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ありす19th [Alice 19th] #1
Alice 19th, Volumen 1
Alice es una chica que no se atreve a decir lo que en realidad piensa. Un buen día, salva a una conejita de ser atropellada y, gracias a eso, consigue mantener su primera conversación con Kyô, el chico que le gusta. Al poco tiempo, Alice descubre que la conejita se transforma... ¡E incluso habla!
¿Qué son los "Maestros del Lotis"? ¿Será Alice uno de ellos?
¿Qué son los "Maestros del Lotis"? ¿Será Alice uno de ellos?
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
36 people are currently reading
5888 people want to read
About the author
Yuu Watase
362 books1,166 followersYuu Watase (渡瀬悠宇) is a Japanese shoujo manga-ka. She is known for her works Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, Ceres: The Celestial Legend, Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend. She likes all music, except heavy metal and old traditional music.
She received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Ceres, Celestial Legend in 1997. Since writing her debut short story "Pajama de Ojama" ("An Intrusion in Pajamas"), Watase has created more than 80 compiled volumes of short stories and continuing series. Because of her frequent use of beautiful male characters in her works, she is widely regarded in circles[which?] as a bishōnen manga artist.[citation needed] In October 2008, Watase began her first shōnen serialization, Arata: The Legend in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
Her name is romanized as "Yû Watase" in earlier printings of Viz Media's publications of Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, and Ceres, The Celestial Legend, while in Viz Media's Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend her name is romanized as "Yuu Watase". In Chuang Yi's English-language versions of Fushigi Yugi (spelled without a macron or circumflex), her name is romanized as "Yu Watase".
She received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Ceres, Celestial Legend in 1997. Since writing her debut short story "Pajama de Ojama" ("An Intrusion in Pajamas"), Watase has created more than 80 compiled volumes of short stories and continuing series. Because of her frequent use of beautiful male characters in her works, she is widely regarded in circles[which?] as a bishōnen manga artist.[citation needed] In October 2008, Watase began her first shōnen serialization, Arata: The Legend in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
Her name is romanized as "Yû Watase" in earlier printings of Viz Media's publications of Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, and Ceres, The Celestial Legend, while in Viz Media's Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend her name is romanized as "Yuu Watase". In Chuang Yi's English-language versions of Fushigi Yugi (spelled without a macron or circumflex), her name is romanized as "Yu Watase".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
February 6, 2015
I found this manga on an Alice in Wonderland list. In fact it is minimally related, although the original Alice may have been the author's initial inspiration. The only solid connections are the main character's name and the presence of a rabbit.
At first I was disappointed and felt that, although well done, this series would not be for me. There is a lot of emphasis on realistic early-teen issues like crushes, sibling relations, shyness, mean classmates, etc. which don't particularly interest me; I was going to review, "not for me, but recommended for teens and preteens." However, Alice and Kyo and even the annoyingly perfect and popular sister grew on me. They are much more nuanced and less overwrought than the run-of-the-mill manga teens. Also, I had no trouble keeping the characters straight, which is rare in this genre.
And then, weird stuff started happening. I won't spoiler even the concept, but I thought it was pretty interesting and played well with Watase's interest in communication and honesty. I don't think this would be my Favorite Series Ever even if that spot weren't already taken by Natsume's Book of Friends, but I'll definitely be picking up at least the next volume.
Maybe eventually she will explain the significance of the number 19 in the title.
At first I was disappointed and felt that, although well done, this series would not be for me. There is a lot of emphasis on realistic early-teen issues like crushes, sibling relations, shyness, mean classmates, etc. which don't particularly interest me; I was going to review, "not for me, but recommended for teens and preteens." However, Alice and Kyo and even the annoyingly perfect and popular sister grew on me. They are much more nuanced and less overwrought than the run-of-the-mill manga teens. Also, I had no trouble keeping the characters straight, which is rare in this genre.
And then, weird stuff started happening. I won't spoiler even the concept, but I thought it was pretty interesting and played well with Watase's interest in communication and honesty. I don't think this would be my Favorite Series Ever even if that spot weren't already taken by Natsume's Book of Friends, but I'll definitely be picking up at least the next volume.
Maybe eventually she will explain the significance of the number 19 in the title.
March 11, 2019
¡Me pareció un primer tomo bastante sencillo y cute!
¡Lo lees rapidísimo! Seguro lo terminas en unas cuantas horas y en ningún momento se vuelve tedioso.
Que si bien cae en muchos clichés del género shōjo, una vez que entras en la mentalidad de disfrutar y tomarte todo de forma ligera, se disfruta bastante.
El estilo de dibujo es adorable y la historia es entretenida. Me regalaron todos los tomos por mi cumpleaños por lo que pienso terminarme esta historia.
¡Lo lees rapidísimo! Seguro lo terminas en unas cuantas horas y en ningún momento se vuelve tedioso.
Que si bien cae en muchos clichés del género shōjo, una vez que entras en la mentalidad de disfrutar y tomarte todo de forma ligera, se disfruta bastante.
El estilo de dibujo es adorable y la historia es entretenida. Me regalaron todos los tomos por mi cumpleaños por lo que pienso terminarme esta historia.
October 26, 2025
Review for complete series
For the most of it, I think Alice 19th has missed its potential. It is a cute manga with a somewhat clichéd premise and it somehow manages to have as much going for it as it has going against it. There are two main plot points - one of our main character Alice being in love with the same boy her older sister loves, the other being somewhat reminiscent of magical girl series where the characters develop magical powers and must find lost magic words. Both of these plot lines intermingle of course and, paired with Watase's pretty art, this could make a solid sweet kind of manga that combines a bit of high school drama with light magical elements. The problem is, almost everything in this manga is underdeveloped or under-explained.
Let us start off with characters and relationships. Although I liked Alice and Kyo as characters, I don't think we got to see much development between the two. I can partially forgive this because it is clear that Alice has liked him well before the story begins. But this seems to be a general issue throughout the series. New characters are introduced but we rarely get the time to get to know much about them. Even Frey who is one of the more prominent characters never really gets explored. Yes, we get to see snippets of his past but somehow I never feel like we got to see what makes him tick, nor was it ever explained why he is looking for a bride. I also couldn't relate to why he likes Alice as there were never any significant scenes between them and, unlike Kyo, they didn't know each other previously.
This leaves us with the relationship between Alice and her sister Mayura. This is arguably the best developed relationship and I appreciate that. It's nice reading about sisterly bonds, even if these two are at odds for most of the story. I think their situation - magic aside - is pretty realistic of how even loving siblings can find themselves in an argument where they find it hard to forgive the other. Various flashbacks show that these two care a lot for each other so it keeps you rooting for them to find a way back to each other.
My biggest issue was the under-developed magic system. It is never really explained to a satisfactory level and is confusing at most. I understand that there are 24 words that the characters use in a form of magic. I can't say whether this magic system is based on any form of mythology or whether it is fully invented by Watase herself but I found myself just going with the flow rather than trying to make sense of how this magic works. What I found a little frustrating was that it is never explained why this book is titled Alice 19th (is perhaps the word for bravery - Alice's main word - the 19th of the 24? We're never shown a list or anything so I'm just guessing here) and we don't find out what the lost 24th word is either. Sure, Alice finds out and uses it at the end, but unless I missed something, I have no idea what word she used.
This manga series does leave a lot to be desired, and yet I can't find myself disliking it.
March 16, 2015
Alice 19th is a shojo romance story of Alice Seno, known around school as “Mayura’s little sister.” She’s pining for Kyo, a boy whom both Alice and her older sister love. Along the way, she meets a bunny that isn’t any bunny. She appears to be a mystical bunny who turns into a person with rabbit ears! And according to the bunny-person-thing (dammit, what was her name again? The book says it, but I couldn’t be bothered to go look – it’s 2AM!), she’d been looking for Alice, and wants to teach her how to become a Lotis Master, a person who's able to control powerful words. However, first the bunny-person-thing has to teach her how to become assertive and outspoken.
Why Lotis Master deserves some attention...
Alice 19th is a whimsical shojo romance that has many similarities to Alice in Wonderland (no shit).
It’s a unique teen romance, but it also has lessons that can apply to life.
It’s a silly novel. It was adventurous and funny! I always respond well to funny books, and there’s nothing wrong with silly if it’s entertaining. J
It features a talking bunny. Nothing is better than bunnies that talk. . . except maybe talking cats. Maybe in the next volume!
One situation this – and all manga writers – need to work on:
THESE. DANG. CLIFFHANGERS. The only thing about manga that I hate is they always end in a cliffhanger! Well, not always, but Alice 19th Volume I sure does. >.>
I had a blast reading this book. It went by far too fast for my taste, and now I’m searching ebay for the entire series. Do you know how pricey manga gets? Ugh. Anyways, if you're looking for fun, adventure, and romance, I’d say pick up this school-life shoujo and give it a whirl. :D
July 16, 2021
kinda cheesy but it does have that old school manga charm
August 29, 2017
Oh, Watase-sensei
Fushigi Yuugi was one of the first manga I fell in love with and though this seems to be starting with characters and set-ups similar to that-- they're different enough to be interesting. Also it doesn't matter so much if it's similar since it's a dynamic that Watase-sensei is just so darn good at portraying. I've come to realize that she's more of a conceptual story teller. In other words, connecting the character intimately to the overall framing of the story-- in this case, I think, the lotus sutra?
Anyway, color me intrigued. I like Alice, I like Kyo. Myura is interesting. Not entirely sure about the romance angle, but to be honest I go to Watase for nostalgia and story telling style more than the romance. We'll see what this brings.
Fushigi Yuugi was one of the first manga I fell in love with and though this seems to be starting with characters and set-ups similar to that-- they're different enough to be interesting. Also it doesn't matter so much if it's similar since it's a dynamic that Watase-sensei is just so darn good at portraying. I've come to realize that she's more of a conceptual story teller. In other words, connecting the character intimately to the overall framing of the story-- in this case, I think, the lotus sutra?
Anyway, color me intrigued. I like Alice, I like Kyo. Myura is interesting. Not entirely sure about the romance angle, but to be honest I go to Watase for nostalgia and story telling style more than the romance. We'll see what this brings.
June 16, 2020
Really confusing.
The story isn’t the greatest. The concept is fine. How it’s done isn’t.
I don’t like the characters either. Yes, it’s at the beginning of the series, so the characters have to start from somewhere. But it’s such a dismal start.
I’ve only enjoyed Watase’s debut series, Fushigi Yugi. This has so many elements that her first series has that it’s annoying. I’m not a fan of the new art style, although I think it’s better in some aspects.
The story isn’t the greatest. The concept is fine. How it’s done isn’t.
I don’t like the characters either. Yes, it’s at the beginning of the series, so the characters have to start from somewhere. But it’s such a dismal start.
I’ve only enjoyed Watase’s debut series, Fushigi Yugi. This has so many elements that her first series has that it’s annoying. I’m not a fan of the new art style, although I think it’s better in some aspects.
September 23, 2017
Me encanto la historia. Al ice la protagonista se me hace muy dulce y tierna, espero que a lo largo de la historia evolucione.
La hermana me está cayendo un poco mal a ver qué pasa con ella
Kyo es muy guapo y un poco misterioso a ver qué tal ya que es el interés romántico.
El final es sorpresivo tengo que continuar la historia
La hermana me está cayendo un poco mal a ver qué pasa con ella
Kyo es muy guapo y un poco misterioso a ver qué tal ya que es el interés romántico.
El final es sorpresivo tengo que continuar la historia
September 6, 2016
So.....
"Alice 19th" volume 1....
What to say?
Well, it's pretty damn heavy on victim blaming & rape culture, I'll tell you that much. Yet from all the good reviews & even some of the two star ones, I seem to be the only who's noticed. :/
This poor girl gets fucking assaulted by this guy because he's a fucking dickhole. She very clearly says no. But he's all, "but you're my girlfriend, right?"
>:( so that gives you the right to demand kisses? & more as is later implied?
No. It most certainly does not. Jackass.
Then no one fucking does anything about this. Sure, Kyo was all heroic & shit, coming to her rescue. But it wasn't reported to the police or anything. & even after that, he still fucking assumes they're together!
The whole thing is so seriously downplayed that it makes me a little ill. Seriously. He's trying to force Alice to kiss him. She's saying no. & nothing is really done about it. He gets his ass kicked a bit by kyo. But it's basically a slap on the wrist which he learned NOTHING from since he comes back later in the book to try and pull the exact shame shit from the big exciting climate scene...
:( God, I can't even with this shit.
& you know what happened after this first attack? Sis is all to Alice "you shouldn't have gone out with him if you didn't like him. You caused trouble for Kyo. He's such a gentlemen he only got in that fight because you're my sister"
WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?!
This is Alice's fucking SISTER! & she tells her that? Holy shit! You know what this shit translates to in my book?
Sis is basically saying "Alice, it's your fault that Tatsuya did that. If you're not planning on putting out, don't go out with people. It's your fault Alice, that Kyo got in a fight defending you, because you were leading Tatsuya on."
-_-
Look, this whole issue here is just so fucked up on so many levels.
If I have to fucking explain why this shit is so wrong to you, there is no helping you.
God, I'm so angry, i kinda want to hit something!
"But Lanie!" You say. "You gave it two stars! It couldn't have been that bad."
Well, the whole Alice & Tatsuya part was SUPER bad. But despite that rant just now I did like a few things about this book. The overall story seems interesting. I love looking at sibling relationships in stories. The overshadowing, the favoritism, the jealousy & hurt, but still, the obvious love between the sisters. It's all very well done and interesting. Them toss in them both loving Kyo & some magic, and it actually presents a very interesting and engaging story.
It's a love triangle yes, but this one actually seems deeper & better written then many others I've seen, so I'm not as "ughed" by it as a might usually be. Plus, sisters! Love sisters!
I also liked some of the characters. I mean, most of they didn't make me want to sTart throwing things. Except for tatyusa, the fucking slimeball. I actually really liked Kyo. He was Sweet & cool & a little mysterious. Plus his character design is so pretty... :) Alice & Sis were a little bland, but all the interesting dynamics between her & her sister leaves lots for potential growth. The bunny was kinda funny.
but I didn't like that he's embarrassed that I likes to bake. -_- let's add in some gender roles & stereotypes along with the rape culture stuff. -_-
There is NOTHING wrong with men enjoying baking! Anyone who thinks otherwise needs a serious wake up call. Talents & hobbies SHOULD NOT be limited because of fucking gender!
& the bunny thing & the lotis words seems interesting. The world building here needs a lot of explaining. (What exactly is the shape shifting bunny anyway?) it's not very clear, but what is shown is enough to keep me interested in the story.
The art was decent enough. Definitely not on the same level as some of the other mangas I've read. But serviceable.
So.... Over all "Alice 19th was s very mixed feelings kind of book. I liked the overall story it gave us... But the issue with Tatyusa was so bad, it was almost a deal breaker. :/
I got the first 3 from the library the other day, so I'll at least read up to volume 3 before deciding if I want to continue with the whole series or not. But since I had such an odd reaction to this, I don't think I can safely recommend it to anyone just yet.
I'll see what book 2 has to offer now.
Wish me luck!
"Alice 19th" volume 1....
What to say?
Well, it's pretty damn heavy on victim blaming & rape culture, I'll tell you that much. Yet from all the good reviews & even some of the two star ones, I seem to be the only who's noticed. :/
This poor girl gets fucking assaulted by this guy because he's a fucking dickhole. She very clearly says no. But he's all, "but you're my girlfriend, right?"
>:( so that gives you the right to demand kisses? & more as is later implied?
No. It most certainly does not. Jackass.
Then no one fucking does anything about this. Sure, Kyo was all heroic & shit, coming to her rescue. But it wasn't reported to the police or anything. & even after that, he still fucking assumes they're together!
The whole thing is so seriously downplayed that it makes me a little ill. Seriously. He's trying to force Alice to kiss him. She's saying no. & nothing is really done about it. He gets his ass kicked a bit by kyo. But it's basically a slap on the wrist which he learned NOTHING from since he comes back later in the book to try and pull the exact shame shit from the big exciting climate scene...
:( God, I can't even with this shit.
& you know what happened after this first attack? Sis is all to Alice "you shouldn't have gone out with him if you didn't like him. You caused trouble for Kyo. He's such a gentlemen he only got in that fight because you're my sister"
WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?!
This is Alice's fucking SISTER! & she tells her that? Holy shit! You know what this shit translates to in my book?
Sis is basically saying "Alice, it's your fault that Tatsuya did that. If you're not planning on putting out, don't go out with people. It's your fault Alice, that Kyo got in a fight defending you, because you were leading Tatsuya on."
-_-
Look, this whole issue here is just so fucked up on so many levels.
If I have to fucking explain why this shit is so wrong to you, there is no helping you.
God, I'm so angry, i kinda want to hit something!
"But Lanie!" You say. "You gave it two stars! It couldn't have been that bad."
Well, the whole Alice & Tatsuya part was SUPER bad. But despite that rant just now I did like a few things about this book. The overall story seems interesting. I love looking at sibling relationships in stories. The overshadowing, the favoritism, the jealousy & hurt, but still, the obvious love between the sisters. It's all very well done and interesting. Them toss in them both loving Kyo & some magic, and it actually presents a very interesting and engaging story.
It's a love triangle yes, but this one actually seems deeper & better written then many others I've seen, so I'm not as "ughed" by it as a might usually be. Plus, sisters! Love sisters!
I also liked some of the characters. I mean, most of they didn't make me want to sTart throwing things. Except for tatyusa, the fucking slimeball. I actually really liked Kyo. He was Sweet & cool & a little mysterious. Plus his character design is so pretty... :) Alice & Sis were a little bland, but all the interesting dynamics between her & her sister leaves lots for potential growth. The bunny was kinda funny.
but I didn't like that he's embarrassed that I likes to bake. -_- let's add in some gender roles & stereotypes along with the rape culture stuff. -_-
There is NOTHING wrong with men enjoying baking! Anyone who thinks otherwise needs a serious wake up call. Talents & hobbies SHOULD NOT be limited because of fucking gender!
& the bunny thing & the lotis words seems interesting. The world building here needs a lot of explaining. (What exactly is the shape shifting bunny anyway?) it's not very clear, but what is shown is enough to keep me interested in the story.
The art was decent enough. Definitely not on the same level as some of the other mangas I've read. But serviceable.
So.... Over all "Alice 19th was s very mixed feelings kind of book. I liked the overall story it gave us... But the issue with Tatyusa was so bad, it was almost a deal breaker. :/
I got the first 3 from the library the other day, so I'll at least read up to volume 3 before deciding if I want to continue with the whole series or not. But since I had such an odd reaction to this, I don't think I can safely recommend it to anyone just yet.
I'll see what book 2 has to offer now.
Wish me luck!
March 12, 2025
After reading Imadoki, I was kind of worried Alice 19th was also not going to live up to my nostalgia. But I am actually relieved to say that it stands the test of time. Yuu Watase really is great at writing a guy who seems perfect and stoic on the outside but is actually a goof and kind of an idiot. The main female character isn't annoying, she just reads like a normal hesitant teenage girl (which CAN be annoying but its not here). This volume takes awhile to really get going ut why the end of volume one, I'm interested enough in the magic aspect of the story that I'm looking forward to volume 2. Conclusion: Slow but a good start to some classic magical shojo.
June 18, 2025
Ce n'est pas le shojo du siècle mais c'est sympa ! Le concept est original (du moins je crois puisque je ne l'ai pas vu ailleurs) et j'aime bien l'héroïne qui est assez touchante. Par contre sa sœur ??? Elle donne envie de la frapper wow.
Je me demande qui est l'homme à la fin, en tout cas pour l'instant je continue
Je me demande qui est l'homme à la fin, en tout cas pour l'instant je continue
November 18, 2021
It’s been years since I reread this manga, but I still love it (despite some problematic moments and elements).
April 7, 2025
I've finished the series but wanted to make sure I get anyone before they start into it.
I enjoyed the series for its cheesy shoujo elements, there is some classic problematic themes in this but its not too bad. The arts amazing, I like most of the characters... its hard to go wrong with her work. HOWEVER, I may be "reading too much into it," but there are some psuedo christian themes which kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I'm not a fan of religion and wasn't expecting this in the book.
That being said, if your looking for a good Manga, I don't think you can go wrong with this one.
I enjoyed the series for its cheesy shoujo elements, there is some classic problematic themes in this but its not too bad. The arts amazing, I like most of the characters... its hard to go wrong with her work. HOWEVER, I may be "reading too much into it," but there are some psuedo christian themes which kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I'm not a fan of religion and wasn't expecting this in the book.
That being said, if your looking for a good Manga, I don't think you can go wrong with this one.
January 17, 2018
I read this series a long time ago and remember now why I liked it so much. It is well balanced and the length is perfect. I finished this in one night and didn’t want to put it down at all. I liked the characters and that the story also shows our flaws and moments of weakness. I very much enjoyed rereading this series and actually would like to maybe read more from this author in the future.
April 8, 2020
It's a little surreal to revisit the only Yuu Watase series I remember ever really liking from the start. If you read my review on the first volume of Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden, you're probably aware that I have Issues™ with the vast majority of her works and the elements within them. If you didn't know that, congratulations, now you do. Perhaps one day I'll go on a proper rant about it.
The thing is, however, the theme of Alice the 19th revolves a lot around the power of words and the importance of communication, and how words can really be a double-edged sword. This is a truth I've lived with my entire life, and seeing that being the main theme of a manga series when I was a teenager meant that I clicked with this series in a way I wasn't able to with Watase's other works. Something about that theme and this series's dark tones really resonated with me, and it stuck with me all these years later, to the point I ended up collecting this series from various secondhand purchases.
The story opens with the introduction to two sisters who are vastly different, and what happens when the younger sister--never honest with herself about her own feelings, and unwilling to stand up for herself--says something that causes far more harm than she realizes. The majority of this first volume is just build-up to that particular moment, as we're given a heck of an introduction to the fact both sisters like the same guy. After that, the plot really starts to get underway and the volume ends perhaps a bit too quickly and abruptly.
I do have to make the gripe that while I appreciate this series more than her other works, I'm so exhausted and exasperated lately with anime and manga that are saturated with samefacing, and unfortunately, Watase's works are among the criminal names guilty of this offense. Alice herself at least looks somewhat different from the female protagonists of Watase's other works, as I feel her face is a bit rounder, but the other characters could be cardboard cutouts from her other series.
That aside, I still love this first volume, and I am genuinely looking forward to a re-read of this series. It's flawed, sure, but I think the importance of its theme is such a big part of why I love and enjoy it, and it's high time I read it again anyway.
The thing is, however, the theme of Alice the 19th revolves a lot around the power of words and the importance of communication, and how words can really be a double-edged sword. This is a truth I've lived with my entire life, and seeing that being the main theme of a manga series when I was a teenager meant that I clicked with this series in a way I wasn't able to with Watase's other works. Something about that theme and this series's dark tones really resonated with me, and it stuck with me all these years later, to the point I ended up collecting this series from various secondhand purchases.
The story opens with the introduction to two sisters who are vastly different, and what happens when the younger sister--never honest with herself about her own feelings, and unwilling to stand up for herself--says something that causes far more harm than she realizes. The majority of this first volume is just build-up to that particular moment, as we're given a heck of an introduction to the fact both sisters like the same guy. After that, the plot really starts to get underway and the volume ends perhaps a bit too quickly and abruptly.
I do have to make the gripe that while I appreciate this series more than her other works, I'm so exhausted and exasperated lately with anime and manga that are saturated with samefacing, and unfortunately, Watase's works are among the criminal names guilty of this offense. Alice herself at least looks somewhat different from the female protagonists of Watase's other works, as I feel her face is a bit rounder, but the other characters could be cardboard cutouts from her other series.
That aside, I still love this first volume, and I am genuinely looking forward to a re-read of this series. It's flawed, sure, but I think the importance of its theme is such a big part of why I love and enjoy it, and it's high time I read it again anyway.
March 8, 2009
Alice is a cute, sweet, somewhat timid girl who’s just started high school. She quickly meets and falls in love (like within a couple of hours) with the dashing Kyo Wakamiya, a classmate of her older sister Mayura, and a member of the archery club. Alice saves the life of a mysterious rabbit one day, and Kyo, in turn, helps her to safety. The rabbit turns out to be some kind of weird manga creature/monster/magical/goddess/thingie, and it appears to Alice to teach her the lotus words because she is the chosen one (for her bravery). Alice doesn’t feel brave at all, though. It’s impossible for her to discuss her feelings for Kyo with anyone – particularly Mayura, who seems to be harboring a crush on Kyo as well. Although she tries to express herself to Kyo, Alice only makes him think that she’s devoted to her sister, and he ends up dating Mayura, which crushes Alice. Later the two sisters quarrel and Alice accidentally banishes Mayura to another world. She and Kyo are attempting to win her back, and then the story ends. To be continued! The bunnygoddessthing is so cute – as is Alice, as is her sister. They’re very manga-esque school girl beauties with large flashing eyes and slim elegant limbs. The boys are drawn similarly in this shonen manga. Included in some panels are comments by the author/illustrator, which are interesting – how she got her ideas, a bit of biographical information, what she likes about her characters, why they do like they do.
Alice is kind of a wimp, but there are people who relate to her. Hopefully she’ll grow more in coming volumes.
Alice is kind of a wimp, but there are people who relate to her. Hopefully she’ll grow more in coming volumes.
October 9, 2008
Alice is a normal high school girl in love with a guy named Kyou. And she wishes everyday that she could be with him but at the same time, her older sister Mayura is also in love with Kyou too and she thought it wouldn't be possible to compete against her sister for Kyou's love. Than one day while going to school she sees a rabbit in the middle of the street and everyone is talking about it saying "how poor the animal is, cause its going to be run over soon" and she couldn't believe that no one was saving it. So she got up and went to the middle of the street to save the animal. And when she did, a car was about to hit her until she was pushed out of the way because Kyou saved her. Later on, on her way home, a rabbit jumps down slowly turning into a pink haired little girl with rabbit ears in tail right before Alice's eyes. And so many things happen during that series that everyone should read it.
July 5, 2023
Alice 19 vol 1
Guess is some mix of romance novel, with magical girls kind of sailor moon, and some references to Alice in Wonderland. Book one proves interesting enough to give book 2 the opportunity
3 stars
Guess is some mix of romance novel, with magical girls kind of sailor moon, and some references to Alice in Wonderland. Book one proves interesting enough to give book 2 the opportunity
3 stars
December 25, 2022
(review for entire series)
"There is power in “words.” With this you can save lives, but also it’s something that can kill."
I love the premise of this series - that words have power, good or bad, to harm or help people - but I couldn't get invested in it. It's a magical girl manga and reminds me so much of Cardcaptor Sakura, but Sakura is much younger than the protagonist Alice here so you can forgive her a lot of things that come across as annoying here. Watase writes innocent girls really well (Ceres and Riiko from Ceres: Celestial Legend and Absolute Boyfriend, respectively), but with Alice I think it's overdone. She's SO demure and SO innocent that it makes me want to shake her.
I also think it dragged on for a long time, but the climax was quick. It was a lot of build up for a vey brief final battle.
"There is power in “words.” With this you can save lives, but also it’s something that can kill."
I love the premise of this series - that words have power, good or bad, to harm or help people - but I couldn't get invested in it. It's a magical girl manga and reminds me so much of Cardcaptor Sakura, but Sakura is much younger than the protagonist Alice here so you can forgive her a lot of things that come across as annoying here. Watase writes innocent girls really well (Ceres and Riiko from Ceres: Celestial Legend and Absolute Boyfriend, respectively), but with Alice I think it's overdone. She's SO demure and SO innocent that it makes me want to shake her.
I also think it dragged on for a long time, but the climax was quick. It was a lot of build up for a vey brief final battle.
April 30, 2012
I couldn't quite get into this one. Alice herself just didn't engage me. It wasn't that she was shy and a doormat, though that didn't help. I think the point that I disconnected with her was when she decided to go out with a boy she didn't like, so she could try to get over her feelings for her sister's boyfriend. And yes, the guy did turn out to be quite a jerk, but she was still using him to begin with, and I didn't like that. I wasn't particularly interested in the magic system here, which was just barely introduced at all. And although the art was nice, it wasn't quite as good as Yuu Watase's work on Fushigi Yugi.
September 5, 2014
This is not the first series I've read from Yuu Watase and I'm pretty sure it won't be the last!
As with most of the Watase's books, this series is a magical girl series. Though thankfully I happen to really love most magical girl series!
So far I think the overall idea behind Alice 19th is cute and the volume itself I enjoyed reading. The artwork is great and the panels are well done and easy to read, though for now the plot seems a bit on the weak side. Also the thing that kinda bugs me is that the main character Alice seems a lot like the crying type and I tend to like more of a strong sort of main character.
I'm hoping the story will start picking up in volume 2!
As with most of the Watase's books, this series is a magical girl series. Though thankfully I happen to really love most magical girl series!
So far I think the overall idea behind Alice 19th is cute and the volume itself I enjoyed reading. The artwork is great and the panels are well done and easy to read, though for now the plot seems a bit on the weak side. Also the thing that kinda bugs me is that the main character Alice seems a lot like the crying type and I tend to like more of a strong sort of main character.
I'm hoping the story will start picking up in volume 2!
August 7, 2009
This was okay, and I'll probably read further into the series, but there were times in the text where I had trouble figuring out what was happening. Generally, I liked the illustrations, and I did like the main character and her relationship with her sister. I did not like the character of Tatsuya - he was kind of a generic date rape character - and I really did not like the fact that the main character, Alice, apologized to him for not letting him know she actually liked someone else, like that makes it okay he was holding her down on the ground a moment before. YUCK!
May 11, 2016
Y ya que andaba por ese mundo también me compré mi primer #Manga de #YuuWatase.
#Aliceth fue una buena experiencia, super rápido de leer, los dibujos son alucinantes, la trama entretenida, los momentos de acción me dejaron prenpada.
El prota es muy guapo.
La protagonista miedosa, pero va ir creciendo su personaje.
Son 7 tomos y sin duda los leeré.
Y el final, ya quiero saber quién es ese nuevo personaje!!!!
#Aliceth fue una buena experiencia, super rápido de leer, los dibujos son alucinantes, la trama entretenida, los momentos de acción me dejaron prenpada.
El prota es muy guapo.
La protagonista miedosa, pero va ir creciendo su personaje.
Son 7 tomos y sin duda los leeré.
Y el final, ya quiero saber quién es ese nuevo personaje!!!!
March 7, 2018
Alice 19th, is Yuu Watase's answer to 9/11. It's about using your words carefully for the result of peace. It's the perfect-little fantasy series; a combination of the best bits from "Magic Knight Rayearth", "Fushigi Yuugi", "Sailor Moon Super S" plus, a few elements of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland".
February 18, 2017
Surprisingly I liked it even more than what I expected. The art is very similar to Beast Master, Vol. 1, lots of chibis, blank faces, surprised or shocked expressions... all of these make the manga funny.
Uru is also a very funny main character, but this style of girl in a shoujo bores me pretty quickly. The kind of girl that is always positive, full of energy, clunsy and whom everyone likes.
Uru is also a very funny main character, but this style of girl in a shoujo bores me pretty quickly. The kind of girl that is always positive, full of energy, clunsy and whom everyone likes.
March 4, 2016
I really enjoy Yuu Watase's work. This one doubly so. It was a fascinating story that mixed well with modern times. The artwork was wonderfully romantic.
So what are you n00bs waiting for? Go read it for yourself!
Cheers and Happy Reading!
So what are you n00bs waiting for? Go read it for yourself!
Cheers and Happy Reading!
September 17, 2014
Cute, Ill definitely pick up volume 2. Go Alice! I know how hard speaking up is sometimes.
March 25, 2016
This was excellent. It seems familiar, I wonder if I read this year's ago? Oh well, time to start the next one !!
January 22, 2023
Alice Seno menyukai kakak kelasnya, Kyou Wakamiya-senpai, dari klub panahan, tapi tak berani menyatakan perasaannya. Sebaliknya, sang kakak, Mayura Seno, adalah sosok yang lebih periang dan terbuka dalam mengekspresikan perasaannya. Selain itu Mayura juga lebih cantik, cerdas, dan populer. Mayura juga menyukai orang yang sama. Sebagai adik, Alice merasa selalu berada di bawah bayang-bayang Mayura. Ia bahkan tak diperbolehkan orangtuanya memelihara hewan karena kakaknya alergi terhadap binatang berbulu.
Suatu hari Alice menyelamatkan seekor kelinci putih yang hampir tertabrak di jalan raya. Sekilas sebelum berlari ke arah kelinci itu, ia seolah bisa mendengarkan isi hati si kelinci dan orang-orang di sekitarnya. Wakamiya juga menyelamatkan Alice yang saat itu hampir ditabrak mobil. Perasaan Alice padanya pun makin mendalam. Tapi ia tak berani berbuat apa-apa dan ia makin tak berkutik saat Mayura memutuskan untuk menyatakan perasaannya pada Wakamiya di hari ulangtahun sang pemuda. Di luar dugaan, ternyata Wakamiya tidak langsung menjawab perasaan Mayura dan meminta gadis itu menunggunya memantapkan hati.
Sementara itu kelinci putih yang diselamatkan Alice ternyata bukan kelinci biasa. Kelinci itu bisa berubah wujud menjadi seorang anak perempuan kecil bernama Nyozeka. Nyozeka mengatakan pada Alice bahwa gadis itu adalah "Lotis Master" yang bisa menggunakan Lotis Word ke-19, Rangu, yang berarti keberanian. Kata berkekuatan magis itu terbuka saat Alice mengerahkan keberaniannya demi menyelamatkan Nyozeka yang nyaris ditabrak mobil. Nyozeka terus mendorong Alice mengungkapkan perasaannya pada Wakamiya agar keberaniannya semakin terasah. Namun, Alice malah menemui Wakamiya dan mendorong lelaki itu untuk mengungkapkan ketegasannya pada Mayura. Alhasil Wakamiya menerima ajakan Mayura untuk berpacaran. Sesuatu yang langsung membuat Nyozeka marah-marah dan membodoh-membodohkan Alice.
Namun, pada akhirnya Mayura mengetahui perasaan Alice saat dia tak sengaja menemukan foto candid Wakamiya di kamar Alice. Dan di sinilah brengseknya Mayura. Dia malah menjodohkan adiknya dengan Matsujou Tatsuya dari klub panahan, padahal lelaki itu adalah seorang player. Alice tak bisa menolak karena takut dibenci.
Matsujou tahu bahwa sebenarnya Alice menyukai Kyou dan malah memaksa gadis itu untuk menciumnya ketika mereka berada di ruang klub panahan. Parah cerita ini. Gimana bisa baru kenal sudah ngaku-ngaku sebagai pacar dan memaksa minta cium? Wakamiya yang tiba-tiba melintas langsung menolong Alice dan nyaris menghajar Matsujou dengan penuh kemurkaan. Tapi Mayura mencegahnya.
Inilah yang kemudian membuatku menganggap Mayura adalah kakak yang brengsek. Bukannya khawatir pada Alice yang nyaris dilecehkan oleh orang yang dia jodohkan, Mayura malah cemburu dan merasa insecure. Did you lose your mind, Girl? Mayura kemudian mengonfrontasi Alice soal perasaannya pada Wakamiya dan malah menyalahkan Alice karena tidak berani menolak Matsujou. Lah, kan secara tidak langsung elu yang ngejebak adik elu?
Saat itulah Alice merasakan puncak kebencian kepada kakaknya. Sambil menangis ia berkata pada Mayura, "Aku benci kamu! Kuharap kamu menghilang!". Dan kakaknya benar-benar lenyap begitu saja. Rupanya sebagai seorang Lotis Master, kata-kata Alice memiliki kekuatan yang lebih besar daripada kata-kata orang biasa. Karena itu kata-kata negatif yang ia keluarkan bisa mewujud menjadi nyata.
Nyozeka memperingatkan Alice, "Ada kekuatan di balik kata-kata. Dengannya kamu bisa menyelamatkan nyawa orang, tapi juga bisa membunuhnya."
Itulah inti dari cerita Alice 19th. Tentang kekuatan di balik kata-kata. Kita bisa menyemangati orang dengan kata-kata yang tepat. Tapi kita juga bisa menghancurkan orang dengan kata-kata. Beberapa orang tidak menyukai karakter Alice sebagai tokoh utama yang begitu peragu dan takut dalam mengekspresikan perasaannya sendiri. Di sepanjang cerita Alice pun terus merasa bersalah pada kakaknya. Tapi tidak boleh dlupakan bahwa Mayura sendiri yang menyudutkan Alice dan bahkan memaksanya berkencan dengan cowok yang berbahaya, lalu bersikap tak peduli saat adiknya nyaris dilecehkan. Persaingan antarsaudara kandung memang bisa saja terjadi. Dan cerita ini membawa isu tersebut dengan cukup kuat.
Suatu hari Alice menyelamatkan seekor kelinci putih yang hampir tertabrak di jalan raya. Sekilas sebelum berlari ke arah kelinci itu, ia seolah bisa mendengarkan isi hati si kelinci dan orang-orang di sekitarnya. Wakamiya juga menyelamatkan Alice yang saat itu hampir ditabrak mobil. Perasaan Alice padanya pun makin mendalam. Tapi ia tak berani berbuat apa-apa dan ia makin tak berkutik saat Mayura memutuskan untuk menyatakan perasaannya pada Wakamiya di hari ulangtahun sang pemuda. Di luar dugaan, ternyata Wakamiya tidak langsung menjawab perasaan Mayura dan meminta gadis itu menunggunya memantapkan hati.
Sementara itu kelinci putih yang diselamatkan Alice ternyata bukan kelinci biasa. Kelinci itu bisa berubah wujud menjadi seorang anak perempuan kecil bernama Nyozeka. Nyozeka mengatakan pada Alice bahwa gadis itu adalah "Lotis Master" yang bisa menggunakan Lotis Word ke-19, Rangu, yang berarti keberanian. Kata berkekuatan magis itu terbuka saat Alice mengerahkan keberaniannya demi menyelamatkan Nyozeka yang nyaris ditabrak mobil. Nyozeka terus mendorong Alice mengungkapkan perasaannya pada Wakamiya agar keberaniannya semakin terasah. Namun, Alice malah menemui Wakamiya dan mendorong lelaki itu untuk mengungkapkan ketegasannya pada Mayura. Alhasil Wakamiya menerima ajakan Mayura untuk berpacaran. Sesuatu yang langsung membuat Nyozeka marah-marah dan membodoh-membodohkan Alice.
Namun, pada akhirnya Mayura mengetahui perasaan Alice saat dia tak sengaja menemukan foto candid Wakamiya di kamar Alice. Dan di sinilah brengseknya Mayura. Dia malah menjodohkan adiknya dengan Matsujou Tatsuya dari klub panahan, padahal lelaki itu adalah seorang player. Alice tak bisa menolak karena takut dibenci.
Matsujou tahu bahwa sebenarnya Alice menyukai Kyou dan malah memaksa gadis itu untuk menciumnya ketika mereka berada di ruang klub panahan. Parah cerita ini. Gimana bisa baru kenal sudah ngaku-ngaku sebagai pacar dan memaksa minta cium? Wakamiya yang tiba-tiba melintas langsung menolong Alice dan nyaris menghajar Matsujou dengan penuh kemurkaan. Tapi Mayura mencegahnya.
Inilah yang kemudian membuatku menganggap Mayura adalah kakak yang brengsek. Bukannya khawatir pada Alice yang nyaris dilecehkan oleh orang yang dia jodohkan, Mayura malah cemburu dan merasa insecure. Did you lose your mind, Girl? Mayura kemudian mengonfrontasi Alice soal perasaannya pada Wakamiya dan malah menyalahkan Alice karena tidak berani menolak Matsujou. Lah, kan secara tidak langsung elu yang ngejebak adik elu?
Saat itulah Alice merasakan puncak kebencian kepada kakaknya. Sambil menangis ia berkata pada Mayura, "Aku benci kamu! Kuharap kamu menghilang!". Dan kakaknya benar-benar lenyap begitu saja. Rupanya sebagai seorang Lotis Master, kata-kata Alice memiliki kekuatan yang lebih besar daripada kata-kata orang biasa. Karena itu kata-kata negatif yang ia keluarkan bisa mewujud menjadi nyata.
Nyozeka memperingatkan Alice, "Ada kekuatan di balik kata-kata. Dengannya kamu bisa menyelamatkan nyawa orang, tapi juga bisa membunuhnya."
Itulah inti dari cerita Alice 19th. Tentang kekuatan di balik kata-kata. Kita bisa menyemangati orang dengan kata-kata yang tepat. Tapi kita juga bisa menghancurkan orang dengan kata-kata. Beberapa orang tidak menyukai karakter Alice sebagai tokoh utama yang begitu peragu dan takut dalam mengekspresikan perasaannya sendiri. Di sepanjang cerita Alice pun terus merasa bersalah pada kakaknya. Tapi tidak boleh dlupakan bahwa Mayura sendiri yang menyudutkan Alice dan bahkan memaksanya berkencan dengan cowok yang berbahaya, lalu bersikap tak peduli saat adiknya nyaris dilecehkan. Persaingan antarsaudara kandung memang bisa saja terjadi. Dan cerita ini membawa isu tersebut dengan cukup kuat.
December 11, 2019
This is a manga I have had sitting in my room. I had read volumes 1-7 while I was in high school in the early 2000s.
I kept it because it felt powerful to me, impact-full I recommended it to anyone I knew who read Manga. The central idea of the Power of Words resonated with my teenage self. In high school I remember seeing aspects of myself in both the main character and her sister.
Yesterday, I sat on the floor of my room and stared at my book shelves until I could no longer feel my legs. I had already put a decent pile of books aside to give to the Used Book Store. This series gave me pause. It has been sitting on my shelf for over 10 years. Was it worthwhile to sit there for another 10? Was it as good as I remembered? Does it warrant a second read, or many more reads?
I decided to reread it and evaluate if it is worth keeping. Is it still as funny, moving, and poignant?
Yes.
I read this volume in a half hour, and I will go through all of them again soon I am sure. It has been like returning to old friends. The lessons and impact have not lessened either. The Power of Words, the courage to speak truth, and bravery to be yourself are all things will be a timeless lessons.
The author in her opening blurb talks about the power of talking to one another in a post 9/11 world, and that power has not diminished. It is still important, and this fun manga has some very hidden powerful words through out it.
As much as I want others to read this, I don't think it will be going to the Used Book Store anytime soon. It deserves a place on my shelf and it shall stay there for many more rereads.
I kept it because it felt powerful to me, impact-full I recommended it to anyone I knew who read Manga. The central idea of the Power of Words resonated with my teenage self. In high school I remember seeing aspects of myself in both the main character and her sister.
Yesterday, I sat on the floor of my room and stared at my book shelves until I could no longer feel my legs. I had already put a decent pile of books aside to give to the Used Book Store. This series gave me pause. It has been sitting on my shelf for over 10 years. Was it worthwhile to sit there for another 10? Was it as good as I remembered? Does it warrant a second read, or many more reads?
I decided to reread it and evaluate if it is worth keeping. Is it still as funny, moving, and poignant?
Yes.
I read this volume in a half hour, and I will go through all of them again soon I am sure. It has been like returning to old friends. The lessons and impact have not lessened either. The Power of Words, the courage to speak truth, and bravery to be yourself are all things will be a timeless lessons.
The author in her opening blurb talks about the power of talking to one another in a post 9/11 world, and that power has not diminished. It is still important, and this fun manga has some very hidden powerful words through out it.
As much as I want others to read this, I don't think it will be going to the Used Book Store anytime soon. It deserves a place on my shelf and it shall stay there for many more rereads.
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