Series: Are You Alice?
Author: Ai Ninomiya | Illustrator: Ikumi Katagiri
Genre: manga, mystery, shoujo
Author: Ai Ninomiya | Illustrator: Ikumi Katagiri
Genre: manga, mystery, shoujo
Published: May 28, 2013 (first published December 25, 2009)
Publisher: Yen Press
ISBN: 978-0-316-25279-9
Link: goodreads
Publisher: Yen Press
ISBN: 978-0-316-25279-9
Link: goodreads
Synopsis:
A disillusioned young man in search of “something” stumbles into the weird and wacky world of Wonderland where, as “Alice,” he is thrust into a murderous game of “Kill the White Rabbit” by command of the ruler of the land, the Queen of Hearts. But while Alice rails against the role that has been forced upon him, he has little choice but to comply. For in Wonderland, not sticking to the script can have deadly consequences…
* * *
“In Wonderland especially, you
see. For the more a person foolishly clings to the past… the more they call out
the unsightly regrets”
* * *
Are You Alice? instantly absorbed me right off the first
chapter. It has a very intriguing story, very attractive art, and very
mysterious and fun characters. Perhaps Are You Alice? is the type of
manga that I truly enjoy in a sense that it allows me to think a lot about
what’s really going on with those very likeable characters.
The world of Are You Alice?
does give an impression of Alice in Wonderland (although I’ve yet to
read the original book itself, I’ve only seen the Disney cartoon film and the
Tim Burton adaptation). It’s quite ridiculous yet at the same time Ai Ninomiya
added a captivating dark mystery behind it. It’s nicely sculpted. There are
slow and careful explanations of Wonderland throughout this volume. They’re
very easy to grasp.
But you see, I think that Are
You Alice? can also be a pretty confusing story. At times it makes me
wonder, what really is the whole point of its story? The first page opens with
a question of “what is my name?” As the story progress, it makes me
think that this is all about Alice’s search for his real identity – for his
purpose of existence. It seems to tackle one’s search for his purpose in life.
What is this “murderous game of
‘Kill the White Rabbit’” you ask?
‘Alice’ accidentally stumbled
upon Wonderland and was called ‘Alice’ by this so-called Cheshire Cat. He was
then presented to the Queen of Hearts and was forced upon this game of “Kill
the White Rabbit” which was set up by the White Rabbit himself in order to find
the ‘real Alice.’ Apparently this ‘Alice’ is the 89th Alice forced upon this
game in order to claim the name of Alice and assume the role of Alice in
Wonderland and only by killing the White Rabbit will ‘Alice’ be able to claim
the role.
In terms of art, in a word, I’d
say it’s beautiful. From the appropriate character designs to the paneling to
the ‘dark scenes’ to its overall presentation, Katagiri-sensei has done a
really wonderful job with Are You Alice?. Perhaps my only complaint here
is shrouding darkness of the regrets. At times they look like they were erased
in Photoshop but it’s pretty tolerable, really.
* * *
This first volume of Are You
Alice? successfully established Wonderland as well as the character of
Alice. It is well presented and definitely worth the time. It’s quite easy to
get absorbed in the world of Are You Alice?.
intriguing story. very beautiful art. easy to get hooked.
