Emma

It’s not every day that you stumble upon a manga that grabs your attention from the very beginning and keeps you hooked, not necessarily because it's a thrilling page-turner or has an extraordinary premise, but because its execution of even the most ordinary elements is refreshingly engaging. This stands out especially when compared to the countless titles with dull plots and clichéd characters that populate the anime and manga world, particularly within the romance genre.

Mori Kaoru’s 'Emma' is one such manga for me. Set in late 19th-century Victorian England, 'Emma' narrates the tale of a young woman—the titular character—who works as a maid-of-all-work in the household of a retired governess. She falls in love with William Jones, a wealthy young man from the upper-middle class. Despite their mutual feelings, strict social distinctions and societal norms prevent them from openly acknowledging their relationship.

At first glance, the story seems quite generic—a rich man falling for a poor girl is a well-worn trope often seen in shoujo manga. However, 'Emma' brings its own unique charm, partly due to the meticulous historical details seamlessly woven into the narrative and partly due to its array of interesting supporting characters who rarely get the spotlight in romance stories. The plot has two intertwined threads—one focusing on Emma and William's struggles and another exploring the supporting cast, many of whom are quite endearing. What makes these characters admirable is their humanity; they feel like real people you might encounter walking down the streets of Victorian London. Similarly, it’s easy to imagine someone from that era facing a similar predicament, given how convincingly the class differences, which form the crux of the conflict, are portrayed.

The artwork in 'Emma' is elegant, plain yet detailed. While the character designs may be simple, Mori puts significant effort into the backgrounds and costumes. As a self-proclaimed anglophile, Mori’s choice of setting the story in the Victorian Era feels natural. From actual locations like The Crystal Palace of London to nuances of British life, everything has been meticulously incorporated. It's impressive how a Japanese manga artist managed to recreate a foreign milieu so accurately using available research materials.

Reading 'Emma' was a delightful experience for me, and I would gladly recommend it to anyone looking for historical romance or romance manga in general. It’s a refreshing take on an otherwise typical story, set against the backdrop of an enticing time period, charming characters, and an ambiance that evokes a sense of nostalgia.

Emma is not your everyday manga. As a shoujo piece set in early 19th century England, it dives into the rigid social hierarchies of the time. The central conflict arises when Emma, a maid, and William, a gentleman, fall for each other, an unacceptable union by societal standards. What makes this story stand out is Kaoru Mori's meticulous depiction of Victorian England. Her research shines through in the characters' behaviors, especially concerning Emma and William’s relationship.

The main storyline revolves around bridging the gap between a maid and a gentleman, which was taboo back then. The romantic tension portrayed can be intense and passionate, yet at times sweet and tender without being overly saccharine. Their struggle to stay together strengthens their bond, even amidst doubts and sorrows as the series progresses.

The artwork is stunning, employing a crosshatch pen and ink style that breathes life into the detailed European buildings and landscapes. Mori excels in capturing character expressions, and the deliberate pacing of panel layouts adds depth to the narrative, reflecting the characters’ varied emotions.

Character development is exceptional. Emma starts off shy and obedient but grows more resolute, determined to confront her challenges. William is equally endearing, showing his love for Emma while grappling with the sacrifices needed to sustain it. Eleanor, initially William’s fiancée, offers a poignant subplot of unrequited love. Other characters like Monica, Eleanor's sister with a protective streak, and Hakim, William’s flamboyant Indian friend, add layers of complexity and humor to the tale.

Hakim, with his entourage of elephants and women, serves as a foil to William, highlighting different facets of his personality. His affection for Emma and subsequent support for her and William's relationship injects a unique comedic element.

This series resonated deeply with me, despite borrowing them from the library rather than purchasing. It's highly recommended for those seeking realistic drama and romance, filled with believable characters facing societal prejudices. Emma stands out as one of the finest romance manga I've encountered, and I encourage you to give it a read.

Second Mori Kaoru review, focusing on her first full-length story. Emma is a historical romance set in late 19th and early 20th century England, during the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

Similar to other media from that era, the manga explores class struggles and changing social dynamics due to the advancements of the Industrial Age. However, Emma doesn't offer harsh social critiques like Dickens but instead maintains a neutral stance with romance as its primary focus. The class divide is a significant element, and while the premise may seem somewhat cliché, the execution shines through thanks to character development, artwork, and Mori's remarkable attention to historical accuracy.

[1. Delving into character writing…]

The interactions between the main characters propel the narrative forward, and the cast spans a broad spectrum: English and foreigners, old money and new rich, working class and gentry. Not every character is extensively developed, but each one behaves authentically within their context, and their daily lives convey more than dialogue alone could.

Unlike some works featuring star-crossed lovers, Mori does not always paint the upper classes negatively. In fact, there are many sympathetic figures among the stuffy, haughty, and antagonistic ones. This realism allows readers to connect and empathize with characters across different social strata.

[2. Moving on to the artwork…]

The character designs are pleasing to the eye and filled with intricate details in hairstyles, clothing, and headwear. A minor criticism is that some characters' faces look too similar, making it occasionally hard to distinguish certain prominent male characters.

Mori’s meticulous eye for detail extends to vehicles, animals, buildings (including interiors), and even overlooked elements like tools, posters, and plants. The artwork isn’t just for setting the mood; it vividly recreates Victorian-era England.

The quality of backgrounds can vary, ranging from functional to meticulously detailed and atmospheric. Otoyomegatari excels more in this area, but Emma still has many impressive panels. As the story progresses, Emma becomes increasingly "cinematic," with more creative panel layouts and better contrast between key details and blank space compared to earlier chapters.

[3. Regarding historical accuracy…]

A self-proclaimed Anglophile, Mori relied on thorough research rather than speculative elements to ensure accuracy and immerse readers. This commitment is evident not only in familiar Victorian elements but also in highly specific and obscure references, terminology, and characters’ dialogues. I was impressed by the closing notes describing trivia I had completely missed.

There were a couple of inaccuracies at the beginning, which prompted Mori to hire a historical consultant starting from the third volume. Her dedication to authenticity was truly admirable.

[4. Concluding note.]

The romance in Emma doesn’t follow typical “anime” tropes, and any fanservice present doesn’t degrade characters or cheapen the plot. There is no excessive melodrama, and sexuality aligns well with Victorian sensibilities, adding a healthy dose of realism.

I hope you enjoyed my review!

A very pleasant romance to read, even for someone who isn't typically a fan of the genre.
Emma can be described as a period romance that transformed into a manga. What particularly impressed me was how the author incorporated historical elements: exploring environments like the Crystal Palace, the social dynamics and tensions of the time, or simply the everyday life of the characters. The characters, in general, are very well-written. The author's ability to create interesting and easily relatable characters is remarkable.

The story itself is quite enjoyable, avoiding excessive drama while remaining engaging. It steers clear of the clichés that usually deter me from this genre, instead offering fresh and intriguing scenarios (like new settings or significant changes in the characters' lives). The only potential drawback might be when the author dedicates entire chapters to supporting characters or a newspaper (which, by the way, was my favorite chapter), but I personally enjoyed it.

The artwork is spectacular. It's incredible how the author meticulously designs sets, clothing, and hairstyles with such detail and beauty. There are panels that are breathtaking just to look at. Truly stunning!

In conclusion, I was pleased with how the ending was executed. Japanese creators don't always provide satisfying conclusions to their works, so I'm glad this wasn't the case here.

As someone born and raised in England with a secret love for books, it's no surprise that I'm well-versed in many classic works of English literature from the Victorian era, especially those by Dickens, Austen, and the Bronte sisters. Many other attempts to emulate these greats often end up as trashy romantic fiction, like Mills & Boon novels.

To my astonishment, I discovered a manga that not only captured this period but excelled in almost every aspect. This manga is "Emma" by Mori Kaoru, which should not be confused with Jane Austen's novel. Mori, a self-proclaimed Anglophile, has achieved something rarely seen: a meticulous reconstruction of historical London and Yorkshire in 1895. Her efforts are nearly flawless, barring a few minor discrepancies.

The story revolves around a simple yet touching romance between Emma, a maid, and William Jones, the eldest son of a wealthy middle-class family. The manga begins with Emma working as a live-in maid for retired governess Kellie Stowner, who took in the homeless Emma, trained her, and taught her to read and write—a rarity in Victorian England.

One morning, Mrs. Stowner is visited by William Jones, a former pupil and heir to the House of Jones. William and Emma meet for the first time, and while William is intrigued by this composed maid, Emma finds herself drawn to William’s mannerisms and impulsive behavior.

The story impressively captures class conflicts. Emma is a maid, while William is middle-class. In Victorian England, the upper class despised the middle class and viewed the working class as animals. The middle class aspired to join the upper echelons while treating the working class with disdain. These dynamics add depth to the story, revitalizing the cliché theme of a knight sweeping a peasant girl off her feet.

The art in "Emma" is exquisite. Mori spared no effort in reproducing authentic details of the time period, including steam trains, horse-drawn carriages, newspapers, clothing, money, and more. The crosshatched "pen and ink" style adds authenticity to the setting.

Character designs are simple yet expressive, capturing the stereotypical "British reserve." The contrast between detailed backgrounds and simpler character features draws attention to the characters themselves.

What stands out most is the character development. Both Emma and William are well-developed, and Mori also develops side characters extensively, sometimes dedicating entire chapters to them. This level of detail draws readers deeper into the Victorian era and lends realism to each character.

This is one of the most rewarding manga I’ve read, comparable to Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou in literary merit. It combines a classic storyline, excellent imagery, and believable characters within the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution. The sense of realism and character depth is astonishing.

I highly recommend "Emma" to fans of classical literature, romance, or shoujo manga. It is hands down one of the best romance manga available.

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On January 25th, 2009, "Emma" was considered completed, and a secondary series called "Emma Bangaihen" had been released. The following section covers only the latter series.

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Many wondered what happened to the characters after "Emma" concluded, leaving some loose ends.

Fans will rejoice as Mori released "Emma Bangaihen" (or "Emma: Further Tales").

"Emma Bangaihen" takes a slice-of-life approach, offering episodic stories contrasting the continuous narrative of "Emma". It ties up loose ends left in the original series, which fans will appreciate.

The series begins with a glimpse into Kellie Stowner’s history, followed by stories about Eleanor Campbell, William meeting Hakim, and glimpses into the Molders family and their maids. Other stories cover daily life at The Times, backstage at the opera, Arthur Jones at Eton College, and importantly, what happens to Emma and William.

One standout chapter uses 4-koma format, adding comedic elements.

The artwork and character design remain true to the time period, matching the quality of "Emma". Characters are well-developed, though the episodic nature limits their growth. However, this series enhances understanding for those who have read "Emma".

Anyone who enjoyed "Emma" will find "Emma Bangaihen" equally satisfying. It provides closure to lingering questions and enhances character depth. Some stories are quirky and realistic, like Polly and Alma’s shopping trip or William meeting Hakim.

This is essential reading for any fan of "Emma", appealing to those who enjoy slice-of-life stories. I wish more authors would conclude their series as thoughtfully.

Having grown up in the United Kingdom, with Jane Austen's works read to me by my mother from a young age, I'm well-versed in historical romance classics and their archetypes, including Austen, the Bronte sisters, Lorna Doone, among others. Many books, and subsequently manga and manhwa, have tried to emulate these over time. Unfortunately, as someone who thoroughly enjoyed these classics, none of the recent attempts at blatant fan fiction have won me over. Instead, they seem like pure 'romantic' drivel that feels all the same.

Emma was a manga I began reading without knowing its plot, assuming it was based on Jane Austen's famous novel. To those thinking similarly and familiar with the original Emma, be warned: this manga shares only the name and time period with Austen's work, though it is set a bit later.

I must start by mentioning what drew me into the story: the art. It is undoubtedly one of the best styles I've seen. Having been brought up learning about life in my country, I am not ashamed to say Mori seems to know more about Victorian England than I do. As a drama student, I understand the importance of selling not just the story but also the culture, atmosphere, and life you aim to portray. For a Japanese mangaka to take on Victorian England and write ten volumes set in that era, I can only applaud her valiant and amazing effort. She doesn't let up throughout the whole story, wrapping me up in this beautiful, seemingly foreign world from start to finish, holding me as well as any Austen novel could.

Another significant strength of this story is its characters and their development. Emma and William, the protagonists, are true to Victorian England. Mori captures the restraint and societal impact of the time, not just in the surroundings but in the characters themselves. Emma, a shy maid to an ex-governess, is a character you can't help but warm to. Meanwhile, William starts off impulsive and reckless but is pulled back by society's constraints.

Mori also excels in portraying love in this story. The problem with many historical romances is that the love can often feel stilted or rushed, especially when it involves love at first sight. Mori balances this well, showing a consuming love while also illustrating how societal restraints pull them back. It's incredible to watch the characters develop as love changes them.

Another noteworthy aspect of Mori's characters is that everyone has a purpose. In many powerful love stories, side characters can be pushed aside for comic relief or to push the plot along. This isn't the case here; every character felt necessary and played a role, even if some weren't heavily developed.

Mori handles 19th-century Victorian England with the skill of an old pro, a historian who has dealt with such eras all their life. Historical romance stories, especially those involving forbidden love, can sometimes use the historical background merely as a prop, easily swept aside for a happy ending. But Mori doesn't do this. Even those unfamiliar with the importance of society and class back then will grasp it after finishing this manga.

In conclusion, Mori has achieved what I previously thought was unattainable: an excellently paced story with well-thought-out characters set in a believable time period, all accompanied by beautiful art. Emma has become a romance manga classic for me, alongside Mars. I cannot recommend it more highly.

Emma is a stunning manga. It's simply captivating, evoking deep emotions and leaving you with a heartwarming, cozy sensation. There's an underlying bittersweetness that adds to its charm.

I'm in love with the art style, which perfectly complements the story's setting. The character designs are brilliantly crafted, drawing me into the narrative from the start. The backdrop of 19th-century Britain feels refreshingly unique. The attention to detail in some panels is remarkable—you can vividly imagine the grand mansions with their intricate decorations and even the quaint shops filled with various trinkets.

The characters are wonderfully developed, each carrying significant depth. You catch glimpses of their personal stories, giving you insight into their backgrounds. The narrative brings them to life beautifully.

If you're searching for a compelling romance, this is an excellent choice.

First of all, I hadn't anticipated enjoying this manga as much as I did. While I'm familiar with manga that includes romantic elements and usually find them enjoyable without getting overly excited, Emma was different. It allowed me to not only relish a good romance but also discover an excellent manga.

Kaoru Mori is an author whose work quality speaks for itself. Known for Bride Stories, she excels at crafting consistent and engaging narratives.

Emma follows suit. There are several aspects worthy of admiration.

Technically, there's little to critique—it's truly magnificent. With her exquisite, flowing lines, Mori plays with the anatomy of her characters, presenting pronounced forms and some nudity scenes that aren't shocking in the least.

Furthermore, her attention to decorations and costumes is outstanding. It's evident that considerable effort went into ensuring historical accuracy.

The historical context is meticulously preserved. The storyline immerses us in 20th-century English aristocratic society. Through careful narration, Mori conveys the stakes, benefits, and constraints of this elitist environment. This detail-rich narrative adds substantial depth to the story, making it even more enjoyable.

The storytelling is crucial here; I found great pleasure in uncovering the complexities of this improbable romance between two individuals from different backgrounds. Though a common plot in various media, Mori masterfully made it her own positively. What I appreciated most were the moments of silence throughout the manga. Even when explanations are necessary, the dialogue remains discreet overall. There's no superfluous conversation, and the manga knows when to let images narrate. This technique, frequently employed, is always executed well.

I'll conclude by encouraging you to explore all the elements I've mentioned yourself. It's undoubtedly a very good manga and a delight to read.