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Oh, what a fantasy! To save his kingdom from a demon army, the handsome (of course) Prince Valdrigr takes up an invincible sword that contains the essence of a demon god – but the price of that power is a curse that turns the prince into a demon beast at night!
To break the spell, Prince Valdrigr seeks out Halvir – a mercenary and somewhat arrogant sorcerer. Halvir (who is gorgeous of course), develops very interesting ways to deal with Vald's demon-beast side (grins), but he also begins to fall for the noble Prince as well. ~ As they seek to learn more about the curse, they pick up various other companions – and face increasingly powerful enemies intent on harnessing the power of the demon god.
Sparks, will fly, you can count on that!
The setup for this series – yaoi fantasy romance – is so delicious I don't understand why there aren't tons of these, but Crimson Spell seems to be rather unique.
Yamane Ayano's art is wonderful even when creating short-haired men in boring old suits, but is stunning when applied to knee-length hair (swoons), sumptuous robes, elaborate jewelry, fantastical creatures, and sword and magical fights.
Yes, there is very hot, explicit sex (it is definitely a yaoi title), but it's no PWP – often a few chapters go by without any nakedness. The romance is genuine and is developing realistically, with the requisite snags and bumps. Havi is 22, Vald is 18, and while Havi is certainly seme (though of the proud/caring type) neither Vald's beast form nor his Prince form are "weepy uke" – which I find refreshing.
Currently, at 29 chapters and still going (going on 4 volumes published in Japan so far, the first two have been published in English by Kitty Media) it seems like overall the book could go to at least 5 or 6 volumes before all is resolved as a) we still haven't confronted the Big Bad, b) the romance, after being quite derailed for over a volume, seems to be slowly getting back on track and c) there are several unresolved plot points and three or four characters whose backstory / true intent hasn't been revealed.
Oh, and did I mention there's humor, too?
I hope I've conveyed how very very much I love this manga! * hugs *
Havi (Halvir Hroptr) An orphan who was raised by the sorcerers of the magical city of Celeasdeile, he's initially presented as a mercenary loner. He's not the traditional cold seme, however – at times he's quite short-tempered. His feelings for Vald develop quickly and he's not afraid to show his protectiveness – or his jealousy. :p
Vald (Prince Valdrigr of Alsvieth) the cursed Prince. He's generally kind and noble. His developing feelings for Havi confuse and distress him at first. ~ His demon-beast side (that's the tribal tattoo'd guy with the fangs and claws) has no such ambivalence – after the first encounter with Havi (which was a bit dubcon-ish) he's not only eager for sex but very protective of Havi as well. At first only manifesting when Vald is asleep/ unconscious, once the beast's feelings begin to parallel Vald's he begins to bleed into Vald's consciousness.
Rulca (fan translation of this was Ruruka) – a magical rabbit released from captivity early in volume 1, he's completely attached and loyal to Vald, not very fond of Havi (a feeling that is mutual, although once each begins to see how much the other truly cares for Vald the rivalry softens a little) and can take bishonen form when needed. Spends a lot of time in rabbit form, curled around Vald's neck.
The boys, in glorious color
- Most of the major manga sites have reviewed Crimson Spell.
21.06.2010