Toma’s The King’s Beast: Vol 1 follows Rangetsu, an ajin assigned to protect Prince Tenyou as a ‘beast-servant’. But there’s more to Rangetsu than meets the eye. 

King’s Beast:  Vol 1 was the first manga by Rei Toma I’ve had the pleasure to read. The artwork was amazing! The storyline was surprisingly deep too, touching on topics of slavery and discrimination, as well as revenge. The life of ajin is brutal and unforgiving. Males must serve as bodyguards or cannon fodder. Females of a certain age are forced to be sex slaves. Once they grow too old to be desirable, they are used for menial labour. Ajin are a suppressed people, treated as beyond inferior, despite being stronger than humans, and possibly endowed with a unique magical talent. But Tenyou doesn’t see them the same as everyone else. He cares for ajin well-being, unlike many of his fellow palace dwellers. The perfect person to push for greater ajin equality if he can become king.

The King’s Beast: Vol 1 was a great series start! Recommended!

****Many thanks to Netgalley and VIZ Media for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.