Requiem of the Rose King, Vol. 9

薔薇王の葬列 [Baraō no Sōretsu] #9

by Aya Kanno

The intrigue and royal conspiracy in the Bard’s Richard III is given a dark manga twist that will appeal to aficionados of both comics and the classics.

Richard, the ambitious third son of the House of York, believes he is cursed, damned from birth to eternal darkness. But is it truly fate that sets him on the path to personal destruction? Or his own tormented longings? Based on an early draft of Shakespeare’s Richard III, Aya Kanno’s dark fantasy finds the man who could be king standing between worlds, between classes, between good and evil.

England’s new king, now a slave to the witch Jane, gives himself over entirely to debauchery. Richard, unable to overlook George’s constant errors, schemes to arrest his brother, just as a killer who resembles Richard himself is conspiring behind closed doors. Meanwhile, Richard’s mysterious body becomes an object of interest…

Genres: Manga, Historical Fiction, Historical, LGBT, Fantasy, Comics, Romance

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2018

About the author

Aya Kanno (菅野文; Kanno Aya) is a Japanese shōjo manga artist.

Former assistant of mangaka Masashi Asaki of Psychometrer Eiji fame, she made her debut in the January 2001 issue of Hakusensha's magazine "Hana to Yume" with Soul Rescue. Her works include Otomen.

Reviews

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

Aya Kanno continues Shakespeare's version of Richard IIIs life and stays fairly close to that version. In this volume, we have Richard, Duke of Gloucester, still broken over the death of Henry and single-minded in his drive to protect the throne of England. He is even willing to take out his brother in that pursuit - but the secret of his body is starting to become known and those who are looking to manipulate him for their own power will need to take matters in their own hand to protect 'their' king from exposure and ridicule.

Story: George, brother to the King and Richard, has become unstable after the loss of his wife Isabelle. Through Buckingham's machinations, Richard comes to the understanding that George is a danger to the stability of the throne. While the King may not do anything against his own brother, Richard can and will. Carefully manipulating the situation around both George and the King, Richard makes each feel he is in their corner as he skillfully gets them to do his bidding. George is
set up to make treasonous statements, then arrested and executed. The execution is made to look like a suicide to further drive the king mad as well since he feels he has made a mistake in not forgiving his brother.

Of course, much of what was in Shakespeare's historical works of this era have pretty much been proven to be incorrect - a Tudor revisionist history to please King James or Queen Elizabeth. But Aya Kanno can have fun with the Shakespeare version since there is so much intrigue, plotting, and especially underlying supernatural elements. I'd advise against looking up how these characters really looked like in historical paintings since it can be jarring.

Of course, Kanno's take on Richard's 'deformity' was written before his body was found in Leicester - so she could have a lot of fun imaging Richard as intersex rather than Shakespeare's hunchback. We know neither was the case but it still makes for a great story.

The art is, as always, a treat. Beautifully drawn and full of action. I do always recommend following Wikipedia on the actual events to make the story easier to follow. There are a lot of characters, many of whom share the same name, so it can get confusing at times. But in all it is still an engaging look into the War of the Roses and the events that lead to the Tudors taking the throne. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Las tensiones políticas se intensifican. Richard empieza a desear la corona poco a poco porque ni George ni Edward tienen el talante adecuado para ser reyes. El duque de Buckinham me encanta, y no se cansa de meter cizaña para que Richard llegue a ser rey. ¿Lo conseguirá ahora que ha descubierto que Richard esconde un secreto sobre su cuerpo? ¿El asesino Tyreel recuperará la cordura en algún momento?

Todos sabemos cómo acabo el asunto en la auténtica Guerra de las Rosas, y la mezcla entre verdades históricas y situaciones ficticias me hace preguntarme cómo acabará esto.

¿Richard matará a sus sobrinos para ser rey, como dicen las malas lenguas que ocurrió? Yo creo que será Buckinham.

Poco a poco, nos acercamos al final de la leyenda.

[marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vol. 4 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 5 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 6 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 7 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 8 ★★★☆☆

Whereas earlier volumes focus more on warfare, this one goes full-on political intrigue. After George's increasingly unstable behavior at court, Richard and Buckingham plot to get rid of him. While I've never been a fan of Edward, it's sad to see how pathetic he has become. In addition, it's unsettling to see how ruthless Richard is. Even so, there are heartwarming moments in this volume, such as when he takes Beth out to town or comfort his son. I've mentioned this before, but I'm obsessed with how Aya Kanno makes no effort to hide who James Tyrell is. It cracks me up.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still enjoying this series and its combination of Shakespearian and historical fanfiction (poor George), and I particularly liked Richard's interaction with his son in this volume. But if Tyrell is who I think he is, Aya Kanno and I are going to need to have words.

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can Henry’s while Emory and personality be lost just like that?? 😰😲

[Hoppipolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madre mía, madre mía, madre mía. Qué a puntito de caramelo está todo, omg, me encanta cómo Richard va perdiendo su ingenuidad y con ella la esperanza, se le ve cada día más desquiciado, hambriento de cariño también 🥹 y su hijo Henry, dios necesito más momentos del niño y él. También sé que Buckingham y Richard van a chuscar, es que huelo el sexo entre ellos JAJA. Mí fav por el momento el Buckingham y no creo que eso cambie de cara a futuro, uf.

[Banana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,3⭐️
Estoy taaan dentro de la historia, hay tantas cosas abiertas.
Lo de George, el rey que no hace nada, la bruja.
Buckingham, Catesby y Richard que estor WUE no puedo más.
El Tyrrel que todos sabemos y que se vana. Venir cositas.
Os juro que no puedooooo.

[Nikola · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the hell is happening?? Czuję że się zaczynam rozmijać z tą serią, bo staje się coraz bardziej niedorzeczna XD

[Gocrope · Rating 5 out of 5]

El nuevo acto sigue siendo tan potente y shakespeariano como el primero. Cada tomo es una gozada.

[elif sinem · Rating 3 out of 5]

This manga is probably very boring but Richard is the main character so idrc about that rn

[Miss Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

the gender politics remain fucked but ngl there is something compelling about watching aya kanno decide she wants to embody kaori yuki for the 21st century

3 stars

[Konstantin R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how the author tries to ignore the fact that we all know who this "mysterious strange who has no memories" on the cover is. We all saw what Richard did, where the knife cut. I hope this isn't a spoiler, but nothing is really gained for such a short-lived "secret stranger". No (Scottish) wool is being pulled over this reader's eyes!

[Patrycja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boski tomik 😍

[Loz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My beautiful trash continues with drama and chaos and over the topness. I can't rec this unless you just want gorgeous wonderful garbage. Very shitty gender stuff as a warning.

[Printia_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Últimamente mi alma no siente ni dolor ni alegría. Murió hace tanto tiempo que no recuerda el mismo día de su propia muerte. Solo quedó abandonada junto con mis mayores deseos el día en que decidí aplastar la rosa que tanto había anhelado."

Amando cada uno de los tomos de esta increíble historia y de lo bien construidos que están todos sus personajes, y el cómo son capaces de transmitir tanto con una simple mirada. Es simplemente fascinante.

Nos movemos en la línea temporal, aunque esto no quiere decir que alguno de los personajes haya podido olvidar. Algo a agradecer, ya que los sucesos trágicos son imposibles de abandonar a su suerte. Y, como siempre, la corona es la que sufre más, la que más pesa en la cabeza que la porta.

Hay que decir que esta parte se siente más como una introducción de todo aquello que va a acontecer, aunque esto no le quita la importancia que tiene en la obra. Esto se debe a que en este tipo de tomos se nos abren las mentes de los personajes y nos dejan indagar en su psicología. Nos dejan ver su desarrollo y sus pensamientos y deseos más arraigados, además de las posibles relaciones que van a establecer los unos con los otros.

Añadir la habilidad de la autora para crear sentimientos, en este caso tristeza y pena, en los lectores por personajes que, en mi caso, ni siquiera los tenía en alta estima. Esto solo demuestra la dedicación que hay detrás de esta historia, a la que se suma el precioso dibujo que lo acompaña.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have little coherent thoughts, this manga makes me go just all asfahsgfhasg because it's just so good and gives me all sorts of feelings...! It's excellent, so full of intrigue, plots, secrets and drama. And looks so damn gorgeous all the time too. Aaah...

I really like the Tyrrell twist Kanno has come up with, and that's saying something because as I've mentioned before, I won't take just any tale of Richard III. I can't wait to see how that story goes. And as I've also lamented before, I'm still sad that Anne has such unhappiness but then again, nobody is actually happy beyond a few brief moments so I understand it.

Oh, and Catesby is a good man. Keep your slimy schemes away from him, Buckingham!

[MunWolfieSNM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ayyyyy hacía mucho que no leía Réquiem y jo, ha sido leer las primeras páginas y daba igual el tiempo que hubiera pasado, ya estaba dentrísimo. Adoro esta historia.

En este tomo tenemos a Richard y sus cómplices, el duque de Buckingham y Catesby, moviendo los hilos del palacio desde las sombras. Cuando George, el hermano mediano, se vuelve un lastre, consiguen idear un plan para que muera. Finalmente, como el rey Edward es un inútil ahora mismo, es Richar quien tiene que ir a dirigir los ejércitos para la guerra contra Escocia. Buckingham, que quiere averiguar qué esconde Richard, envía a un asesino a escoltarlo y averiguar la verdad sobre su cuerpo. Este asesino es Tyrrell, un hombre que se parece sospechosamente a Henry.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this manga. I love this area in history and I love the Shakespearean take on it, with the story being inspired by the plays Henry VI and Richard III.

It gets a bit jumbled but omg! Tyrell! That is just.. wow. And I do have to admit that apart from Richard, Buckingham is my fav. Love him in this and the way he is portrayed.

The king is on the road downhill, though, and we all know how this will end at some point, don't we? The journey is the interesting part and I can't wait to read more.

[Alexis Hubsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Character 4| Setting 3| Plot 3.5| Art 5| Enjoyability 5

Rating: 4.10

There is a lot going on here, George getting Sentenced to Death, Buckingham scheming, Richard and gang hanging out with Princess Beth(who is super cute who loves her Uncle....she's gonna die and im gonna be sad)

Pretty sure Tyrell is Henry and that Richard didn't actually kill him. We'll see what happens.

Edward is so wishy washy I just want him to not be. He has so many issues it just makes me want to throttle the man.

[Mane69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A finales de la Edad Media, las casas de York y de Lancaster se enfrentaron por el trono de Inglaterra en una sangrienta sucesión de contiendas, más tarde conocida como la Guerra de las Rosas. Richard, el hijo más joven de la casa de York, está dispuesto a cualquier cosa por sentar a su padre en el trono. Pero sobre él pesa una cruel maldición: Traerá ruina y destrucción sobre todo lo que ama.(Sacado de ramen para dos).

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chapters dealing with George and the brothers' relationship as well as the fallout was so good. The opening illustration of ch 38 with the brothers around the table and the end panels? Stunning and devastating. Buckingham is a real nasty piece of work (and I love it). Were Richard's tears real? I don't think even he knows. Also chapter 40 with the reappearance of Joan and his nightmares and the end of this volume...................... Aya Kanno is THE REAL DEVIL HERE!!!!

[Novels and Neckties - Kira Murasaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn´t recover from this plottwist o.o
I should be happy, but If the author wants to give a certain couple a 2nd chance ... she will have to work a miralcle ... or 10 !!! o.o

And I need to add for the record, that adult Buckingham is the HOTTEST dude i have seen in a long time in manga.

[Emi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madre mía! Pero cómo está avanzando la cosa...

Richard ya no me parece tan majo, en el sentido de disculpar sus decisiones por todo lo que le rodea. Y ahí también pinta mucho Buckingham... Qué pareja más peligrosa!

[Ade Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adoro a Catesby y mira que lo intento pero Buckingham no me tira🥲 que quiera insistir en saber algo que no le han confiado no me gusta nada.

Richard con su hijo me encanta, el niño es un angelito, de verdad.

Las últimas páginas...Tyrell, creo que sé quién eres, cómo has podido, Aya Kanno!

[Nesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIG OOOF, good stuff

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good volume.

[Kristilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

That tear lick was perfection

[kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable volume. Lots of fantastic Richard moments. Some interesting movement in the plot. The ending was beautiful. Still very into this series.

[M ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE

[paula ☁️ ·̩͙✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuando pienso que los tomos de Réquiem no pueden sorprenderme más que los anteriores, van y se superan. 🤧