It does seem as if there has been a lot of talk about the various Disney Princess. And respectively Disney as an entirety. Disney, even at a glance, has a lot going on right now. And the princess have been getting quite a bit of attention.
Right now everyone is getting excited for the upcoming Elena of Avalor. Rightfully so. The series has been prompted well and has a great deal of potential woven in with intriguing lore. Plus it is a spin-off of a already popular series. It is something I am excited to sink my teeth into.
That article will be coming soon. But this is not that article.
But I will grant you that Sofia the First and Kilala are somewhat of the same vein.
It is a well-known fact that I happen to love anime and manga. The amount of content I consume of both mediums is massive to say the least. Even with that said a fair share of the series are aimed at older fans. Thus have aspects that I would not want my younger relatives to be exposed to until they reach their teens.
So when I do come across a series of any sort that is universal it becomes exciting. After all it only takes one fantastic series to change things.
And Kilala Princess is a grand, and Disney filled fusion of both worlds.
Here is the official summary from the publisher for the first volume.
When Kilala awakens a sleeping prince named Rei, she magically gains the power of the princesses! So when her friend Erica is kidnapped, Kilala decides she and Rei must set off on a quest to rescue her! Filled with the most popular Disney princesses—Ariel, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Belle—TOKYOPOP’s Kilala Princess combines the magic of Disney with the fantasy of shojo manga!
I find it shocking that somehow there has not been more buzz and attention given to this series. If it was not for poking around on the Disney Wiki years ago, would have never even heard of the series. A shame as Kilala shines like a hidden gem of a story.
One of the most interesting things that has always stuck out in my mind is just how well written it is. Seamless the story embodies the classic Disney storytelling magic. And aspects of any great and beloved shojo series. At times the romance reminds me of some of my favourite series within the genera. Even so, I have read Kilala’s tale a few times now and I feel like my admiration for it grows. Kilala Princess has the ability to be light-heartily sweet. Yet is also able to adjust itself to being more serious when necessary.
As I had mentioned the series does in fact remind me of Sofia the First. Granted the fact that Kilala was written back in 2005, predating Sofia. Both girls find themselves encountering the various legendary Disney Princess during instances of trouble. Sofia’s amulet summons them for help and wisdom. Kilana- and Rei respectively- find themselves transported into said princess’ realm. There they have to navigate themselves in the mists of the princess’ story. Needless to say the interactions are fun and interesting. Yet they never seem to upstage the main events of the series. Kilala’s quest clearly so is the heart of the story.
A story that still has room for more.
With the recent news of Disney opening up a new park in China. With mentions of making more Asian-based content, it makes me think. I cannot help but to feel hopeful that maybe, sometime down the road, we might see more of Kilala and company. OVA style animated feature? Never know.
If you are looking to get your feet wet in the often overwhelming sea of manga; Kilala Princess is a really great introduction. Perfect for a sweet, fantasy driven read.
The first volume of Kilala Princess’ re-release is out now where manga is sold.
Join the conversations: What do you think about manga, is it something you want to see more of?
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