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Mirrorverse: Belle
In diesem Prequel-Manga, der in der Welt des Mobile Games DISNEY MIRRORVERSE spielt, erfährst du, wie das Leben von Belle aussah, bevor sie eine Wächterin wurde!
Belle ist eine furchtlose Kriegerin, die mit Intelligenz und Magie kämpft. In dieser alternativen Welt führt sie ein magisches Zepter, das sie mit dem Wissen aus zahllosen Büchern verstärkt hat. Als Hüterin des Lichts stellt sie sich den gefährlichen Schattenwesen entgegen und setzt alles daran, das Gleichgewicht zwischen Licht und Dunkelheit zu bewahren. Ihre Entschlossenheit und ihr Verstand machen sie zu einer unverzichtbaren Anführerin im Kampf für das Gute.
Belle ist eine furchtlose Kriegerin, die mit Intelligenz und Magie kämpft. In dieser alternativen Welt führt sie ein magisches Zepter, das sie mit dem Wissen aus zahllosen Büchern verstärkt hat. Als Hüterin des Lichts stellt sie sich den gefährlichen Schattenwesen entgegen und setzt alles daran, das Gleichgewicht zwischen Licht und Dunkelheit zu bewahren. Ihre Entschlossenheit und ihr Verstand machen sie zu einer unverzichtbaren Anführerin im Kampf für das Gute.
174 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2025
14 people are currently reading
6870 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 22, 2025
I like the warrior style Disney ladies. A spell/curse has gone wrong. The magic unleashed is spreading. Can a kind but strange girl step into the role of sn enchantress? Who will be the hero of this story. I love the anime style drawings (though the panels of this book are left to right). I like that this version of Belle is tougher and more out spoken. However, there is a very fine line between confidence and ego!
December 6, 2024
Super cutesy and fun!
September 5, 2024
If there's one thing I can't resist, it's Disney books. So, when I discovered this book I had to have it right away. I had just not realized that it was a graphic novel. I'm normally not a huge fan of graphic novels, but I actually enjoyed reading this one. Partly because I needed something quick, because I had very limited reading time on the day I was reading this, and this was exactly it. But also because I think the story was well done and the graphic novel style also fit the kind of story that was told. Although there are a lot of familiar elements, when comparing this story to the fairytale and movie we all know, there is also a lot of new and original content. There's also a lot more Gaston in this book, you can decide yourself if that's a good or a bad thing. I'm not a gamer, but this graphic novel did make me curious about the game it's based on!
August 26, 2025
just randomly perused this while at the library and it’s a fun reimagining
March 19, 2024
**Many thanks to Viz Media, and Netgalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of this book**
As an incarnation of Belle in real life, I can never pass up a Beauty and the Beast retelling. So, when the Mirrorverse game came into being, I, of course, was curious about my bookish avatar. (I'm staring at her action figure on my bookshelf right now).
...I loved this. I loved this a lot.
On a journey through the enchanted wood, Belle stumbles across an old beggar woman who is not whom she seems, and is gifted magical abilities from a beautiful rose. As the keeper of the rose, Belle is tasked to help those in her village from becoming something... else entirely. Can she truly be the hero of her story?
MAGICAL ROSE GIRL
1. Belle with magic. Sign me up, because that's brilliant. She's the iconic bookworm, and a spellcasting sage who reads page to page is exactly the kind of update to her story that I am surprised doesn't play out more often.
2. The story is actually very layered and well thought out. It's a darker retelling too. Every beat has a reason, every step has a consequence. This is not a simple, whimsical retelling of the original story and changing a few itty bitty things. This manga takes the original story and flips it on its head. And I really, really liked it. It's not exactly as good as the original, but it is very, very good.
3. The characters are still true to themselves, and the story is condensed to focus on the BatB triangle- Belle, Adam, Gaston, with very few secondary characters. Belle is still Belle, and her eyes boggle at the idea of a humongous library (I outright laughed at that part!). Prince Adam is still Prince Adam, who learns from his mistakes. Gaston... STILL AN UNSUFFERABLE NARCISSIST, DOING HORRIBLE THINGS. In fact, I probably hate him MORE. But, it's a testament to the writer that these people we know and love have been tweaked, but not completely altered.
CURSED BEASTIAL BOY
1. As someone who doesn't read manga much, I sometimes fall into the category of readers who needs a bit more explanation to connect the dots. Same thing here: the story is great, and by the end of it, I knew what was going on, but there could have been a way to explain and help connect the storyline a bit more.
2. ...They did LeFou dirty. He's in two panels, and it makes me sad. Without his hilarious hero worship, Gaston had no foil to bounce off of. Gaston just grew more and more obnoxious as the manga went on, and there was nothing to cut through his behavior with a quick joke.
3. The ending was open-ended, to a point where I wish it wasn't. I know, this is a prequel to the game, but it felt like the ending of the manga was giving way to a potential follow-up manga story that we are not guaranteed to get. I know very little about Disney Mirrorverse, but I feel what happens next in the game is not necessarily what happens immediately after the manga. I would have liked the manga to begin and end in its own self-contained story.
VERDICT:
This was a fun and enjoyable read that I was so happy to get... right before my pre-order was supposed to come out. Yes. I knew about this manga a year ago, and pre-ordered it then without hesitation. I read it now, and now I'm happy 😊.
As an incarnation of Belle in real life, I can never pass up a Beauty and the Beast retelling. So, when the Mirrorverse game came into being, I, of course, was curious about my bookish avatar. (I'm staring at her action figure on my bookshelf right now).
...I loved this. I loved this a lot.
On a journey through the enchanted wood, Belle stumbles across an old beggar woman who is not whom she seems, and is gifted magical abilities from a beautiful rose. As the keeper of the rose, Belle is tasked to help those in her village from becoming something... else entirely. Can she truly be the hero of her story?
MAGICAL ROSE GIRL
1. Belle with magic. Sign me up, because that's brilliant. She's the iconic bookworm, and a spellcasting sage who reads page to page is exactly the kind of update to her story that I am surprised doesn't play out more often.
2. The story is actually very layered and well thought out. It's a darker retelling too. Every beat has a reason, every step has a consequence. This is not a simple, whimsical retelling of the original story and changing a few itty bitty things. This manga takes the original story and flips it on its head. And I really, really liked it. It's not exactly as good as the original, but it is very, very good.
3. The characters are still true to themselves, and the story is condensed to focus on the BatB triangle- Belle, Adam, Gaston, with very few secondary characters. Belle is still Belle, and her eyes boggle at the idea of a humongous library (I outright laughed at that part!). Prince Adam is still Prince Adam, who learns from his mistakes. Gaston... STILL AN UNSUFFERABLE NARCISSIST, DOING HORRIBLE THINGS. In fact, I probably hate him MORE. But, it's a testament to the writer that these people we know and love have been tweaked, but not completely altered.
CURSED BEASTIAL BOY
1. As someone who doesn't read manga much, I sometimes fall into the category of readers who needs a bit more explanation to connect the dots. Same thing here: the story is great, and by the end of it, I knew what was going on, but there could have been a way to explain and help connect the storyline a bit more.
2. ...They did LeFou dirty. He's in two panels, and it makes me sad. Without his hilarious hero worship, Gaston had no foil to bounce off of. Gaston just grew more and more obnoxious as the manga went on, and there was nothing to cut through his behavior with a quick joke.
3. The ending was open-ended, to a point where I wish it wasn't. I know, this is a prequel to the game, but it felt like the ending of the manga was giving way to a potential follow-up manga story that we are not guaranteed to get. I know very little about Disney Mirrorverse, but I feel what happens next in the game is not necessarily what happens immediately after the manga. I would have liked the manga to begin and end in its own self-contained story.
VERDICT:
This was a fun and enjoyable read that I was so happy to get... right before my pre-order was supposed to come out. Yes. I knew about this manga a year ago, and pre-ordered it then without hesitation. I read it now, and now I'm happy 😊.
July 7, 2024
I am a HUGE Beauty and the Beast fan. Yes, I even love the Disney animated film. No, the live-action B&tB movie never happened, that was a mass-hallucination the world experienced at the same time.
Moving on.
This was FANTASTIC. It takes the original story of the curse on the Prince and his people and WOW does it get twisted. You don't know how or why, but you see the effects of it and of how Belle and the Beast deal with it, or not, in their own ways. Gaston actually has more of a reason to be a jerk in this book then his raging ego, which I appreciated. I felt SO BAD for the bookseller. Maurice was just SO CUTE. The castle servants were so sweet and loving and loyal. The Prince did NOT deserve them, but he did have a reason for how he was "dealing" with the curse. Again, not in the best way, but he was trying. When he had new information presented to him, he was resistant at first, but was willing to grow and learn. Good life lesson that.
The ONLY thing I didn't like was the VERY end, but since this is a prequel to Belle's story leading into a video game, it made sense. I just didn't like it very much.
5, despite that ending this was really great, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.
Moving on.
This was FANTASTIC. It takes the original story of the curse on the Prince and his people and WOW does it get twisted. You don't know how or why, but you see the effects of it and of how Belle and the Beast deal with it, or not, in their own ways. Gaston actually has more of a reason to be a jerk in this book then his raging ego, which I appreciated. I felt SO BAD for the bookseller. Maurice was just SO CUTE. The castle servants were so sweet and loving and loyal. The Prince did NOT deserve them, but he did have a reason for how he was "dealing" with the curse. Again, not in the best way, but he was trying. When he had new information presented to him, he was resistant at first, but was willing to grow and learn. Good life lesson that.
The ONLY thing I didn't like was the VERY end, but since this is a prequel to Belle's story leading into a video game, it made sense. I just didn't like it very much.
5, despite that ending this was really great, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
OK, full disclosure, im not the target audience for this book, I read this book to check it out to see if I wanted to buy it for my sister (who is a huge Beauty and the beast fan) when it comes out physically next month.
It's a fun manga, with pretty decent quality art. The story is interesting, basically Beauty and the Beast with the twist of the mirrorverse universe.
I liked it well enough, but I'm more interested to see what my sister thinks, who I'm not sure has ever read a manga, but this would be one to interest her.
It's a fun manga, with pretty decent quality art. The story is interesting, basically Beauty and the Beast with the twist of the mirrorverse universe.
I liked it well enough, but I'm more interested to see what my sister thinks, who I'm not sure has ever read a manga, but this would be one to interest her.
August 9, 2024
I thought this concept was a good idea and twist on a beloved Disney movie. In this story we got to see another side of Belle we are not familiar with. She's a kick butt warrior determined to protect her village while still being the bookworm we all know and love! The artwork in this is absolutely beautiful and it definitely captured my attention. The story itself was good, but it did not blow me away and I felt that Belle was a little too different from the original Belle in this story. I get that happens when a story like this is written, however, I'm just not really down with Belle being a warrior. I like that all the Disney princesses are so different and this felt to close to the character's Mulan and Merida for me.
April 12, 2025
When you don't read the back of the book and have any idea this is a video game tie in...
But...regardless...I really enjoyed this alternate reality Beauty and the Beast story. I honestly wasn't sure how things were going to play out and how different characters would appear in the story...so it was fun and entertaining. I'd like to read more in the series and maybe some day even play the game.
The game tie in doesn't really come into play until the last page of the story...so I think you can read this as an alternate reality story without knowing anything about the game.
But...regardless...I really enjoyed this alternate reality Beauty and the Beast story. I honestly wasn't sure how things were going to play out and how different characters would appear in the story...so it was fun and entertaining. I'd like to read more in the series and maybe some day even play the game.
The game tie in doesn't really come into play until the last page of the story...so I think you can read this as an alternate reality story without knowing anything about the game.
October 11, 2025
A creepier and darker rendition of the curse that caused the Beast. The Enchantress messes up the spell and it leaked out of the castle, making its way to Belle's village. Belle happened upon the Enchantress who gives her the powers to try and defeat the dark forces.
I dig a lot of these alternate universe versions of Disney heroes and villains. This one seems to be tied to a mobile game called Mirrorverse that I've never played, but you can still get the idea of what's going on.
I dig a lot of these alternate universe versions of Disney heroes and villains. This one seems to be tied to a mobile game called Mirrorverse that I've never played, but you can still get the idea of what's going on.
October 24, 2024
beautiful art style!! love seeing anything for beauty and the beast, and the dark twist on the classic tale was very interesting! i’m not a huge fan of the “belle does good deeds bc she wants to be hero” thing that started with OUAT (😤), but still, i loved everything else. gotta read up on all the mirrorverse lore now, lol.
March 30, 2024
Disney's Mirrorverse: Belle, penned by Alex Singer, weaves a spellbinding narrative that transports readers into a world of magic and mystery. Set against the backdrop of a village plagued by a sinister curse, this graphic novel offers a fresh and intriguing take on the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast.
From the very first page, Singer captivates readers with a sense of foreboding as Belle navigates a village gripped by fear and paranoia. The remnants of an enchantress's magic linger, casting shadows of doubt and suspicion over every corner of Belle's once-peaceful home. As the protagonist grapples with her newfound powers and responsibilities, the tension escalates, drawing readers deeper into the heart of the mystery.
What sets Disney's Mirrorverse: Belle apart is its masterful blend of fantasy and suspense. Singer deftly crafts a narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each new revelation. As Belle embarks on her quest to unravel the secrets of the cursed woods, she encounters a cast of characters both familiar and enigmatic, each with their own hidden agendas and motivations.
The artwork in Disney's Mirrorverse: Belle is nothing short of breathtaking. From the eerie landscapes of the cursed woods to the expressive faces of the villagers, every panel is a visual feast for the eyes. The attention to detail is evident throughout, immersing readers in a world that feels both enchanting and perilous.
Thank you NetGalley, VIZ media and the author for letting me review this graphic novel
From the very first page, Singer captivates readers with a sense of foreboding as Belle navigates a village gripped by fear and paranoia. The remnants of an enchantress's magic linger, casting shadows of doubt and suspicion over every corner of Belle's once-peaceful home. As the protagonist grapples with her newfound powers and responsibilities, the tension escalates, drawing readers deeper into the heart of the mystery.
What sets Disney's Mirrorverse: Belle apart is its masterful blend of fantasy and suspense. Singer deftly crafts a narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each new revelation. As Belle embarks on her quest to unravel the secrets of the cursed woods, she encounters a cast of characters both familiar and enigmatic, each with their own hidden agendas and motivations.
The artwork in Disney's Mirrorverse: Belle is nothing short of breathtaking. From the eerie landscapes of the cursed woods to the expressive faces of the villagers, every panel is a visual feast for the eyes. The attention to detail is evident throughout, immersing readers in a world that feels both enchanting and perilous.
Thank you NetGalley, VIZ media and the author for letting me review this graphic novel
April 1, 2024
I've only vaguely heard about Disney's Mirrorverse but I love graphic novels and Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney Princess movie so I obviously had to give this a shot. Let me just say, for me, it was an absolute banger of a read. I loved every second of it and I think it was so well done. However, there are definitely some people that this book won't resonate with as much. If you have no interest in new takes on old Disney, or if you like Disney but don't really read graphic novels, I wouldn't recommend this. Moving on though, definite read for basically everybody else. I also loved the art. It had a slight manga-esque style while still maintaining the original Disney looks. The layout was very well done (though I read it digitally and did struggle a few times so I would recommend the physical book) and I enjoyed (read: LOVED) the new take on Belle and Gaston. The Beast was also cool but didn't really compare to the other two. Belle is a kick ass character and I will most definitely be diving further into the Mirrorverse.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for n honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for n honest review.
July 25, 2024
I know absolutely nothing about Disney's 'Mirrorverse' (I thought it was 'Kingdom Hearts'? Or was it 'Dreamlight Valley'?). And I have absolutely no interest in getting to know, and getting involved in, any of their latest unoriginal, unimaginative, soulless, overblown, oversaturated, nostalgia-bait, symptom-of-the-creative-bankruptcy-of-late-stage-capitalism crossover/multiverse cash grabs. But with 'Disney Mirrorverse: Belle', I only had to see the cover, and the second I found out about its premise of Belle as a sorceress and an action fantasy heroine, well, consider me immediately baited - hook, line, sinker, *%$£*!-yeah-give-it-to-me-you-dirty-evil-mouse. The spell is successfully cast and activated.
It stars my favourite Disney princess, who also happens to be my favourite Disney heroine, of my favourite Disney movie. Who in this incarnation is a heroine with a magic staff and who wears a winter cloak and cape, and boots. How could I not be interested?
I had to get my hands on 'Disney Mirrorverse: Belle', and funnily enough, on the morning I ordered it online, I received it later that night, and I read it right then and there in a flash. A flash of magic lightning.
Because, to my pleasant surprise and relief, this Disney "manga" is actually really, really good. It's a really well written and clever retelling, retooling and reimagining of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast'. I could tell that the writer, Alex Singer, must love the film, and love and understand the characters, and was paying extra, careful attention. As a result, we get a new story with twists, subversions, and attention to details, overt and subtle, that work on their own, as well as being lifted from and inspired by the original, beloved classic, which to this day remains as close to being something resembling perfection as Disney ever got.
I won't reveal much about what the twists and details of 'Belle' are, as it is truly best to go into it completely blind like I was, and not have any awe-inspiring, awestriking and awesome surprises spoiled before reading, but the basic idea, the premise, is: In this universe, the enchantress's spell on the Beast goes horribly wrong, and ends up affecting the woods and the village as well as the castle, and it is up to Belle - smart, logical, resilient, resourceful, brave, determined, no-nonsense, kind bookworm Belle - with her magic rose the enchantress gave her, to save her people, her town, her kingdom, from the curse (but maybe she doesn't have to do it all alone?). She's a detective, with books and secret, secluded libraries for research, as well as a heroine with a staff with a magic rose in it, which she primarily uses to temporarily heal dark magic.
I love that Belle is very much in character from the thirty-three-year-old film, even as a more active, proactive heroine who uses magic. It doesn't detract from her ordinary human strength, resolve, intelligence, inquisitiveness, levelheadedness, bold determination, kindness, caring, and understanding - all in service to save everyone, from her loved ones to the village bookshop owner to a little teacup to mysterious and hostile strangers. She's the town oddball who's always felt different, a lonely outsider - first it was for her book reading, and now it'll be because of her magic - and she gets frustrated with people's small-mindedness brought on by fear of what they don't understand. This trait is important to the story, to Belle's character development (like maybe she's not so selfless after all, and that's okay, that's human, and pride is not always a bad trait).
I could still relate to Belle strongly and full-heartedly. I still love her to death. I could still hear Paige O'Hara's voice easily in her dialogue, it's remarkable.
In fact, the same can be said for all the other characters. They're the same, they're just in a tweaked story that goes in a different- yet-similar (even slightly updated) direction from the original animated film. They also manage to look distinctly recognisable when drawn in a manga-style. Thankfully there are no big sparkly eyes here; nothing distracting, off-putting or predictable about the art.
But anyway, what I'm getting at is: Belle is a wonderful protagonist, who would make a great leader, and like Lisa Simpson, she is someone we should all aspire to be like. These cartoon females are the best.
Honestly, this is less a review of 'Disney Mirrorverse: Belle', and more an excuse for me to gush about Belle, which I haven't done in years. It looks like I have another example of one of the very, very few things I can thank Disney for these days: this story about my favourite outcast brunette bookworm princess, as - and I cannot stress this point enough - a sorceress and action fantasy heroine!
It's sadly not perfect - there remain a few plot holes and unresolved plot threads and details, and confusions in some of its expository dialogue. Not to mention there's that cliffhanger ending that leads into the 'Mirrorverse' game's storylines, and that screams, "This is still a corporation's product, and we own your money and soul, and always will". But it is a good enough story, and I love Belle that much, that I can overlook these.
I will be keeping this Disney manga close to my heart, alongside 'Disney Cruella: The Manga: Black, White, and Red', and other female-empowering Disney books, such as 'Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Library', 'Disney Frozen: A Sister More Like Me', 'One Perfect Day (Brave)', and 'Long Live the Pumpkin Queen' (Sally, Elsa and Merida are other favourites of mine).
It looks like, despite everything, I am guilty, and continue to be under Disney's enchantment and thrall. But when it comes to 'Beauty and the Beast', its story, and Belle, stay beautiful.
And timeless.
And respected.
Final Score: 4/5
It stars my favourite Disney princess, who also happens to be my favourite Disney heroine, of my favourite Disney movie. Who in this incarnation is a heroine with a magic staff and who wears a winter cloak and cape, and boots. How could I not be interested?
I had to get my hands on 'Disney Mirrorverse: Belle', and funnily enough, on the morning I ordered it online, I received it later that night, and I read it right then and there in a flash. A flash of magic lightning.
Because, to my pleasant surprise and relief, this Disney "manga" is actually really, really good. It's a really well written and clever retelling, retooling and reimagining of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast'. I could tell that the writer, Alex Singer, must love the film, and love and understand the characters, and was paying extra, careful attention. As a result, we get a new story with twists, subversions, and attention to details, overt and subtle, that work on their own, as well as being lifted from and inspired by the original, beloved classic, which to this day remains as close to being something resembling perfection as Disney ever got.
I won't reveal much about what the twists and details of 'Belle' are, as it is truly best to go into it completely blind like I was, and not have any awe-inspiring, awestriking and awesome surprises spoiled before reading, but the basic idea, the premise, is: In this universe, the enchantress's spell on the Beast goes horribly wrong, and ends up affecting the woods and the village as well as the castle, and it is up to Belle - smart, logical, resilient, resourceful, brave, determined, no-nonsense, kind bookworm Belle - with her magic rose the enchantress gave her, to save her people, her town, her kingdom, from the curse (but maybe she doesn't have to do it all alone?). She's a detective, with books and secret, secluded libraries for research, as well as a heroine with a staff with a magic rose in it, which she primarily uses to temporarily heal dark magic.
I love that Belle is very much in character from the thirty-three-year-old film, even as a more active, proactive heroine who uses magic. It doesn't detract from her ordinary human strength, resolve, intelligence, inquisitiveness, levelheadedness, bold determination, kindness, caring, and understanding - all in service to save everyone, from her loved ones to the village bookshop owner to a little teacup to mysterious and hostile strangers. She's the town oddball who's always felt different, a lonely outsider - first it was for her book reading, and now it'll be because of her magic - and she gets frustrated with people's small-mindedness brought on by fear of what they don't understand. This trait is important to the story, to Belle's character development (like maybe she's not so selfless after all, and that's okay, that's human, and pride is not always a bad trait).
I could still relate to Belle strongly and full-heartedly. I still love her to death. I could still hear Paige O'Hara's voice easily in her dialogue, it's remarkable.
In fact, the same can be said for all the other characters. They're the same, they're just in a tweaked story that goes in a different- yet-similar (even slightly updated) direction from the original animated film. They also manage to look distinctly recognisable when drawn in a manga-style. Thankfully there are no big sparkly eyes here; nothing distracting, off-putting or predictable about the art.
But anyway, what I'm getting at is: Belle is a wonderful protagonist, who would make a great leader, and like Lisa Simpson, she is someone we should all aspire to be like. These cartoon females are the best.
Honestly, this is less a review of 'Disney Mirrorverse: Belle', and more an excuse for me to gush about Belle, which I haven't done in years. It looks like I have another example of one of the very, very few things I can thank Disney for these days: this story about my favourite outcast brunette bookworm princess, as - and I cannot stress this point enough - a sorceress and action fantasy heroine!
It's sadly not perfect - there remain a few plot holes and unresolved plot threads and details, and confusions in some of its expository dialogue. Not to mention there's that cliffhanger ending that leads into the 'Mirrorverse' game's storylines, and that screams, "This is still a corporation's product, and we own your money and soul, and always will". But it is a good enough story, and I love Belle that much, that I can overlook these.
I will be keeping this Disney manga close to my heart, alongside 'Disney Cruella: The Manga: Black, White, and Red', and other female-empowering Disney books, such as 'Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Library', 'Disney Frozen: A Sister More Like Me', 'One Perfect Day (Brave)', and 'Long Live the Pumpkin Queen' (Sally, Elsa and Merida are other favourites of mine).
It looks like, despite everything, I am guilty, and continue to be under Disney's enchantment and thrall. But when it comes to 'Beauty and the Beast', its story, and Belle, stay beautiful.
And timeless.
And respected.
Final Score: 4/5
May 9, 2024
This is a companion to the Mirrorverse mobile game, a sort of prequel for Belle. I have never played this game, nor will I. Surprisingly, this actually holds up as its own narrative. At its core, it's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a serious twist. The twist is very interesting, with the curse on Beast getting deflected and twisted immediately. The specifics take much of the book to unfold, and that pace kept me engaged throughout. I also really like how the relationship between Belle and Beast unfolds in this book. They actually communicate almost right away, and they don't end this book as more than new friends. You don't need to have the slightest interest in the game to enjoy this tie in, which works as its own thing.
April 22, 2025
Esta historia alterna y más retorcida de La Bella y La Bestia en el mundo de Disney Mirrorverse es una maravilla visualmente. El arte y el cariño que hay en el dibujo hace que las emociones y la proximidad con los personajes fluya mucho mejor. Es increíble como el dibujo me ha gustado incluso más que el de otros mangakas famosos y reconocidos. La historia ha sido también muy entretenida y sin aburrirme un solo instante, haciéndose muy amena y quedando con ganas de más.
June 17, 2024
i was confused for most of this but that last page was a jumpscare lmao. i love the idea though
May 2, 2024
Out of all the possible ways that Disney could have done to advertise their new "Mirrorverse" game, a manga styled graphic novel was not one of them. And out of all the Disney characters and stories to use for this anime-esque fantasy adventure, Belle and the story of "Beauty and the Beast" was also another usual twist from Disney. But then again, Disney has done this manga version of Beauty and the Beast before when they were advertising their new live action version of Beauty and the Beast years ago, so it's not completely new territory. I'm just surprised that Beauty and the Beast is one of the first stories to advertise the lore and story of "Mirrorverse", but I'm glad that it was cause this story was perfect for newbies like me who know nothing about the game's world building. It works because it treats the greater enemy/threat from the game as this greater one-shot, fantastical mystery that we still don't have all the answers to. With one question answered, there are still plenty of questions that follow after. Thus, giving this story a true fantasy feel to it and makes the reader want to check out the game or the other stories that I saw that supposedly related to Mirrorverse as well. This story is also just an overall fun and decent retelling/alternate universe to the Beauty and the Beast we all know and love because it honors the original themes and messages of the fairytale and expands upon those original ideas. This story especially loves playing with this new world's interpretation of our favorite Beauty and the Beast, while also honoring the essential core values of these characters as well. Although, by the end of the story, you can tell that this story needed to be longer than a one shot/one volume. It needed at least two volumes to really explore everything that the story wanted to explore cause it felt kinda rushed at the end. But another big highlight of this story is it's art. The art is really clean, polished, and perfectly combines the anime/manga style with the Disney style; thus, making it very approachable for readers who aren't use to the anime/manga art style. The paneling is very dynamic but easy to read, and the pacing of the story was overall helped by the art style and how it easily flows with the writing naturally.
October 31, 2024
This feels like a much too late attempt to save Mirrorverse, though as its own sort of thing, it isn't the worst thing I've read. Heck, I *love* that Belle is all action heroine in this and standing up for herself! "Romance" isn't tagged, though, because that's completely side-stepped here (except for Gaston being... Gaston).
Mostly, this feels like Disney once again milking the same IP for what they can get, rather than giving ANYTHING new a chance. Yes, it's GOOD, and it reminds me a bit of the Teen Titans remake, but the fact it's a tie-in to a failing mobile game gives little hope for a follow-up, perhaps where Belle is working with other Mirrorverse characters, especially since .
Definitely recommended for fans of Belle (like me! Bookworm "princess"!), though expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
Mostly, this feels like Disney once again milking the same IP for what they can get, rather than giving ANYTHING new a chance. Yes, it's GOOD, and it reminds me a bit of the Teen Titans remake, but the fact it's a tie-in to a failing mobile game gives little hope for a follow-up, perhaps where Belle is working with other Mirrorverse characters, especially since .
Definitely recommended for fans of Belle (like me! Bookworm "princess"!), though expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
October 6, 2025
A tie-in to a failed mobile game, this is a curious "what-if?" tale that investigates what happens the enchantress that curses Beast for his hubris has her spell backfire, leading to a corrupted world. Belle is granted special powers due to this backfiring and becomes a warrior princess of sorts. As Belle was a healer in the game, so is she here, using her mind (and warding magic) to set her universe back on the correct path.
Writing isn't too bad here, as like in the movie Belle largely has to talk her way out of situations as killing is not her forte, with her interactions with a particularly creepy new villain (presumably originating from the game) emerges to match wits with her. To make up for the reduced amount of action on her part, Belle is accompanied by Gaston for most of the book. Gaston gets a lot of additional characterization here, although he's still a narcissistic dick like he is in the movie with little to no subversion on that end, so you never really get a compulsion to see how he'll fare in the story. He gets some funny moments, though.
There are some very strong dramatic moments in the story, strengthened by the gorgeous art and new costumes on the characters, although the lead-up to the ending revolving around Belle being asked to join the Avengers Initiative (which doesn't get followed up on, since the game failed) kind of prevents the story from ending on a satisfying note.
Writing isn't too bad here, as like in the movie Belle largely has to talk her way out of situations as killing is not her forte, with her interactions with a particularly creepy new villain (presumably originating from the game) emerges to match wits with her. To make up for the reduced amount of action on her part, Belle is accompanied by Gaston for most of the book. Gaston gets a lot of additional characterization here, although he's still a narcissistic dick like he is in the movie with little to no subversion on that end, so you never really get a compulsion to see how he'll fare in the story. He gets some funny moments, though.
There are some very strong dramatic moments in the story, strengthened by the gorgeous art and new costumes on the characters, although the lead-up to the ending revolving around Belle being asked to join the Avengers Initiative (which doesn't get followed up on, since the game failed) kind of prevents the story from ending on a satisfying note.
May 11, 2024
Disney's Mirrorverse: Belle, written by Alex Singer, takes readers on a captivating journey into a world of magic and mystery. Against the backdrop of a cursed village, this graphic novel presents a fresh and intriguing twist on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast.
Singer immediately captures readers' attention with a sense of foreboding as Belle navigates a fearful and suspicious village. The remnants of an enchantress's magic cast doubt and suspicion over every aspect of Belle's once-peaceful home. As Belle grapples with her newfound powers and responsibilities, the tension builds, drawing readers deeper into the heart of the mystery.
What distinguishes Disney's Mirrorverse: Belle is its skillful blend of fantasy and suspense. Singer expertly weaves a narrative filled with surprising plot twists, keeping readers eagerly engaged with each new revelation. As Belle embarks on her quest to uncover the secrets of the cursed woods, she encounters a cast of both familiar and enigmatic characters, each driven by their own hidden agendas and motivations.
The artwork in Disney's Mirrorverse: Belle is truly breathtaking. From the haunting landscapes of the cursed woods to the expressive faces of the villagers, every panel is a visual delight. The attention to detail immerses readers in a world that is simultaneously enchanting and dangerous.
Singer immediately captures readers' attention with a sense of foreboding as Belle navigates a fearful and suspicious village. The remnants of an enchantress's magic cast doubt and suspicion over every aspect of Belle's once-peaceful home. As Belle grapples with her newfound powers and responsibilities, the tension builds, drawing readers deeper into the heart of the mystery.
What distinguishes Disney's Mirrorverse: Belle is its skillful blend of fantasy and suspense. Singer expertly weaves a narrative filled with surprising plot twists, keeping readers eagerly engaged with each new revelation. As Belle embarks on her quest to uncover the secrets of the cursed woods, she encounters a cast of both familiar and enigmatic characters, each driven by their own hidden agendas and motivations.
The artwork in Disney's Mirrorverse: Belle is truly breathtaking. From the haunting landscapes of the cursed woods to the expressive faces of the villagers, every panel is a visual delight. The attention to detail immerses readers in a world that is simultaneously enchanting and dangerous.
November 12, 2024
Despite being a tie-in to a now defunct mobile game, it's a pretty good what-if story involving just the cast of the Disney Beauty and the Beast film. (Also, this must've bee drawn & conceived before the Beast was released as a playable character so he doesn't have his nifty Mirrorverse duds or axe.)
I love the weird dark edge this book has with the idea that the otherworldly cosmic force from the game is warping the dark woods & anyone foolish enough to stray too far in, with the epicenter being the Beast's castle itself. The strangeness also affects the living furniture too since they become more immobile after a while.
Since Belle was found by the Enchantress from the original tale & given a magic rose that she wields as a magic staff, she's in a unique position to make her prime timeline song come true: to have an adventure in the great wide somewhere. Her natural spunkiness, determination, and desire to learn is also shown quite well, as even stuck in an illusion, she wants to get to the bottom of it.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves them some Beauty and the Beast, but not so much for Mirrorverse fans (however few there are left) since the only thing they really have to tie into the greater narrative of the game is Mickey Mouse comes in during the epilogue like Nick Fury saying "wanna join the Guardians?"
I love the weird dark edge this book has with the idea that the otherworldly cosmic force from the game is warping the dark woods & anyone foolish enough to stray too far in, with the epicenter being the Beast's castle itself. The strangeness also affects the living furniture too since they become more immobile after a while.
Since Belle was found by the Enchantress from the original tale & given a magic rose that she wields as a magic staff, she's in a unique position to make her prime timeline song come true: to have an adventure in the great wide somewhere. Her natural spunkiness, determination, and desire to learn is also shown quite well, as even stuck in an illusion, she wants to get to the bottom of it.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves them some Beauty and the Beast, but not so much for Mirrorverse fans (however few there are left) since the only thing they really have to tie into the greater narrative of the game is Mickey Mouse comes in during the epilogue like Nick Fury saying "wanna join the Guardians?"
April 11, 2024
Picked up Disney Mirrorverse: Belle on a whim, really. I didn’t really have many expectations at all for how I would feel about it, but damn, I have to say that I’m actually quite impressed with this one!
Mirrorverse’s Belle is a very unique and fresh new take on an old beloved story. It’s pretty rare that I find myself giving a 5-star rating to retellings like this, often because the story doesn’t quite provide enough of a new story while also keeping the core heart of the characters and tale in the rendition. With Alex Singer’s story, though, that core is kept and expanded in such a way I’m honestly so sad that the story is over.
I loved every moment of this. The new twists were exceptional and the characters were perfect. I absolutely adored every step of this mystery, changes and all. Thank goodness this is only volume one, because I honestly cannot wait to find out what comes next!
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mirrorverse’s Belle is a very unique and fresh new take on an old beloved story. It’s pretty rare that I find myself giving a 5-star rating to retellings like this, often because the story doesn’t quite provide enough of a new story while also keeping the core heart of the characters and tale in the rendition. With Alex Singer’s story, though, that core is kept and expanded in such a way I’m honestly so sad that the story is over.
I loved every moment of this. The new twists were exceptional and the characters were perfect. I absolutely adored every step of this mystery, changes and all. Thank goodness this is only volume one, because I honestly cannot wait to find out what comes next!
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2024
When I requested this one, I had no idea what Disney Mirrorverse was but I love Disney and I love Beauty and the Beast so I really wanted to read it. I was not disappointed! This is such a fun version of Belle and I loved the art. The story was similar to what we know but in this version the curse takes a wrong turn, affecting the town and changing anyone or thing that enters the woods into something warped. Most of the regulars from Beauty and the Beast make an appearance even if many are in a small way. It's quick and fun and definitely worth the read! The ending was not at all what I was expecting but I look forward to the next Mirrorverse story to see what happens with Belle and which other Disney characters will be brought into this world. I'll admit I still don't know anything about the mobile game but I really enjoyed this story and will definitely read any others that are written.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC of this title from VIZ Media LLC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC of this title from VIZ Media LLC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 20, 2024
Perfect for fans of Disney movies who want to see Belle as a fighting spellcaster - and who wouldn't!
I had never heard of the Disney Mirrorverse game until I read this book, and that did not stop me from loving every moment of it. This is a really interesting adaptation of Belle's character, both a fighter determined to defend her village, and a bookworm dedicated to knowledge. As a huge Beauty and the Beast fan this was a nice change from the usual retellings.
The art-style within is really well done, with the characters being easily recognizable and gorgeous scenery. My favourite scenes were within the forest as it was so atmospheric and haunting.
I'd love to see more in this series as it has some great potential, and this book is a really strong start.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#indigoemployee
I had never heard of the Disney Mirrorverse game until I read this book, and that did not stop me from loving every moment of it. This is a really interesting adaptation of Belle's character, both a fighter determined to defend her village, and a bookworm dedicated to knowledge. As a huge Beauty and the Beast fan this was a nice change from the usual retellings.
The art-style within is really well done, with the characters being easily recognizable and gorgeous scenery. My favourite scenes were within the forest as it was so atmospheric and haunting.
I'd love to see more in this series as it has some great potential, and this book is a really strong start.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#indigoemployee
August 3, 2024
03/08/2024
4 ⭐️
please please please tell me there’s going to be a whole series like this with different Disney characters 🙏🥺
read for the graphicsathon august bingo challenge
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4 ⭐️
please please please tell me there’s going to be a whole series like this with different Disney characters 🙏🥺
read for the graphicsathon august bingo challenge
Letterboxd | Instagram | Bookstagram | Tumblr | Twitter | StoryGraph | Hoemance Book Club | Graphicsathon | Scoobathon
October 29, 2024
Belle's characterization in this story was a bit too serious and tomboyish for my liking. Original Belle was definitely sassy, witty and outspoken, but this version of her, like another reviewer had mentioned, felt more like Mulan than Belle. I'm fine with Belle taking on a more adventurous persona, considering her passion for fantasy and adventure stories, however since this story somewhat follows the movie, it would've been nice to have seen Belle transition in the narrative from spacey bookworm to a novice adventurer who struggles during her fights, but we obviously didn't get that. The story was nice, and so was the art, but my only grip was Belle's portrayal in the story. She didn't seem quite in character.
August 7, 2024
I haven't played Disney Mirrorverse but I am a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast and enjoy alternate universe retellings so I decided to give this a go.
I have to say I really enjoyed the concept. Felt like a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with a Beauty and the Beast setting.
The reimaginings of the character designs were fantastic, Gaston and the Prince especially looked magnificent.
The premise with the Enchantress' curse going out of control was a brilliantly simple adjustment in order to shift the story.
The art style is also beautifully charming. It kept the essence of the original animated film while also adding the artist's own essence. The story lends itself to a manga style beautifully.
I have to say I really enjoyed the concept. Felt like a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with a Beauty and the Beast setting.
The reimaginings of the character designs were fantastic, Gaston and the Prince especially looked magnificent.
The premise with the Enchantress' curse going out of control was a brilliantly simple adjustment in order to shift the story.
The art style is also beautifully charming. It kept the essence of the original animated film while also adding the artist's own essence. The story lends itself to a manga style beautifully.
April 29, 2024
This was awesome! it was like Guardians of the Galaxy x CN Fusionfall x Once Upon a Time all wrapped up in a Big Disney version. I read the other book, Pure of Heart, and I loved it, but this one has pictures, so that's a big plus. e Characters from Disney Mirrorverse: the Game looked soooo cool. They should make more books starring other characters like Goofy, Kermit the Frog, Judy Hopps, Aladdin, Genie, Tigger, the Incredibles, Baymax, Jack Skellington and Jack Sparrow. Keep this train going.
March 23, 2025
So you think you know the whole story of disneys beauty and the beast well in this fantastic tale there are twist and added elements. This is a prequel to set up for the game (I love multi media crossovers like this). There is something darker in the curse than we first thought. Belle must face more of herself and find a strength all her own. The beast/prince must also find a different strength and courage to face things.
I loved that this had the characters that we love from the story yet added a bit more depth to them specially Belle.
I loved that this had the characters that we love from the story yet added a bit more depth to them specially Belle.
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