Summary
- Victorian era manhwa offer a unique blend of elegance and chaos, attracting readers with dark mysteries and eerie backdrops.
- Stories like Lizzie Newton and Jack the Ripper reimagine Victorian-era legends with supernatural twists and eerie conspiracy elements.
- Manhwa like 19th End Century Memorandum and Sherlock offer gothic tales full of secrets, aristocrats, and unique retellings of iconic characters.
In the world of manhwa, many series are based on historical settings. However, it’s strange how even those with an old-fashioned aesthetic seem to be set in a vague, undefined period instead of a distinct era. As a result, finding fresh manhwa that explicitly take place during the Victorian era is rare and challenging. In fact, most stories that do exist tend to feel historical themselves due to their age.
Although it had its challenges, such as widespread illness, short life spans, and high crime rates reminiscent of Gotham City, the Victorian era possesses a unique allure. When executed skillfully, it presents an exquisite mix of sophistication and pandemonium. Often referred to as the “transitional period” of history, it encompasses opulent ballrooms on one side and shrouded mysteries in dark alleyways on the other. It’s no surprise that Victorian-era comics, though scarce, hold such a strong fascination.
7. Lizzie Newton: Victorian Mysteries
A Dark Mystery Thriller Revolving Around A Writer-Turned-Detective
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Author(s) | Lee Gi Ha, Jeon Hye Jin |
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Release Date | 2011 |
Genre(s) | Mystery, Romance |
The Victorian era is often associated with the ominous, gloomy, and eerie, thereby creating an ideal environment for detectives, unsolved crimes, and anything enshrouded in mystery. Countless stories of cultural significance from this period are fueled by this very excitement, and “Lizzie Newton: Victorian Mysteries” certainly provides its readers with such thrilling tales.
Lizzie Newton: Victorian Enigmas
In this classic mystery-thriller, we follow Lizzie Newton, a high-born young woman who possesses interests unconventional for her era. Far from the typical lady of the time, Lizzie is a gifted mystery author with an uncanny knack for attracting trouble, much to the dismay of her father. He’s hell-bent on arranging a marriage for her with a distinguished lawyer, but Lizzie harbors no desire to halt her career for any man.
Just as she finds herself in a predicament that is both opportune (or unfortunate) for her, a mysterious death takes place at her estate—one she’s convinced masks a far more sinister truth. With unwavering conviction, Lizzie stakes her life on the belief that it was no ordinary demise but a murder.
6. Jack The Ripper: Hell Blade
A Completely Unique Supernatural Retelling Of Jack The Ripper And The Whitechapel Murders
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Author(s) | Yoo Jetae |
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Release Date | 2009 |
Genre(s) | Drama, Mystery, Supernatural |
Intriguingly, Jack The Ripper, one of the most notorious characters to emerge from the Victorian Era, is renowned for both good and bad reasons. Due to the enigma surrounding his true tale, history has left much about him shrouded in mystery. Consequently, numerous books and productions have attempted to retell the story, each offering a unique perspective—none quite as distinctive as Jack the Ripper: Hell Blade.
This manhwa deviates from the typical portrayal of the Whitechapel murders, instead reimagining Jack the Ripper as a protagonist with a noble purpose. In this story, Jack is more of an anti-hero who carries out his gruesome acts to thwart a greater evil. Each of his brutal slayings is a piece of a larger, supernatural puzzle that may be the only defense against London’s society plunging into darkness. The series is deeply rooted in horror and mystery, expertly utilizing its chilling atmosphere and historical context. It includes intrigue, grisly murders, and plenty of action to maintain an exhilarating pace. If Victorian London wasn’t already haunting enough, Hell Blade ensures it becomes a true nightmare—in the best frightening way possible.
5. 19th End Century Memorandum
A Jane Eyre-esque Story Featuring Aristocrats And Secrets
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Author(s) | Cho Bu-kyeong |
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Released | 2016 |
Genre(s) | Drama, Mystery, Romance |
19th-Century Memorandum is an excellent choice for readers who prefer a gothic atmosphere. This manhwa offers a gradual, enigmatic narrative filled with typical elements of the 19th century— opulent mansions, hidden secrets, and aristocrats with a hint of deceit. The story revolves around two siblings who were parted as children following their parents’ demise. Lillian, the younger sister, is welcomed into the Clearwater household, where she feels completely at ease.
Despite feeling out of sorts, she chooses to return to her brother’s residence immediately following her adoptive father’s demise. Her brother has ascended to the title of Marquis within the family he was adopted by, suggesting a significant amount of influence. Initially, she anticipates a warm family gathering; however, things quickly take an ominous turn. Lillian encounters strange apparitions, enigmatic visions, and enough eerie elements to make her doubt the authenticity of her surroundings. Unsupported by her brother, she decides to tackle the situation independently. As she delves deeper, it becomes increasingly apparent that something is deeply amiss within this household.
4. Sherlock: Her Majesty’s Detective
A Retelling Of Sherlock Holmes And Dr. John Watson
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Author(s) | Kwon Gyo-jung |
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Released | 2011 |
Genre(s) | Mystery |
The series “Detective for Her Majesty: Sherlock” sets the iconic detective Sherlock in an unusually turbulent 19th-century England. Unlike traditional tales, this version introduces characters with unique twists. Here, Sherlock is a civil servant under the queen’s direct supervision, teaming up with Dr. Jane Watson instead of the original Dr. John Watson.
I find myself immersed in a chain of incidents initially perceived as commonplace thefts and homicides, but prove to be anything but ordinary. Beneath the surface lies a menacing presence that could potentially endanger not just our country, but the entire globe. This adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, however, deviates from its traditional form in an intriguing manner. It’s a captivating blend of mystery, action, and a touch of sci-fi that gives the overall atmosphere a cyberpunk flavor rather than the usual Victorian setting. As Sherlock and Jane delve deeper into each case, they gradually comprehend that they are entangled in something far more treacherous than they initially anticipated.
3. Mary Godwin
A Fictional Take On The Life Of Renowned Writer Mary Shelley
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Author(s) | Park Suhlah |
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Released | 2005 |
Genre(s) | Mystery |
As an ardent admirer, I’d like to highlight a unique charm that Victorian-era manhwa possess – an extraordinary degree of ingenuity in weaving their narratives around real-life events. Diving deep into the world of Mary Shelley, a figure synonymous with gothic literature and the author of the legendary ‘Frankenstein’, brings us a captivating tale named ‘Mary Godwin’. This narrative unfolds during her writing phase of the masterpiece, deviating from the typical ‘struggling writer’ trope. The story takes an intriguing turn when a masked servant named Jean makes his entrance into Mary’s life. Shrouded in mystery and unease, he could very well be the enigmatic catalyst that enabled her to craft one of horror literature’s most enduring icons.
As Mary maneuvers through upper-class circles and grapples with her artistic challenges, Jean’s influence progressively draws her into a far greater and riskier situation. Before long, the distinction between him being her employee and occasional writing aid becomes unclear, causing significant disruption in Mary’s life and plunging it into a larger, more terrifying nightmare.
2. Savage Garden
Peeks Into The Unforgiving High Societies Of The Victorian Era
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Author(s) | Lee Hyeon-Sook |
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Released | 2008 |
Genre(s) | Drama |
This manhwa explores a different side of Victorian high society, delving into the social struggles faced by someone less privileged, represented by a character named Gabriel. After her wealthy friend Jeremy passes away, she assumes his position at an exclusive boys’ boarding school to gain a closer look at the high life. Despite her noble intentions, there’s also a strong desire to immerse herself in this world of luxury and status.
Navigating through a world filled with privileged young men, each harboring their private motives, is more challenging than it appears. Caught in a web of complex relationships, ruthless power games, and an ever-expanding list of individuals who could uncover her secret, Gabriel is essentially on her own. Despite this, she manages to forge friendships, experience romance, and ultimately discover her true identity in what seems like a nightmarish setting.
1. The Pale Horse
An Emotionally Charged Story About A Young Girl With Unknown Origins
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Author(s) | Choo Hae-Yun |
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Released | 2011 |
Genre(s) | Drama, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural |
The Pale Steed”
This dark, heavy graphic novel set in a small French hamlet, titled “The Pale Steed,” doesn’t flinch from despair. The story revolves around Rose Dupre, a girl shunned by the village due to their fearful belief that she’s the daughter of a witch. Despite this, her closest friends Marie and Pierre remain unfazed by the townsfolk’s prejudice towards her.
The story unfolds as long as no enigmatic demon disrupts their lives and brings misfortune. As fear and suspicion escalate, calamities start to occur. Rose strives tirelessly to maintain a grip on her world while safeguarding those dear to her heart, alas at the expense of other people’s lives. With the boundaries between truthfulness and hallucination becoming increasingly indistinct, _The Pale Horse_ evolves into a narrative about Rose’s internal struggle rather than battling external adversaries.
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2025-02-18 07:37