Claria is a Queen half a day, and an explorer the other. She likes to explore the outside of the city walls and often goes to this incredible and marvelous world taken from Alice in Wonderland. Fairies, Lizardmen, even giant monkey-like creatures, she does this on a daily basis to escape her responsibilities at the castle, and whilst doing so, she always wears her distinctive steel helmet to hide her identity.
Isai no Hime tells a fantastic story about a world where humanity is not a the top of the food-chain. Humanity has built cities taken from an era similar to that of the Romans, and they reside always on defense of creatures that might invade at any second.
Little dialog is needed to tell this story as it relies more on it's amazing art.
Few mangas look as beautiful as this one, and the style can even be compared to works by Miura, Kentarou(Berserk). The details are just perfect, the imagination behind the costumes, the historial theme, the armours, monsters, and the characters are on a different level. Outstanding through and through with each chapter.
Although it does follow a main storyline, Isai no Hime often leaves you hanging waiting for the plot to continue. It prefers to further some side-stories with some comical relief and ecchiness that do well to change the dark tone of the story but distract from the seriousness and greatness of it's main storyline. Nevertheless, the story is told so well that you feel fully immersed in this fantastic world from the first chapter.
Claria, our main character, needs few words to express her goals. Her interactions with other creatures and the environment speak for themselves. Little does she speaks that she often transmits with actions, she's a strong character with an indecipherable personality.
One of the most underrated mangas due to its mature themes, Isai no Hime creates a wonderful and stunning world that excels in the art department but lacks in plot continuity. With an intriguing main character and an extraordinary storyline, this manga will make you wish you lived in that era.
