The story follows Alice Seno, a 15-year-old girl who lives in the shadow of her older sister Mayura, who excels at everything. At school, she is known as "Mayura's little sister" and is constantly bullied by older girls who know she is too weak to defend herself.
Alice harbors a deep affection for Kyo Wakamiya, a handsome upperclassman on the archery team with Mayura. One day, while walking to school, Alice rescues a white rabbit from the road despite the danger to herself but gets saved by Kyo, who gives her a bracelet with a single red stone. The rabbit turns out to be no ordinary creature; she reveals herself as Nyozeka and informs Alice that she is destined to become a Lotis Master. Lotis Masters wield the power of words and communication to enter the Inner Heart of others, a potent ability that must be used wisely.
Using the Lotis Words, which appear in the form of runes, Alice accidentally makes her older sister disappear during an argument over Kyo, whom Mayura had started dating. Desperate to bring her sister back, Alice must use the Lotis Words to rescue her from the darkness. She is joined by Kyo, who also possesses Lotis powers, and Frey, another Lotis Master who had trained with the masters and has come with the intention to marry Alice. Unfortunately, Mayura has fallen under the influence of the Maram Words, the dark counterpart to the Lotis Words. Their only hope lies in Alice and Kyo becoming the legendary Neo-Masters to discover the lost word that binds both Maram and Lotis together.
Alice 19th was published in English by VIZ Media under the Shojo Beat imprint from October 1, 2003, to November 24, 2004. It was also published in Spanish by Glénat España from April 2004 to December 2004.
I truly enjoyed reading Alice 19th. If I had to categorize it, Drama would be the genre that fits best, making it ideal for those who appreciate a heartfelt romance.
~Story~
The storyline was quite engaging. While it may not be the most extraordinary manga I've ever encountered, it was certainly impressive. The narrative emphasizes the power of words and advocates using them kindly rather than harshly. It revolves around a girl whose elder sister has succumbed to her inner "darkness," requiring rescue. As the story unfolds, relationships evolve and become increasingly evident. What I appreciated most was how it avoided overindulging in typical romantic clichés. Instead, the plot kept moving forward, keeping me thoroughly entertained.
~Art~
The artwork was commendable; neither poor nor outstanding. Yu Watase effectively conveyed each character's emotions and depicted cityscapes beautifully. However, if you're primarily interested in manga for its artistry, Alice 19th might not meet your expectations depending on your preferences.
~Characters~
The characters were a standout feature for me! Their development was well-executed, with clear progressions in their personalities and relationships. Yu Watase chose fitting characters for this tale, as they seamlessly integrated into the storyline. There’s Alice, the younger sister initially cautious and shy; Mayura, the confident older sister who always gets her way; Kyo, the attractive male lead aiding Alice; Nyozeka, a bunny Lotis master accompanying Alice and Kyo; Frey, a flirtatious Lotis master from Norway assisting them. Additional characters join later in the journey.
~Overall Impression~
I rated this manga a 9 because Yu Watase crafted an appealing story with compelling romances. It's an enjoyable read and I'd recommend it to anyone seeking a fresh, shoujo-style romance manga.
This is likely one of my top favorite works by Yuu Watase, if not the absolute favorite. The narrative about the potency of words deeply resonates with me, particularly as a shy writer. I believe this series showcases some of her most exquisite artwork across any of her creations. By the end of the first volume, I was thoroughly engrossed. My sole critique is that the ending felt rushed, and the story had potential for further expansion. I found the characters introduced towards the conclusion intriguing and wished to learn more about them. Nonetheless, overall, I highly recommend this series, especially for those new to Watase's repertoire. It serves as an excellent starting point before diving into the extensive saga of Ceres.
This was the first manga I ever read, and I absolutely adored it. There are three significant reasons why this series is so incredibly captivating:
1/ The central concept is ingenious. Even though Lotis words don't exist in reality, the story emphasizes how powerful words can be in our relationships. It teaches us to be cautious about what we say.
2/ The characters are authentic. Each one carries their own scars and insecurities, making them relatable. The narrative revolves around rectifying a mistake, and we witness our characters' positive transformations throughout the story.
3/ The artwork is stunning. I am completely enamored with Yuu Watase's style, and you can instantly recognize her work. She masterfully brings fantastical themes to life and creates breathtaking scenes.
I highly recommend this manga for anyone who enjoys stories that blend a touch of fantasy, romance, drama, and even some comedy.
The storyline was captivating, the characters endearing, and the narrative unfolded beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It delivers a powerful message on overcoming inner struggles like hate. Alice was a remarkable character whom I could relate to significantly; she was passionate and lovable, much like Kyou. I admired Kyou for his heroic role and his bravery in fighting for love. The plot revolving around discovering the lost word was intriguing, and all other characters added humor and depth. Alice's nee-chan showed immense courage towards the end.
Possibly one of my all-time favorite manga series. What makes it stand out is the unique way characters fight using words instead of relying on flashy, meaningless magical powers. It emphasizes inner goodness, self-belief, and courage in a powerful way. The characters are stunningly beautiful, especially the male leads! I adored the romance and found Alice's journey from underdog to top player incredibly satisfying. The plot is anything but conventional and keeps you guessing at every turn.
The best parts for me were whenever Chris appeared because he’s absolutely hilarious; any scene where Alice and Kyo share romantic moments; Nyozeka’s comedic antics (though she’s less fun when serious); and FREY!!!
On the downside, Mayura is a significant character whom I just couldn't warm up to. Alice’s unwavering devotion to her feels somewhat irritating, given Mayura’s apparent self-centeredness. Additionally, storylines involving her father left me feeling both sad and bored simultaneously.
Despite these minor issues, overall, this manga is fantastic and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something fresh and captivating!
WOW!! This is the kind of manga I've been searching for my entire life.. haha..
Great storylines.. Exceptional art.. Adorable characters.. Haa~ This manga is perfect, filled with romance and magic..