Creators: Tou Ubukata, Kiriko Yumeji
Publisher: Del Rey
Age Rating: Older Teen
Genre: Adventure
RRP: $10.95
Le Chevalier d’Eon v1
Reviewed by Dan Polley

Set in 18th century France, “Le Chevalier d’Eon” is a tale that borders on non-fiction: Charles de Beaumont, the main character, lived the later part of his real life as a woman. And there are some similarities drawn by Tou Ubukata and Kiriko Yumeji in this work.

Things are amiss in France as a series of sacrificial killings take place. Charles de Beaumont, with the help of his “sister,” is on the case. But in which role will Charles bring those cult followers to justice? And just how is he connected to his sister? These are a couple of questions you’ll wonder as you read through this first volume.

The plot seems a bit stilted at first, but it’s harder to criticize such a failing when the book is a period piece such as “Le Chevalier d’Eon.”

The Charles de Beaumont character isn’t fully fleshed out, which leads to the worst negative against the volume. At times, he’s fun and interesting and you’ll wonder what he has in store next. But at other times, he comes off as dull, uninteresting and appears to be made of a mold from similar characters.

Some of the art, especially those panels that focus in on the sacrificial killings, can be quite graphic. However, they’re still not as graphic as those in “Battle Royale” or other similar titles. But for those who are faint at heart, some sequences might make you a bit squeamish.

The best parts of the book are after each cult follower has found a way to channel his sacrifices. When that happens, fantastically dreadful things follow.

Other than that, the art is refreshing. Yumeji takes and uses unique panel angles that really bring a sense of foreboding to the book.

“Le Chevalier d’Eon” certainly has its ups and downs, but it manages to stay up more than it comes down. Had the Charles de Beaumont character been a little less stiff, this would have been considered a must-read manga. As it is, it’s something you should pick up if you’re into period pieces or simply want to expand your manga experience.

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6 October 2009
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