Bara ou no Sorestsu is a strange reinterpretation of the story of Richard III, loosely inspired by Shakespeare's plays Henry VI parts 1 - 3 and Richard III. (Not sure what it means in the official summary "Based on an early draft of Shakespeare's play." What early draft? I don't think anything like that exists.) It begins when Richard is a child, rejected by his mother as he was born intersex. (I choose to refer to Richard as "he" as he seems to identify as male most of the time) Richard has a great "father-daughter" relationship with his father, whom he adores, but is troubled by visions of Joan of Arc, who represents his feminine nature.

The plot gets more complicated when Richard's beloved father attempts a coup d'etat to claim the throne during the Wars of the Roses.Things become rather violent at times, so if you have a weak stomach you might want to avoid this manga.

The intersex issues seem to be handled well, though a little over-dramatized (practically everything is in this manga, though. It's based on Shakespeare, after all). It seems kind of a strange way to alter the "hunchbacked Richard" narrative, but I suppose Kanno Aya enjoys writing gender issues. I particularly enjoy how the characters view gender in an historical way, rather than a modern way. That's often ignored in a lot of "historical fiction" out there. So far, Richard has been attracted to both a male and female character.



I've read up to Vol. 4 (licensed release) and it's fantastic so far. Each volume takes the story to a darker and more complex place. If you are hesitating about purchasing the licensed volumes, I can assure you this manga is worth it.

... Last updated on June 12th, 2016, 7:59am

I have been so absorbed into reading this series that I hadn't notice it was dinner time!

First of all, I had read the Raws up to chapter 21, so this comment is based on my knowledge of the book till chapter 21.

The characters are very well-developed, each with their own positive and negative personalities. This manga truly shows how not everyone is 'perfect'. The main character himself has a lot of burden and worries, from wanting his Mother's love to trying to get the King's seat. Along the series, the main character becomes more mature, and becomes more sensible, mature. Although he also became a lot darker, that is just one trait of him, which makes him unable to trust the people around him. If you continue reading the series, you will find the main character very lovable, and the author makes it such that you can sympathize with his difficulties being both female and male.
The other characters are also very well-developed, with each of the main characters' brothers having obstacles in their way, and many problems that stands in their way from thriving.
There were many twists in the story which had made me enjoy it even more, and regarding the plot of the manga, it is superb!
It's based of William Shakespeare's play,but it's not exactly a replica and has a lot of differences. It makes me wonder how it will all play out in the end. Will it become a tragedy? Or will it ends as a Happy Ending? I personally prefer a good ending, but with the way the manga is proceeding, it is hard to foresee a good future. This manga will take you through rides of laughters, light comedy, hidden secrets, betrayals, but most of all, a type romance which will make you want to read till the end, to see how it will all end up to.

All in love, this manga has entered one of my favourites! I really hope I can find it's hard copy.

... Last updated on January 22nd, 2016, 7:16am

I've only read the first volume so far, and while it was a little hard to follow the story (at first I thought they were implying those weren't his real parents or something), the art is solid and it's drawn in a way that would appeal to shojo or shonen fans. I'm cautious because I think the topic of Intersex is one that needs to be treated gently, not just played for angst, but I feel it's been handled appropriately so far. We'll see what future volumes bring.

Update: The series becomes very

... Last updated on November 21st, 2015, 8:41pm

I'm in love with this manga but they won't translate this anymore cause it's been Licensed, what to do I really want to read this. someone please translate this great manga.

... Last updated on May 25th, 2015, 8:17pm

I like this book a lot,
I only wish the waits for the next chapter weren't so long.
It starts out very interesting. This book is one of my favorites cause its something I've never read before. It's unique and is very interesting.