“The classic LGBT+ story by the creative master of Rose of Versailles! Born as “Claudine” in a female-assigned body that doesn’t reflect the man inside, this heart-wrenching story follows Claudine through life, pain, and the love of several women. Master shoujo mangaka Riyoko Ikeda explores gender and sexuality in early twentieth century France in this powerful tale about identity, culture, and self-acceptance.” 

[Text from the publisher’s website; see also the backcover]

>> Please, read the warning for possible spoilers <<

Claudine (クローディーヌ…! / Kurōdīnu…!) is a shōjo manga by Riyoko Ikeda that was first serialized in the weekly magazine Margaret (#4/5 & 6, January 1978) before being compiled in a single volume by Shueisha in May 1978. It was reprinted by Fairbell Comics in 2006. An English version was published by Seven Seas in 2018. It is one of the only two works by Ikeda to have been translated in English (with The Rose of Versailles which was published by Udon Entertainment).  It is a minor work by Ikeda (which is mostly known for historical saga like Versailles no bara [1972, 14 vol.], Orpheus no Mado [1975, 18 vol.], Jotei Ecatherina [1982, 5 vol.], Eikou no Napoleon – Eroica [1986, 14 vol.], or Porando Hishi Ten no Hate Made [1990, 3 vol.]) but is remarkable in the fact that it’s one the earliest manga about transgender identity.

Claudine was born as a female in an aristocratic French family in the early 20th century. As early as eight year-old, he identifies a a boy, so his parents make him see a psychiatrist (which is the narrator of the story). He develops relationships with several women (a servant, a librarian, a dancer) but it never works out and two of them even had affairs with his father or brother. Such stories can only end in despair and tragedy.

Claudine offers a provocative subject, a compelling story but is mostly interesting because of Ikeda’s beautiful and innovative shōjo style of drawing. What makes it even more precious is the fact that it is one of her rare works to be available in translation. A must read if you are a fan of shōjo manga or of Riyoko Ikeda.

Claudine by Riyoko Ikeda, Los Angeles: Seven Seas Entertainment, June 2018. 104 pages, 5.75 x 8.25 in., $13.99 US / $16.99 Can. ISBN 978-1-626928-91-6. For Teen readership (13+). Reads from right to left.

For more information you can check the following websites:

[ Amazon • Goodreads • Google • Wikipedia • WorldCat ]

© Ikeda Riyoko Production, 1978. All rights reserved.

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