Nina the Starry Bride has been a digital hit since Kodansha began releasing it in early 2021, and with an anime adaptation confirmed, excitement around the series has only grown. The manga even won the prestigious 2022 Kodansha Manga Award, which has further fueled its popularity. But does the first volume live up to the hype? Let’s dive in Nina the Starry Bride Volume 1!
Plot Summary: A Girl Sold into Royal Intrigue
Volume 1 introduces us to Nina, an orphan living in the slums of Dayah in Fortna. After the death of one of her companions, Nina is betrayed by the other and sold into slavery. However, these aren’t ordinary slavers—they’re looking for someone to replace the deceased Priestess Princess Alisha. Nina, with her rare blue eyes, is the perfect stand-in.
Soon, the royal court whisks Nina away and places her under the care of Prince Azure, Alisha’s half-brother. Desperate to keep Alisha’s death a secret, Azure aims to protect their marriage promise to the neighboring kingdom, Galgada, to maintain peace. Nina now has three months to learn the ways of royalty and prepare for the wedding, with no choice but to assume the identity of the late princess.
Character Development: Nina’s Struggles and Growth
Nina quickly proves herself to be a compelling protagonist. Her tomboyish nature and tendency to get into mischief make her both endearing and relatable. Despite the heavy responsibility placed on her shoulders, she remains determined to succeed. However, her emotional journey is equally significant. Having been betrayed by someone she once trusted, Nina grapples with loneliness and the fear that her true identity will be forgotten as she becomes “Alisha.”
On the other hand, Prince Azure is harder to read. As Nina’s main confidant, Azure is aware of her true origins, yet he remains stoic and emotionally distant. His motivations are unclear, and although he’s set up as a potential love interest, it’s difficult for the reader to connect with him at this point. However, by the end of the volume, his character begins to open up, leaving hope for future development.
Setting: A World Rich in Detail and Middle Eastern Influence
Middle Eastern influences shape the fictional setting of Nina the Starry Bride, as reflected in the intricate designs of the clothing and architecture. Mangaka Rikachi has clearly put a lot of effort into creating a world that feels distinct and immersive. The attention to detail in the artwork, from the royal court’s lavish costumes to the symbolic use of color, enhances the story’s overall aesthetic.
As a Josei manga, Nina the Starry Bride focuses on character expressions and the subtle romantic tension between Nina and Azure. Although romantic moments are scarce in this volume, the story hints at future developments that will surely appeal to fans of slow-burn romances.
Comparison to Similar Titles: Familiar but Engaging
Nina the Starry Bride may not be groundbreaking in its premise or execution, but it does share similarities with other well-loved titles. Fans of The Apothecary Diaries, Snow White with the Red Hair, and Yona of the Dawn will find much to enjoy here. The political intrigue, romance, and strong female protagonist are familiar tropes in the genre, yet Rikachi’s skillful storytelling and attention to detail make this series stand out.
Art and Production: A Polished English Release
Steven LeCroy translated this English release of Nina the Starry Bride Volume 1, with Nicole Roderick handling the lettering, and the transition from digital to print is smooth. The print edition includes beautiful color pages that add to the overall reading experience. Kodansha has done a fine job bringing this series to the Western market, and the bi-monthly release schedule ensures that fans won’t have to wait too long between volumes.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Start to a Popular Series
While Nina the Starry Bride doesn’t break new ground in terms of originality, it’s easy to see why it has been successful. The combination of an engaging protagonist, detailed world-building, and the promise of future romance and intrigue makes it a series worth following. With an anime adaptation on the way and ongoing releases from Kodansha, this is definitely a title to keep an eye on.
