Name: Red River
Mangaka: Shinohara, Chie
Volumes: 28 (Complete)
Licensed: Viz (Digital /VizManga App / Print)
Type: Manga
Genre: Historical/Adventure/Drama/Supernatural
Age Group: Teen
Summary:
Yuri, a pretty Japanese girl, is ecstatic after passing her college entrance exam and having her first kiss with her childhood friend-turned-boyfriend. However, her luck soon changes. She starts to notice that water becomes agitated whenever she goes near it. One night, hands appear out of a puddle on the street and drag her into the water. Transported to an ancient village in the Middle East, she is then captured by armed troops and taken to the Queen’s palace for a human sacrifice.
Graphics Rating: 4/5
Plot Rating: 4/5
Opinion: Red River is considered a classic, and I’m so excited Viz is re-publishing this series! Considering I read Red River right after Basara I really hold it up to that comparison.
The art is really gorgeous. It’s very much classic shoujo from the 90s. I will say the angular faces on the guys is a bit weird, but it’s a very common look so I’m very forgiving on that.
What really drives the series is not only the heroine and the male lead, but all the friends and characters around them. I love how we meet so many external people and fall in love with them and watch their rise and fall. It can be heartbreaking at times.
I think overall the series is exactly what you expect for a historical drama. I do think it went on a bit too long, I ended up skipping some subplots with the wars ect. But I will say the length is great if you like a slow burn romance. That was done really well.
I think overall Red River is a must read and I’m so glad I can own it in my personal collection. If you liked Basara I think you will like Red River too!
Final Rating: 4/5
Extra: Was originally licensed by Viz over 15 years ago and is currently being reprinted in VizBig format!
