Manga Review: Kuro Bara Alice

Kuro Bara Alice (Black Rose Alice) 6 volumes on hiatus- by Setona Mizushiro

Azusa makes a deal with Dmitri, a vampire from early 19th century Vienna, to breed the next generation of vampires. She must choose the most splendid vampire for the survival of the vampire species. For mature readers only. 

As usual I am not giving justice to the story by being vague with the plot but I'm doing this so you can enjoy it more. You think you've read/seen all the vampire trope out there but you've never read anything like this. It's a cut above the rest and a refreshing take of the much abused vampire theme. I also loved it that even though it uses the same old cliches of cafes, twins, dating game style, vampires...everything is a new territory. 

The story twists your emotions. The mature and dark theme that draws you in, intoxicates you and then breaks you...again and again. I also admired of being able to surpass one of the biggest obstacle. It was hit perfectly like a bull's eye. I was expecting a half-baked lame reason. 

I got the biggest surprise when I found out that it was from the mangaka of another reverse harem, Diamond Head. Don't bother looking for my review about it. It was very short. I love her writing style because Diamond Head left an impression on me, so I shouldn't be surprised at all. Psychological stories (or more like disturbing dark theme) is really her thing. Meanwhile her art style has improved since Diamond Head.  My only complaint is that there's no official colored picture of her with the harem. And speaking of harem, the heroine actually invited a guy to join her harem. It's an unspoken rule for heroines to be oblivious of the harem set up.  

Another surprise is that it is on hiatus since 2008. The ending already has closure for me so it makes me nervous and excited at the same time of the possibilities if the mangaka continues it. Will she break my heart further? She's so good at it!

Two words. Must read. Make that three. Now.