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薔薇王の葬列 [Baraō no Sōretsu] #10
Requiem of the Rose King, Vol. 10
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.
Richard accepts his own ambitions, just as King Edward and his court descend into chaos. The past, in the form of the closely guarded secret about Richard’s body, is finally coming to light. Awakened by betrayals and promises, Richard is about to begin his strike…
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.
Richard accepts his own ambitions, just as King Edward and his court descend into chaos. The past, in the form of the closely guarded secret about Richard’s body, is finally coming to light. Awakened by betrayals and promises, Richard is about to begin his strike…
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2018
About the author
Aya Kanno
66 books204 followersAya 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 14, 2019
Damn, so many twists and turns in this one. Many Sadface Catesbys in this volume.
December 1, 2023
Requiem of the Rose King #10
Story and art by Aya Kanno
Reviewed December 1, 2023
After taking a break for a while, I have returned to one of my guilty reading pleasures, the Requiem of the Rose King graphic novel series. Although the series is supposed to be based on Shakespeare’s Henry VI and Richard III, it has about as much in common with Shakey’s plays as Shakey’s plays have with history. The names are the same, and certain very broad plot lines match what really happened (or at least what we think happened)…but that’s about all. At the same time, there are enough references to historical events to add a touch of veracity to the story. I mean, you should have realized the moment Richard is revealed to be a hermaphrodite in book 1 that this was not going to be your standard historical fiction. But who cares?! It’s a fun series, and why I think of it as a guilty pleasure.
I won’t go into a lot of detail other than to say that in volume 10, all kinds of shenanigans are underway. Big Ed, aka King Edward IV, has died, and a rather smart-mouthed Little Ed, Edward V, is ready to take the throne. (Okay, Big and Little Ed are my names for them, not Aya Kanno’s names for them.) The Woodvilles plan on ruling through young Edward in a plot led by the boy’s mother, Elizabeth Woodville, whose real purpose in marrying Big Ed all those years ago was to exact her revenge for the loss of her first husband, John Grey, a knight who died fighting for Lancastrian King Henry VI.
Richard of Gloucester, who has been off fighting the Scots, is made aware of certain things by Harry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. That’s right, it’s Bucky’s time to shine. Bucky is a cunning, conniving sort who has heard the stories about Richard and his “demon body,” and figures if he can learn Richard’s secret, he can control Richard…and be the power behind the throne. And so he sets about seducing Richard, appealing to his female side, and I’ll leave it there.
Once again, an enjoyable romp through an alternative version of the Ricardian story, filled with beautiful people and beautiful artwork.
Story and art by Aya Kanno
Reviewed December 1, 2023
After taking a break for a while, I have returned to one of my guilty reading pleasures, the Requiem of the Rose King graphic novel series. Although the series is supposed to be based on Shakespeare’s Henry VI and Richard III, it has about as much in common with Shakey’s plays as Shakey’s plays have with history. The names are the same, and certain very broad plot lines match what really happened (or at least what we think happened)…but that’s about all. At the same time, there are enough references to historical events to add a touch of veracity to the story. I mean, you should have realized the moment Richard is revealed to be a hermaphrodite in book 1 that this was not going to be your standard historical fiction. But who cares?! It’s a fun series, and why I think of it as a guilty pleasure.
I won’t go into a lot of detail other than to say that in volume 10, all kinds of shenanigans are underway. Big Ed, aka King Edward IV, has died, and a rather smart-mouthed Little Ed, Edward V, is ready to take the throne. (Okay, Big and Little Ed are my names for them, not Aya Kanno’s names for them.) The Woodvilles plan on ruling through young Edward in a plot led by the boy’s mother, Elizabeth Woodville, whose real purpose in marrying Big Ed all those years ago was to exact her revenge for the loss of her first husband, John Grey, a knight who died fighting for Lancastrian King Henry VI.
Richard of Gloucester, who has been off fighting the Scots, is made aware of certain things by Harry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. That’s right, it’s Bucky’s time to shine. Bucky is a cunning, conniving sort who has heard the stories about Richard and his “demon body,” and figures if he can learn Richard’s secret, he can control Richard…and be the power behind the throne. And so he sets about seducing Richard, appealing to his female side, and I’ll leave it there.
Once again, an enjoyable romp through an alternative version of the Ricardian story, filled with beautiful people and beautiful artwork.
January 29, 2022
Gee, I guess I missed the part in King Richard the Third where Richard sleeps with Buckingham.
Snark aside, the more I read, the more I like that Kanno included the ghost of Joan of Arc from Henry VI, Part 1 - York (Richard's dad) is instrumental in her death sentence, and among her last lines is a curse against England and the Plantagenets. Like Kanno's inclusion of Jane Shore, the women damned as "witches" wield the power given to them by frightened men.
Snark aside, the more I read, the more I like that Kanno included the ghost of Joan of Arc from Henry VI, Part 1 - York (Richard's dad) is instrumental in her death sentence, and among her last lines is a curse against England and the Plantagenets. Like Kanno's inclusion of Jane Shore, the women damned as "witches" wield the power given to them by frightened men.
February 28, 2019
there are liberties with historical fiction and then there are, ahem, LIBERTIES. I thought we had seen it all but again with the bizarre plot twists along with the gorgeous artwork and intense story that is just a little (ha ha) different from the history we've been taught.
March 24, 2020
More garbage drama that I can't put down! Really rough one with heavy and not for anyone feeling sensitive, but it sure is pretty and as wild as anyone could ask.
January 10, 2022
Screaming, crying, and throwing up so hard rn. Fuck you Buckingham all my homies hate Buckingham.
October 6, 2024
Vol. 5 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 6 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 7 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 8 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 9 ★★★★☆
Requiem of the Rose King is my favorite of all the series I'm reading right now. The story is so juicy and just impossible to put down. Objectively speaking, Buckingham is a great character. He's sick in the head and it's fun to see what he'll do next. Nonetheless, I find him repulsive. I understand his motivations and still think he's loathsome. I'm excited to see where his relationship with Richard will go next in the same way some people enjoy watching car crash compilations. On the other hand, Catesby is really growing on me. His love for Richard is unrequited yet he remains unwaveringly loyal. It's tragic and mesmerizing à la Jean and Nino from ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.
Vol. 6 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 7 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 8 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 9 ★★★★☆
Requiem of the Rose King is my favorite of all the series I'm reading right now. The story is so juicy and just impossible to put down. Objectively speaking, Buckingham is a great character. He's sick in the head and it's fun to see what he'll do next. Nonetheless, I find him repulsive. I understand his motivations and still think he's loathsome. I'm excited to see where his relationship with Richard will go next in the same way some people enjoy watching car crash compilations. On the other hand, Catesby is really growing on me. His love for Richard is unrequited yet he remains unwaveringly loyal. It's tragic and mesmerizing à la Jean and Nino from ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.
March 30, 2026
Se está enredando pero bien este manga, todo son traiciones, ambiciones, lujuria que en más de una ocasión digo: " Esto no viene a cuento pero ni modo " .
No soporto a Buckingham, siempre me ha dado mala espina, pienso que llevará a Richard a la perdición y que lo arrastrará hasta un pozo del cual no habrá retorno.
Y pobre Casteby siempre ha querido lo mejor para Richard y este está ciego perdido.
Me da miedo el rumbo que está tomando la historia, porque veo venir un desenlace desgarrador.
No soporto a Buckingham, siempre me ha dado mala espina, pienso que llevará a Richard a la perdición y que lo arrastrará hasta un pozo del cual no habrá retorno.
Y pobre Casteby siempre ha querido lo mejor para Richard y este está ciego perdido.
Me da miedo el rumbo que está tomando la historia, porque veo venir un desenlace desgarrador.
August 2, 2021
En este tomo el Buckingham está desacatao...
Y yo le tengo una envidia de esa mala, de la que te corroe por dentro la hija puta.
Bueno, sigue coronándose como mi manga fav
Y yo le tengo una envidia de esa mala, de la que te corroe por dentro la hija puta.
Bueno, sigue coronándose como mi manga fav
June 16, 2025
4,7⭐️
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Fin de la reseña
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Fin de la reseña
July 23, 2025
No hay tomo que no defrauda. Nunca se hace lento, nunca se nota estirado, todo encaja y se retuerce a la perfección. Los personajes se interrelacionan entre ellos y llevan a cabo una trama magnífica e impresionante.
March 20, 2020
Richard is desiring the crown and a victim, Buckingham is a dirty bastard and Catesby is sad. And I'm overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions. That's the brief summary.
Aaah, f**king Buckingham! Even though I was expecting something like this, it still hit like a wrecking ball. I'm glad to know what happens to him in the future.
Anywayyyy, Edward IV dies in this volume and leaves a less than desirable situation: his heir is in minority and queen Elizabeth and her Woodville kin are so sure they'll be in power now, Lord Rivers as regent and Elizabeth pulling the strings of her son too. But Richard, with the help of Buckingham, sets course to intervene. There's a lot of dramatic declarations and desperate cries! Switching sides and people who you don't know whose side they really are... Very good drama.
Oh, and of course the young Edward, the heir, now king Edward V, is an annoying brat. Won't be missed. (Oops, was that terribly said?)
But oh Richard... he's suffering all the time. I'm sad.
Aaah, f**king Buckingham! Even though I was expecting something like this, it still hit like a wrecking ball. I'm glad to know what happens to him in the future.
Anywayyyy, Edward IV dies in this volume and leaves a less than desirable situation: his heir is in minority and queen Elizabeth and her Woodville kin are so sure they'll be in power now, Lord Rivers as regent and Elizabeth pulling the strings of her son too. But Richard, with the help of Buckingham, sets course to intervene. There's a lot of dramatic declarations and desperate cries! Switching sides and people who you don't know whose side they really are... Very good drama.
Oh, and of course the young Edward, the heir, now king Edward V, is an annoying brat. Won't be missed. (Oops, was that terribly said?)
But oh Richard... he's suffering all the time. I'm sad.
September 24, 2020
Este tomo me dejó tan descompuesto que me tienen que recomponer las nalgas trocito a trocito.
REREAD 2024: SE ME VOLVIÓ A CAER EL CULO SOCORRO.
REREAD 2024: SE ME VOLVIÓ A CAER EL CULO SOCORRO.
October 10, 2023
"Parece que el anhelo que sentía por aquello que nunca creí mío es el único que puede mantenerme a flote. Ese deseo, casi enfermo, hizo que deseara aferrarme un poco más a la vida, dejando de esquivar los sentimientos más oscuros que en mí vivían. Esto hizo que me convirtiera en el ser al que todos temían."
Otro perfecto tomo, donde la crudeza de la situación y de las acciones de ciertos personajes es mostrada sin miedo alguno. Todo esto con el maravilloso dibujo que tiene la obra, la hace simplemente perfecta.
Y es que este tomo en un antes y un después en la vida del pequeño Richard, el cuál creía que su alma sería capaz de esconder toda su ambición y dolor. Sin embargo, esto solo lo consumía más y más, llegando todo a un punto de no retorno, a una elección donde ponía en juego su propia integridad.
Por otro lado, vemos como aquellos que no fueron capaces de pisar la tierra se van consumiendo poco a poco, sin darse mucha cuenta de ello. También se van formando nuevas alianzas que competirán en un futuro por el honor y la gloria de sus apellidos.
Me queda por comentar la escena que lo cambia todo, donde la traición, los secretos y la confianza se ensalzan en una danza espinosa. Richard tiene aliados fieles, un camino glorioso, una libertad y confianzas en sí mismo que nunca llegó a poseer y un protector que sería capaz de ensuciarse las manos si él lo pidiera. Aunque todo esto ha tenido un coste igual de importante que lo obtenido. Un hecho que lo marcará hasta el día que perezca.
Otro perfecto tomo, donde la crudeza de la situación y de las acciones de ciertos personajes es mostrada sin miedo alguno. Todo esto con el maravilloso dibujo que tiene la obra, la hace simplemente perfecta.
Y es que este tomo en un antes y un después en la vida del pequeño Richard, el cuál creía que su alma sería capaz de esconder toda su ambición y dolor. Sin embargo, esto solo lo consumía más y más, llegando todo a un punto de no retorno, a una elección donde ponía en juego su propia integridad.
Por otro lado, vemos como aquellos que no fueron capaces de pisar la tierra se van consumiendo poco a poco, sin darse mucha cuenta de ello. También se van formando nuevas alianzas que competirán en un futuro por el honor y la gloria de sus apellidos.
Me queda por comentar la escena que lo cambia todo, donde la traición, los secretos y la confianza se ensalzan en una danza espinosa. Richard tiene aliados fieles, un camino glorioso, una libertad y confianzas en sí mismo que nunca llegó a poseer y un protector que sería capaz de ensuciarse las manos si él lo pidiera. Aunque todo esto ha tenido un coste igual de importante que lo obtenido. Un hecho que lo marcará hasta el día que perezca.
June 28, 2025
Find yourself a man who would kill god for you ig? Or maybe not...
It's seems like Richard has been liberated in embracing his "demonic" nature and embracing his true desires of becoming king bc of Buckingham, but it also led him to further believe the idea that he is a demon, that life is pain, that pleasure is pain.
That's what god gave him, he gave him pain.
It doesn't help that most people who have found out the secret of his body demonize him. Only his father and loyal servant haven't. In childhood Catesby has told him that he is not strange. But despite that he believes that it is better to hide.
From no one could love this body bc it is demonic to only a person who sins can love a demon like him...
Buckingham still views him as a "demon" but he also isn't a man of god, so he doesn't care. But he encourages that idea. He freed his from thorny shackles but then got him tangled in another ones....
It's seems like Richard has been liberated in embracing his "demonic" nature and embracing his true desires of becoming king bc of Buckingham, but it also led him to further believe the idea that he is a demon, that life is pain, that pleasure is pain.
That's what god gave him, he gave him pain.
It doesn't help that most people who have found out the secret of his body demonize him. Only his father and loyal servant haven't. In childhood Catesby has told him that he is not strange. But despite that he believes that it is better to hide.
From no one could love this body bc it is demonic to only a person who sins can love a demon like him...
Buckingham still views him as a "demon" but he also isn't a man of god, so he doesn't care. But he encourages that idea. He freed his from thorny shackles but then got him tangled in another ones....
June 30, 2021
I knew the story of Richard III, but only now do I start to understand it.
This volume was almost entirely about Buckingham. Man! Makes me wanna travel to England and check out all the castles mentioned or referred to!
And a Rape Trigger Warning would have been nice.
I know I sound like a grumpy old man, but I won´t shut up about that.
If that is your kink in manga ... well, I won´t say "as long as you only like it drawn in manga and you don´t act it out" ... that would go too far ... it´s your kink, I can´t tell you what u enjoy and there is no point in trying to stop anyone. But adding a trigger warning is not too much to ask for.
This volume was almost entirely about Buckingham. Man! Makes me wanna travel to England and check out all the castles mentioned or referred to!
And a Rape Trigger Warning would have been nice.
I know I sound like a grumpy old man, but I won´t shut up about that.
If that is your kink in manga ... well, I won´t say "as long as you only like it drawn in manga and you don´t act it out" ... that would go too far ... it´s your kink, I can´t tell you what u enjoy and there is no point in trying to stop anyone. But adding a trigger warning is not too much to ask for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2026
Pros: Edward ya está enterrado \^-^/
Cons: lo tendré que pensar...
Buckingham de verdad vio a Richard lleno de traumas y crisis existencial y dijo: no puedo arreglarlo, puedo hacerlo peor. Todo muy insano, pero fascinante. Realmente es muy triste que esa sea la única forma en que puede sentirse más realizado y sin esconderse, incluso si se hace daño. Me sigue doliendo...
El flashback con Catesby y porque Richard se tapa su ojito me dejó en el suelo, llevo tirada todo el fin de semana, nopuedeserT_T
Cons: lo tendré que pensar...
Buckingham de verdad vio a Richard lleno de traumas y crisis existencial y dijo: no puedo arreglarlo, puedo hacerlo peor. Todo muy insano, pero fascinante. Realmente es muy triste que esa sea la única forma en que puede sentirse más realizado y sin esconderse, incluso si se hace daño. Me sigue doliendo...
El flashback con Catesby y porque Richard se tapa su ojito me dejó en el suelo, llevo tirada todo el fin de semana, nopuedeserT_T
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2022
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).
November 13, 2023
Richard se puso masoquista pero desea la corona, Buckingham probablemente solo quiere cogerse a la corona, who knows pero me encanta skfkfkd (en general, amo casi todas las relaciones insanas de Richard, se ve que el único que lo quiere bien es Catesby, pero Richard no anda por la labor de que lo quieran bien) 😭
Me gusta cuando Elizabeth Woodville pierde pero ya se que va a sobrevivir a Richard así que no tengo muchas esperanzas djdjsjdjd
Me gusta cuando Elizabeth Woodville pierde pero ya se que va a sobrevivir a Richard así que no tengo muchas esperanzas djdjsjdjd
July 4, 2024
4.5/5⭐️
I love that Richard is starting to show his feminine side, even if it’s due to Buckingham’s manipulation. Although, my heart breaks for Catsby, I hope Richard turns to him more than Buckingham eventually.
Kinda upset that the first person Richard had sex with was Buckingham. However, the fact that Richard doesn’t truly like it means that he’ll love and appreciate Henry more during their inevitable reunion.
I love that Richard is starting to show his feminine side, even if it’s due to Buckingham’s manipulation. Although, my heart breaks for Catsby, I hope Richard turns to him more than Buckingham eventually.
Kinda upset that the first person Richard had sex with was Buckingham. However, the fact that Richard doesn’t truly like it means that he’ll love and appreciate Henry more during their inevitable reunion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
Character 4| Setting 3| Plot 3.5| Art 5| Enjoyability 5
Rating: 4.10
There were points where I was like, No Don't do it! People be wanting to kiss Richard. They get to kiss richard. It's still a little weird to me, but what ever. I'm digging it.
I enjoy Richard and Buckingham's scheming and Richard looking like a fresh new royal on the block.
Secrets are revealed, some better than others. People kicked out of the palace some let in... time to find out more!!
Rating: 4.10
There were points where I was like, No Don't do it! People be wanting to kiss Richard. They get to kiss richard. It's still a little weird to me, but what ever. I'm digging it.
I enjoy Richard and Buckingham's scheming and Richard looking like a fresh new royal on the block.
Secrets are revealed, some better than others. People kicked out of the palace some let in... time to find out more!!
September 4, 2021
¿Pero cómo consigue un cómic pasar de ser interesante a dejarte con la boca abierta con cada una de sus tramas?
Es simplemente BRUTAL! Richard con lo suyo, Buckingham con sus complots y maquinaciones, "el asesino" y todo lo que supone su trama y Catesby mirándolo todo sin poder hacer mucho...
No me esperaba este nivel de intriga y giros inesperados. Este manga me tiene flipando!
Es simplemente BRUTAL! Richard con lo suyo, Buckingham con sus complots y maquinaciones, "el asesino" y todo lo que supone su trama y Catesby mirándolo todo sin poder hacer mucho...
No me esperaba este nivel de intriga y giros inesperados. Este manga me tiene flipando!
January 1, 2023
Madre mía Buckingham en este tomo 🔥
La verdad que a pesar de estar como un tren, tengo un poco de sentimientos encontrados con él...
DP: Me da mucha pena Catesby en este tomo, yo sólo quiero que sea feliz :(
La verdad que a pesar de estar como un tren, tengo un poco de sentimientos encontrados con él...
DP: Me da mucha pena Catesby en este tomo, yo sólo quiero que sea feliz :(
April 2, 2026
Richard and Buckingham, but who is controlling who? We don’t see as much of “Tyrell” in this one, but he’s active in the shadows.
Unfortunately, if you know anything about the historical figures here, it would seem that Richard still hasn’t hit rock bottom.
Is he cursed? Or is he the curse?
Insert screaming here.
Unfortunately, if you know anything about the historical figures here, it would seem that Richard still hasn’t hit rock bottom.
Is he cursed? Or is he the curse?
Insert screaming here.
June 2, 2020
El mejor tomo de Réquiem hasta la fecha. Y así debía ser con Buckingham en la portada. No deja de maravillarme el nivel de esta historia, lo bien pensada e hilada que está y lo bien que narra Aya Kanno. Uno de mis mangas favoritos del mundo mundial. Una pasada.
December 30, 2025
I think I’m finally caught up to where I left off the first time I started reading this series! Richard is getting to ambitious I’m nervous there’s no more going up for him and there’s still so many books.
September 18, 2019
Buckingham is a force to be reckoned with. Also everything is so politically and emotionally charged in this manga- I love it and hate it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
Another good volume.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews