Phantom Thief Jeanne · review
So far one of the best shoujo's I've read and best magical girl series. I hardly ever get interested in magical girls because most of the series are for younger demographic only and as an adult reader don't hold much value for me. I've gotten interested in Maron from the begging. She's a strong female lead but also easy-going. I like that Maron is scared of falling in love because it's not common trope with shoujo heroines and that it stands from losing her parents. Right from the start she's more mature than many other shoujo heroines and as an older reader I really appreciate thattype of character. She's a role-model with flaws that make her a very realistic character.
This manga deals with separation from parents and divorce. Maron is also someone who uses the bad things as a way to help others in the same situation she was in, which makes her even more admirable.
The side characters are also very well written I love that Miyako is trying to arrest Jeanne to prove Maron's innocence not knowing they're the same person. I also like Finn and her backstory.
The pacing is very well done and I like the way action scenes are mixed it with Maron's daily life.
As a historical/ literature nerd I also appreciate the use of Jeanne of arc and Biblical references. They support the story in a way that's really good to understand for younger readers and might get them interested in history.
With that said, I'm not fan of the "love triangle" and how easily some characters are forgiven. I think there's a lining between you've betrayed me and we are on good terms vs you've betrayed me but let's be friends. I don't like the letter option of writing because it teaches younger audience that if you get hurt by your friend and they apologize to you, you should be friends again.
I highly recommend this manga to romance lovers that like mature characters and action. The art style is absolutely gorgeous; I love the way characters and backgrounds are drawn.