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Is Requiem of the Rose King Based on a Manga or Light Novel and Is It Complete, or Ongoing?


Requiem of the Rose King Anime

Requiem of the Rose King is an ideal story for those who love seeing classic anglophone literature translated into the anime screen. The historical fantasy anime brings Shakespearan vibes into the Winter 2022 anime season, not to mention three-dimensional lgtbq+ characters. Despite these excellent credentials, the Requiem of the Rose King anime didn't do as well as expected due to poor pacing, but those who loved the story before it became adapted still swear by it. So, is there a Requiem of the Rose King manga or light novel, and what's its status?

About Requiem of the Rose King

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Requiem of the Rose King loosely adapts Shakespeare's historical plays, Richard III and Henry IV. Unfolding during the War of the Roses - a very tumultuous period in English history that has inspired many fictional works including Game of Thrones.

In this version of the tale, Richard Plantagenet, son of the Duke of York, is intersex, rather than deformed as is the case with other versions. While he identifies as a man, others refuse to perceive him as such, causing him to feel alienated from anyone apart from his father. While Richard's identity plays a key role in the story, the primary driving force is his battle with inner demons and tangible enemies, and his violent journey towards the English throne, making for an interesting representation.

Despite the excellent premise, the anime can be a bit difficult to watch for those not acquainted with the relevant historical events, due to its wild time skips and overall odd pacing. Thankfully, there's another way to get started with the story!

Is Requiem of the Rose King Based on a Manga or Light Novel and Is It Complete, or Ongoing?

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Requiem of the Rose King is based on a shojo manga, written and illustrated by Aya Kanno. The manga was initially serialized in the shojo magazine Monthly Princess.

The original run of Requiem of the Rose King was between 2013 and 2022 and it is now collected in 16 volumes, 14 of which are already available in English.

Related: When Will Requiem of the Rose King Be Dubbed In English? When to Expect a Dub Release Date for the Anime

The manga has enjoyed a much better reception than its anime adaptation, having appeared on the list of the top 20 manga for female readers in 2015. In 2021, a spin-off titled "King of Idol: The Rose King's Academy" began serialization in Monthly Princess. In it, fans get to see the original manga's characters in an alternative universe, as high school students trying to be idols. While this isn't necessarily an indication of quality, it suggests a manga worth checking out.

Requiem of the Rose King is a gripping, tragic story that can be very entertaining if you don't mind historical inaccuracies and loose adaptations. If you're thinking of giving the anime ago, or, indeed, if you were disappointed by it, it's highly recommended that you give the manga a chance!

For more articles like this, take a look at our Anime and Manga page.