Magic Knight Rayearth is THE perfect introduction to the Isekai genre. Having previously enjoyed Clamp’s work through random episodes of Cardcaptor Sakura during my childhood and delving into the manga version last year, Magic Knight Rayearth offered me a blend of familiarity and novelty.

While Cardcaptor Sakura is a delight, Magic Knight Rayearth distinguishes itself through its awe-inspiring paneling, page flow, and artistry, reaching a level that I consider nothing short of classic. I also appreciate how the narrative introduces compelling queer and political undertones, complemented by captivatingly campy scenes.

The only bummer is that the book ends way too soon, leaving us hanging with limited details about the lore and few reasons why we should root for Fuu, Umi, and Hikaru. What’s good though is that it demands the reader to delve deeper into the series, promising an evolution in worldbuilding and character development.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review .