Dark Horse Comics has announced the licensing of Shin’ichi Sakamoto’s Innocent Rouge manga, marking another addition to their impressive catalog. The company plans to release the first omnibus volume, containing three volumes in one, in bookstores on October 21st and in comic book stores on October 22nd.
A Deep Dive into Innocent Rouge
Innocent Rouge serves as a sequel to Sakamoto’s Innocent series, continuing the gripping saga of the Sanson family. The narrative once again revolves around Charles-Henri Sanson, the eldest brother and the family’s heir as executioner, and his sister Marie-Joseph, who initially enjoys a more liberated existence in Versailles.
Storyline Overview
Set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary France, Innocent Rouge delves into the lives of the Sanson family, who served as executioners. The story intensifies when Marie-Joseph’s lover, Alain, falls victim to aristocratic violence, propelling her into a quest for revenge amidst the brewing storm of the French Revolution.
The Sanson Family
The manga centers around siblings Charles-Henri and Marie-Joseph Sanson. Charles-Henri grapples with the moral implications of his hereditary role, striving to perform executions humanely, while Marie-Joseph navigates the complexities of love, loss, and societal injustice.
Shin’ichi Sakamoto: A Master Storyteller
Shin’ichi Sakamoto is a manga artist celebrated for his detailed and realistic art style. His earlier works focused on shounen themes before transitioning to more mature seinen stories in Young Jump magazine.
Artistic Style and Influences
Sakamoto is a self-taught artist, influenced by Tetsuo Hara, the illustrator of Fist of the North Star. Sakamoto’s style evolved from focusing on muscles and fighting to a more refined and human style.
Digital Creation Process
Sakamoto’s manga is created digitally. He photographs assistants in costumes to use as references for character poses. He uses an LCD tablet and multiple layers to create detailed images. Sakamoto incorporates metaphors and symbolism to enhance his storytelling.
Dark Horse Comics: Bringing Manga to the West
Dark Horse Comics has a history of licensing manga. Recently, they’ve also licensed NON’s mystery manga series Adabana, and Kentaro Miura and Studio Gaga’s Dur-an-ki. In 2022, Dark Horse Comics announced they licensed Shin’ichi Sakamoto’s Innocent manga.
Omnibus Release
Dark Horse Comics will publish Innocent in three 3-in-1 omnibus volumes, starting with the first volume on November 22, 2023.
A Prized Manga Series
Innocent was nominated for the 18th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize “Reader Award” in 2014 and the eighth Manga Taisho awards in 2015. It also inspired a stage musical in 2019.
Conclusion
Dark Horse Comics’ licensing of Innocent Rouge offers English-speaking audiences a chance to experience Shin’ichi Sakamoto’s captivating storytelling and unique artistic style. With its blend of historical fiction, complex characters, and dramatic events, Innocent Rouge promises to be a compelling addition to any manga collection.
