The Changelings Art by Yamauchi Naomi and Story by Himura Saeko

The Changelings (also known by The Change!) Art by Yamauchi Naomi and Story by Himura Saeko

            Genre: Shojo (14 and up)

            Length: 4 Volumes - 13 Chapters

            The art of this manga vaguely reminds me of Sailor Moon, though it’s really just in the shape of the faces and the eyes that it is similar, but it is an older style since it came out quite a long time ago. In fact, the art is pretty generic, all the faces look the same, and it doesn't help that they all wear court robes and hats. Some panels it's impossible to tell if its only generic people talking or actual characters you know the names of. Speaking of the robes, they are all the same, too, and the patterns change so you can't tell people apart by those either. The art is good by its own right, though it looks a little sketchy from time to time, the gag art is really good, actually and there’s lots of funny stuff flying around. It’s just those darn faces that all look the same... I can't complain about the backgrounds, though!

            In the Heian Period of Japan, there was a brother and sister from different mothers who had the same face, but opposite personalities. The daughter, known as Lord Kira, is a tomboy who wants to be given her right as a man and join the court like all her friends, since she can play the flute and shoot an arrow better than all of them. The son, known as Lady Kira, was sickly from birth and his superstitious mother claims that only if he is raised like a woman can he live a long life. It doesn’t help that his weak demeanor causes him to faint and his pride as a man forces him into seclusion instead of being seen as a woman, giving him a mysterious air. When both are fourteen the emperor, upon hearing that they have reached such an age with out their coming of age rituals, commands they have their ceremonies. With their father's trepidation, the two join the court and are forced to publicly assume the opposite genders or bring shame upon their family.

            Based off of the Japanese story Torikaebaya Monogatari (a classical novel from the 12th century) this manga barrels on at a fast pace, I'd have to guess, because it is adapted from a much longer story. I like cross-dressing tales in general but I think this one is just okay. Since it is set in ancient Japan, there are lots of titles and words that are hard to remember and, while one usually picks up what titles are important by sight and matches them to a face; it’s hard to do that in this manga because all the faces look the same. You can follow along with out knowing the Heian court system (like little ol' me), but it makes a few things un-understandable. If you can just go with the flow, you'll find a nice story of siblings who once thought they switched souls but find that they were who they were meant to be after all. It has a lot of flaws, but it’s a cute story. Maybe I should find Torikaebaya Monogatari and read it next time instead, though.

            2.5/5 Barely Passing, even though the story is strong.

Art (c) Yamauchi Naomi and Story (c) Himura Saeko