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Die Braut des Magiers: Merkmal
Delve even deeper into the world of The Ancient Magus' Bride in this all-new guide book!
This packed guide book to the bestselling manga introduces readers to the characters and story of The Ancient Magus’ Bride, and reveals bonus material including early designs, concept art, extra illustrations, and interviews. This compilation--which includes much of the material that appeared in various special editions of the manga--is sure to please readers of the series, both new and old!
This packed guide book to the bestselling manga introduces readers to the characters and story of The Ancient Magus’ Bride, and reveals bonus material including early designs, concept art, extra illustrations, and interviews. This compilation--which includes much of the material that appeared in various special editions of the manga--is sure to please readers of the series, both new and old!
Paperback
First published August 10, 2017
28 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Kore Yamazaki
66 books517 followersName (in native language) : ヤマザキコレ
Born in Hokkaido. Also known as Yamao Mitsu.
Born in Hokkaido. Also known as Yamao Mitsu.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 24, 2019
Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
We first meet Chise, chained by the neck and wrists being passed over to her new owner, a bone-headed mage whose name she learns later is Elias. A penniless orphan sold on the black market she learns about herself, the magical world filled with fairies and other fantastical creatures as well as what it means to be a part of a family. Her new life as a mage's apprentice is just the beginning as it comes with the secondary title of Ancient Magus' Bride...
This is a really neat behind the scenes volume filled with all sorts of information about The Ancient Magus' Bride manga series. This is exactly what fans of the series need if they want to understand more of the meaning behind certain moments. I LOVED the interviews in the back with Kore Yamazaki where we get this kind of information. I also love being able to read about items, events and places in the series. My favorite though are for certain the character capsules in the beginning. I poured over those!! It's like a mini recap.
We also get to see a lot of her techniques behind her art and how it comes together. Getting to see drafts and early designs is really neat and really highlights the process of manga art. I really ended up loving The Ancient Magus' Bride Official Guide Book Merkmal and am so glad that I decided to take a look at it!
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You can find this manga review and many others on my book blog every Monday @ Perspective of a Writer. See my manga and graphic novel reviews at the bottom of the page.
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December 28, 2020
This is a really odd book, in the respect it’s both not fiction and fiction. I read it cause I thought I’d get more side stories of Chise and Elias but it was more like an over view of the first eight volumes of the series, in terms of the story I didn’t learn anything new. I did however enjoy the interview section with the author, learnt more about her and her train of thought with the series. It was really nice seeing what her first intentions were with the characters and how they’ve ended up. Must say I’m glad she had the changes I like that Chise is passive and not got an attitude. Just looking forward to volume 14 of the series now. Good add on book if your a massive fan but not essential for the understanding of the series 4/5 👍
February 7, 2024
Ehh w większości nie dodało to nic nowego?? Jedyne ciekawe części dla mnie to początkowe koncepty postaci i historii, oraz wywiady z autorką
September 24, 2021
Book: The Ancient Magus Bride, Merkmal Official Guide Book
Author: Kore Yamazaki
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
What a great guide book for the early volumes of The Ancient Magus Bride! There were so many details and extras in this guide book that really gave me an insight as to what has happened so far in the series. I have read the first eleven or so volumes and there are so many little things to remember. This guide book serves as a way to gain insight and remember those little things that you may have forgotten.
This one is a little odd to read and rate. For those of you who it’s been awhile since you’ve read the series and are looking for a way to catch up on the things you may have missed, this is a great edition and a must have. If you are looking for a deep dive, then you may want to skip this one. I personally thought that there was more than enough information here to really guide you through what we know about the story. Plus, there are little hidden hints as to what is going to come. You get more a backstory to the series and how it came to be.
You also get to see just how many changes the series has gone since it’s initial pitch. You get to see how both the characters and the plot evolved from the early stages to what we have now. We get to see how this idea turned into a manga that we all know and love. I really enjoyed this behind the scenes look. I know this may not be for everyone but getting to see how things came to be and why they came to be this way just really gave me a lot of insight and made me appreciate this series even more. If you are someone who isn’t into this, then this book may not be worth your time.
There is also an author interview section. Once again, we get an in-depth look into the magic behind the series. We get to see Kore’s passions and how much time and thought she has put into this series. She talks about traveling the world, meeting people, and just overall how everything came to be. We get to see just how much time and effort was put into making this series happen and everything that had to happen to get it from an idea to print and so on.
Overall, I really enjoyed this guide book and encourage anyone who wants a behind the scenes look into the manga. I don’t think this is a necessary read for the manga-it really doesn’t add anything more other than giving you a behind the scenes look at things.
Author: Kore Yamazaki
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
What a great guide book for the early volumes of The Ancient Magus Bride! There were so many details and extras in this guide book that really gave me an insight as to what has happened so far in the series. I have read the first eleven or so volumes and there are so many little things to remember. This guide book serves as a way to gain insight and remember those little things that you may have forgotten.
This one is a little odd to read and rate. For those of you who it’s been awhile since you’ve read the series and are looking for a way to catch up on the things you may have missed, this is a great edition and a must have. If you are looking for a deep dive, then you may want to skip this one. I personally thought that there was more than enough information here to really guide you through what we know about the story. Plus, there are little hidden hints as to what is going to come. You get more a backstory to the series and how it came to be.
You also get to see just how many changes the series has gone since it’s initial pitch. You get to see how both the characters and the plot evolved from the early stages to what we have now. We get to see how this idea turned into a manga that we all know and love. I really enjoyed this behind the scenes look. I know this may not be for everyone but getting to see how things came to be and why they came to be this way just really gave me a lot of insight and made me appreciate this series even more. If you are someone who isn’t into this, then this book may not be worth your time.
There is also an author interview section. Once again, we get an in-depth look into the magic behind the series. We get to see Kore’s passions and how much time and thought she has put into this series. She talks about traveling the world, meeting people, and just overall how everything came to be. We get to see just how much time and effort was put into making this series happen and everything that had to happen to get it from an idea to print and so on.
Overall, I really enjoyed this guide book and encourage anyone who wants a behind the scenes look into the manga. I don’t think this is a necessary read for the manga-it really doesn’t add anything more other than giving you a behind the scenes look at things.
August 20, 2018
fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Yamazaki creates this incredibly beautiful manga, with character backgrounds, the original first chapter (sooo different from the published version!), and interviews with KY (some of which is pretty funny). a must for AMB fans.
June 21, 2018
Such a wonderful and insightful read for anyone who is a fan of The Ancient Magus Bride.
As well as including gorgeous full colour inserts, the guide has a breakdown of every major and minor character that we have come to love in the series. There is a bit of repetition in this section, however I find I don't mind very much as it's nice to have the information collated. Seeing the world building and research that Yamazaki-sensei has done is truly spectacular, especially in regards to various folklore and UK culture that differs from her native Japan. Early character and concept sketches are shown, giving an insight into how our beloved Chise and Elias could have looked. An unused Chapter One storyboard also accompanies these early designs (a much different first volume we could have had). I enjoyed seeing initial references to the college and Chise's schooling that may be brought back when the College Arc starts in the newer volumes.
One of my favourite parts in this guide are the interviews with Yamazki-sensei and her Editor. This is something that as an international reader, I would never have been able to experience without being published in this book. Reading about the love and passion Yamazaki-sensei has for her work, as well as her influences and inspirations is fantastic: I especially liked seeing what her favourite Western books were.
Over all, Yamazaki-sensei has created a fantasy series that is truly remarkable in its scope, creativity, and development. This guide only confirms for me her strength as a great mangaka, and she has a devoted fan in me for life.
As well as including gorgeous full colour inserts, the guide has a breakdown of every major and minor character that we have come to love in the series. There is a bit of repetition in this section, however I find I don't mind very much as it's nice to have the information collated. Seeing the world building and research that Yamazaki-sensei has done is truly spectacular, especially in regards to various folklore and UK culture that differs from her native Japan. Early character and concept sketches are shown, giving an insight into how our beloved Chise and Elias could have looked. An unused Chapter One storyboard also accompanies these early designs (a much different first volume we could have had). I enjoyed seeing initial references to the college and Chise's schooling that may be brought back when the College Arc starts in the newer volumes.
One of my favourite parts in this guide are the interviews with Yamazki-sensei and her Editor. This is something that as an international reader, I would never have been able to experience without being published in this book. Reading about the love and passion Yamazaki-sensei has for her work, as well as her influences and inspirations is fantastic: I especially liked seeing what her favourite Western books were.
Over all, Yamazaki-sensei has created a fantasy series that is truly remarkable in its scope, creativity, and development. This guide only confirms for me her strength as a great mangaka, and she has a devoted fan in me for life.
December 8, 2018
La Prometida del Mago, The Ancient Magus' Bride o Mahoutsukai no Yome es una manga (y anime) que nos contaran la historia de Chise Hatori, quien ha llevado una vida de abusos y desprecio en la que nunca ha conocido el amor, ni familiar ni romántico. Un día decide venderse para al menos tener algo en la vida y finalmente es comprada por un hombre/bestia que decide convertirla en su aprendiz y en su futura esposa.
Una historia de fantasía y con un maravilloso mundo lleno de belleza, tristeza, amor, familia y compañerismo que enamorará con su intrigante historia. Personajes con pasados misteriosos que iremos conociendo a lo largo de los capítulos y paisajes sublimes.
Recomendado para todos aquellos que buscan algo diferente y hermoso.
Este libro nos contará más acerca del mundo que ya estuvimos conociendo a lo largo de los nueve tomos anteriores y nos dará información sobre todo lo que hemos visto hasta ahora.
Una historia de fantasía y con un maravilloso mundo lleno de belleza, tristeza, amor, familia y compañerismo que enamorará con su intrigante historia. Personajes con pasados misteriosos que iremos conociendo a lo largo de los capítulos y paisajes sublimes.
Recomendado para todos aquellos que buscan algo diferente y hermoso.
Este libro nos contará más acerca del mundo que ya estuvimos conociendo a lo largo de los nueve tomos anteriores y nos dará información sobre todo lo que hemos visto hasta ahora.
May 30, 2018
This guide book is definitely useful for getting reacquainted with characters who pop in and out of the series (one of my major problems when reading serials is forgetting who everyone is). The art is beautiful throughout, but my problem is the repetition and lack of depth.
I wish that they didn't repeat the same material in the character section and in initial storyboards because it felt like I was reading the same section even if the info was slightly different. What I'm really missing is major plot point specifics. I was hoping the guide book would have some spoilers because those are what I forget between volumes. Most readers would assume not to read the guide book if they haven't read the series yet.
I wish that they didn't repeat the same material in the character section and in initial storyboards because it felt like I was reading the same section even if the info was slightly different. What I'm really missing is major plot point specifics. I was hoping the guide book would have some spoilers because those are what I forget between volumes. Most readers would assume not to read the guide book if they haven't read the series yet.
February 18, 2023
It was more info than I could ever DREAM of. Oddly enough, the best part wasn’t in the actual manga. It was the art for the drama CD, and I was like there’s a drama CD??? So when I read a full translation of the CD, it was just so cuuuuuuute😭😭😭😭😭😭 PLEASE LISTEN/READ THIS DRAMA CD. I have never been more in love.
Kore Yamasaki is REALLY FUNNY. I feel like I got to know more of her personality through the interviews. I just love this book so much. The extra illustrations just kicked me in the heart. The events section is reaaallly helpful, and they even gave me a timeline😭
I could read crappy sketched out storyboards of scrapped chapters ALL DAY.
I’m am just so lucky that I am able to have this book in English.
Kore Yamasaki is REALLY FUNNY. I feel like I got to know more of her personality through the interviews. I just love this book so much. The extra illustrations just kicked me in the heart. The events section is reaaallly helpful, and they even gave me a timeline😭
I could read crappy sketched out storyboards of scrapped chapters ALL DAY.
I’m am just so lucky that I am able to have this book in English.
December 10, 2018
Regorge d'informations hyper détaillées, des personnages aux lieux, avec chronologie de l'histoire, zoom sur les scènes marquantes de chaque tome, énormément de croquis, d'illustrations couleur/ N&B, un story board non retenu à la publication et j'en oublie ... à la fin on retrouve un recueil d'interviews de l'auteure loin d'être inintéressant à lire.
Un bon guide pour qui veut en apprendre plus sur ce manga et y retrouver l'ensemble du premier arc avec de nombreux détails, explications et anecdotes de l'auteure.
Un bon guide pour qui veut en apprendre plus sur ce manga et y retrouver l'ensemble du premier arc avec de nombreux détails, explications et anecdotes de l'auteure.
May 21, 2020
I enjoyed this extra guide to the world of The Ancient Magus Bride, and especially enjoyed seeing the character sketches, original pilot chapter, and interviews with Kore Yamazaki. Even though the Merkmal is now pretty outdated - it came out before Volume 8 of the tonkobon - it was really interesting to see how Yamazaki-sensei reworked ideas from the failed first chapter into later parts of the manga.
I know that a lot of the drawings in the Merkmal are reproductions from the end pages of the tonkobon, but they were frequently too small to read clearly and I wish they had been bigger - or that the whole book had been bigger, like a Ghibli artbook or something.
I know that a lot of the drawings in the Merkmal are reproductions from the end pages of the tonkobon, but they were frequently too small to read clearly and I wish they had been bigger - or that the whole book had been bigger, like a Ghibli artbook or something.
June 17, 2024
No tengo muchas guías de mangas, pero como que sentí que le faltó información.
Para ser sincera lo único que me gusto fue que presentan lo que me imagino es el boceto de la historia y es muy diferente a lo que se ve en los tomos, y la verdad me llamo más la atención que cómo va la historia actualmente
Para ser sincera lo único que me gusto fue que presentan lo que me imagino es el boceto de la historia y es muy diferente a lo que se ve en los tomos, y la verdad me llamo más la atención que cómo va la historia actualmente
July 23, 2018
I loved the interviews. I didn’t realize the author was female. I’m not that familiar with Japanese names. I just wish the book had been larger. The small size made the author’s marginal notes really hard to read.
October 14, 2021
A great companion to the series full of extras, early concepts of what Chise would look like and other interesting info that you may find of interest. Highly recommend reading at least to number seven before checking out this book.
August 25, 2018
I liked seeing how the story evolved from what she first conceived to what it is now.
Read
February 23, 2020The interviews were a fun read.
April 1, 2020
I liked the info about the characters although it is a bit outdated...
Currently reading
July 7, 2020Perfect
September 1, 2020
Great for avid fans of the anime/manga. Provides a wealth of insights into the mangaka’s thought process and inspiration that led to the creation of Magus. Just wished it was longer!
October 3, 2020
A companion guide to the series.
April 3, 2021
Great info on characters and the author
October 3, 2022
It’s hard to rate something like this. It’s certainly comprehensive? But I found it pretty dry.
January 15, 2023
I found this manga very interesting, as it showed the development of the characters and where the author wants to go for the future of the characters and story.
September 19, 2023
Let me start out by saying if you aren’t familiar with the series, or you’ve only just started reading, read this book after Volume 8. If you read this before, you’ll get a lot of spoilers.
The book itself is a lovely edition to the overall Ancient Magus’ Bride franchise and a perfect addition to a fan’s collection. I enjoyed reading every section of the book and hope one day there will be another guide book; especially with the series still being ongoing.
The book itself is a lovely edition to the overall Ancient Magus’ Bride franchise and a perfect addition to a fan’s collection. I enjoyed reading every section of the book and hope one day there will be another guide book; especially with the series still being ongoing.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews