CEO'S ROGUE ALPHA

great read really enjoyed it, funny and sexy

Cesare serves as a prime illustration of the adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" that I've encountered in manga. The term "underrated" is tossed around so frequently that it occasionally loses significance, but after considering various aspects, I can confidently state that Cesare is indeed an underrated manga. Concealed behind its seemingly unremarkable cover page lies one of the most intricate artworks in manga I've ever witnessed, which vividly brings 15th-century Italy to life. However, it's not merely good artwork devoid of substance, as it also presents a highly complex storyline.  

This manga is meticulously researched and quasi-fictional, narrating a tale about the power struggle among various Italian houses and factions during the 15th century, with the pursuit of the papacy being the ultimate goal. The story primarily unfolds in the city of Pisa, with Milan, Florence, and Rome serving as secondary focal points. Given the complexity of its storyline, this manga is heavy on dialogue. It takes its time to provide a comprehensive understanding of Italy's political landscape during the early chapters, ensuring that one doesn't need to be well-versed in history to enjoy the manga. Conversely, if one isn't fond of history, completing this manga might prove challenging. Historical references are scattered throughout the entire manga, with multiple chapters solely dedicated to explaining historical contexts. Action is not the primary focus of the manga and is almost entirely absent, except for a brief arc highlighting military aspects.

The two main characters of the story are Cesare de Borgia, a Spaniard from the aristocratic Borgia family, and Angelo de Canossa, a commoner. The narrative begins at the La Sapienza University of Pisa, where bright-minded students from across Europe enroll. Angelo's character, in a way, represents the readers themselves, as he is naive and ignorant of worldly affairs initially, much like most readers, and through him, we gain insight into Italy's political situation during that era. Alongside these two and the supporting characters, several historical figures of the Italian Renaissance make appearances.

The artwork is breathtaking. The characters possess a slight shoujo-like appearance and look fantastic. The attention to detail in the backgrounds and Italian architecture is magnificent right from the start of the manga.

Nevertheless, I have a few issues with the manga. First, certain parts felt excessively slow-paced, even for a historical manga enthusiast like myself, so I can foresee some fans struggling with it. Secondly, the portrayal of the French in the manga as foolish warmongers is somewhat one-sided, meaning French readers might not enjoy it as much. Thirdly, although the ending was a fitting stopping point and executed well, we know from history how dramatically the situation in Italy escalated after the events depicted in the manga, so I genuinely wished the storyline had continued further.

TLDR; Cesare is an excellent read for historical manga enthusiasts seeking to explore the purely political dimensions of the power struggle during the Renaissance period rather than the usual military focus.

A refreshing change of pace for a historical manga, where instead of battles, the focus is on this beautiful blend of philosophy, political intrigue, and history itself.  

We first follow the naive Angelo as our perspective, an innocent yet occasionally bold young man who is rather out of touch with almost everything happening in his world. Pretty standard as far as a main character goes, really. It's easier to self-insert and allows the manga to provide some information about the world to the readers while still being a proper character in his own right.  

From there, we are introduced to the political landscape of Italy alongside the school's prodigy and our true main character, the young Cesare Borgia, the later famous figure from the Renaissance era infamous for being Machiavelli's model for an ideal ruler. This is where the manga really starts gaining momentum, and we see more in-depth and active involvement with the world as a whole.  

I haven't really mentioned the university, have I? Because man, it's just so great. It's such a wonderful setting to introduce the story, especially for someone like me who had no idea who Cesare Borgia was or what was going on in Italy back then. The teachers can tell stories and ask deep, important questions, while the students, who have different nationalities and values, can "exchange ideas" (though I guess bickering would be more accurate, even if it's more comprehensible) and make the school setting into this mini-political world for us to dip our feet into before diving into the real one.  

If there's anything I want to critique, I guess sometimes I feel like Cesare is too... overpowered, I guess? As in, there's not really a moment where he's wrong or anything like that? But that's not really a big deal, and it does seem something significant will be happening soon in the future.  

Well, enough about the story; let's talk about the art.  

It's just phenomenal.  

It feels... "quiet," if that even makes any sense to you.  

The characters' faces are not very dynamic, but they make up for it in other ways that I can't really explain very well other than quiet.  

Instead of One Piece's exaggerated expressions and My Hero Academia's intense lines, Cesare's art style has this dream-like quality which reminds me of an artwork involving a pure white sand beach-like land under a pure black starless night sky. It's odd and barely says anything, and yet its whisper pulls you in nonetheless.  

The clothing and architectures are also top-notch. I can't say for sure about their historical accuracy and all that stuff, but I can definitely say that they look fantastic and manage to immerse me even more than I already was.  

Overall, I have almost nothing but good things to say about the art and the story as a whole, and I hope they can keep up this quality of art and story or maybe even improve it in the future.

TL:DR  
An intriguing late 1400s Italian setting, a standout character, and superb art are let down by a lack of real conflict, slow pacing, excessive historical exposition, and a weak cast.  

Story: 6/10  
This manga offers a quiet narrative centered on the intertwined lives of two Italians—Cesare Borgia, reconstructed with creative liberties from historical records, and the unassuming student Angelo. The plot revolves around the historical backdrop of the competition to become the next pope. Starting in a university setting proves to be a brilliant choice, acting as a microcosm of Europe at the time. It introduces us to various factions on a small scale before gradually expanding the scope until the climax, where the fate of Europe hangs in the balance.  

The setting is undoubtedly the manga's strongest aspect. The Japanese author builds it better than some European authors, offering fascinating insights into the social and political history of the late 1400s. However, there’s an odd anti-French sentiment, portraying them as violent thugs and fools, which contradicts the manga's explicit claim that national differences don't matter.  

The manga begins slowly, feeling somewhat dull as little of significance occurs. Initially, we're immersed in historical lessons and character moments, but the pace picks up fairly quickly, leading into the core of the plot. Poor pacing is partly unavoidable due to the historical context—if the author didn't explain it, readers might struggle to follow along. Yet, these expository pauses often halt the momentum, particularly in the first half. While the pacing improves later, this doesn't necessarily make the reading experience more engaging unless you're deeply into history.  

Despite multiple assassination attempts, this manga leans more toward slice-of-life than drama. There's a noticeable absence of deep conflict. While the politics of the era provide some tension for those unfamiliar with the actual events, the intrigue I anticipated was largely missing. Hints of something greater never fully materialize, leaving the story surprisingly shallow. Characters generally act predictably, working together harmoniously, making the narrative feel mundane (though not unpleasant). It's worth reading for its setting alone but falls short if you're seeking intrigue and drama.  

Many plot points or character elements, such as Cesare's relationship with his sister, are introduced but left unresolved. This issue stems from the manga's adherence to historical accuracy; history often lacks satisfying conclusions. Still, given the author's willingness to speculate about significant moments, it's unclear why certain storylines remain open-ended. Nonetheless, the ending is well-crafted and ultimately satisfying despite earlier flaws.  

Character: 6/10  
Cesare stands out as a compelling figure. The author skillfully reveals his deeper traits through subtle means. Though he doesn't undergo traditional character growth, our understanding of him evolves gradually.  

Angelo, the other protagonist, feels overly naive, often serving as a vehicle for exposition. Many scenes boil down to "You don't know that, Angelo? Let me explain." While necessary due to the historical nature, these moments disrupt immersion. We learn more about Angelo's backstory and personality, and he does exhibit the most development. However, it feels rushed, with little change until a sudden "maturation" near the end after time skips. His dynamic with Cesare remains the most engaging element.  

Giovanni initially comes across as comic relief but develops into a more genuine character later. Unfortunately, his arc falters because he's primarily depicted as a hapless fool, making his emotional peak fall flat.  

Miguel, Cesare's servant and confidant, adds depth to Cesare's portrayal. While lacking his own arc, Miguel serves as the bridge through which Angelo (and thus the reader) gains insight into Cesare's complexities. Though not deeply developed, he's enjoyable.  

Other characters play minor roles, though Rodrigo, Cesare's father, leaves a notable impression. Occasionally, random famous historical figures appear without impacting the plot, feeling like name-drops meant to impress rather than contribute meaningfully.  

It's clear that Cesare dominates the narrative, highlighting both his charisma and the relative weakness of the supporting cast.  

Art: 10/10  
The artwork is exceptional. Cityscapes and period costumes are beautifully realized, creating an immersive atmosphere even before dialogue begins.  

Overall: 6/10  
This manga provides an interesting read, especially for those drawn to its meticulously researched historical setting. If the setting appeals to you, this is a must-read. However, if you're looking for a strong story or memorable characters, you may need to look elsewhere. A mixed recommendation overall.  

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Lol

I hope they continue updating too! Thank god such an amazing story was picked up again!