Historical texts and records of western European history are as ubiquitous across the world as restaurants and educational facilities. Growing up in Miami, Florida I often enjoyed learning about world history (particularly European history) whenever it was taught. I certainly found it a lot more interesting than the superfluous amount of courses focused on U.S. history. As such, when I eventually began my obsession with anime and manga, I always gravitated towards series or mangas that depicted European history or delved into the genre of dark fantasy. Some of my favorites include:
Vinland Saga,
Berserk,
Historie, and
Shut Hell. As such, I recently encountered another manga that delves into the same genre. Depicting 14th century Switzerland rather accurately is Mitsuhisa Kuji's
Ookami no Kuchi: Wolfsmund. I wish to present you all a review/recommendation for this series that is starting to get more attention.
*This piece will be 95% spoiler free*
Story:
Written and drawn by female magaka Mitsuhisa Kuji, (ex-assistant of Kentaro Miura -mangaka famous for Berserk-) Wolfsmund tells the story of the real life, St. Gotthard Pass. St. Gotthard Pass is a mountain pass in the Alps that connects northern and southern Switzerland. The pass itself lies between the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, and Goschenen in the German-speaking canton of Uri. Here lies a gate/fortress that is feared by all whom seek to pass through it. The locals have deemed it "Wolfsmund," (German for "Wolf's Maw) for the many people that notoriously lose their lives here under the strict rule of the evil and sadistic Lord magistrate, Wolfram. Ruling over Wolfmund under the authority of the arch duke of Austria, Wolfram is cantankerous and mild-tempered all at once; lending to the evil persona that consents to the dozens of executions that occur amongst those trying to travel through the pass. Lacking in clemency or humanity, Wolfram's terror has fostered a deep hatred amongst a group known as the Alliance of the Three River Cantons whom seek to conquer Wolsfmund and execute Wolfram in order to win their independence.
Taking place during the dark ages, this manga really sets itself apart from others like it in how Kuji rarely depicts a happy ending for her characters. She pulls no punches in displaying just how brutal and inhuman the Middle Ages really were. As such, if you cannot take a story that is dark and refrains from excoriating historical depictions of mankind's cruelty, than this manga may not be for you. Wolfsmund's story is not only historically accurate but even sells you on its legitimacy by exemplifying disparate methods of warfare that were in fact utilized during these times. I know I certainly learned a thing or two about European warfare just by reading this manga. Kuji is a maven of this time period as she truly captures the feel and authenticity of the Middle Ages. While there is only one true main character (and even then an argument can be made against this), I recommend taking the same approach to this manga as you would watching HBO's hit series Game of Thrones; do not get attached to any character! If you are a fan of historical fiction that depicts ancient warfare, this manga will certainly resonate with you as it did I.
Artwork:
Overall, Kuji's artwork is polished enough to effectively communicate this manga's dark story. While Kuji's artwork isn't breathtakingly amazing or anything that stands apart from other mangas I've read, she does have noticeable skill when it comes to drawing castles, buildings, and towns. Kuji is also skilled at drawing maps on some pages that serve to bolster reader's understandings of the geological features near and around the events taking place in the story. The maps feel accurate and only strengthen the historical authenticity found throughout the manga, while allowing for new and creative perspectives of the events unfolding. I would postulate that Kuji spent countless hours doing research in order to make sure that her artwork would be able to accurately depict 14th century Europe. It's also worth noting that Kuji is very skilled in drawing intense moments of fighting; particularly when a page focuses on one to two characters. Her drawing style fantastically depicts what the characters are feeling from their facial expressions alone. This in itself is commendable and appreciated.
Characters:
Wilhelm Tell
Wilhelm Tell is the local hero of the Alliance of the Three River Cantons. He's an expert at traversing mountainous terrain and is a skilled warrior. Tell's character serves to set up much of the characterization that his son Walter receives in the story, while serving as a symbol of hope for the people who wish to overthrow Wolfram.
Walter Tell
For all intensive purposes, Walter is this manga's main protagonist. He is the son of the legendary Wilhelm Tell and serves as a vital part of the Alliance of the Three River Cantons. Walter has observed Wolfram's evil firsthand and only wishes to seize control of Wolfsmund. Employing all the skills he learned from his father, Tell is a young leader that is slowly being fostered to become a war hero.
Grete
Grete is a mysterious and beautiful woman who works as a mistress at the local brothel. She lives in the very town where Wolfsmund is located and plays a secretive role as a member of the Alliance of the Three River Cnatons.
Wolfram
The cruel and sadistic man that rules Wolfsmund. He will not think twice to execute or punish anyone passing through his gate that seems suspicious. Wolfram is the manga's main antagonist that serves to display just how evil and cruel the Middle Ages really were.
Duke Leopold
A feudal lord from Austria who is in charge of the Swiss occupation. Wolfram answers to him and is allowed to pursue his monstrous craft, under his authority.
Hilde "The Ripper of Schwyz"
An ally and member of the Alliance of the Three River Cantons. Hilde is a farmer turned warrior, as a result of the cruelty she had experienced as a child. She specializes in a unique fighting style that utilizes farm equipment, employing dual scythes as her weapons of choice. This has earned her the nickname, "The Ripper of Schwyz." She's a badass!
Final Thoughts/Score:
Wolfsmund is a fantastic manga grounded in historical fiction. It tells the whole and full truth of what it was really like to live during this time in European history. Already 6 volumes and 23 chapters in, this manga is off to a very good start. I honestly expect nothing but greatness in future chapters/volumes. As such I'm giving Ookami no Kuchi: Wolfsmund an 8.5/10. Kuji had a fantastic mentor in Kentaro Miura to derive influence from. I can't wait to see just how far her work as mangaka will go. I high recommend this manga to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or fantastic depictions of war. Wolfsmund is a brutal but accurate look into 14th century Europe, a subject that is rarely covered in manga.
I'm Nights Off and as always: thank you reading and have a wonderful day.
-Nights Off
