Manga Review | Undead Girl Murder Farce Volume 1

In an alternate 19th century France, vampires have integrated into human society. However, when a vampire’s beloved wife is found murdered in their mansion, the police refuse to investigate. A special investigative team of three is called in instead: an immortal severed head, her maid attendant, and the Cage User who carries her.

Undead Girl Murder Farce Volume 1 by Yugo Aosaki (writer) and Haruka Tomoyama (illustrator) delivers a good old-fashioned gothic murder mystery with supernatural elements. It’s snarky and sharp and filled with shocking twists. It’s also tropey in the best possible way. (Yes, this includes the battle maid.)

However, it’s the art that falls flat to me. Maybe it’s the thick brush style that the illustrator used, but the artwork looks muddled in parts and some of the panel layouts appear cluttered, making it difficult to decipher what’s going on at times.

Overall though, the story itself seems promising and like something that would be completely up my alley, so I’m hoping that the illustrator’s art improves over time.

Thank you, NetGalley and Kodansha, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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