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The Parasol Protectorate Manga #1
Soulless: The Manga, Vol. 1
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics (2012)The life of a spinster in Victorian London isn't an easy one on the best of days, but such a life becomes infinitely more complicated when said spinster is "soulless" - a preternatural bridging the gap between the natural and supernatural worlds. Miss Alexia Tarabotti has this unique distinction, and when she is assailed at a formal gathering by a rove vampire, an encounter that results in the death of the half-starved creature, her circumstances become exponentially more complicated indeed! Now caught up in an intrigue with life or death stakes, Alexia must rely on all her talents to outmatch the forces conspiring against her, but it may be the man who has caught her eye - Lord Conall Maccon - and their budding flirtation that truly drives her to her wit's end!
228 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
228 people are currently reading
9736 people want to read
About the author
Gail Carriger
55 books15.3k followersGail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and the sexy San Andreas Shifter series as G L Carriger). Her books include the Parasol Protectorate and the Finishing School series. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea. Join the Chirrup for sneak peaks of upcoming giggles: http://gailcarriger.com/chirrup
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 673 reviews
March 20, 2015
I love this series so much! I can't get enough of Gail Carriger! Also Lord Akledama <3 <3 <3
April 8, 2019
5 Words: Steampunk, vampires, werewolves, family, attraction.
Soulless is one of my favourite books, and I actually loved this manga take on the story.
I think my love for this had a lot to do with the fact that I had already read the book. A lot of the characters didn't look how I imagined, but now I can't imagine them any other way.
Soulless is one of my favourite books, and I actually loved this manga take on the story.
I think my love for this had a lot to do with the fact that I had already read the book. A lot of the characters didn't look how I imagined, but now I can't imagine them any other way.
March 24, 2018
This is a graphic novel based on one of my favorite novels. I liked it except...well, the characters were drawn kinda wrong. Our heroine is supposed to be a bit plain, not the adorable girl in this book. Our hero is supposed to be larger. And side characters are drawn to look adorable but sloppy.
The art was nice, but it missed the characters.
The art was nice, but it missed the characters.
January 15, 2013
This review stands for the first two volumes in what I hope will be a continuing and concluding manga series that adapts five original novels.
I think this story made a better manga than it did a novel. For one thing, manga plots usually are deeply goofy and don't make a whole lot of linear sense, so this slots right in to the expectations of the form. Some of the overfill viz genre-blending in the novels seemed to drop out in the simplifications needed to change media, and the artwork generally was delightful.
It took me a while, back when I was first exploring graphic media, to realize that comics are rather more like movies on paper than they are like illustrated written fiction. They have the strengths of the visual media, of immediate apprehension of scene and visual detail, but miss the main potential strength of written fiction of getting directly and deeply inside characters' heads. From books whose characters mainly had shallows in that department, what was lost in the transition had less impact than what was added in immediacy. Also, the change somehow punched up the deadpan humor, all to the good.
(The main character, Alexia, has no sense of humor that the F.B.I. can detect, mind you. This... is not actually a problem in maintaining humor in the story. Quite the reverse.)
I am a bit handicapped in judging this example as a stand-alone due to having read the original novels (all five of 'em) first. There is alas no way to rerun the test the other way around with one brain, but I mean to foist these first two volumes on a friend for a blind tasting and see how they work for her.
If one likes manga, one would probably enjoy this example; if one has never read a manga, this seems like a fine one to jump in with.
If one is still deeply suspicious of the graphic media generally, it might not be a bad idea to start with Scott McCloud's elegant classic Understanding Comics. Which everyone should read anyway, just for cultural literacy.
I bought both extant volumes at once, and shot through them in one interrupted day. I do hope they sell well enough to get the ensuing three parts into print, since my favorite minor character, the urbane werewolf Professor Lyall, gets more screen time later in the tales. (I did my part, anyway.)
This would make a fun anime as well, but many are called, few are chosen for that apotheosis, so I won't hold my breath.
Ta, L.
I think this story made a better manga than it did a novel. For one thing, manga plots usually are deeply goofy and don't make a whole lot of linear sense, so this slots right in to the expectations of the form. Some of the overfill viz genre-blending in the novels seemed to drop out in the simplifications needed to change media, and the artwork generally was delightful.
It took me a while, back when I was first exploring graphic media, to realize that comics are rather more like movies on paper than they are like illustrated written fiction. They have the strengths of the visual media, of immediate apprehension of scene and visual detail, but miss the main potential strength of written fiction of getting directly and deeply inside characters' heads. From books whose characters mainly had shallows in that department, what was lost in the transition had less impact than what was added in immediacy. Also, the change somehow punched up the deadpan humor, all to the good.
(The main character, Alexia, has no sense of humor that the F.B.I. can detect, mind you. This... is not actually a problem in maintaining humor in the story. Quite the reverse.)
I am a bit handicapped in judging this example as a stand-alone due to having read the original novels (all five of 'em) first. There is alas no way to rerun the test the other way around with one brain, but I mean to foist these first two volumes on a friend for a blind tasting and see how they work for her.
If one likes manga, one would probably enjoy this example; if one has never read a manga, this seems like a fine one to jump in with.
If one is still deeply suspicious of the graphic media generally, it might not be a bad idea to start with Scott McCloud's elegant classic Understanding Comics. Which everyone should read anyway, just for cultural literacy.
I bought both extant volumes at once, and shot through them in one interrupted day. I do hope they sell well enough to get the ensuing three parts into print, since my favorite minor character, the urbane werewolf Professor Lyall, gets more screen time later in the tales. (I did my part, anyway.)
This would make a fun anime as well, but many are called, few are chosen for that apotheosis, so I won't hold my breath.
Ta, L.
November 27, 2012
Dayum. I love the artwork in this book. Heck, I feel like I need to go back and re-read Soulless (my thoughts) because I think I might have been way too hard on the original book version now after enjoying this so much. I linked my review for the book because I'm not going to refresh my review for the story...the manga/graphics are a condensed/reworked version of the original, so my thoughts about the story itself are in my review for the print book.
Seriously. I wish that I could share some of the artwork with you but trying to take pics of the artwork on my reader was not working out so well, so I'm going to be lazy and nab some online renderings that I found from the graphic.
What was up with Alexia having such a nice rack? Kickass. Maybe it was to distract from the big nose (which wasn't really highlighted in the artwork).
Anyway, I unashamedly hotlinked from Ms. Carriger's site. Hope she doesn't come hunt me down and kick my virtual butt for not hosting my own pics.
Cover
[image error]
Story Artwork - Looking good, guuurl.
Love it!
Seriously. I wish that I could share some of the artwork with you but trying to take pics of the artwork on my reader was not working out so well, so I'm going to be lazy and nab some online renderings that I found from the graphic.
What was up with Alexia having such a nice rack? Kickass. Maybe it was to distract from the big nose (which wasn't really highlighted in the artwork).
Anyway, I unashamedly hotlinked from Ms. Carriger's site. Hope she doesn't come hunt me down and kick my virtual butt for not hosting my own pics.
Cover
[image error]
Story Artwork - Looking good, guuurl.
Love it!
July 5, 2017
As an adaptation, this is excellent.
All the text is verbatim from the book, but the art and dress styles give it a unique flair that really emphasizes the steampunk elements that felt glossed-over in the book and brought the humor to the forefront.
In a few places, I found myself filling in gaps with information I knew from the novel, so I'm not entirely certain how effective the plotting would be for a new reader. You might want to read at least the first novel first. Highly recommended nonetheless.
All the text is verbatim from the book, but the art and dress styles give it a unique flair that really emphasizes the steampunk elements that felt glossed-over in the book and brought the humor to the forefront.
In a few places, I found myself filling in gaps with information I knew from the novel, so I'm not entirely certain how effective the plotting would be for a new reader. You might want to read at least the first novel first. Highly recommended nonetheless.
March 14, 2024
This comics version of the first volume of Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series is a cute, charming version of the story. Adaptation artist REM did a good job squeezing a 350-page book into a single graphic novel, choosing fast-moving, funny, mildly erotic, or emotional scenes. Now and then the pacing feels cramped, with too much information in too little space, but most of the time it's a smooth and quick read.
Alexia herself is rather more "plush" than I pictured her while reading the novel, and REM frequently dresses her in outfits that would cause a social disaster in real life if she sneezed too hard. She doesn't skimp on the handsome guys, either, so there's some balance there.
I read this as a lazy shortcut to remind myself of the basic plot threads from Soulless with an eye toward moving further with Carriger's series, and ended up enjoying it more than I expected. In some ways, I even enjoyed it more than the original: Lydall and Akeldama are much better-looking here than my earlier mental picture of them, and I was able to just roll with the campy riff on the 19th century rather than nitpick irritably at its obvious anachronisms.
Alexia herself is rather more "plush" than I pictured her while reading the novel, and REM frequently dresses her in outfits that would cause a social disaster in real life if she sneezed too hard. She doesn't skimp on the handsome guys, either, so there's some balance there.
I read this as a lazy shortcut to remind myself of the basic plot threads from Soulless with an eye toward moving further with Carriger's series, and ended up enjoying it more than I expected. In some ways, I even enjoyed it more than the original: Lydall and Akeldama are much better-looking here than my earlier mental picture of them, and I was able to just roll with the campy riff on the 19th century rather than nitpick irritably at its obvious anachronisms.
January 6, 2017
Hehehehehe, what silly entertaining risque fun!
I absolutely loved Soulless: The Manga which surprised me as I have tried to read the original novel but I just couldn't get into it. I'm not sure whether it was the writing style or the humour but something failed to translate for me :/
Anyway, the manga version is brilliant! The illustrations are superb (if a little raunchy at times) and the banter is hilarious and had me chuckling throughout.
Talking about the illustrations...what is up with Alexia's breasts?! They are HUGE! Like two inflatable balloons! And in every scene, they're practically spilling out of each garment she wears! I shouldn't complain though...we also get treated to a naked Lord Conall Maccon! :)
There's lots of werewolves, vampires and automatons along the way too!
A right enjoyable romp! Now for volume 2!
I absolutely loved Soulless: The Manga which surprised me as I have tried to read the original novel but I just couldn't get into it. I'm not sure whether it was the writing style or the humour but something failed to translate for me :/
Anyway, the manga version is brilliant! The illustrations are superb (if a little raunchy at times) and the banter is hilarious and had me chuckling throughout.
Talking about the illustrations...what is up with Alexia's breasts?! They are HUGE! Like two inflatable balloons! And in every scene, they're practically spilling out of each garment she wears! I shouldn't complain though...we also get treated to a naked Lord Conall Maccon! :)
There's lots of werewolves, vampires and automatons along the way too!
A right enjoyable romp! Now for volume 2!
May 11, 2018
4 to 4 1/2 stars
June 12, 2021
I think I might've gone a little crazy on this manga detour.
But fuck it. I love it. And I need to try the damn novel again.
But fuck it. I love it. And I need to try the damn novel again.
August 19, 2015
3.5 - 4ish.
November 2, 2017
3.5-3.75ish stars?
A quick, fun, easy read tbh - much like I remember the novel being! The art is super clean and crisp and lovely, which always helps to bolster up my rating whenever I read manga/graphic novels. A much-needed breath of fresh air as I trudge my way through The Stand.
A quick, fun, easy read tbh - much like I remember the novel being! The art is super clean and crisp and lovely, which always helps to bolster up my rating whenever I read manga/graphic novels. A much-needed breath of fresh air as I trudge my way through The Stand.
August 17, 2015
[5 Stars] I loved the artwork and it made me giggle like crazy!
August 13, 2022
It's a really cool adaptation of the story. I of course didn't imagine Manga characters when I read it, but it gives the world a suitable look. I was only sad to see that they only colored the first few pages. That looked really cool!
April 1, 2014
I bought it for my daughter, but my curiosity prompted me to read it even though I didn't care for the novel. And I liked it way better! Everything supposed to be funny but which only annoyed me in the novel are perfect in comic. The art is good (well, apart from Alexia's breasts, which are very big and are always way too much out of her dresses to be realistic), and the plot is well condensed to fit in one volume.
April 22, 2021
An adult manga about supernatural Victorian London? Hell yeah!
Very fun, kinda spicy, and a good mystery!
I read all 3 volumes now. One of my favorite supernatural mangas!! Loved it!
Very fun, kinda spicy, and a good mystery!
I read all 3 volumes now. One of my favorite supernatural mangas!! Loved it!
April 6, 2012
I'm usually a bit sceptical about manga/graphic-novel adaptions of books I liked. Will the characters look the way I thought they would? Will the new adaption have the same feeling the book did? Will it be horrible?
I was especially sceptical about Soulless, the Manga, since the Alexia on the cover looks much too girlish and "cute" to be the real Alexia. I was however proved wrong in my assumptions. REM did an awesome job with this manga. Although the Cover Alexia doesn't really fit my image of the strong-willed half-italian spinster, the black and white Alexia certainly was perfect.
As some other reviewers pointed out, Conall doesn't really look all that Alpha in the beginning of the manga, but that changes throughout the book as REMs style improves.
I enjoyed the manga enormously: it was hilarious, over-the-top, gorgeously drawn and lushly detailed. I think I even liked the manga better than the book because the story kind of fit the manga format better than the book format.
I honestly recommend this manga. I can't wait for volume two, even though I already know what's going to happen since I read the books :)
I was especially sceptical about Soulless, the Manga, since the Alexia on the cover looks much too girlish and "cute" to be the real Alexia. I was however proved wrong in my assumptions. REM did an awesome job with this manga. Although the Cover Alexia doesn't really fit my image of the strong-willed half-italian spinster, the black and white Alexia certainly was perfect.
As some other reviewers pointed out, Conall doesn't really look all that Alpha in the beginning of the manga, but that changes throughout the book as REMs style improves.
I enjoyed the manga enormously: it was hilarious, over-the-top, gorgeously drawn and lushly detailed. I think I even liked the manga better than the book because the story kind of fit the manga format better than the book format.
I honestly recommend this manga. I can't wait for volume two, even though I already know what's going to happen since I read the books :)
May 12, 2020
My first manga and I loved it! My only quarrel was the way Alexia was drawn. Don't get me wrong, she was very beautiful, but I had always pictured her very rubenesque rather then slender AND well endowed. Maccon was very manly and handsome. Lyle and Akeldama were just right!
August 13, 2019
Loved it. I loved the original books sooo much, and as soon as I saw there was a manga adaption I knew I had to read it. I loved having a visual to one of my favorite series. I have all three that were made and will be reading the next 2 as well.
September 27, 2017
I didn't realize that this was a manga-ized version of the Parasol Protectorate series when I picked it off the shelf at the library. Those novels keep popping up on my recommendations screen but I've never been interested in following them, and I'm still not. However, the story is perfect fodder for a comicbook/manga format.
As a rule, I do not like the anime/manga aesthetic but the artist here has hit a perfect balance between the comicbook art I'm more used to (and generally like) and manga. Though be warned if you're sensitive about these things, the women are still very "pneumatic" as Aldous Huxley might say.
The love story between Alexia and Lord Maccon is the worst part of the story and I would skim through those panels, if I were you.
A solid, respectable 3.0 stars.
As a rule, I do not like the anime/manga aesthetic but the artist here has hit a perfect balance between the comicbook art I'm more used to (and generally like) and manga. Though be warned if you're sensitive about these things, the women are still very "pneumatic" as Aldous Huxley might say.
The love story between Alexia and Lord Maccon is the worst part of the story and I would skim through those panels, if I were you.
A solid, respectable 3.0 stars.
June 14, 2024
Delightful adaptation of one of my favorites.
August 9, 2017
I've had the novel version of this on my wish list for ages, but haven't been able to get my hands on a copy; so when I saw this manga version at my library, I snatched it up. I liked it! Good story, cool Steampunk elements, and absolutely gorgeous artwork. Yay!
March 10, 2012
I loved, loved, loved the Soulless novel and I was unbelievably excited about the manga. They finally got them in our local bookstores and read it on the commute home.
The Good Stuff:
I liked the round and organic feel of the art, it didn't have that overly sharp and angular art that I'm not too fond of in a lot of manga.The backgrounds were gorgeous, and it was lovely to see little steampunk touches here-and-there, like bizarre bikes in the the park, dirigibles randomly in the sky, The Vampire Hive background detail was amazing, the glassicals (which were a little underemphasized imo). I can only imagine how fun it must have been to come up with the clothing designs. There are some pretty intimate scenes in the novel, and they were translated quite tastefully- it added to the humour to see the artist's efforts to cover up Lord Maccon's private bits towards the end. The Vixi Man was appropriately gruesome, more so than I had imagined him even, and the villains were quite creepily rendered. And then there's Lord Akeldama! not as I imagined him, but I still loved him anyway: I only wish he was in colour so that we could get the full effect of his...particular fashion sense. It was nice to see a fully realized world of Soulless, and as a fan of the series, I really enjoyed it.
The Not-so Good Stuff:
I was a little disappointed in how short it was. I didn't think the entire novel would fit into a single manga volume, and I wish it had been at the very least, two volumes. It does have this rushed feel to it, and I think that if you are not already familiar with the series, some parts of the world and the plot points of the story can be confusing. Also, if it had been split, there might have been more time to focus on things that I felt were grievously underemphasized, like the aforementioned glassicals, the marvellous butler Floote, Tunstell was only in 1 or 2 two panels, and Ivy's hats! They were far more underwhelming than I would have liked. As far as complaints go, these are minor gripes. The only REAL problem I had was Lord Maccon's hair. It was too short! I could accept everyone else's differences, but his hair bothered me to the point that I might even draw over it.
I enthusiastically recommend it to fans, but for those who are new to the series, I would urge you to read the novel first to get the best out of it.
The Good Stuff:
I liked the round and organic feel of the art, it didn't have that overly sharp and angular art that I'm not too fond of in a lot of manga.The backgrounds were gorgeous, and it was lovely to see little steampunk touches here-and-there, like bizarre bikes in the the park, dirigibles randomly in the sky, The Vampire Hive background detail was amazing, the glassicals (which were a little underemphasized imo). I can only imagine how fun it must have been to come up with the clothing designs. There are some pretty intimate scenes in the novel, and they were translated quite tastefully- it added to the humour to see the artist's efforts to cover up Lord Maccon's private bits towards the end. The Vixi Man was appropriately gruesome, more so than I had imagined him even, and the villains were quite creepily rendered. And then there's Lord Akeldama! not as I imagined him, but I still loved him anyway: I only wish he was in colour so that we could get the full effect of his...particular fashion sense. It was nice to see a fully realized world of Soulless, and as a fan of the series, I really enjoyed it.
The Not-so Good Stuff:
I was a little disappointed in how short it was. I didn't think the entire novel would fit into a single manga volume, and I wish it had been at the very least, two volumes. It does have this rushed feel to it, and I think that if you are not already familiar with the series, some parts of the world and the plot points of the story can be confusing. Also, if it had been split, there might have been more time to focus on things that I felt were grievously underemphasized, like the aforementioned glassicals, the marvellous butler Floote, Tunstell was only in 1 or 2 two panels, and Ivy's hats! They were far more underwhelming than I would have liked. As far as complaints go, these are minor gripes. The only REAL problem I had was Lord Maccon's hair. It was too short! I could accept everyone else's differences, but his hair bothered me to the point that I might even draw over it.
I enthusiastically recommend it to fans, but for those who are new to the series, I would urge you to read the novel first to get the best out of it.
July 6, 2015
I really love Soulless.. Its one of my top ten favorite read on 2011
And when I know Soulless made into manga, well,before read novel,I'm a huge comic/manga fans. So, this one is def must buy for me.
The art is pretty good. Love how Rem portrayed Alexia, Conall, Ivy Hesselpeny, Lord Akeldama, Countess Nadasdy, Loontwill family and others. And... she draw Alexia very well. With curves. And big breast. Now, now, I admit I love women that have curves, especially in manga that usually dominated with thin-drawing characters(despite I myself also have curves). Make them look more woman for me :). I hope I don't sound like pervert, lol!
There's lot of nakedness happen, especially from Conall. Gawd, love his picture too. He look brute, but adorable. And handsome in rugged and hard way.Alas, there's not some private member showing. Maybe because this manga is for older teen, lol! And the scene in carriage, when Alexia got married to Conall? Yep, Rem draw it too. Bless her very, very much!
I have the manga volume 2, but since I'm not read Changeless, I'll decline. I know about the ending, and I'm not happy about it. But I musy read it anyway, right?
And when I know Soulless made into manga, well,before read novel,I'm a huge comic/manga fans. So, this one is def must buy for me.
The art is pretty good. Love how Rem portrayed Alexia, Conall, Ivy Hesselpeny, Lord Akeldama, Countess Nadasdy, Loontwill family and others. And... she draw Alexia very well. With curves. And big breast. Now, now, I admit I love women that have curves, especially in manga that usually dominated with thin-drawing characters(despite I myself also have curves). Make them look more woman for me :). I hope I don't sound like pervert, lol!
There's lot of nakedness happen, especially from Conall. Gawd, love his picture too. He look brute, but adorable. And handsome in rugged and hard way.Alas, there's not some private member showing. Maybe because this manga is for older teen, lol! And the scene in carriage, when Alexia got married to Conall? Yep, Rem draw it too. Bless her very, very much!
I have the manga volume 2, but since I'm not read Changeless, I'll decline. I know about the ending, and I'm not happy about it. But I musy read it anyway, right?
April 29, 2019
This graphic version of Gail Carriger's "Parasol Protectorate" series is the best manga adaptation I've read. I loved the artwork. I never imagined the werewolf Lord Conall Maccon as he's depicted here, but he really is drawn just right. It's a good idea to read the five original novels first. Having read them, I think I enjoyed reading the manga just as much. There are three in the series, and I have the other two, so I'll be reading them soon.
July 30, 2014
In general I am dis-interested in vampires and werewolves. That said, the quick wit, elegant setting, unexpected twists and action make this story completely engaging. Can't wait for more silver topped parasol adventures.
November 21, 2012
A very entertaining manga version of the already very amusing novel. As is the norm with mangas, everyone looked a bit young, but I really enjoyed the drawing style and thought the adaptation was very well done.
June 7, 2013
This was so much better than I thought it to be from the premise - reminded me a little of The Infernal Devices but with a more bad ass heroine. Definitely gonna hunt down the novels now.
May 18, 2017
I read Soulless and Etiquette & Espionage and i was just plain bored both times. Why did I bother reading the manga adaptation?
to finish my challenge shhh
Anyway.
The art is okay. Lots of boobs, but pretty hair. I like pretty hair, i may have a bit of a fetish.
The story is... well is.
The characters are... soulless? I remember finding them uninteresting and pretty dull in the book, the feeling stays the same here. Meh.
PS : okay okay, i want a deadly umbrella too, it's quite classy. And i have very fair skin, the sun is my ennemy. Two birds, one stone, or something like that.
Anyway.
The art is okay. Lots of boobs, but pretty hair. I like pretty hair, i may have a bit of a fetish.
The story is... well is.
The characters are... soulless? I remember finding them uninteresting and pretty dull in the book, the feeling stays the same here. Meh.
PS : okay okay, i want a deadly umbrella too, it's quite classy. And i have very fair skin, the sun is my ennemy. Two birds, one stone, or something like that.
September 27, 2020
I recently read the Soulless which this manga is based on, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Therefore, when I found this manga series on Kindle Unlimited, I had to check them out.
This was really cure with some nice fun art. I liked the presentation; most of the characters are well drawn and fit my conception of them. In fact, the characters were better than the cover of the mass market paperbacks so that was a plus. For example, it was funny to see how low cut our heroine’s dress actually was - the book made a mention of it but it was nice to see the Earl memorized.
A very fun read even if you haven't read the actual novel. The manga translates the story well. I would recommend this manga if you want to try the series but want something short.
This was really cure with some nice fun art. I liked the presentation; most of the characters are well drawn and fit my conception of them. In fact, the characters were better than the cover of the mass market paperbacks so that was a plus. For example, it was funny to see how low cut our heroine’s dress actually was - the book made a mention of it but it was nice to see the Earl memorized.
A very fun read even if you haven't read the actual novel. The manga translates the story well. I would recommend this manga if you want to try the series but want something short.
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