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Disney Beauty and the Beast #1
Belle's Tale
In Disney's live-action film Beauty and the Beast, Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast's hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince inside. This manga explores Belle's innermost thoughts as she learns that true beauty comes from within.
160 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews
March 15, 2022
Okay, first things first. This is based on Disney’s live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast” released in 2017. (I’m a fan of the original Disney animated movie released in 1991 but the 2017 version is pretty good too.)
I don’t need to sum up the story this time, right? Everyone knows “Beauty and the Beast”. This is a faithful rendition of the original “tale as old as time”. To a great extent, having familiarity with the movies will help you appreciate the plot better because there are a couple of abrupt scene changes and skips in the narrative. Of course, if you know the original fairy tale, that would help too. But the movie will make a difference to your experience.
I’ll focus mainly on the manga aspect of this book. This is part of a two-volume manga series which was originally released in 2017, just after the movie. This latest edition is the full colour version of the original B&W manga. (Obvious then that this is aimed at the Western audience. Japanese manga is almost always in B&W.) The colouring for the two books has been done in two distinct styles, to represent the personality of its lead characters. This version, which comes to us from Belle’s point of view, is painted in a style inspired from shoujo anime (manga aimed at young girls.) Thus the colours are bright and quite fluid. They don’t hit your eyes by being very flashy. They suit Belle’s story perfectly.
The illustrations are wonderful, drawn in typical anime style. Beauty especially is a joy to behold. However, some of the panels (or koma) are blurry. This spoils the effect of the overall illustrations. There are a couple of speech bubbles where the script isn’t in English. I am not sure if this is a problem only in the ARC version.
At the same time, the manga in the book isn’t consistent. Traditionally, manga stories are read from right to left and from top to bottom, in the same way as Japanese writing. However, this book mixes this up many times. So some pages come in the traditional order while some other pages are in the Western left-to-right order. This becomes confusing while reading. Either way would have been fine by me; having both is what creates the problem.
Overall, I did like this manga, but not as much as I had expected. I’d rather watch the movie again instead. I am yet to read the second book in this series, which comes from the point of view of the much misunderstood Beast. I’m looking forward to that one as it would be a perspective not seen in the movies. Let’s hope that book goes better.
3.25 stars from me.
My thanks to TOKYOPOP and NetGalley for the DRC of “Disney Manga: Beauty and the Beast - Belle's Tale (Full-Color Edition)”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
To read my review of Beast's book, click here: Disney Manga: Beauty and the Beast - The Beast's Tale
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
I don’t need to sum up the story this time, right? Everyone knows “Beauty and the Beast”. This is a faithful rendition of the original “tale as old as time”. To a great extent, having familiarity with the movies will help you appreciate the plot better because there are a couple of abrupt scene changes and skips in the narrative. Of course, if you know the original fairy tale, that would help too. But the movie will make a difference to your experience.
I’ll focus mainly on the manga aspect of this book. This is part of a two-volume manga series which was originally released in 2017, just after the movie. This latest edition is the full colour version of the original B&W manga. (Obvious then that this is aimed at the Western audience. Japanese manga is almost always in B&W.) The colouring for the two books has been done in two distinct styles, to represent the personality of its lead characters. This version, which comes to us from Belle’s point of view, is painted in a style inspired from shoujo anime (manga aimed at young girls.) Thus the colours are bright and quite fluid. They don’t hit your eyes by being very flashy. They suit Belle’s story perfectly.
The illustrations are wonderful, drawn in typical anime style. Beauty especially is a joy to behold. However, some of the panels (or koma) are blurry. This spoils the effect of the overall illustrations. There are a couple of speech bubbles where the script isn’t in English. I am not sure if this is a problem only in the ARC version.
At the same time, the manga in the book isn’t consistent. Traditionally, manga stories are read from right to left and from top to bottom, in the same way as Japanese writing. However, this book mixes this up many times. So some pages come in the traditional order while some other pages are in the Western left-to-right order. This becomes confusing while reading. Either way would have been fine by me; having both is what creates the problem.
Overall, I did like this manga, but not as much as I had expected. I’d rather watch the movie again instead. I am yet to read the second book in this series, which comes from the point of view of the much misunderstood Beast. I’m looking forward to that one as it would be a perspective not seen in the movies. Let’s hope that book goes better.
3.25 stars from me.
My thanks to TOKYOPOP and NetGalley for the DRC of “Disney Manga: Beauty and the Beast - Belle's Tale (Full-Color Edition)”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
To read my review of Beast's book, click here: Disney Manga: Beauty and the Beast - The Beast's Tale
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
April 22, 2017
...What Fun!. My first Manga graphic read and my first experience with Beauty and the Beast.
...Once I figured out we go right to left instead of left to right, and the reason for the blank pages (low iPad battery) all was well.
...Everyone knows the story, but this particular Disney Manga version is Part 1 and is BEllE'S TALE...told from her point of view with Part 2 to be told from the Beast's perspective.
...Beautiful artistry and a wonderful Disney classic make for one fine way to educate children to look beyond the surface and find beauty within.
...Thank you NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors for this enchanting free read in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2017
The volume 1 of Beauty and the Beast is Belle's Tale and written from her point of view. I liked this style because we get to know what Belle is thinking and how she is seeing things.
This comic is an adaptation to the new movie. It is well executed and well drawn. It was a quick read. I finished it in just one hour and thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't wait to start the Second Volume: Beast's Tale.
An ARC of this comic book was provided by the Tokyopop via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This comic is an adaptation to the new movie. It is well executed and well drawn. It was a quick read. I finished it in just one hour and thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't wait to start the Second Volume: Beast's Tale.
An ARC of this comic book was provided by the Tokyopop via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2017
***Note: I received a copy curtesy of Netgalley and TokyoPop in exchange for an honest review.
The art is simply charming, I like Belle's feminist side and that we get insights from her, but the work seems unfinished (add some graphics details and colors maybe?) and the dialogues could use a little brush-up.
The art is simply charming, I like Belle's feminist side and that we get insights from her, but the work seems unfinished (add some graphics details and colors maybe?) and the dialogues could use a little brush-up.
April 12, 2017
oh how very exciting!
March 6, 2022
3.5 Stars
This is Belle’s version of the fairytale and has a lighter color scheme to suit her nature. The illustrations felt a bit uneven in this one. Some were beautiful, but a few didn’t reach the mark.
Since I read this after Beast’s version, I’ll go ahead admit that I like his POV more. Belle’s love for him seemed too sudden. Another thing was the abrupt pacing of the story. I had to check if I skipped a page more than once.
What I did like were the inventions and stuff. Some of Belle’s illustrations were so pretty and live animation. Her eyes stood out in a couple of pages. That was cool! And the illustrations of the objects were really good in this one.
Reading the books together might seem a bit boring with a couple of the same pages, but it’ll give a complete picture of the story. Grab them if you want to try reading fairytales in Manga and live animation.
Thank you, NetGalley and TOKYOPOP, Disney Manga, for the ARC(s) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#DisneyMangaBeautyandtheBeastBellesTaleFullColorEdition #NetGalley
This is Belle’s version of the fairytale and has a lighter color scheme to suit her nature. The illustrations felt a bit uneven in this one. Some were beautiful, but a few didn’t reach the mark.
Since I read this after Beast’s version, I’ll go ahead admit that I like his POV more. Belle’s love for him seemed too sudden. Another thing was the abrupt pacing of the story. I had to check if I skipped a page more than once.
What I did like were the inventions and stuff. Some of Belle’s illustrations were so pretty and live animation. Her eyes stood out in a couple of pages. That was cool! And the illustrations of the objects were really good in this one.
Reading the books together might seem a bit boring with a couple of the same pages, but it’ll give a complete picture of the story. Grab them if you want to try reading fairytales in Manga and live animation.
Thank you, NetGalley and TOKYOPOP, Disney Manga, for the ARC(s) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#DisneyMangaBeautyandtheBeastBellesTaleFullColorEdition #NetGalley
May 29, 2017
I liked the idea of giving Belle inner monologue, because that's the one thing that gives this adaptation something new over the story/movie we know so well. I just wish there was more of it. Squashing the entire story into one volume doesn't leave much space for the extra perspective, I suppose, but with a little more I think this would have been able to stand up as a good addition to the world, rather than just another adaptation in different format.
Shame, because I ADORE B&tB and want as much of it in my life as humanly possible. Still beautiful books that I'm happy to have in my collection though.
Shame, because I ADORE B&tB and want as much of it in my life as humanly possible. Still beautiful books that I'm happy to have in my collection though.
September 29, 2022
I just loved this. It was beautiful.
February 25, 2022
This manga isn't an adaptation of the Disney animated film but of the live action version of the former, so in essence a retelling of a retelling. And as such has differences, minor for the most part although some are major, and there's also new elements, such as Belle's mother and what happened to her and the additions to the ending.
Now, I am not the biggest fan of the animated motion picture because of the origins story for Beast that doesn't work for me, but in time I've come to appreciate its aesthetics. It's gorgeous artwork that they did, and their iconic scenes such as the giant library and the yellow dress ballroom dance, are so compelling and beautiful, so that I'm able to enjoy the story in spite of my disagreements with certain points. But, although this manga has lovely artwork, the changes and the pace of the storyline, which is rushed and has abrupt transitions, made it harder to follow and like. The panel layout of the manga is confusing, as some are traditional right to left and others are left to right, so I sometimes didn't know which was the reading order from page to page.
Also, the illustration quality isn't consistent, because in a lot of pages it's gorgeous and well-defined, and in others it's done as if in a hurry and sketched hastily, blurred edges and badly defined features abound. This gives a feel of an unpolished and carelessly produced manga I was surprised by because generally this publisher puts out great artwork for their adaptations. Perhaps it's because it's an ARC? I certainly hope so.
I found the storyline all right, not particularly engrossing but not boring either. Belle is somewhat more abrasive and rude in this version, and more confrontational as well. Preachy, too, another surprise that wasn't exactly pleasant. Her relationship with Beast is weaker than in the animated version. You don't see them grow in love, at least not from her side. She comes to love him basically because that's how the plot goes; they have so little time! Shorter than in the animated film, so when the "I love you" dying moment happens, it just... happens. It was so very disappointing. Throwing in Shakespeare, and making Belle love "Romeo and Juliet" as her favourite play doesn't compensate for this lack of chemistry and bonding moments. And then, for a French setting, sometimes this live action film, and therefore the manga too, feels a bit too Britishy, even German-ish (in the architecture of Belle's town, for one), than typical pre-Revolutionary French.
In sum, I vastly preferred the animated film, but am hoping that Beast's side of the story, as this is meant to be paired up with his story as a duology, will solve some of the seeming plotholes and make the whole story feel more complete.
I received an ARC from TokyoPop via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Now, I am not the biggest fan of the animated motion picture because of the origins story for Beast that doesn't work for me, but in time I've come to appreciate its aesthetics. It's gorgeous artwork that they did, and their iconic scenes such as the giant library and the yellow dress ballroom dance, are so compelling and beautiful, so that I'm able to enjoy the story in spite of my disagreements with certain points. But, although this manga has lovely artwork, the changes and the pace of the storyline, which is rushed and has abrupt transitions, made it harder to follow and like. The panel layout of the manga is confusing, as some are traditional right to left and others are left to right, so I sometimes didn't know which was the reading order from page to page.
Also, the illustration quality isn't consistent, because in a lot of pages it's gorgeous and well-defined, and in others it's done as if in a hurry and sketched hastily, blurred edges and badly defined features abound. This gives a feel of an unpolished and carelessly produced manga I was surprised by because generally this publisher puts out great artwork for their adaptations. Perhaps it's because it's an ARC? I certainly hope so.
I found the storyline all right, not particularly engrossing but not boring either. Belle is somewhat more abrasive and rude in this version, and more confrontational as well. Preachy, too, another surprise that wasn't exactly pleasant. Her relationship with Beast is weaker than in the animated version. You don't see them grow in love, at least not from her side. She comes to love him basically because that's how the plot goes; they have so little time! Shorter than in the animated film, so when the "I love you" dying moment happens, it just... happens. It was so very disappointing. Throwing in Shakespeare, and making Belle love "Romeo and Juliet" as her favourite play doesn't compensate for this lack of chemistry and bonding moments. And then, for a French setting, sometimes this live action film, and therefore the manga too, feels a bit too Britishy, even German-ish (in the architecture of Belle's town, for one), than typical pre-Revolutionary French.
In sum, I vastly preferred the animated film, but am hoping that Beast's side of the story, as this is meant to be paired up with his story as a duology, will solve some of the seeming plotholes and make the whole story feel more complete.
I received an ARC from TokyoPop via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
February 19, 2022
I was obsessed with the animated Beauty and the Beast film as a kid. I loved Mrs Potts and Chip. I sang along with all of the songs. I fantasised about living in the library.
I couldn’t get into the live-action adaptation. That’s the version this manga-style graphic novel is based on. There were some scenes I wasn’t familiar with because of this but that didn’t impact how I felt about the story.
I enjoyed being privy to Belle’s thoughts throughout the story. However, while I was really keen to read this manga adaptation (and its companion, The Beast’s Tale), I didn’t fall in love with it like I’d planned.
It wasn’t always immediately clear which text was supposed to be read first. Some of the book was clearly intended to be read manga style, from right to left, but other panels made more sense when I read them from left to right.
While some panels were defined and clear, others were blurry. I read an advanced copy, though, so this may not be representative of the final version.
Sometimes the main characters’ faces were quite detailed and other times they weren’t. Mrs Potts definitely resembled the live-action version more than her animated self (which I loved), but she came across a bit creepy at times.
I will still be reading The Beast’s Tale, but my expectations aren’t as high anymore.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and TOKYOPOP for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
I couldn’t get into the live-action adaptation. That’s the version this manga-style graphic novel is based on. There were some scenes I wasn’t familiar with because of this but that didn’t impact how I felt about the story.
I enjoyed being privy to Belle’s thoughts throughout the story. However, while I was really keen to read this manga adaptation (and its companion, The Beast’s Tale), I didn’t fall in love with it like I’d planned.
It wasn’t always immediately clear which text was supposed to be read first. Some of the book was clearly intended to be read manga style, from right to left, but other panels made more sense when I read them from left to right.
While some panels were defined and clear, others were blurry. I read an advanced copy, though, so this may not be representative of the final version.
Sometimes the main characters’ faces were quite detailed and other times they weren’t. Mrs Potts definitely resembled the live-action version more than her animated self (which I loved), but she came across a bit creepy at times.
I will still be reading The Beast’s Tale, but my expectations aren’t as high anymore.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and TOKYOPOP for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
April 3, 2017
First of all, thanks to NetGalley that provided me with this awesome volume.
I don't usually read manga. Actually, I never ever ever ever read mangas. I don't enjoy them that much... usually.
This one, however, made it to my all-time-favourites shelf because it's about my favourite disney movie(well, Peter Pan is my favourite disney movie too) and it's freaking well done, the story is told from Belle's point of view and that helps us understand so many details that were not so clear in the movie.
The drawings were not astonishing but I cannot wait to read the volume 2, which is told from the Beast POV.
I love this story ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I don't usually read manga. Actually, I never ever ever ever read mangas. I don't enjoy them that much... usually.
This one, however, made it to my all-time-favourites shelf because it's about my favourite disney movie
The drawings were not astonishing but I cannot wait to read the volume 2, which is told from the Beast POV.
I love this story ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
July 8, 2022
Waiting outside dressing rooms in Target and Kohl's with only my daughter's phone to entertain me, I zip over to the Libby app and pull down the first passable-looking manga that's new and currently available. And it's a retelling of Disney's Beauty and the Beast told exclusively from Belle's point of view.
I was a little shocked to see a super-creepy Mrs. Potts pop up, and then a bit later Belle and the Beast jumped into a book for some time travel. It was only then that I had an inkling that I was looking at an adaptation of the live-action remake instead of the original animated film. Flipping back, I found that was indeed laid out in some fine print I'd skipped over at the start of the book. I also saw that this was a new full-color edition of a book that was originally published back in 2017 in black-and-white. And that there is a companion volume told from the Beast's perspective.
Bottom line, it filled the time while I waited, but I'm not sure that time wouldn't have been better spent just staring at the wall, because this is a lifeless adaptation of a lifeless remake of an animated adaptation. It's just too far removed -- especially without the music -- from the version of Beauty and the Beast that I actually do like. I'm certainly not going to look for "The Beast's Tale."
I was a little shocked to see a super-creepy Mrs. Potts pop up, and then a bit later Belle and the Beast jumped into a book for some time travel. It was only then that I had an inkling that I was looking at an adaptation of the live-action remake instead of the original animated film. Flipping back, I found that was indeed laid out in some fine print I'd skipped over at the start of the book. I also saw that this was a new full-color edition of a book that was originally published back in 2017 in black-and-white. And that there is a companion volume told from the Beast's perspective.
Bottom line, it filled the time while I waited, but I'm not sure that time wouldn't have been better spent just staring at the wall, because this is a lifeless adaptation of a lifeless remake of an animated adaptation. It's just too far removed -- especially without the music -- from the version of Beauty and the Beast that I actually do like. I'm certainly not going to look for "The Beast's Tale."
May 16, 2017
Original review at The Book Portal.
3.75/5.00 stars.
I am going to start by saying that the graphics of this manga were exquisite. (Oh! Look at me using big words.) The overall story was not very far from the original Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the cartoon. I know. I haven't seen my most anticipated 2017 movie, yet. Notice the "yet."
Since it is based on the movie, there may be lots of spoilers.
We learn more about the characters' backgrounds. Belle's part was confusing-ish and felt cut short, in a way, while The Beast's was intriguing. Probably because we knew so little about the beast in the previous Disney's adaptation. Or the manga story makes more sense the second time and it happens to be The Beast's point of view. The overall dialogue combined with the images made the tale to flow rather nicely. Since the manga focused on Belle and The Beast, we do not see too much of Gaston and LeFou. Some plot holes are here and there because of the shift from third person - seen in the movies - to first person in the manga (e.g. the crowd from the castle).
This was a great quick read. And if you are a Beauty and the Beast, you might want to ask Mrs. Potts for some tea because this might be your cup of tea. ;)
This is my sole opinion. ^_^
I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.75/5.00 stars.
I am going to start by saying that the graphics of this manga were exquisite. (Oh! Look at me using big words.) The overall story was not very far from the original Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the cartoon. I know. I haven't seen my most anticipated 2017 movie, yet. Notice the "yet."
Since it is based on the movie, there may be lots of spoilers.
We learn more about the characters' backgrounds. Belle's part was confusing-ish and felt cut short, in a way, while The Beast's was intriguing. Probably because we knew so little about the beast in the previous Disney's adaptation. Or the manga story makes more sense the second time and it happens to be The Beast's point of view. The overall dialogue combined with the images made the tale to flow rather nicely. Since the manga focused on Belle and The Beast, we do not see too much of Gaston and LeFou. Some plot holes are here and there because of the shift from third person - seen in the movies - to first person in the manga (e.g. the crowd from the castle).
This was a great quick read. And if you are a Beauty and the Beast, you might want to ask Mrs. Potts for some tea because this might be your cup of tea. ;)
This is my sole opinion. ^_^
I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2017
Copy received through NetGalley
I am reviewing both volumes in one.
This was my first experience with Manga, and it was really fun. I loved the style of the art work.
I had an interesting experience with the way it was told, it took me a while to get accustomed to the story in this form (I am somewhat emotionally attached to the cartoon version), but I liked it overall. Getting the Beast's side of the story in Vol. II was an awesome follow-up, the two volumes compliment each other well. I really enjoyed them.
I am reviewing both volumes in one.
This was my first experience with Manga, and it was really fun. I loved the style of the art work.
I had an interesting experience with the way it was told, it took me a while to get accustomed to the story in this form (I am somewhat emotionally attached to the cartoon version), but I liked it overall. Getting the Beast's side of the story in Vol. II was an awesome follow-up, the two volumes compliment each other well. I really enjoyed them.
April 5, 2017
2.5
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review or rating.
This manga is a precise adaptation (cutting the musical part) of the new Disney's live-action film and it is told in two volumes.
The first volume follows the story by Belle’s perspective and the 2nd volume focuses on Beast’s point of view.
This manga is only good for the people who have seen this film already because it does have some untraditional story lines.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with those volumes. I wish there were just one book/volume, this way it wouldn't felt so abrupt and jumpy.
My other issue was the artistic style, it also felt a bit abrupt, it is like some pages were done with care and were detailed and others felt empty and done by the immature artist.
Please, go see the movie first, plus, it is actually very good. :)
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review or rating.
This manga is a precise adaptation (cutting the musical part) of the new Disney's live-action film and it is told in two volumes.
The first volume follows the story by Belle’s perspective and the 2nd volume focuses on Beast’s point of view.
This manga is only good for the people who have seen this film already because it does have some untraditional story lines.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with those volumes. I wish there were just one book/volume, this way it wouldn't felt so abrupt and jumpy.
My other issue was the artistic style, it also felt a bit abrupt, it is like some pages were done with care and were detailed and others felt empty and done by the immature artist.
Please, go see the movie first, plus, it is actually very good. :)
April 9, 2017
I love mangas. I love Beauty and The Beast. But I am not mad about this book.
First of all, thank you for netgalley and tokyopop for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is currently available for every netgalley reviewer, so if you are a netgalley member and interested in the book, you should check it out!
Please take notice that I'm by no means professional manga critics or something, but I do read mangas and comics on daily basis.
This book is supposed to be a blend of the classic beauty and the beast in manga arts. However, I have to admit I don't like this book.
I love Beauty and The Beast, it was such an amazing classic fairytale. I believe it was the first fairytale with a brave, self-do, self-help heroine.
I also love mangas, they are very amazing invention that I can't love enough. Unlike graphic novels, mangas are cheaper with soooooo many different genres and categories and so many things to choose that you won't ever be able to read all of them even if you read mangas every seconds of your life.
So it was such a bummer when I realized I really, really can't like this book.
First thing to consider before reading this book: this book is practically all the new live action movie. The plot, the characters, the setting. You won't find that classic Belle, instead, you'll find you're thinking about Emma Watson. That was how much of the movie this book is.
I suggest you watch the movie first, because even though it was all the same plot, this book leaves some major clues that was bared clear from the start in the movie. So in a way this book is a short version of the movie.
Second, I have to stress this out: no, this isn't a manga. Or at least, this isn't a decent manga.
There are just too many things I can point out.
-The layout is all over the place. One time you need to read from right to left, and then suddenly the balloons are directed from left to right.
-The art feels too much like comics than manga, seriously. Also the art looks like it was digitized poorly, this can be seen in the inconsistent ways the details of characters art.
-Can we talk about the messy background? It's like they don't even try. It's all over the place and sometimes it looks like the character's feet are not on the ground.
-And I can't not commenting on how sometimes the panels don't even have backgrounds. It's just the characters standing there. Sigh.
I may sound very negative, but please understand that I am the most disappointed here, not liking a thing made of two very lovely things.
First of all, thank you for netgalley and tokyopop for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is currently available for every netgalley reviewer, so if you are a netgalley member and interested in the book, you should check it out!
Please take notice that I'm by no means professional manga critics or something, but I do read mangas and comics on daily basis.
This book is supposed to be a blend of the classic beauty and the beast in manga arts. However, I have to admit I don't like this book.
I love Beauty and The Beast, it was such an amazing classic fairytale. I believe it was the first fairytale with a brave, self-do, self-help heroine.
I also love mangas, they are very amazing invention that I can't love enough. Unlike graphic novels, mangas are cheaper with soooooo many different genres and categories and so many things to choose that you won't ever be able to read all of them even if you read mangas every seconds of your life.
So it was such a bummer when I realized I really, really can't like this book.
First thing to consider before reading this book: this book is practically all the new live action movie. The plot, the characters, the setting. You won't find that classic Belle, instead, you'll find you're thinking about Emma Watson. That was how much of the movie this book is.
I suggest you watch the movie first, because even though it was all the same plot, this book leaves some major clues that was bared clear from the start in the movie. So in a way this book is a short version of the movie.
Second, I have to stress this out: no, this isn't a manga. Or at least, this isn't a decent manga.
There are just too many things I can point out.
-The layout is all over the place. One time you need to read from right to left, and then suddenly the balloons are directed from left to right.
-The art feels too much like comics than manga, seriously. Also the art looks like it was digitized poorly, this can be seen in the inconsistent ways the details of characters art.
-Can we talk about the messy background? It's like they don't even try. It's all over the place and sometimes it looks like the character's feet are not on the ground.
-And I can't not commenting on how sometimes the panels don't even have backgrounds. It's just the characters standing there. Sigh.
I may sound very negative, but please understand that I am the most disappointed here, not liking a thing made of two very lovely things.
March 1, 2024
This traditional book is the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast published in 2022. Disney has a whole series of books for tales, but this one, in particular, caught my attention because, on the cover, you can find the words "full-color version." This is because there is another similar book but in black and white. Another reason why this book caught my attention was because it is not only a traditional tale but also a graphic novel, which I am obsessed with. What is more, it is read from right to left! It is written and illustrated by Tokyopop Team. They did an amazing job with words and illustrations, they convey meaning and feelings from the beginning of the story to the end. I would use this book for grades 3-5 to teach traditional fairy tales and character traits. I found this book digitally on Hoopla that is a website of my library.
September 22, 2022
✨7/10✨
Manga okumayı sevdiğimi biliyorsunuz. Çizgi romanlardan daha çok hoşuma gidiyor. Disney’in unutulmaz karakterlerine manga yapma fikri muazzam. Ben çok çok sevdim. Güzel ve Çirkin, Bella’nın Hikayesi’nde de çizimler harika. Bazı mangalar çizim anlamında çok karışık olup okuru yorabiliyor ama bu öyle değildi. Sadece kurgu çok hızlı ilerledi ve bazı diyaloglar çok hızlı değişti. Konuştuğunuz konu bir anda değişiyor gibi hissediyorsunuz 😂 Keşke olaylar biraz daha uzun olsaydı. Onun dışında her şeyi beğendim. Manga okumak isteyenlere tavsiyemdir. Kesinlikle bakın derim.
Manga okumayı sevdiğimi biliyorsunuz. Çizgi romanlardan daha çok hoşuma gidiyor. Disney’in unutulmaz karakterlerine manga yapma fikri muazzam. Ben çok çok sevdim. Güzel ve Çirkin, Bella’nın Hikayesi’nde de çizimler harika. Bazı mangalar çizim anlamında çok karışık olup okuru yorabiliyor ama bu öyle değildi. Sadece kurgu çok hızlı ilerledi ve bazı diyaloglar çok hızlı değişti. Konuştuğunuz konu bir anda değişiyor gibi hissediyorsunuz 😂 Keşke olaylar biraz daha uzun olsaydı. Onun dışında her şeyi beğendim. Manga okumak isteyenlere tavsiyemdir. Kesinlikle bakın derim.
April 30, 2017
My thanks to NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors Tokyopop for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Ok, I am a Beauty and the Beast snob. Nothing will be better than the Disney animated version. I saw the live action movie and the characterization was really REALLY not canon. Belle was a bit of the "b" word, her father was a bit of a jerk and in the beginning at least, Gaston was sympathetic and kind of pathetic.
This first volume follows the movie, except you ONLY see things from Belle's POV, so no character development of Gaston or her father really, which would have been nice.
Also, the way they decided to draw Gaston was TERRIBLE. Seriously, draw him to be super-short/weird looking. Don't get me wrong, short people are good looking too, but he was not drawn proportionally and he just looked silly, not hot.
Like I said, B&TB snob here, so it had a high bar to pass and it did not do so to my satisfaction.
2.5 stars, rounded up because it tried really hard. I wouldn't recommend this. You actually get more from the movie. (I can't believe I just said that, but it's true.)
Ok, I am a Beauty and the Beast snob. Nothing will be better than the Disney animated version. I saw the live action movie and the characterization was really REALLY not canon. Belle was a bit of the "b" word, her father was a bit of a jerk and in the beginning at least, Gaston was sympathetic and kind of pathetic.
This first volume follows the movie, except you ONLY see things from Belle's POV, so no character development of Gaston or her father really, which would have been nice.
Also, the way they decided to draw Gaston was TERRIBLE. Seriously, draw him to be super-short/weird looking. Don't get me wrong, short people are good looking too, but he was not drawn proportionally and he just looked silly, not hot.
Like I said, B&TB snob here, so it had a high bar to pass and it did not do so to my satisfaction.
2.5 stars, rounded up because it tried really hard. I wouldn't recommend this. You actually get more from the movie. (I can't believe I just said that, but it's true.)
October 5, 2022
It was ok
This followed the same storyline as the live action movie did, whic is not necessary a complaint but if you prefer the Disney classic over the live action movie maybe this is not for you. I’m a little bit disappointed because I was under the impression that this will be a little behind the scenes in Bell’s life but this is just the live action movie in manga format there’s nothing new to it, the only reason I give it 4 is because I love the beauty and the beast story and I’m a big fan of the live action movie as well but this one read more like a 3 stars.
This followed the same storyline as the live action movie did, whic is not necessary a complaint but if you prefer the Disney classic over the live action movie maybe this is not for you. I’m a little bit disappointed because I was under the impression that this will be a little behind the scenes in Bell’s life but this is just the live action movie in manga format there’s nothing new to it, the only reason I give it 4 is because I love the beauty and the beast story and I’m a big fan of the live action movie as well but this one read more like a 3 stars.
April 8, 2017
Disclaimer: I Received a digital copy of this Via net-Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a telling based on the movie, I enjoined this manga version of this classic story, and i read most of it out loud to my little sister she loved it. The illustrations were beautiful I would recommend this to any one wanting a refresher of the story before watching the new live action movie.
This is a telling based on the movie, I enjoined this manga version of this classic story, and i read most of it out loud to my little sister she loved it. The illustrations were beautiful I would recommend this to any one wanting a refresher of the story before watching the new live action movie.
June 2, 2017
-ARC kindly offered by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review-
I was quietly watching emails when suddenly I get the usual NetGalley newsletter with the manga/comics news. Sometimes I avoided watching to not fall into temptation but sometimes I get it and here I am! Two manga volumes of Disney's film "The Beauty and the Beast", what do I do? Do not I ask them? Of course not. And time to connect and download them, I'm reading in PC.
The story is identical to that of the film, the designer has faithfully reproduced it, but has also added backgrounds depending on the subject matter. Obviously for the volume dedicated to Belle has been deepened a little bit more her character and we notice sprays of her childhood and her deeper thoughts. For Adam/The Beast was the same but I found his point of view more interesting perhaps because he does not go to talk much about him in the other transpositions and why he behaves so coldly. Yet I found sweet him thoughts for Belle changing page after page and him heart melting with the girl's presence.
The fact that I did not give a full score is because as far as the designs I have liked, what Gaston did was not convincing at all. He looks like a distant relative of Zenigata (Lupin III) with him hair at Elvis Presley and that's all to say. Then, I do not know, there is a lack of insight into Belle that would not have been wrong.
I was quietly watching emails when suddenly I get the usual NetGalley newsletter with the manga/comics news. Sometimes I avoided watching to not fall into temptation but sometimes I get it and here I am! Two manga volumes of Disney's film "The Beauty and the Beast", what do I do? Do not I ask them? Of course not. And time to connect and download them, I'm reading in PC.
The story is identical to that of the film, the designer has faithfully reproduced it, but has also added backgrounds depending on the subject matter. Obviously for the volume dedicated to Belle has been deepened a little bit more her character and we notice sprays of her childhood and her deeper thoughts. For Adam/The Beast was the same but I found his point of view more interesting perhaps because he does not go to talk much about him in the other transpositions and why he behaves so coldly. Yet I found sweet him thoughts for Belle changing page after page and him heart melting with the girl's presence.
The fact that I did not give a full score is because as far as the designs I have liked, what Gaston did was not convincing at all. He looks like a distant relative of Zenigata (Lupin III) with him hair at Elvis Presley and that's all to say. Then, I do not know, there is a lack of insight into Belle that would not have been wrong.
March 1, 2022
Esta es la primera vez que leo la historia de la bella & la bestia, y solo teniendo en cuenta la visión de ella. Fue raro dado que es una historia bastante occidental, sea con un dibujo tipo manga, fue... raro (? Pero disfrutable.
No puedo decir nada nuevo de la historia, porque todos la conocen, pero puedo sugerir leer esta 1ra parte por la nueva experiencia que te trae.
Ahora, si bien va a ser la misma historia, ya quiero verla desde la perspectiva de él, y para eso hay que esperar por la 2da parte... pero bueno.
P.D: amo que al final diga "este no es un final, es un comienzo", porque tiene toda la razón del mundo, y le da un toque de esperanza más fuerte.
P.D.2: esta historia la leí para el reto del mes en la copa de las casas BBB. Es la novela gráfica tipo manga favorita de mi compa, Cyn, de la casa Hufflepuff. Ella es super fan de la bella & la bestia, y siempre que puede lee algo nuevo de sus historias favoritas. Le pasa con esta o con retellings de mujercita. La adoro por eso 🙊💕
No puedo decir nada nuevo de la historia, porque todos la conocen, pero puedo sugerir leer esta 1ra parte por la nueva experiencia que te trae.
Ahora, si bien va a ser la misma historia, ya quiero verla desde la perspectiva de él, y para eso hay que esperar por la 2da parte... pero bueno.
P.D: amo que al final diga "este no es un final, es un comienzo", porque tiene toda la razón del mundo, y le da un toque de esperanza más fuerte.
P.D.2: esta historia la leí para el reto del mes en la copa de las casas BBB. Es la novela gráfica tipo manga favorita de mi compa, Cyn, de la casa Hufflepuff. Ella es super fan de la bella & la bestia, y siempre que puede lee algo nuevo de sus historias favoritas. Le pasa con esta o con retellings de mujercita. La adoro por eso 🙊💕
April 17, 2017
I have received an arc of this book via NetGalley, and I am grateful for it. However, it does not affect my opinion in the sightest of ways.
This was just a manga retelling of Disney's movie Beauty and the Beast from Belle's POV so there's a few added scenes, a few scene aren't there and there are Belle's thoughts.
This was just a manga retelling of Disney's movie Beauty and the Beast from Belle's POV so there's a few added scenes, a few scene aren't there and there are Belle's thoughts.
December 8, 2018
Soy honesta, Bella no es mi princesa favorita pero me gusta la historia, y él manga está muy bonito.
Fiel a la historia de la película este primer tomo es contado desde la visión de Bella y el dibujo es muy bueno, mi escena favorita es cuando le regala la biblioteca.
Fiel a la historia de la película este primer tomo es contado desde la visión de Bella y el dibujo es muy bueno, mi escena favorita es cuando le regala la biblioteca.
April 10, 2017
I received and e-ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The manga adaptation of Beauty and the Beast was a surprise! Not only did it have more depth on Belle's feelings but also more funny moments.
The art in some parts felt a little rough and not so detailed but some scenes, like the library and Belle's house were amazing! I will defenitely buy the manga editions!
The manga adaptation of Beauty and the Beast was a surprise! Not only did it have more depth on Belle's feelings but also more funny moments.
The art in some parts felt a little rough and not so detailed but some scenes, like the library and Belle's house were amazing! I will defenitely buy the manga editions!
March 7, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for this ebook in exchange of an honest review.
La historia de este manga es muy similar a la película del live action de La bella y la bestia, solo que más resumida. Y al estar dentro de la versión de Belle, resulta un poco más introspectiva que la película, pues podemos leer sus pensamientos todo el tiempo.
Ahora bien, las ilustraciones no me gustaron lo suficiente, la verdad sentí que le faltó emoción a los personajes dibujados.
Es rápido y ligero de leer.
La historia de este manga es muy similar a la película del live action de La bella y la bestia, solo que más resumida. Y al estar dentro de la versión de Belle, resulta un poco más introspectiva que la película, pues podemos leer sus pensamientos todo el tiempo.
Ahora bien, las ilustraciones no me gustaron lo suficiente, la verdad sentí que le faltó emoción a los personajes dibujados.
Es rápido y ligero de leer.
April 1, 2022
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
I was very much hyped about this graphic novel with manga-style art. I love Belle and the Beast and I always love reading books about it, either original, retelling, or whatever else is out there. XD
In this book we follow Belle. We all know the story of how things go. Dad disappears, Belle goes after him, she meets the Beast. Stays there. Romance blooms. Drama happens. But despite knowing all the story, despite it not bringing anything new, it was still fabulous to read. And I just love Belle. She is so strong, yes the comments and remarks of people hurt her… but she stays strong and true to herself. I love that she loves to read. I wish we had seen just a bit more of that in this one. We see it at the beginning, but then when she gets to the Beast it just gets less. I would have loved to see that library way more! Also, can I just step in the story? I want to check out all those books~
The ending was just as dreamy as it always was. It made me smile! Though really Beast just keep your hair the way it was when you turned because those curls… no.
However, make up your mind on the text direction. It went from left to right to right to left. It was utterly confusing. Go with one or the other, but don’t do both. I had to re-read several pages (and some I just gave up on because there was too much dialogue and too little sense) and that is just not something you want your readers to do. That is also why it lost 1 star.
The art was pretty OK (I do love that this edition is all colour, it made things come to life more), but at times things were just odd. Facial expressions for instance. The furniture was a tad off/weird. Proportions didn’t always seem to go right (I had a laugh at how big that carriage was from the inside it went from being house sized to being barely big enough to contain two people). And why was everything so blurry at times? It was truly a shame, I do hope that in the edition that is coming out it will be fixed and that this is just something the ARC has.
All in all, despite some issues, I still had fun reading this one and I am glad I had the chance to read it. I am not sure if I will be reading the Beast’s tale, while I like his POV, Belle’s is still my favourite. And again, the text directions being all over the place.. not a motivation.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was very much hyped about this graphic novel with manga-style art. I love Belle and the Beast and I always love reading books about it, either original, retelling, or whatever else is out there. XD
In this book we follow Belle. We all know the story of how things go. Dad disappears, Belle goes after him, she meets the Beast. Stays there. Romance blooms. Drama happens. But despite knowing all the story, despite it not bringing anything new, it was still fabulous to read. And I just love Belle. She is so strong, yes the comments and remarks of people hurt her… but she stays strong and true to herself. I love that she loves to read. I wish we had seen just a bit more of that in this one. We see it at the beginning, but then when she gets to the Beast it just gets less. I would have loved to see that library way more! Also, can I just step in the story? I want to check out all those books~
The ending was just as dreamy as it always was. It made me smile! Though really Beast just keep your hair the way it was when you turned because those curls… no.
However, make up your mind on the text direction. It went from left to right to right to left. It was utterly confusing. Go with one or the other, but don’t do both. I had to re-read several pages (and some I just gave up on because there was too much dialogue and too little sense) and that is just not something you want your readers to do. That is also why it lost 1 star.
The art was pretty OK (I do love that this edition is all colour, it made things come to life more), but at times things were just odd. Facial expressions for instance. The furniture was a tad off/weird. Proportions didn’t always seem to go right (I had a laugh at how big that carriage was from the inside it went from being house sized to being barely big enough to contain two people). And why was everything so blurry at times? It was truly a shame, I do hope that in the edition that is coming out it will be fixed and that this is just something the ARC has.
All in all, despite some issues, I still had fun reading this one and I am glad I had the chance to read it. I am not sure if I will be reading the Beast’s tale, while I like his POV, Belle’s is still my favourite. And again, the text directions being all over the place.. not a motivation.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
February 27, 2022
Los dibujos me han gustado mucho y ha sido mi primera aproximación al mundo del manga.
Pero estoy un poco decepcionada de la adaptación, es totalmente fiel a la película de Disney y no aporta nada nuevo a la historia ni al personaje de Bella. He echado en falta cuando se relata el origen del encantamiento.
Lo que más me ha gustado son los bocetos del final , y la idea de Bella de donar la biblioteca a un colegio
Recomendacion de Cyn de Hufflepuff, elegido como su libro favorito en 2021. Libro en inglés y de la Bella y la Bestia dos de sus grandes aficiones.
Pero estoy un poco decepcionada de la adaptación, es totalmente fiel a la película de Disney y no aporta nada nuevo a la historia ni al personaje de Bella. He echado en falta cuando se relata el origen del encantamiento.
Lo que más me ha gustado son los bocetos del final , y la idea de Bella de donar la biblioteca a un colegio
Recomendacion de Cyn de Hufflepuff, elegido como su libro favorito en 2021. Libro en inglés y de la Bella y la Bestia dos de sus grandes aficiones.
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