Manga Review: Alice in the Country of Hearts volume 3

Alice in the Country of Hearts volume 3

Story: Quinrose

Art: Soumei Hoshino

Rating: Older Teen

Considering all its years in publication, it’s arguable that Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has ever experienced the popularity it is now enjoying. In just the last few years, the story of Alice’s journey through the mythical world has been adapted into a Tim Burton movie, been re-imagined into a sci-fi series, and now envisioned as a manga. Originally a PC game developed by Quinrose, the story was later adapted into a manga. While many of the characters share names with their classic counterparts, the similarities end there.

Throughout the series, the cast and characters roaming Wonderland have been shown to range from docile to vicious in their approach to Alice. This volume delves further into the goings on in country as Alice finds herself forgetting her previous life, instead becoming more comfortable with her surroundings.

Peter White continues in his pursuit of Alice’s heart, taking on the form of a little white rabbit that proves too cute for Alice to resist. Unfortunately, Peter isn’t the only one who has grown attached to Alice as many of Wonderland’s top players begin vying for her attention. However, this is not necessarily a good thing as twice in the company of the Hatters, Alice’s life is threatened, once by the twins Dee and Dum who wish to use her as a means to test their favorite knife, as well as by their leader Blood Dupre.

Later on, the queen Vivaldi orders Alice visit her castle with the threat that she will continue to behead her guards until the girl complies. While there Vivaldi reveals her treasure, explaining her rise to power. Meanwhile, Julius is confronted by Blood who declares that he will be taking Alice for himself, with force if necessary. While bickering, the two come to the same conclusion that Alice is slowly changing everyone around her simply by coming into contact with her.

This volume delved further into the mysteries of Wonderland, giving us much needed character development while at the same time furthering the plot. Many of the characters have begun to reveal their true nature though this seems to do little to affect Alice; her attitude toward those around her is akin to someone caught in a soap opera. Even after nearly losing her life twice to the Hatters, she treats them with indifference rather than as people who attempted to take her life. Also disturbing is Alice’s infatuation with Peter’s rabbit form, as she acquiesces to his every request, including allowing him to sleep in bed with her so long as he remains a rabbit. While it can be argued that it’s Wonderland’s effect on her, there isn’t any evidence to support this, making these out of character occurrences that much more baffling.

The artwork continues to be a mixed bag as characters are given attractive costume designs that compliment each of their personalities but too many of the male characters lack distinctive facial features to differentiate them. When compared to the colors they display on the cover, the black and white interior is actually preferred as it accentuates the series’ gothic flare. Fortunately, there are also more backgrounds to be seen here rather than in previous volumes, though they come off as an afterthought, lacking any significant detail.

For all its flaws, Alice in the Country of Hearts continues to be an enjoyable read. The growing mystery behind the character’s intrigue with Alice coupled with her own subtle shifts in personality make it a worthwhile venture for fans of fantasy and romance.

Alice in the Country of Hearts volume 3 - A