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少女革命ウテナ [Shōjo Kakumei Utena] #6
Utena: Apocalisse Adolescenziale
C’era una volta il principe delle rose. Un giorno sua sorella lo rinchiuse in una torre, e da allora nessuno l’ha più visto… Questa la premessa alle vicende di Utena Tenjo. Pur essendo una ragazza bellissima, indossa la divisa scolastica maschile, e per questa ragione, scambiata per un maschio, si ritrova a dover accettare la sfida a duello lanciatale dall’affascinante Saionji. In palio, la Sposa della Rosa: un fanciulla pronta a esaudire tutti i desideri di chi vincerà lo scontro…
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1999
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595 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 16, 2017
Okkkkkkk.... I have no clue what I just read. Really, no clue. It was quite good, hence the 4 stars, but it was also oh so confusing and weird. Sex with a ghost/memory (though it was also beautiful and sad)? Drugging someone to have sex with them (whut)? No one caring that Utena suddenly has long hair all of the sudden. The duels. The way the story was told, it just jumped around a bit too much for me.
The ending was good though, I am really happy as I was shipping this couple as well.
It is a nice new story (I liked what the mangaka did to the normal Utena story and made it new), nice idea, but I feel that it could have been worked out better.
I am not going to write a longer review as I have no clue what to write. :P
The ending was good though, I am really happy as I was shipping this couple as well.
It is a nice new story (I liked what the mangaka did to the normal Utena story and made it new), nice idea, but I feel that it could have been worked out better.
I am not going to write a longer review as I have no clue what to write. :P
May 28, 2014
When I saw this manga at the library, I got excited because the back cover read:
A liberal adaptation of the movie by the same name, Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena veers wildly from its original source. More direct than the anime and more mature than the original manga series, this version of Chiho Saito's fractured fairy tale blasts Utena straight into iconic stratosphere.
What was promised by the back cover was definitely delivered. I have been a fan of Utena since my Sailor Moon days, and this manga reminded me of why I fell in love with the anime in the first place.
It is difficult to write this review without giving away any of the plot twists from the manga. Certain relationships are illuminated in more detail than what you might remember from the anime and the manga series, such as Utena, Anthy, Anthy's brother, and Touga. Other relationships and duels are glossed over, such as Juri, Mickey, Saionji, and Utena's friend Wakaba. Even the cute mouse Chu is nonexistent until the final three pages of the manga. However, I can understand why certain plot points are glossed over as this book is simply 181 pages-- there is only so much that can be jammed into its depths.
I was still a little confused by Anthy's role as the rose bride. Why roses? Why this title? Why not rose princess? Maybe a closer reading of this manga with the anime and original manga series would answer some of my questions.
Fans and even new Utena readers will be delighted by the themes of love, friendship, death, betrayal, forgiveness, and freedom as illusion and reality collide in the world of Ohtori Academy. There is violence, nudity, and sex, so younger or more immature readers might do best to steer clear if they are uncomfortable with this type of content.
There are some themes that might not be very popular with some readers, exemplified by the following quote-- Memory will hold you here, unable to move on. Don't cling to love. After reading this manga, though, you will understand better why Utena must face the hard task implied by these quotes. Otherwise, she will never truly live.
I was a little disappointed with the ending simply because I did not want the story to finish. I was sad by what Utena had to do with Touga as I have always been a fan of them being a couple. Anyone who loves Touga will be happy to know that there are many scenes when he is not wearing a shirt-- sexy! ;)
As always, the artwork is impeccable and beautiful! I find myself mesmerized by the people--their expressions of love, agony, laughter-it all feels very real! I can really relate to the difficulties that Utena encounters and her desire to become a prince because both the writing and the images are well-crafted. They draw the reader into the story.
To all the little girls, or even older women, who want princes to rescue them: Utena is a reminder that we do not need princes. We do not need to wait for someone to rescue us as we can rescue ourselves and be our own princes! And we are more badass for it!
Let's revolutionize the world! I am proud to say that I am a prince and a princess--why not be both? :D And, as Utena says, ...I have to do the best I can to live my life... Unlike her, though, I do my best to live my life not only for myself but for my daughter--who I hope sees her strong and loving mother for who I am.
A liberal adaptation of the movie by the same name, Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena veers wildly from its original source. More direct than the anime and more mature than the original manga series, this version of Chiho Saito's fractured fairy tale blasts Utena straight into iconic stratosphere.
What was promised by the back cover was definitely delivered. I have been a fan of Utena since my Sailor Moon days, and this manga reminded me of why I fell in love with the anime in the first place.
It is difficult to write this review without giving away any of the plot twists from the manga. Certain relationships are illuminated in more detail than what you might remember from the anime and the manga series, such as Utena, Anthy, Anthy's brother, and Touga. Other relationships and duels are glossed over, such as Juri, Mickey, Saionji, and Utena's friend Wakaba. Even the cute mouse Chu is nonexistent until the final three pages of the manga. However, I can understand why certain plot points are glossed over as this book is simply 181 pages-- there is only so much that can be jammed into its depths.
I was still a little confused by Anthy's role as the rose bride. Why roses? Why this title? Why not rose princess? Maybe a closer reading of this manga with the anime and original manga series would answer some of my questions.
Fans and even new Utena readers will be delighted by the themes of love, friendship, death, betrayal, forgiveness, and freedom as illusion and reality collide in the world of Ohtori Academy. There is violence, nudity, and sex, so younger or more immature readers might do best to steer clear if they are uncomfortable with this type of content.
There are some themes that might not be very popular with some readers, exemplified by the following quote-- Memory will hold you here, unable to move on. Don't cling to love. After reading this manga, though, you will understand better why Utena must face the hard task implied by these quotes. Otherwise, she will never truly live.
I was a little disappointed with the ending simply because I did not want the story to finish. I was sad by what Utena had to do with Touga as I have always been a fan of them being a couple. Anyone who loves Touga will be happy to know that there are many scenes when he is not wearing a shirt-- sexy! ;)
As always, the artwork is impeccable and beautiful! I find myself mesmerized by the people--their expressions of love, agony, laughter-it all feels very real! I can really relate to the difficulties that Utena encounters and her desire to become a prince because both the writing and the images are well-crafted. They draw the reader into the story.
To all the little girls, or even older women, who want princes to rescue them: Utena is a reminder that we do not need princes. We do not need to wait for someone to rescue us as we can rescue ourselves and be our own princes! And we are more badass for it!
Let's revolutionize the world! I am proud to say that I am a prince and a princess--why not be both? :D And, as Utena says, ...I have to do the best I can to live my life... Unlike her, though, I do my best to live my life not only for myself but for my daughter--who I hope sees her strong and loving mother for who I am.
December 29, 2024
ok they earned many points with this one by giving them an actually happy ending and getting to watch a movie together and be girlfriends. love wins fr
June 24, 2013
As similar reviews on Amazon promised, ‘The Adolescence of Utena’ proved the perfect accompaniment to the ‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ series, for fans of the much-loved manga. This comic proved achingly difficult to put down and I read it in little more than half an hour from start to finish.
Although written and illustrated by the same author, Chiho Saito, ‘The Adolescence of Utena’ follows much the same storyline as the original, however strips away a lot of the fantasy to tell a more believable, realistic story. Gone are the swordfights and the mysterious castle in the sky. Instead the focus is more on two real-life traumatic experiences and how these events shape two very different girls’ distraught illusions.
The story is split into two parts, first focusing on Utena and her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Touga, then on Anthy and her brother Akio. Throughout, the comic is well-paced, building to two emotional, ground-breaking conclusions that shock the reader and leave them grieving for the poor girls.
There’s less attention on the comic’s other characters: Miki, Juri, Nanami and Saionji. This doesn’t detract however from making a fantastic story and one that like ‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’, leaves the reader thinking for ages afterwards.
If I had any complaint about this comic, it was that it was too short! Bravo Ms Saito for another fantastic comic, and please, please write more about Utena Tenjou and her adventures to bring the world revolution!
Although written and illustrated by the same author, Chiho Saito, ‘The Adolescence of Utena’ follows much the same storyline as the original, however strips away a lot of the fantasy to tell a more believable, realistic story. Gone are the swordfights and the mysterious castle in the sky. Instead the focus is more on two real-life traumatic experiences and how these events shape two very different girls’ distraught illusions.
The story is split into two parts, first focusing on Utena and her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Touga, then on Anthy and her brother Akio. Throughout, the comic is well-paced, building to two emotional, ground-breaking conclusions that shock the reader and leave them grieving for the poor girls.
There’s less attention on the comic’s other characters: Miki, Juri, Nanami and Saionji. This doesn’t detract however from making a fantastic story and one that like ‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’, leaves the reader thinking for ages afterwards.
If I had any complaint about this comic, it was that it was too short! Bravo Ms Saito for another fantastic comic, and please, please write more about Utena Tenjou and her adventures to bring the world revolution!
March 29, 2020
This was included as part of the boxed set, so even though I was OVER IT, I wanted to finish the book.
Bad idea.
There was a drugged incest rape. WHY. WHYYYYY??????
Hell to the nope out of here.
Bad idea.
There was a drugged incest rape. WHY. WHYYYYY??????
Hell to the nope out of here.
Read
August 13, 2023What.
April 21, 2025
Oh wow! This is one of the best 'what if' stories, and it gives me chills and a smile – love how the story turned out!
This only works if you invest in the characters and the story and I am really glad Chiho Saito san for writing this manga.
This only works if you invest in the characters and the story and I am really glad Chiho Saito san for writing this manga.
February 14, 2017
One of the most beautiful iterations of Utena and Anthy's story, and the only one with a straightforwardly happy ending, despite the heartbreaking intensity of some of the content. It's not as abstract as the Adolescence of Utena movie, and doesn't have the time to develop its plot and characters as the TV version has, but it distills the story in a way that captures its essence - and is far, far better than the earlier Utena manga. It also has perhaps the most sympathetic and likable version of Anthy.
December 29, 2016
Me gustó caleta.
August 14, 2019
They had a chance to reimagine the entire series and it's still garbage.
March 29, 2025
Funny, I bought this before I remembered that I already read it and owned it, as part of the 'Revolutionary Girl Utena Complete Deluxe Box Set'. I had pretty much forgotten all about the manga version of the movie 'Adolescence of Utena'. Until now.
For what it's worth, 'Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena' is an okay, if truncated, manga adaptation, with its own choices, traits, strengths and weaknesses. On its own, it is serviceable and enjoyable, with a great, classic shōjo art style that reminds me of Naoko Takeuchi's. It is nowhere close to the WTF factor as the movie, nor as subtle. What is going on and why is explained quite plainly to the reader. It certainly takes itself more seriously.
In addition, any character besides Utena, Anthy, Touga and Akio, such as the other duelists, they are completely forgotten about by the end. They end up serving no purpose. It is all about the foursome; they are the focus.
Speaking of focus, it is not much a deconstructed fairy tale, with a strong emphasis on subverting gender roles and identity (though it is present), like the original anime.
Still, it is a good, fantastical, brutal, grown-up little story and collectible for any 'Revolutionary Girl Utena' fan. It is especially refreshing to include it in the manga adaptation collection, which has been, sadly, a straightwashed, straightforward, watered down and less symbolic version of the anime. 'Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena' isn't straightwashed, thankfully. Slightly less incest than in the anime, too.
It's also weird how Chu-chu, Anthy's little pet monkey, does end up making an appearance here, but not Nanami, Touga's younger sister. She doesn't exist in this alternate reality.
I know I've said this time and time again, but poor girl.
Nanami just can't catch a break.
For more context, and further thoughts on the manga series and the anime series, read my review of the 'Revolutionary Girl Utena Complete Deluxe Box Set'.
Then there's my recent review of 'Revolutionary Girl Utena: After the Revolution'.
Farewell, 'RGU'. Farewell, Utena. Till we meet again. May you keep revolutionising the world. Alongside your true love, Anthy.
Sapphic love revolutionises the world. Subtly.
Farewell to all the roses and stars.
Final Score: 3.5/5
For what it's worth, 'Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena' is an okay, if truncated, manga adaptation, with its own choices, traits, strengths and weaknesses. On its own, it is serviceable and enjoyable, with a great, classic shōjo art style that reminds me of Naoko Takeuchi's. It is nowhere close to the WTF factor as the movie, nor as subtle. What is going on and why is explained quite plainly to the reader. It certainly takes itself more seriously.
In addition, any character besides Utena, Anthy, Touga and Akio, such as the other duelists, they are completely forgotten about by the end. They end up serving no purpose. It is all about the foursome; they are the focus.
Speaking of focus, it is not much a deconstructed fairy tale, with a strong emphasis on subverting gender roles and identity (though it is present), like the original anime.
Still, it is a good, fantastical, brutal, grown-up little story and collectible for any 'Revolutionary Girl Utena' fan. It is especially refreshing to include it in the manga adaptation collection, which has been, sadly, a straightwashed, straightforward, watered down and less symbolic version of the anime. 'Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena' isn't straightwashed, thankfully. Slightly less incest than in the anime, too.
It's also weird how Chu-chu, Anthy's little pet monkey, does end up making an appearance here, but not Nanami, Touga's younger sister. She doesn't exist in this alternate reality.
I know I've said this time and time again, but poor girl.
Nanami just can't catch a break.
For more context, and further thoughts on the manga series and the anime series, read my review of the 'Revolutionary Girl Utena Complete Deluxe Box Set'.
Then there's my recent review of 'Revolutionary Girl Utena: After the Revolution'.
Farewell, 'RGU'. Farewell, Utena. Till we meet again. May you keep revolutionising the world. Alongside your true love, Anthy.
Sapphic love revolutionises the world. Subtly.
Farewell to all the roses and stars.
Final Score: 3.5/5
November 23, 2017
So, this manga classic was not at all what I expected. First of all, this is the manga based on the movie on Utena's adolescence. It's said to be different from the actual manga series. I would have to read it to compare. It was a really disappointing read. It shows its age in terms of how queerness is treated.
Note, I read this in Italian, so some terms may be different.
First of all, Utena becomes a prince because she thinks her prince, Toga, abandoned her. Now, had this been a bisexual read (or done better, because it kind of is) I would have had no problem with it. The issue is that it appeared to me that both Utena and Anthy were the way they were because of the men in their lives.
At first, I really did not like neither Utena nor Anthy. I grew to like them, but only a little. It also seems like the setting is too elitist and hetero. It's not a linear story either and it was a bit confusing. Also, why are the males called 'princes' but Anthy called Utena 'Lady'?
Anthy is also treated as an object by everyone by Utena, who just wants to be her friend. Anthy seems very disturbed to me but she was abused a lot, including by her own brother though it's unclear if he was also abused by her. Yes, there is incest.
It's not at all what I expected and it left me perturbed, disgusted and disappointed. Especially because this is a classic and if this is what the anime is about... It's like Utena and Anthy were pawns for the males even though they were the protagonists and everything was in their hands. I'll try to read the series...but I won't have too high expectations.
Art was ok.
Note, I read this in Italian, so some terms may be different.
First of all, Utena becomes a prince because she thinks her prince, Toga, abandoned her. Now, had this been a bisexual read (or done better, because it kind of is) I would have had no problem with it. The issue is that it appeared to me that both Utena and Anthy were the way they were because of the men in their lives.
At first, I really did not like neither Utena nor Anthy. I grew to like them, but only a little. It also seems like the setting is too elitist and hetero. It's not a linear story either and it was a bit confusing. Also, why are the males called 'princes' but Anthy called Utena 'Lady'?
Anthy is also treated as an object by everyone by Utena, who just wants to be her friend. Anthy seems very disturbed to me but she was abused a lot, including by her own brother though it's unclear if he was also abused by her. Yes, there is incest.
It's not at all what I expected and it left me perturbed, disgusted and disappointed. Especially because this is a classic and if this is what the anime is about... It's like Utena and Anthy were pawns for the males even though they were the protagonists and everything was in their hands. I'll try to read the series...but I won't have too high expectations.
Art was ok.
April 29, 2024
Today's manga post is on Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena by Chiho Saitō and Be-Papas. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover is purple with Utena and Dios on it. As it is a re-telling of the original story, you do not need to have read the original manga to enjoy the story. There is no foul language, some sexual situations, and some violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who likes classic shojo manga and re-telling's of them. The story is told from third person close of the main character. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
Blurb- A liberal adaptation of the movie by the same name, "The Adolescence of Utena" veers widely from its original source. More direct than the anime and more mature than the original manga series, this version of Chiho Saito's fractured fairy tale blasts Utena straight into the iconic stratosphere.
Review- A brilliant reimagining of the story of Revolutionary Girl Utena. Utena is seeking her boyfriend and walks into the duels and everything about them. I think that is a good addition to the mythology of Utena, adding more about Anthy and her brother. This manga really pushing into their relationship and how troubled it is. Utena is really a savior in this manga, she saves Anthy and others from being trapped in the past. If you have read the original story, you need to read this one. If you haven't read the original story, this is a great way to get into the world of Utena. I am looking forward to the last manga, so far, in this setting.
I give this manga a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
Blurb- A liberal adaptation of the movie by the same name, "The Adolescence of Utena" veers widely from its original source. More direct than the anime and more mature than the original manga series, this version of Chiho Saito's fractured fairy tale blasts Utena straight into the iconic stratosphere.
Review- A brilliant reimagining of the story of Revolutionary Girl Utena. Utena is seeking her boyfriend and walks into the duels and everything about them. I think that is a good addition to the mythology of Utena, adding more about Anthy and her brother. This manga really pushing into their relationship and how troubled it is. Utena is really a savior in this manga, she saves Anthy and others from being trapped in the past. If you have read the original story, you need to read this one. If you haven't read the original story, this is a great way to get into the world of Utena. I am looking forward to the last manga, so far, in this setting.
I give this manga a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
March 6, 2022
The beauty, sexual tension, and sense of ritual of Revolutionary Girl Utena is intensified in this condensed version of a fairytale among fairytales. The Rose Bride, the Rose Prince, and those caught in their dueling game until a young girl comes to revolutionize the rites of summoning the revolution takes on a new vitality while retaining the form of the series I found so addictive. Utena seeks to become a prince at first, but she comes to care too much about the Rose Bride, to see her as a person than to let her remain trapped in the roles prince and princess sought to play. Utena not only saves Anthy, but gives her the strength to save herself. Myth and metaphor unite with real feelings of grief, abuse, and the inability to let go in this exquisite fairytale where the sheltered world of the school creates an unreality, an unreality the protagonist must eventually grow up and leave behind, even if it means letting go things she’d rather hold in her heart. For eternity means standing still, unable to move forward, trapped in her memories, even if they fade, leaving both she and others unable to remember tha they’re trapped. Beauty can be a trap, too, seducing the characters into not fulfilling their true potential if they conform to the prince’s dream. And even if they have the power to revolutionize the world, they may never be able to use it, if they cannot move forward.
November 25, 2020
A less-obtuse version of the sequel/reboot "Adolescence of Utena," which exists as both manga and anime. This version is lovely and has many scenes in common with the anime - it veers off around the final third, flattens the narrative a bit, and also gets around to explaining
another, pettier, different spoiler:
another, pettier, different spoiler:
September 9, 2022
The most unhinged manga I’ve ever read, and I love it all the more for it. Is it clear? No. Does it answer all the questions it raises? No. Does it make any sense outside the context of the rest of Utena canon? Absolutely not. But it’s a masterpiece of fan service, edginess, and drama so intense it’s almost campy. If you wished the rest of the Utena series was gayer and grittier, this is the one for you.
June 30, 2021
Bigger, gayer, more flowery and filled with metaphors than the original series. I love that they really explore more of Anthy's duplicity and her victimhood in this story than they did in the original manga, but the ending was soft and sweet which is what I wanted. If you love shojo-ai and yuri, this is the one.
June 30, 2017
Sensacional. Esta cuarta representación de la historia de la chica que desea ser un príncipe nos muestra lados distintos de personajes que queremos. Recomiendo altamente su lectura a los fans de Utena.
February 17, 2018
This is a great adaptation of the movie version of Revolutionary Girl Utena.
Obviously there are differences between the two, but both convey that feeling of transition in stages of life. Still rich in symbolism and motifs, any fan of the original series should read it.
Obviously there are differences between the two, but both convey that feeling of transition in stages of life. Still rich in symbolism and motifs, any fan of the original series should read it.
June 11, 2023
this was vastly different from the original utena and also more sex and also more confusion??? I have to go read wikipedia now to understand what i just read lol. oh also rape and incest?????????? what. is happening. the art style is so beautiful though and mesmerizing
January 2, 2018
Not my favorite series, sold my copy.
October 15, 2019
A convoluted meta-pretzel wrung from what was a good story until it got the movie treatment.
October 9, 2020
The storyline doesn't flow and some themes are just kind of ....wack.
But I still enjoyed it.
But I still enjoyed it.
Read
December 30, 2020Recordaba la película como algo tirando a sutil. O me equivoco yo o el manga se pasa de directo.
(Respuesta correcta: C - A y B son correctas)
(Respuesta correcta: C - A y B son correctas)
February 24, 2021
I spent most of this in a state of confusion. The art and gays did it for me though.
May 13, 2021
i really enjoyed this addition to the series. it clarified the content of the main story and tied up loose ends. i cannot get enough of this art and these characters!!
February 18, 2023
Very confusing going into, overall maybe the best of all the tellings? Hard to say
May 20, 2024
Me dio muchas ganas de volver a verme la película. Disfruto Utena en todas sus formas pero la película y este tomo especial 🩷
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews