Champion of the Rose, Vol. 1

by Cat Aquino, Dominique Duran

In the arena, where life is cheap and spectacle is everything, Rey must decide what kind of game he’s willing to play.

As the largest kingdom in the Known World, the Empire of Sagrada is built on the keystones of conquest: gold, glory, and the Dying God. But when Princess Rosa unexpectedly finds herself the next heir to the throne, she is determined to change Sagrada for the better—until her father announces a glorious tournament of gladiatorial fights and blood magic, with Rosa’s hand and her throne as the prize.

In a desperate bid to win her own hand, Princess Rosa chooses Rey, a trans swordsman from the colony of Himala, as her champion in her father’s tournament. Kidnapped by Sagradan conquistadors and raised as a fighter, Rey is equally desperate to win his freedom and return to Himala with his partner, Teo. But, haunted by the past and his own quest for revenge, Rey is soon caught up in the destructive spectacle of the games, where the cost of power is blood, and the true prize is yet to be revealed.

A bold reenvisioning of the colonial history of Spain and the Philippines through an epic anti-imperialist fantasy about fighting for freedom in the face of empire.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, LGBT, Comics

228 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 14, 2026

Reviews

[Chelsea]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

Champion of the Rose, Vol. 1 by Cat Aquino; Dominique Duran is a manga-style graphic novel set in a world inspired by the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule. Against all odds, Princess Rosa is the next in line for the throne of the Sagrada Empire, but her father throws a wrench in all her plans to improve the empire and announces a tournament for her hand and the throne. To take control of her destiny, she hires Rey, a trans swordsman and one of the people colonized by the Sagrada Empire. But Rey’s thirst for revenge might get in both their ways.

I loved how the fantasy elements combined with Catholic imagery via blood rosaries and the use of roses. While I'm Catholic and have religious and sentimental attachment to these things, it's always a delight to see how others are inspired by them. This graphic novel makes it very clear that the religious order is a villain in the story and the Catholic Church has been a villain in the story of many different peoples. I know some people get offended by seeing their religion played with or criticized, but I genuinely agree with the criticism found in this text of the part the Church played in colonization and genocide.

I am not as familiar with the history of the Philippines pre-colonization, so I cannot say what details are historically accurate or not, but the intention shone through quite brilliantly. There are multiple Indigenous characters and the overarching theme of fighting back against colonization is supported by a variety of characters from different islands and cultures, mirroring the geocultural reality of the Philippines.

I really cannot wait for the second volume because what I read in volume one was that captivating. I believed that the characters are invested in taking the empire down and I believed Rey’s convictions regarding blood magic and how they shift. There are grander things going on that we only see hints at in volume one and I’m so desperate to know more. I also really want to see more of an exploration of Rey’s status as a transman within this world.

Content warning for depictions of transphobia, sexism, racism, genocide, nudity, blood, and some gore

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy anti-colonial works and fans of graphic novels that explore many different facets of colonization

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Jaw-dropping action mixed with the underdog you can't help but root for.

This volume follows Rey and Rosa. Rey is a trans man trying to earn enough money to go back to his home, Himala. Rosa is the princess and newly crowned heir of Sagrada, where Rey decides. When the King announces a tournament, Rey and Rosa become reluctant allies.

This manga has an anti-imperialist message as well as themes about embracing your heritage, equality (in race and religion), and queer relationships. The characters are very nonchalant about Rey being trans, although it is mentioned briefly at the beginning. I wonder if that will be touched on in the future as we learn more about Rey and his past.

The story was action packed right out of the gate, and it never let up. I will 100% be reading more volumes as they are released.

Trigger Warning: This book depicts death (although it's not very graphic) and the use of blood magic.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Viz Media for giving me an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

[Viggo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC copy of this title!

Set in a fantasy world inspired by colonial Spain, Champion of the Rose, rewrites that colonial history from the point of view of the colonized. The Empire of Segrada (fantasy Spain) is the most powerful nation in the world, fiercely religious and hungry for land, gold, and blood. We learn about this world through Rey, a trans man whose homeland was colonized by Segrada. Now an oppressed minority, Rey and his friends dream of earning enough money to buy passage back to their home. On the other side of this picture is Rosa, the biracial princess of Segrada who has just become heir to the throne following the sudden death of her elder brother.

But you know these colonists are not going to let a biracial woman come into power. On the same night as her crowning, Rosa's father, the king, announces a tournament. The prize: Rosa's hand in marriage.

Rather than give up her inheritance without a fight, Rosa hires on a champion - Rey - to fight for her own hand. As the tournament goes on, becoming bloodier with each round, it becomes clear than not all is as it seems and there's more at stake here than just who ends up on the throne.

Volume 1 of this series does a great job of establishing the characters and their world and setting up mysteries I'm eager to delve into. And with absolutely stunning art throughout. I'm definitely going to pick up the second volume when its out. 

[Zaidee · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a start to a series! Champion of the Rose is dark, adventurous, raw, and powerful. The art is an interesting mix of softness in facial features and expressions, incredible detail in clothing and environments, and a surprising amount of intensity in battle scenes. I loved the combination of historical and fantastical elements, laced throughout with a clash of cultures and religions. The clear and defiant message of anti-imperialism and colonization burns through main character Rey, with a range of desires represented by fellow tournament champions. The cast of characters is complex, varied, and queer and trans representation is a strong undercurrent throughout. While I did not feel as strongly attached to Princess Rosa as I did Teo and Rey, I think there is plenty of potential for growth in her character, and I look forward to seeing how this trio will continue to work together.

Many thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the digital ARC!

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Rosa is newly the heir to the throne of Sagrada (fantasy Spain). She prays to the Dying God for the chance to be a more just and charitable ruler than her father. But that opportunity grows increasingly distant when when the king declares a massive gladiatorial tournament of death and blood magic to win her hand in marriage. In desperation, Rosa makes a deal with a trans swordsman, Rey, a refugee from Himala (fantasy Philippines) which Sargrada has violently colonized. Action packed and gorgeously illustrated, this tale of blood and magic doesn't shy way from the brutality of colonial violence or religious fanaticism. I'm hooked! For fans of The Locked Tomb, there's some fucked up death cult and necromancy stuff with some queer themes to enjoy. Thank you to Viz for sending me an advanced copy to read!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to the e-ARC for review.

Unfortunately this one just simply wasn't for me. I was confused most of the time and there was a lot going on. I had a hard time following the panels and knowing what was going on. For example, it was hard for me to tell who was winning a fight, etc.

With that being said this novel was in no way "bad", it just wasn't something I personally enjoyed. I think the plot was very interesting and engaging and the art was really fun and unique and matched well with the characters and plot.

If you are looking for an action-packed story with a lot of violence and mention of religion and politics, this one is for you.

[Maeggie Dotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the Publisher for sending me this ARC

Loved this. The story telling is immaculate and the soft rounded art style is such an interesting contrast to the grittiness of this story. Picture Gladiator but trans with blood magic, and Hispanic. I also really admire the way this feels like historical fiction set in a fantasy world.

Different native cultures are being enslaved or indentured to a nation of conquistadors in the name of their god. Princess Rosa has ideas to change the empire until her father puts her birthright to the thrown, and her hand in marriage, as the grand prize in a gruesome tournament. Rosa meets Rey, a trans swordsman, and decides to sponsor him as her champion to fight for his freedom as well as her own.

[Kasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you VIZ for the ARC! I got this via a Publishers Weekly #grabagalley and I couldn't be happier with it.

Princess Rosa just wants to help her people after he brother passes away. And with her being next in line she thinks shes going to get that chance. Until her father (you know, the KING) messes that all up for her by offering her hand in marriage to whoever can win the tournament honoring her late brother.

So what's a girl to do? Get her own champion and win her own hand, of course. Enter Rey, a Trans boy from the colonies who is really good at fighting and just wants to go home. Oh, and who also just happens to have a butt load of trauma and a temper. A great combination for a great story.

[Debra Devin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I would like to thank Cat Aquino, Dominique Duran, VIZ Media LLC and NetGalley for this advanced reader. In exchange, I give nothing but my honest opinion.

At first, I didn't know if I was going to like this one. When I have read other mangas, I found I enjoyed more of a D&D or fantastical elements to the story. But as the story and the history unfolded, I really fell in love with this one. The world building is amazing, which I find a huge feat when we are talking about mangas or graphic novels. The culture is deeply rooted in the story. I can't wait to see where the story goes next. I'm definitely going to be looking for the next volume!

[Julia Pika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Viz for sending an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a stunning story! The worldbuilding, the characters, the drama...it's all very well written! The artwork is fantastic and easy to follow.

The world is pretty fascinating--very dark, I love the extreme religious zealots plot and how dramatic it is. It's great to see the two protagonists who are so different work together to make the world a better place. Also curious about how this universe's "God" works...this definitely leaves you with wanting more.

[Px4 Manga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Viz Media & NetGalley for the ARC

I really enjoyed this.

Fast paced, filled with action and central queer characters. The MC is a trans man fighting for his freedom from an oppressive nation under the tumb of a cult like religion.

The art was awesome and the story is really interesting. So much happened in this vol and I am definitely interested in reading more!

I would recommend this to fans of T. Kingfisher

[Emilie Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful fantasy-like story reminisced from the Spanish conquest of the Philippines. A tournament to the death for the princess’ hand, yet she finds a way to fight back with her own warrior. Gorgeous art, wonderful trans representation, insane cultural representation.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I loved the art style. The story is fast-paced and action-packed. There are some great side characters. There is blood sacrifice, tournaments, sweet moments, and imperialism. I do wish I knew more about the king and the church's motives. I want to see where this story goes.

[Roxana Rathbun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel was action packed with lots of bloody fights and intense scenes. I enjoyed the artwork at the story. The main character is Trans and is chosen by a princess to fight. The diverse cast of characters is refreshing and I love that the character is accepted as they are.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable art, likable characters, and intriguing plot with a several diverse backgrounds not often represented in manga style books. Found the story a bit hard to follow - could have spent more time flushing out some plot points.

[Kayla Chambliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always the likeable uncle up to no good. I am interested in how the magic works so looking forward to other volumes. The pacing was a tad odd, but the ARC might have been unedited.

[Melody Keeton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of rebellion, bloodshed, and uncompromising individuality. Spanish colonialism in the Philippines reimagined and interrogated through a fantasy lens.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool for a comic

[Kerensa]

gorgeous art. cool worldbuilding. are rey and teo together or just besties? can't tell. would recommend!