This is the second manga classic I have read, and I really enjoyed this one. I previously have enjoyed the musical but have never read the book. I personally don't love reading classics, but the collection has a way of taking a classic and making it very digestible to read. I will definitely be picking up more in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and Udon Entertainment for the copy to read in exchange for a review!

I love Les Mis and this is a wonderful adaptation. The illustrations and the print are clear and easy to read. Lovely companion to the original text

Thank you UDON and NetGalley for an ARC for this graphic novel (even though it’s been some time since its release!) I’ve loved the story of Les Misérables for years after discovering the musical. I have always intended to read the actual novel, but its size has always seemed rather daunting. This manga is the perfect size to learn more about the story Victor Hugo initially told. While it is not an exact depiction due its much shorter length, it still captures the essence of the story, the depth of the characters, and the important key moments from the story (as I know them from the musical at least!) the art style is beautiful and helps boost the story.

If you are wanting to dip into the waters of Les Misérables but like me are put off due to its length, this is a great way to learn some more about the story in an easy to follow adaptation. Highly recommend!

Manga Les Mis by Crystal S. Chan and illustrated by SunNeko Lee brings Victor Hugo’s beloved tale of redemption, love, and sacrifice into the dynamic and visually stunning world of manga. Staying true to the spirit of Hugo's classic, this adaptation retains the emotional weight and intricate storytelling of the original while making it accessible to a wider audience, including those new to Les Misérables. I have to admit, I've never read the original book - I know the stage show, but that left out a lot of the original - but this story is completely understandable without any other background.

The artwork is nothing short of breathtaking. SunNeko Lee’s illustrations capture both the grandeur of 19th-century France and the intimate struggles of its characters. Each panel is brimming with emotion, from Jean Valjean’s quiet moments of reflection to the tension-filled confrontations with Javert. The manga format allows for a unique visual storytelling experience, with dramatic angles and expressive character designs that enhance the emotional impact.

Crystal S. Chan’s adaptation skillfully condenses Hugo’s sprawling narrative into a manageable yet faithful format. The key themes of justice, mercy, and the resilience of the human spirit are preserved, making it a perfect introduction for younger readers or manga enthusiasts unfamiliar with the source material. Fans of the original novel or musical will appreciate the care taken to honor the heart of the story, while also enjoying the fresh perspective offered by this medium.

The right-to-left manga format might take some adjusting for readers unfamiliar with it, but it quickly becomes second nature, especially with the compelling flow of the story. While some of the complexities of Hugo’s prose are necessarily streamlined, the essence of the story shines through, and the visual storytelling adds layers of depth.

Whether you’re a devoted fan of Les Misérables or encountering it for the first time, Manga Les Mis is a fantastic way to experience this timeless tale. It’s a must-read for manga lovers and anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted adaptations of literary classics.

**Book Review: *Manga Classics: Les Miserables***

*Manga Classics: Les Miserables* is an impressive and heartfelt adaptation of Victor Hugo’s timeless masterpiece, skillfully translated into the manga format. For fans of the original story, manga enthusiasts, and newcomers alike, this graphic novel breathes new life into the epic tale of justice, redemption, and human resilience set in 19th-century France.

Adapting a sprawling, complex narrative like *Les Miserables* is no easy feat, but the Manga Classics team has done an admirable job of condensing the story while preserving its emotional core and themes. Jean Valjean’s journey—from hardened criminal to compassionate guardian—and his relentless pursuit by the unyielding Javert are rendered with care and depth. The manga captures the heart-wrenching struggles of its characters and the intricate moral dilemmas that define Hugo’s work.

The art is one of the highlights of this adaptation. The beautifully detailed illustrations bring the gritty streets of 19th-century France to life, immersing readers in the historical setting. The characters’ emotions are vividly portrayed, from Valjean’s anguish and determination to Cosette’s innocence and Marius’s idealism. The use of expressive panels enhances the storytelling, making pivotal moments—such as the riots after General Lamarque’s death—powerful and visually striking.

While the manga streamlines the narrative to fit its format, it remains faithful to the essence of Hugo’s story. Some events are rearranged or omitted for pacing, but this allows the adaptation to focus on the critical elements without feeling rushed or diluted. The creative team’s respect for the source material shines through in every scene, as they successfully balance the philosophical weight of the original novel with the engaging, fast-paced style of manga.

What makes *Manga Classics: Les Miserables* particularly noteworthy is its accessibility. For readers who may find the original text daunting due to its length or density, this adaptation serves as an excellent introduction to Hugo’s world. It also offers longtime fans a fresh perspective on a beloved story, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

Whether you’re experiencing *Les Miserables* for the first time or rediscovering it in a new format, this manga adaptation is a triumph. It captures the timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle for justice while showcasing the unique power of visual storytelling.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I am a huge fan of both the book and the musical of Les Miserables, so I was excited to see that a manga was made to introduce the story to a new demographic of readers. This format makes the information easier to digest, making it a great way of introducing classics to people who may find reading the original books quite daunting. I loved this book, I will definitely be getting a physical copy for my own bookshelves.

I have loved the musical adaptation of Les Miserables for so long that it was such a treat to be able to read the manga adaption. I think this adaptation can provide a way for readers to be introduced to the story without having to read such a long book. I think the adapter made the story very digestible for readers that were not familiar with the story prior to reading the manga. The artwork was gorgeous, SunNeko Lee is an amazing illustrator. I will say that this version of the book was a little hard to read on the NetGalley app at some points but I’m sure the images and dialogue are a lot more clear on the physical format of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Great manga with lovely illustrations. This is a fantastic book to help reluctant readers conquer classics or for avoid readers to see classics in a new fun light.

Super schönes Artwork, hat mich sehr begeistert. Dazu wurde die Geschichte echt gut erzählt, sodass man selbst ohne Vorkenntnisse und trotz der nötigen Kürzungen der Handlung folgen kann. Klasse character design, man fiebert mit den Charakteren mit und trauert mit ihnen oder um sie. Eine tolle Idee, stark umgesetzt!

This Manga adaption of Hugo's Les Miserables does not disappoint. It follows the main storyline without the side characters and detailed writing from the original. This beautifully illustrated manga brings to life the scenes from the storyline. This is a good way to introduce your teen to classics and will encourage them to read the original. My heart goes out to Fantine and Cosette because of all the heartache and cruelty they had to endure. This also brings to life Jean Valjean's change in character. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who wants a gentle introduction to the classics.

The story of Les Miserables is long with many characters. No matter what format I try to read this story i have problems keeping plot and people straight. The art was beautiful.

I have never read les miserables or seen the movie so i was excited to see this as a manga and to be able to experience reading a classic in a format that I enjoy. This is the point of these adaptations and it did its job well. I am not able to comment on its relation to the original works since i haven’t seen/read them but i liked this story where these characters were interconnected in life across the years. The art work is cute at some points it feels very pokemon esk in style but works for this period piece. Perfect for someone who wants to know a classic but doesn’t want to read outdated prose. Would love to see more classics done like these.

CW: death, abuse, poverty, revolution, guns, su!cide,

Les Miserables is one of my all-time favourite books. It's dense and it's dark and it's tragic, and yet there is hope in amongst the darkness.

Manga Classics: Les Miserables is an ambitious retelling of the classic French novel, in classic Manga style. I'm not generally a fan of manga and this art style, but this was done very well. The grim realities of this story - so much death and poverty and abuse - are portrayed on the page and highlighting more starkly the divide between the "haves" and the "have nots", and the themes of justice that run through the tale. And yet while the grim realities are there, the horror of Fantine's fall from grace is tastefully done, keeping things implied.

The artist effortlessly drawing emotion from the reader. I know the tale well and yet I still shed a tear for Fantine, Gavroche, Eponine and, ultimately, Valjean. Gavroche's song (which is different to the version in the musical) - oof. Right in the feels.

If I had a criticism of the book, I found the pacing and flashbacks to be somewhat jarring. I would have liked to have seen more on the page of the ABC society - who they are what they are fighting for. As someone with a solid understanding of the story, I know this already, but for someone new to the tale, these characters and insurgency are presented with little introduction after the bulk of the book covers Fantine and Valjean's lives.

Overall, a good read, and a different take on the classic story.

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

I did like the art, but the story itself made no sense and I already know the story,
I wish it didnt jump all over the place like it did.

The art for this was what drew me in. This was a great way to read a classic that may have been a little harder to do in novel form. This is a true classic and many people shy away from due to it being a little bit of a "harder read" I've read the novel and seen the play. However, this was by far my favorite way to immerse myself in the story. Manga classics will be come even bigger as the new generation discovers them. My soon to be 11 year old was begging to read this and found her self really enthralled with the characters in a way i don't think she would have gotten reading in a novel format. I cant wait to see more classics done in manga.

Beautiful art, beautiful and sad story.
I remember when I first learned this story I was very young and became very sad afterwards.
I hope that more Manga Classics come out in the future.

Very digestible format. The art work is beautiful. The story heart wrenching. Though it is still vary poignant social commentary for our day. I rather enjoyed the story over all.

Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter. I love these Manga Classics. Really hope they are going to do more of them. This was another great addition to the Manga Classics. I love Les Miserables and this was a great version of the story
Loved the story and the drawings

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Manga Classics: Les Misérables breathes new life into Victor Hugo’s epic tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption, masterfully adapted by Crystal S. Chan and illustrated by SunNeko Lee. This manga adaptation captures the essence of Hugo’s narrative while making it accessible and engaging for a modern audience.

The story follows the lives of several characters, most notably Jean Valjean, an ex-convict seeking redemption, and Inspector Javert, who is relentless in his pursuit of Valjean. The manga format, with its expressive and detailed artwork, brings a new dimension to these characters and their struggles. The illustrations vividly depict the grim realities of 19th-century France, from the squalor of the Parisian underworld to the grandeur of the barricades during the June Rebellion.

One of the standout aspects of this adaptation is how it condenses Hugo’s sprawling narrative without losing its emotional impact. The manga focuses on key moments and relationships, such as Valjean’s transformation, Fantine’s tragic downfall, and the love story between Marius and Cosette. The visual storytelling enhances these elements, making the characters’ emotions and the story’s dramatic turns more immediate and powerful.

The artwork by SunNeko Lee is both beautiful and evocative, capturing the intensity of the characters’ experiences. The use of light and shadow, along with the detailed backgrounds, adds depth to the scenes, making the historical setting come alive. The character designs are also noteworthy, with each character’s appearance reflecting their personality and journey.

For readers new to Les Misérables, this manga serves as an excellent introduction, providing a comprehensive yet concise version of the story. For those familiar with Hugo’s work, it offers a fresh perspective and a visually stunning way to revisit the classic. The adaptation remains faithful to the original while making the complex narrative more approachable.

Overall, Manga Classics: Les Misérables is a remarkable adaptation that honors Victor Hugo’s masterpiece. It is a must-read for fans of classic literature and manga enthusiasts alike, offering a unique and immersive experience of this timeless story.

I think this is the first time I have truly enjoyed the story of Les Miserables. I watched the movie when it came out and I don’t think I ever really understood the story until I read this. It is the tragedy of being a husband less mother in a time where that left you penniless and destitute. It’s a mother’s love for her child and her willingness to do anything for them.

I love how the writing and the artwork work together to tell this story and I feel it wasn’t an uncommon one of the time. I think that it was probably very important to the ideas of today that Victor wrote this story and shed light on the tragedy of that mindset. Fantine is a good mother even if life took her on a path that led her to the poor treatment she receives in her life.

This story is a tragedy but with a bittersweet ending and I very much enjoyed it. If you have trouble getting into Les Mis, but enjoy manga I very much recommend this adaption. I feel that it serves its purpose perfectly.