Revolutionary Girl Utena Vol. 1: To Tillby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 After watching most of the anime and absolutely loving it, I figured it was time I read the manga it is based on. Be-Papas created a unique fantasy-story land with a strong heroine who is both feminine and tom-boy tough. Chiho Saito crafts the story and draws the beautiful art that brings Utena to life.This first volume begins with Utena living with her aunt, wearing her pink boys' uniform, thinking she has met "Mister Lickylick" who saved her when she was little. She goes from there to Ohtori Academy when her mom and the man she thought was "Mister Lickylick" go to Europe to live. At Ohtori, she stands up for her friend Wakaba against Saijoni and ends up winning the Rose Bride in a dual. She thinks she's in over her head a little as she doesn't understand, but she's willing to fight for a friend, and now that's Anthy. I must say that the beginning really threw me. Utena is much sillier and girlier than ever I've seen her before ... and she calls her prince "Mister Lickylick"??? That's just plain weird. Thankfully things become a little more "normal" (i.e. what I'm used to) once she goes to Ohtori. I love the cliffhanger at the end where Saijoni has gone crazy and is slashing at Utena in an elevator! That's a new one on me, but I love it! This volume shows a lot of promise for the rest of the series, and hopefully it may explain a few things directly or indirectly that the anime floats over. The art is suberb — elegant shojo without the super frills and flowers (due to the heroine being a bit of a tom-boy). Revolutionary Girl Utena is a off to a wonderful start, and it can only get better from here. If you're a fan of the anime, the manga is a must-read, and if you're not familiar with it then try it out — you're missing a great story! Written: January 8, 2004
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