written by You Higuri

In volume two of Ludwig II, the king’s slow descent into madness begins to take form, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. It leaves the reader wondering if what Ludwig experiences is just in his head, or if he is making it a reality. With his own men plotting to usurp the throne, Ludwig swings back and forth between making rational choices and taking outlandish actions.
 
Because of these royal conspiracies, Ludwig’s relationship with Hornig begins to falter. Keeping Hornig around helps to keep his mind focused on reality, but it also hinders him in his desire to let go and lose himself in his own fantastical world. When it comes down to it, Ludwig knows that his dream as the extravagant king must come to an end, and he refuses to take Hornig with him in his downward spiral. The reader is told from the start of the first volume how Ludwig’s life comes to an end, and now in volume two, they get to witness the events leading up to his demise.
 
Keep in mind, this is historical fiction. You Higuri has taken eras, legends, and historical figures before and put her own creative spin on them. Her works usually include a romantic situation between two men, but unlike typical yaoi manga, there is always far more plot than simply two men finding love. This series is appropriate for mature readers (the book is labeled 16+) who enjoy both romance and intrigue. And like in her other works, there are sexual situations drawn in a tasteful and airy manner.
 
This miniseries is one of Higuri’s earlier works, and it shows in her art style. She has signature eyes and asymmetrical frames and masters long hair, but the art is a bit more simplistic than in her later works, such as Cantarella and Gorgeous Carat. Unlike some manga artists, Higuri maintains her signature brunette/blond combination of protagonists, yet her characters never look alike between her works. They never have identical faces or hairstyles. They are each distinguished individuals with unique looks and personalities.
 
This second installment in the Ludwig II saga is also a solid 300 pages, giving the reader hours of enjoyment through the dramatic plot and You Higuri’s delicate art. However, at times there almost seems to be too many characters without enough purpose to justify their roles, especially given the character-driven drama. Overall, this is an enjoyable read for someone who appreciates more art-centric manga with a twist on history and a seductive romantic subplot.

-- Courtney Kraft

Commenting closes after a story has been up for 2 months.