▪	RELEASED BY:		BROCCOLI BOOKS
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		SEKIHIKO INUI
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		224
		▪	RATING:		13+
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		08/01/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		10/06/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

The kingdom in chaos, a vicious coup d’etat and only one gentle princess to take that throne, this is how we are introduced to the beautiful princess Alita who must try to evade assassins and usurpers. But a freak event lands her in the body of a murderous bounty hunter named Falis. Accompanied by shinigamis (death spirits) this woman of unparalleled sword skill now resides in the body of the heir to the throne and the king is dead. There’s only one thing to do – take over the kingdom!

This new action based fantasy manga can barely contain the fun inside its pages. It has robust comedy, great stylish action and one of the most unlikely pairings in manga books ever. The kind princess Alita is stuck in the body of the bounty hunter, while the new “princess” who is really Falis, goes around in her princess dresses and frills and one great big long sword to better hack up the true princess’ enemies with! It’s a riot!  It’s the most fun I’ve had reading a manga in ages. Falis, in Alita’s body, finds herself showing a nicer side due to Alita’s influence and the plight of the kingdom and ends up (despite her ruthless nature) helping out. She takes the throne with Alita posing as a servant by her side to rid the kingdom of the evil doers, and villains there are a plenty. It offers ample opportunity for Falis to show off her sword work and inadvertently win the heart of the people who don’t seem able to realize the obvious – that a magical body switch has occurred.

The first volume of the brief series (it’s only 2 volumes) inspired a six part OVA series in Japan that just finished airing. Both female characters have their appeal. Alita is sweet and gentle with a generous and compassionate heart that has just suffered the tragic loss of her father and faces a painful betrayal in the course of these early chapters. Falis is a merciless bounty hunter who is deadly, beautiful and about to learn that she may not be quite as ruthless as she thought when she finds herself softening towards Alita and the nation of people who need her protection. This of course doesn’t curb her bloodlust during fights against the people she feels deserve it. Although there’s ample comedy in the beginning, by the end of the first volume the story turns dramatic when Falis must face a formidable opponent and Alita learns that someone she loves dearly has betrayed her and the nation she cares for so selflessly. It makes for a great fantasy adventure with many attractive points.

The art is one of the most appealing points along with the attractive story and compelling main characters. From the creator of Comic Party, the style is very dynamic. It’s nicely detailed with strong character designs and a pleasure to view throughout. The fight scenes are exemplary. The sword scenes with the “murder princess” are eye-catching. The manga also has a full color cover page, an afterword, bonus art at the end of the manga and a preview of the second volume.

IN SUMMARY:
Murder Princes is a bloody great read! It has a dynamic art, attractive female leads, and an off beat twist to an action filled and appealing fantasy story.