An epic story with a character whose reason for cross-dressing is a lot more credible than most cross-dressing series. The story begins to drag on after 10-12 volumes, and the character relationships become too angsty later on. Still a great read for romance/fantasy fans.

Emphasis on SHOUJO (i.e., it doesn't flesh out the world/setting as much as shounen manga tend to, but instead focuses on characters and interactions). It sometimes takes the "even bad guys are people" theme a bit far. It's true that everyone has their own motivations and good intentions but then who do you blame for the people who get crushed in the way? And is every single person in the world really worth your sympathy? I feel that the ending hasn't really resolved that to my satisfaction. However, amazingly, the author has truly built a massive world and an all-encompassing storyline, from the birth of rebellion to the creation of a new nation. It's a world you want to return to.

One of the best manga I've ever read. It's a magnanimous, touching, beautiful, and formidable tale, which is taken place in an immense & colorful (all kinds of colors & shades) world. It made me happy, satisfied, indignant, heartbroken... everything to the extreme.

At first, the drawing is kinda hard to look (it's like a sketchbook), but actually it's drawn carefully & lively. The feelings of the characters & the story, which are developed cleverly, can be felt clearly through each picture. Furthermore, the story is a grand advanture in which each character has to take part to find his or her true goal in life.

I love the world of "Basara" and extremely grateful of Tamura Yumi for creating it.

... Last updated on December 5th, 2006, 8:55pm

The story is very epic in scope and has all the plot twists and tweaks to make it a great story. Character development is amazing, and its themes are all featured prominently together. The art is also good, though I prefer a style less focused faces with sharp angles.

One critique: I think the author drops too many hints of future events along the way - it makes the story too predictable at times, and that's this manga's biggest problem in my eyes. For example, if something bad is going to happen to a character, there are always scenes portending doom surrounding that character several chapters before the actual event happens. I just wish the author would leave more of the mystery unlocked and let the reader figure it out for himself/herself. Edit: Thankfully, the author improves on this later on in the story.

... Last updated on November 16th, 2006, 3:54pm

great story, and world...epic...read what the others say =)

I absolutely love this manga. The love that evolves for two people who can not love each other. It's sort of like Romeo and Juliet. Next to this, I love Goong and Princess. It's for those who love a historical and romantic story. It's wonderful and must-have and a must-read for all shoujo readers. To add to that even more, the plot in itself is why it's great.

At first, when I first started reading Basara, I didn't find it particularly interesting, special or captivating. The art style of Basara isn't the kind of art I am used to and generally prefer.
However, when I started reading more of it, the story and the art began to grow on me, and now, all I can say is that the art is beautiful and really presents the essence of the characters. The plot, script and characters are meticulously formed, and the result is a heart-wrenching, intriguing story full of twists.
As each of the characters grow, change and develop, so will my love for the manga.

A great manga! Amazing epic indeeed. Lovely art and very true to life charas. The plot is complex and full of twisting, very interesting and dramatical. If you like romance and plot, plus some fanstasy setting, this is for you.

wonderful manga that's different from other shoujo titles. with action, romance, and interesting characters, the story is captivating and extraordinary.

the story starts off well but then it doesnt appeal to me anymore...it gets quite draggy, the main female character looks and appears weak and i got quite irritated as the story goes on...basara is different yet it's not good enough...it fails to capture me like other good shoujo series...