Historie

Name: Historie
Rating: 4.2 (89 reviews)
Author: Hitoshi Iwaaki

4.2

Author: Hitoshi Iwaaki

Publisher: Kodansha

Magazine: Afternoon

Volumes: 11

Release Date: 2004-10-22

Age Rating: 12+

Historie Synopsis

Set in 4th-century BCE Ancient Greece, Historie follows the remarkable life of Eumenes, who eventually becomes a key general and strategist for the Kingdom of Macedonia. Orphaned at a young age, Eumenes rises through his exceptional intelligence, determination, and integrity. The story begins in his childhood, meticulously detailing how Eumenes meets the young prince Alexander—later known as Alexander the Great—and gradually earns his trust as an indispensable advisor. Using intellect as his weapon, Eumenes navigates philosophy, politics, and military strategy, becoming pivotal in shaping an era defined by ambition, warfare, and cultural upheaval. Amid power struggles and brutal realities of war, Eumenes remains steadfast in his beliefs, though he continually wrestles with internal conflicts. The narrative intricately portrays historical events such as Alexander’s famous campaigns and Macedonia’s internal political struggles, capturing the complexity of ancient society through Eumenes’s unique perspective. Historie excels in showcasing authentic ancient military tactics, political intrigues, and the nuanced dynamics between royalty and common citizens. Beyond a gripping tale of one strategist's journey, the manga offers an immersive glimpse into the heart of Ancient Greek civilization itself.

Historie Rating Metrics

Story

4.2

Characters

3.9

Artwork

3.5

World Building

4.5

Themes

4.8

Pacing

4.0

Historie Editorial Reviews

An Epic Historical Drama Set in Ancient Greece

oday, I want to introduce you to one of my all-time favorites: Historie. Before diving into the review, let me first talk about its author—Hitoshi Iwaaki. You might know him from his earlier masterpiece, Parasyte, the original inspiration behind the currently popular Kaiju No. 8. After the huge success of Parasyte, Iwaaki’s next manga was Historie, and it fully lived up to my expectations, becoming another exceptional work from this brilliant author. Set in ancient Greece, Historie narrates the dramatic life of Eumenes, a scribe who served the legendary Macedonian king Alexander the Great. The manga stands out for its meticulous historical accuracy and deeply realistic portrayal of its characters. The societal norms, cultural nuances, and intricate political climate of ancient Greece are depicted with impressive depth and authenticity. The highlight of this series is undoubtedly its protagonist, Eumenes. His sharp intellect, quick wit, and remarkable problem-solving skills consistently captivate readers. Watching Eumenes cleverly navigate complicated and dangerous situations with ingenuity and cunning makes for thrilling reading, leaving readers genuinely amazed at the level of knowledge and strategy that existed even in ancient times. Moreover, the vivid depiction of historical details and everyday life creates a fully immersive experience, transporting readers directly into the world of ancient Greece.

May 16, 2025

A Brilliant Series Hindered by Slow Publication

Despite its engaging pace, compelling storytelling, and rich historical setting, Historie has one notable drawback: its painfully slow release schedule. If you thought Hunter x Hunter had a slow publication rhythm, Historie is even slower. Although serialized in a monthly magazine, it frequently takes extended breaks—often skipping several months between chapters—and it can take years just for a single volume to be released. This delay is primarily attributed to the author’s health issues. As a devoted fan, I’m more than willing to wait as long as it takes and sincerely hope for Iwaaki’s speedy recovery. Even with these delays, Historie remains an absolute must-read, rewarding every reader’s patience with a uniquely powerful and intellectually stimulating experience.

May 16, 2025