Les Miserables Manga Adapted by Crystal Silvermoon and Stacey King

A while back, I finally read Les Miserables (link leads to review). And now, I find that there's a manga version! I'm so happy that I was able to get a review copy.

Now, if you remember my review of the original book, you'll recall that I didn't like Cosette and Maurius, and that's because they were shallow characters. Especially in comparison with Valjean, who's practically a saint.

I'm happy to say that I liked the manga, just like how I liked the movie better (although the manga didn't sing). Why? Because most of the parts that were cut out were the parts that involved the "characterisation" of Cosette and Marius, which made it much easier for me to overlook their faults.

But wait, you say, Les Miserables is a brick of a book, didn't they cut out too much? Uh, I can't really argue with you there. I would have liked it to be a two-volume series, because I really wanted more of Fantine's and the bishop's story to be told, as well as Jean Valjean's life as mayor.

As for the art. The art is really shojo manga-ish. I like it, but it's purely a matter of personal preference. Have a look at the review images, which Manga Classics kindly sent over, if you like them, you'll probably like the book since style can make or break a manga.

Recognise these scenes? 

The uber-famous start to Les Miserables!

I feel like Fantine looks a bit like Azmaria from Chrono Crusade.

My overall verdict? I liked it! Sure it was short, but the fact that it's short helped masked the parts of the original book that I didn't like (Cosette and Marius), while keeping the overall story intact. I find it to be a fairly accurate abridged retelling of the story.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this manga from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.