The Full Manga Review: The Ancient Magus Bride

Synopsis

Chise is a young woman who hasn’t has the easiest of lives, and in this rocky path she finds herself at a slave auction. When she is purchased by the mysterious Magus Elias, she finds a new door open to her and a new life awaiting as an apprentice and future wife.

The Good

The most commendable point of the series is the balance of the genres. Never does it stay too long on the dark portions of the story but neither does it sugarcoat things. It is one of the best blends of dark fantasy and mystery. This is not to say that the story itself is nothing but a fantasy tale filled with mystery tales and dark moments, partially it is but at the center this is still Chise’s story and it is the story of her growth and learning through the people that she meets and finding their stories. The mystery and fantasy all circling around the story is just a piece of the excitement to be found with this series.

A good story also deserves good characters and this story is filled with them both big and small. Though quick in introduction they gain an established presence in the story and for the main characters of the story they too have their own strengths. In Chise’s side, there is a well thought out development to her and the interactions that she has with other characters also has little notes to them that just adds to the mystery of the story. As for Elias, he remains a mystery and maybe that what makes him so appealing as a character, the way he goes his own way and the way he cares for Chise is like trying to find pieces to a big puzzle.

The art style in terms of the presentation of magic and monsters are also to be commended with how beautiful, strange and fascinating it can all be. From plot to art to characters along with those little moments of comedy, there is so much to enjoy with this series and it is truly worth the read.

The Bad

While there are multiple positive points to be found with this manga series, it does not mean that it is completely perfect. While the story has a great sense of balance, it does seem rather rushed at the same time, and it takes chapters before the read is given some breathing room to take in the plot. Because of the rush in between chapters, there are times when the transitions don’t work out too well. Along with the rush of the story, there also seems to be kind of a rush on the relationship between Chise and elias.

Then there is the mystery of Elias himself, while appealing for the most part, it does result in him having a rather lacking character exploration. It is understood that there is more to him than it seems and that he cares about Chise. But more than this during the first half of the series, we don’t see much development from him, it was more that the story seemed to focus more on the unveiling of his mystery.

Conclusion

The plot is a well balanced work of dark mystery that mixes well with hints of comedy and character development on Chise’s side. The plot may seem somewhat rushed but the overall mystery aspect of things mixed with the beautiful yet strange art design makes up for most of it. There is much to enjoy about the series and little negatives to be found. It’s truly a story worth delving into.

Rating: 9/10