Consider me very curious to see how Science Saru will translate it to animation.
This volume ends with Sitara arriving at the next phase in her life, just before the Mongols are to experience a massive shift in their leadership. The promise of what the volume sets up, along with how endearing a character Sitara is and emotional power of the tale, were enough for me to put in an preorder with my local comic shop for volume 2. I look forward to it, and hope Tomato Soup takes more time to let the narrative and relationships within it breathe. This could be a rich, beautiful run of manga if we're fortunate.
July 10, 2026
This first volume covers nearly the first month's worth of anime. The anime goes for a full color, almost watercolor styled adaptation with fluid motions and incredible attention to detail. Even when a landscape is temporary or about to be destroyed in war it's given the attention to be a fully realized, fully lived in space.
The manga, meanwhile, is done in a stark black and white with thicker and rounder lines than is typical. The style is very similar to Marjane Satrapi's. It too takes its time with carefully drawing the scenery.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2026/com...
The manga, meanwhile, is done in a stark black and white with thicker and rounder lines than is typical. The style is very similar to Marjane Satrapi's. It too takes its time with carefully drawing the scenery.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2026/com...
June 3, 2025
una historia conmovedora, con un principio fuerte pero real. para los amantes de la historia y para los amantes del shoujosei♡
June 25, 2026
This is lowk my latest obsession after taking a history of South Asia class this semester and seeing the Muslim representation I always wanted as a kid 🥹 I also love the theme of knowledge and the emphasis on the obligation we Muslims have to seek knowledge. “A Witch’s Life in Mongol” only inspires me to become more knowledgeable in life! Alhamdulillah 🤲🏽
March 1, 2026
I love the historical aspect of this. I also think the art is very unique with beautiful details in every panel. My main issue is I feel like the historical aspect is being heavily polished to fit the YA standard. Taking risks needs full commitment. I may come back to it.
November 19, 2024
Soyons honnête, malgré la belle promo de l’éditeur autour de ce titre, j’avais quelques a priori dus tout simplement au dessin un peu enfantin de l’autrice et à leur rendu très ancré en grand format. Je suis donc contente d’avoir eu l’opportunité de dépasser cela pour découvrir une histoire extrêmement riche et puissante, qui résonne fort en nous en ce moment.
Depuis 2021 Tomato Soup nous propose avec ce josei d’aller à la rencontre d’un peuple souvent méconnu : les Perses, à travers l’histoire d’une petite fille d’abord esclave au sein d’une famille de scientifiques perses, puis sur les routes après les attaques des troupes mongoles du XIIIe avec les célèbre Gengis Khan et ses fils. Comme ont pu le faire avant lui des titres comme Bride Stories ou Isabella Bird, Jaadugar ouvre notre regard à ces cultures autres, à cette histoire souvent raconté avec un regard assez biaisé pendant longtemps en Occident.
Alors oui, le dessin de Tomato Soup m’a surpris d’abord. Sorte d’hommage aux premiers mangas à la Tezuka, il a cette rondeur enfantine qu’on trouvait chez le maître et qui donne des allures d’enfants mêmes aux adultes. C’était le cas aussi chez Tezuka dans son célèbre Bouddha dont je retrouve certains échos ici. Mais l’autrice se l’est approprié pour en faire un vrai vecteur culturel et retranscrire par son dessin les particularités de ses cultures. Elle a ainsi construit un dessin très riche en traits et motifs, qui viennent compléter la simplicité de celui des personnages et qui rappelle un peu les représentations qu’on trouve dans les textes illustrés des Mille et une nuits. Ambiance, ambiance.
Côté histoire, là aussi, l’autrice s’approprie parfaitement ces lieux et nous offre un discours tout en nuances. Elle est là pour nous faire découvrir et non juger ces peuples et j’ai adoré cela. Ainsi avec elle, nous plongeons dans le quotidien d’une famille perse musulmane et nous découvrons la place de la science et de la connaissance dans leur vécu de la religion, à travers l’adoption d’une jeune esclave pour l’instruire, à travers le voyage d’un jeune garçon pour élargir ses horizons. La religion musulmane est loin de la représentation fermée et archaïque que certains cherchent à donner actuellement ici. Elle est à l’inverse un vrai moteur de savoir et de partage. L‘autrice nous parle donc sans tabou de religion, d’esclaves domestiques et on se rend compte de la vision faussée véhiculée. J’avais déjà écouté une excellente émission du »Cours de l’Histoire » sur France radio qui évoquait cela dans les sérails !
De la même façon, elle s’intéresse au fil des aventures de Stella, qui prendra ensuite le nom de Fatima, au rôle des pénétrations mongoles et aux perturbations provoquées. C’est à nouveau assez cru, brutal, sans concession. Là où elle bousculait nous idées sur la religion musulmane dans la Perse du XIIIe, elle dresse un portrait tout aussi nuancé du désir d’expansion de ceux-ci, montrant la violence subie d’un côté par les victimes et c’est normal, mais les désirs de découvertes, de connaissances et de partage des savoirs de l’autre également. Tout n’est pas si simple.
Et notre jeune héroïne se retrouve être celle qui, balancée au milieu de tous ces troubles, va nous faire pénétrer ses univers. Stella doit d’abord s’acclimater à la vie d’esclave, puis perdre cette place durement acquise pour affronter un destin plus cruel et en tirer à nouveau son épingle du jeu. J’ai beaucoup aimé la résilience de cette jeune héroïne, sa curiosité et sa force à toute épreuve. Parfois elle chute, elle vit durement ses pertes et c’est normal, mais ça ne l’arrête pas. Je suis donc très curieuse de voir comment elle va à nouveau s’adapter à cette nouvelle vie, ce nouveau peuple, elle qui déjà souhaite apprendre sa langue et comprendre ses coutumes pour s’intégrer.
C’est vraiment une vaste fresque ethnologique passionnante qui se dessine au côté de cette jeune héroïne curieuse de tout et dotée d’une belle logique. Quand science, histoire et humanisme se mélangeant, cela donne comme dans Du Mouvement de la Terre un récit passionnant qui embrase et embrasse le coeur du lecteur, le conduisant à revoir ses préjugés et à élargir son esprit pour accueillir d’autres cultures.
Article complet : https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....
November 8, 2024
J’étais vraiment très curieuse de découvrir ce titre. Le résumé m’a donné envie d’en savoir plus. Je trouvais que l’histoire allait être très enrichissante sur tous les plans et ce fut le cas. J’ai vraiment été très surprise par cette lecture puisque je ne m’attendais pas du tout à autant apprécier ma lecture. J’ai adoré le style graphique. Les dessins ont un côté très innocent alors que l’histoire relate des choses vraiment horrible. Mais vraiment les dessins m’ont beaucoup plu j’ai adoré.
Dans ce premier tome, la jeune esclave Sitara découvre ce qui sera sa seule et unique arme pour survivre : le savoir. Lorsque sa route croise celle de Töregene, la sixième épouse de l’empereur, tout bascule. Dans ce monde ravagé par les conquêtes et la guerre, parviendra-t-elle à trouver sa place ? Pourra-t-elle seulement exercer ses talents ?
Comme je viens de le dire, le style graphique m’a vraiment beaucoup plu j’ai adoré découvrir toutes ces pages. Du côté de l’histoire, j’ai trouvé que c’était hyper intéressant à découvrir. Déjà j’ai beaucoup aimé le côté savoir de l’histoire. La famille dans laquelle Sitara atterrit est une famille de savants. Elle va donc apprendre des tas de choses au fil des ans. Ensuite, c’est une histoire très intéressante du côté des personnages. La petite Sitara m’a tellement impressionné! Le courage qu’elle a au vu de son jeune âge, c’est vraiment remarquable. J’ai adoré son caractère au début c’était limite assez drôle. Elle possède une force en elle c’est juste wow. J’ai adoré voir son personnage évoluer au fil des ans, elle est devenue encore plus courageuse je trouve. Elle va se retrouver dans une situation des plus difficiles mais ne va clairement pas se laisser abattre et va faire face à tout ça avec bravoure. Franchement ce personnage était génial à découvrir et à suivre, j’ai très hâte de voir ce qu’elle va faire par la suite en tout cas. Nul doute qu’elle va m’impressionner de plus en plus, je le sens.
C’est un premier tome plein de surprises que l’on a ici. J’ai adoré cette histoire que j’ai trouvé hyper enrichissante et très intéressante. L’intrigue est elle aussi plus qu’intéressante. Je me pose pas mal de questions pour la suite et je suis impatiente de voir ce que Sitara va finir par faire dans la situation dans laquelle elle se trouve! J’ai hâte de voir ce que le second tome va nous réserver!
Dans ce premier tome, la jeune esclave Sitara découvre ce qui sera sa seule et unique arme pour survivre : le savoir. Lorsque sa route croise celle de Töregene, la sixième épouse de l’empereur, tout bascule. Dans ce monde ravagé par les conquêtes et la guerre, parviendra-t-elle à trouver sa place ? Pourra-t-elle seulement exercer ses talents ?
Comme je viens de le dire, le style graphique m’a vraiment beaucoup plu j’ai adoré découvrir toutes ces pages. Du côté de l’histoire, j’ai trouvé que c’était hyper intéressant à découvrir. Déjà j’ai beaucoup aimé le côté savoir de l’histoire. La famille dans laquelle Sitara atterrit est une famille de savants. Elle va donc apprendre des tas de choses au fil des ans. Ensuite, c’est une histoire très intéressante du côté des personnages. La petite Sitara m’a tellement impressionné! Le courage qu’elle a au vu de son jeune âge, c’est vraiment remarquable. J’ai adoré son caractère au début c’était limite assez drôle. Elle possède une force en elle c’est juste wow. J’ai adoré voir son personnage évoluer au fil des ans, elle est devenue encore plus courageuse je trouve. Elle va se retrouver dans une situation des plus difficiles mais ne va clairement pas se laisser abattre et va faire face à tout ça avec bravoure. Franchement ce personnage était génial à découvrir et à suivre, j’ai très hâte de voir ce qu’elle va faire par la suite en tout cas. Nul doute qu’elle va m’impressionner de plus en plus, je le sens.
C’est un premier tome plein de surprises que l’on a ici. J’ai adoré cette histoire que j’ai trouvé hyper enrichissante et très intéressante. L’intrigue est elle aussi plus qu’intéressante. Je me pose pas mal de questions pour la suite et je suis impatiente de voir ce que Sitara va finir par faire dans la situation dans laquelle elle se trouve! J’ai hâte de voir ce que le second tome va nous réserver!
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