Fuyumi Soryo, the acclaimed manga artist known for works such as Mars and Cesare, is set to launch a new manga series titled Canzoniere, a spin-off from her historical manga CESARE – Il Creatore che ha distrutto. The first two chapters are scheduled to debut on February 27th in Kodansha’s Morning two digital magazine.
A Return to Cesare Borgia’s World
Canzoniere promises to delve into “the first and final love” of Cesare Borgia, the central figure of Soryo’s previous historical manga. This new series is being billed as an “extra” to the main CESARE – Il Creatore che ha distrutto manga, offering fans a deeper look into the life and relationships of this complex historical figure.
CESARE – Il Creatore che ha distrutto: A Historical Journey
The original Cesare manga, CESARE – Il Creatore che ha distrutto, which translates to “Cesare: The Creator of Destruction,” is a historical manga series written and illustrated by Fuyumi Soryo. The manga follows the early life of Cesare Borgia, a 15th-century Italian aristocrat, politician, and mercenary leader. Soryo collaborated with Dante scholar Motoaki Hara to create Cesare, bringing Renaissance Italy to life with accuracy.
Cesare was serialized in Kodansha’s Morning magazine from March 2005 to November 2021. The manga was collected into 13 tankōbon (compiled volumes).
A Glimpse into Canzoniere
While details about the plot of Canzoniere are scarce, the promise of exploring Cesare Borgia’s love life suggests a focus on the character’s personal relationships and emotional development. It will explore a different side of Cesare Borgia.
Fuyumi Soryo: A Manga Artist of Renown
Fuyumi Soryo is a respected figure in the manga world, known for her diverse range of works and her attention to detail.
Early Career and Success
Born on January 6, 1959, in Beppu, Oita, Japan, Soryo began her manga career in the early 1980s. She gained recognition for her shōjo manga (manga targeted towards young girls), and in 1988, she received the Shogakukan Manga Award for her series Boyfriend.
Transition to Seinen Manga
In 2001, Soryo shifted her focus to seinen manga (manga targeted towards young men), working with the manga magazine Morning. This transition marked a change in her subject matter, leading to the creation of Cesare, a historical manga that showcased her ability to blend intricate storytelling with historical accuracy.
Notable Works
- Mars: A manga series that gained international popularity, Mars explores the intense relationship between two high school students. The series was adapted into live-action dramas in both Taiwan and Japan.
- ES (Eternal Sabbath): A science fiction manga that delves into themes of immortality and genetic manipulation.
- Cesare: A historical manga that meticulously recreates Renaissance Italy and explores the life of Cesare Borgia.
Cesare’s Impact and Legacy
CESARE – Il Creatore che ha distrutto has garnered attention for its detailed portrayal of Renaissance Italy and its exploration of the life of Cesare Borgia.
Historical Accuracy and Collaboration
Soryo’s collaboration with Dante scholar Motoaki Hara ensured that the manga was grounded in historical fact. The attention to detail in the manga’s depiction of Renaissance society, politics, and culture has been praised by critics and fans alike.
Stage Adaptation
The manga’s popularity led to a stage musical adaptation, which was initially canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was eventually performed in January and February 2023.
Nominations
Cesare was nominated for the 27th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in February 2023, a testament to its artistic and cultural significance.
Where to Read Canzoniere
Canzoniere will debut in Kodansha’s Morning two digital magazine on February 27th. Readers can access the magazine through digital platforms that offer manga content. Availability may vary depending on the region.
The Enduring Appeal of Historical Manga
The launch of Canzoniere highlights the enduring appeal of historical manga, which combines the art of storytelling with historical accuracy and cultural exploration. These manga offer readers a unique window into the past, allowing them to engage with historical events and figures in an accessible and engaging way.
Other Notable Historical Manga
- Vinland Saga: A historical manga set in Viking Age Europe, Vinland Saga follows the journey of Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior seeking revenge for his father’s death.
- Kingdom: A historical manga set in ancient China, Kingdom tells the story of Xin, a young orphan who dreams of becoming a great general.
- Ad Astra – Scipio to Hannibal: A historical manga that depicts the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage, focusing on the lives of Scipio Africanus and Hannibal Barca.
These manga, like Cesare, demonstrate the ability of the medium to bring history to life and engage readers with complex historical narratives.
A New Chapter for Cesare Borgia
Canzoniere offers fans a chance to revisit the world of Cesare and delve deeper into the life of one of history’s most enigmatic figures. With Fuyumi Soryo’s talent for storytelling and her commitment to historical accuracy, Canzoniere promises to be a compelling addition to the Cesare saga. The manga will debut in Kodansha ‘s Morning two digital magazine with the first two chapters on February 27 at 12:00 p.m. JST.
