Best Manga Set In The Victorian Era

Summary

• The Victorian era inspires diverse manga, from supernatural mysteries to dark comedies.
• Manga titles draw inspiration from iconic literary characters and popular literature.
• Stories often creatively blend elements from different stories and time periods with a Victorian backdrop.

The Victorian era is one of the most fascinating, turbulent, and dynamic in all of history. It is therefore no surprise that it has inspired so many stories since, and its opulent aesthetic rarely fails to provide a good backdrop to all manner of stories. From war to romance, adventure to slavery, and just about everything in between, there is certainly no shortage of subject matter when it comes to the Victorian period. Generally considered to stretch from the early-mid 1800s to the early 1900s, it encompasses events such as the Second Industrial Revolution and the Boxer Rebellion.

The era also gave rise to a number of iconic literary characters and tropes, many of which continue to be used today in various forms. Several manga series have been inspired by the works of writers such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle, refreshing these themes in their own unique style. The following titles demonstrate the versatility and depth of the Victorian-era as a setting, while also contributing new elements in their own way.

7

Empire Of Corpses

A Story Inspired By Frankenstein

• MyAnimeList Score: 6.84
• Published: 2015
• Genre/Themes: Supernatural/Mystery
• Author: Tomoyuki Hino
• Illustrator: Tomoyuki Hino

Written by Project Itoh, Empire of Corpses is a Frankenstein-inspired story following another attempt by the famous doctor to reanimate a corpse. Blending elements from different stories including Sherlock Holmes and even The Karamazov Brothers, the series seamlessly blends lots of popular literature.

The journey takes the characters from Britain to America and beyond, interacting with famous historical figures ranging from Charles Babbage to Ulysses S. Grant. For fans of historical fiction and popular literature in general, Empire of Corpses is certainly worth investigating.

6

Jane Eyre

Adapted From The Classic Novel

• MyAnimeList Score: N/A
• Published: 2023
• Genre/Themes: Romance
• Author: Charlotte Brontë
• Illustrator: SunNeko Lee

Out of all the manga classic adaptations, UDON Entertainment’s Jane Eyre is arguably the best. In addition to having a top-quality art style, the emotional retelling of Charlotte Bronte’s abused orphan is very well portrayed.

There are many details for fans and those interested in the Victorian era to enjoy – from the old English houses and country lanes to the unique fashion and etiquette of the day. It is a great example of an adaptation of a classic work in the manga format.

5

Arsene Lupin

A Fun Spin On The Legendary Thief

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.62
• Published: 2022
• Genre/Themes: Mystery/Crime
• Author: Maurice LeBlanc
• Illustrator: Takashi Morita

Based on the popular French character authored by Maurice LeBlanc, Arsene Lupin is a gentleman thief and an antihero with charismatic style. The art deco style of the manga is well presented, and fits well given that it is not technically Victorian era architecture.

As for the characters and events, they all take place in early 1900s France. The themes of the series, despite centering around criminality, are generally quite light hearted. Arsene has to uncover puzzles and mysteries in a manner mirroring that of his English opposite, Sherlock Holmes.

4

Black Butler

A Popular Supernatural Thriller

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.65
• Published: 2006
• Genre/Themes: Dark Comedy
• Author: Yana Toboso
• Illustrator: Yana Toboso

Dating back to 2006 and consisting of over 30 volumes, Black Butler is arguably one of the more popular and highly acclaimed Victorian-era manga – and for good reason. Following the charismatic demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis, the story combines elements of Marlowe’s Faust with political intrigue and mystery solving.

The series still continues today with new stories being released and an anime adaptation that has seen similar success. Overall, the show has become and iconic symbol of Victorian-era manga and demonstrates many of the best qualities of the setting.

3

Gunka no Baltzar

A Wartime Military Drama

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.76
• Published: 2011
• Genre/Themes: War/Politics
• Author: Michitsune Nakajima
• Illustrator: Michitsune Nakajima

Set in a fictional version of 19th century Europe, Gunka no Baltzar is a war-themed series that follows the witty military strategist Bernd Baltzar. As a Major in the Weissen army (presumably inspired by Austria or Prussia), Baltzar is involved equally in both action and politics, often being the victim of unjust circumstances he must overcome.

As a great leader, Baltzar is unique as a character since he is not learning on the job but acts as more of a teacher and mentor to other characters. The art style, which perfectly depicts the unique military style of the period, is expertly done and gives the manga plenty of charm.

2

The Case Study Of Vanitas

A Comedic Vampire Tale

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.90
• Published: 2015
• Genre/Themes: Supernatural/Mystery
• Author: Jun Mochizuki
• Illustrator: Jun Mochizuki

The Case Study of Vanitas is a vampire tale with a unique sense of humor and a lot of charm. Largely inspired by the duo of Sherlock Holmes and Watson, the series focuses on the relationship between Vanitas, a “vampire doctor” and Noe Archivist, a vampire.

As a steampunk series set in the 19th century, it is heavily inspired by the Victorian era in terms of aesthetics and the supernatural beliefs of many characters. The light-hearted comedic elements perfectly balance out the more action-packed combat segments.

1

D.Gray-man

A Dark & Demonic Epic

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.00
• Published: 2004
• Genre/Themes: Supernatural/Spiritual Warfare
• Author: Katsura Hoshino
• Illustrator: Katsura Hoshino

One of the best manga to utilize the Victorian-supernatural theme is D.Gray-man. The story centers around spiritual warfare between exorcists and the Millenium Earl with special sentient weapons and demons also part of the fray.

The series is highly acclaimed for its memorable characters, interesting story and high-quality art style. In total, there are now 28 books in the series which date back to 2004, and an anime adaptation was also created in 2006.