Soulless: The Manga, Vol. 1
written by Gail Carriger
illustrated by Rem
Paperback
ISBN: 978-0316182010
It’s not easy being a spinster in Victorian Era London, but for Alexia Tarabotti, it’s a nightmare. She is a preternatural, a being considered to be “soulless,” and capable of reducing supernaturals, such as vampires and werewolves, to mere mortals by making physical contact with them.
It all started when Alexia is attacked by a roaming Vampire and kills him. If that had been as simple as it gets, there wouldn’t be any need for a panic. However, this is not the case. Lord Maccon, werewolf Alpha, is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate, but of course, he and Alexia fight like cats and…werewolves.
Though initially not interested in getting involved in this supernatural affair, Alexia is quickly engulfed in a shady plot involving an unknown menace, one which is definitely unnatural, but seems immune her powers. Add in the natural frictions between Vampires and Werewolves and stir well, and you’ve got a prime recipe for chaos. Bring that to a simmer, and add a touch of natural comedy, followed by a drop of unexpected romance between Alexia and Lord Maccon and you’ve got a thrilling story of intrigue, violence, and love.
Then, there is the fact that the most important events of this volume take place on the night of a full moon, a.k.a. the worst time to be a werewolf. It is a good thing Alexia can turn werewolves human again with her touch, because what would happen if she was pitted against the one she loved in his most ferocious incarnation? And if she makes it through that experience, what will follow? Certainly not a wedding, right? Right?!
This story started out as a beautifully-written novel series by Gail Carriger, and has now found its way into the manga world, thanks to the REM and Yen Press. The book is a little bit larger and thicker than your average manga, so you can expect that much more substance packed into it. This manga touches on the evil that mankind is capable of committing – the non-supernatural humans. It’s a story of trust across boundaries such as race, nature, etc.
