Reviews

The Witch and the Beast, Vol. 1 by Kousuke Satake

itslorei's review

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3.0

The cover is really pretty and the art illustations for every panel is very pretty. The concept was catchy and I would say despite not liking the characters in some parts it was an okay read.

I didn't like the heroine in which I forgot her name (it was hard to spell), she was rather unlikable .

I would just like to point out that this graphic novel is very fast paced that I just felt like some parts were cut off and there are just many points left out because of it that just took my enjoyment away.

Overall, it was an okay read. I like the art, it was very pretty, the concept as well, just my cup of tea.

ichigo2303's review

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dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

vampie2189's review

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5.0

BANGGEGHEHRHRGR

stefstyx's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

dredadonx's review

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dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.0

The first book is definitely at a pretty slow pace and it reads like a long prologue. There is some mystery behind the characters that seem to be connected to a bigger issue that will be explored later down the line. 

Overall I like the story and will continue it because we don’t get a lot of Josei - adapted manga and they tend to be geared more towards my age demographic (younger adults age 18 and above). 

heatherace's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

rereader33's review

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5.0

I cannot BELIEVE I was going to pass on this book.

I loved this debut volume. From the stunning artwork to the intriguing premise to the characters, this volume had everything I could ask for and more. Before I discuss my favorite aspect, the characters, I want to discuss what makes this series so special: the twist on the fairytale script.

Generally speaking, fairytale heroines have the same default personality: demure, soft-spoken, and most importantly, a woe-is-me mentality. You'd think someone who's put in horrific situations would deviate from these personality traits, but apparently not. Obviously, this is because a) most of these tales were written by men with a strict view of how a woman/girl should act and b) having them be inherently good and pure makes them more likable and will make readers cheer them on. What I love about Guideau, our "damsel in distress," is that she has a MOTHERFUCKING TEMPER.

Guideau's personality is so refreshing because she wants revenge on the witch for cursing her and is pissed nearly 24/7, and honestly can you blame her? From what I can tell, she's been cursed so that her powers have been taken out of her indomitable, monstrous form and into a powerless, human form. Who wouldn't be pissed about that? And while many fairytale heroines go on quests to fix their circumstances, curses or not, the biggest difference again is Guideau's rage. I don't think I've read a single fairytale where the heroine is angry about what's happened to her; she's usually sad and waits for someone to fix it for her, or is determined to fix it, but determination and anger are not the same thing.

The other, more amusing, aspect of her character is that there are 3 methods to removing a witch's curse: 1. Have a prince give a true kiss 2. Hope that the witch has a change of heart and removes it 3. Touch the lips of the witch that cursed you. Now, ORDINARILY most women/girls would aim for method #1 as finding the witch that cursed them would be more difficult. But Guideau? NOPE! We're goin' for method #3, folks! And THAT'S what I love about her! Going for the option that offers her revenge! I will admit her character is pretty one-dimensional right now, but I am looking forward to seeing how her character grows.

But now I want to gush about Ashaf's and Guideau's character designs because I LOVE THEM. I love the dark circles surrounding Ashaf's eyes and how bright they are. It's such a stunning contrast and his effeminate design adds to that (plus, love his piercings!) Guideau's design is striking as well, with her prominent fangs, cat-like eyes, and long hair. Her piercings really add to it as well and she comes off as beautiful but dangerous.

Okay, I think I've raved long enough, I'll wrap this up. Basically, I really enjoyed this first volume and am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you're looking for a twisted fairytale with some badass characters, give this one a read.

ifollowedthatrabbit's review

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3.0

What I liked most:

* The drawing style
* Supernatural creatures
* A badass female character (Guideau)

What I liked least:

* I need more information. I've found kind of lost sometimes. And I also need to know a bit more about the main characters, so I can really say if I like them or not/empathize with them.
* Witches are the bad ones

The story is about two particular characters, Guideau and Ashaf who work for The Order of Magical Resonance. Guideau wants to find the witch that cursed her, in order to break this curse and take revenge by killing the witch. So she partners up with Ashaf and go after the malevolent creatures that are behind the gruesome acts in different places. Most of the time they're witches. In the end, they're sent to deal with a witch who's murdering people with abominable cruelty.

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

breffe's review

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

joanarcherknight's review

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0