Manga Review - 'Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena' by Chiho Saitō (Writer, Artist), Be-Papas (Original Creator), Fred Burke (English Adaptation), Lillian Olsen (Translator)

Funny, I bought this before I remembered that I already read it and owned it, as part of the 'Revolutionary Girl Utena Complete Deluxe Box Set'. I had pretty much forgotten all about the manga version of the movie 'Adolescence of Utena'. Until now.

For what it's worth, 'Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena' is an okay, if truncated, manga adaptation, with its own choices, traits, strengths and weaknesses. On its own, it is serviceable and enjoyable, with a great, classic shōjo art style that reminds me of Naoko Takeuchi's. It is nowhere close to the WTF factor as the movie, nor as subtle. What is going on and why is explained quite plainly to the reader. It certainly takes itself more seriously.

In addition, any character besides Utena, Anthy, Touga and Akio, such as the other duelists, they are completely forgotten about by the end. They end up serving no purpose. It is all about the foursome; they are the focus.

Speaking of focus, it is not much a deconstructed fairy tale, with a strong emphasis on subverting gender roles and identity (though it is present), like the original anime.

Still, it is a good, fantastical, brutal, grown-up little story and collectible for any 'Revolutionary Girl Utena' fan. It is especially refreshing to include it in the manga adaptation collection, which has been, sadly, a straightwashed, straightforward, watered down and less symbolic version of the anime. 'Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena' isn't straightwashed, thankfully. Slightly less incest than in the anime, too.

It's also weird how Chu-chu, Anthy's little pet monkey, does end up making an appearance here, but not Nanami, Touga's younger sister. She doesn't exist in this alternate reality.

I know I've said this time and time again, but poor girl.

Nanami just can't catch a break.

For more context, and further thoughts on the manga series and the anime series, read my review of the 'Revolutionary Girl Utena Complete Deluxe Box Set'.

Then there's my recent review of 'Revolutionary Girl Utena: After the Revolution'.

Farewell, 'RGU'. Farewell, Utena. Till we meet again. May you keep revolutionising the world. Alongside your true love, Anthy.

Sapphic love revolutionises the world. Subtly.

Farewell to all the roses and stars.

Final Score: 3.5/5