ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Snow White with the Red Hair’ Volume 10

Snow White With the Red Hair Volume 10 gives the characters time to breathe after the events at Lilias, meaning Shirayuki and Zen actually get to go on a date! Kiki is also given a welcome spotlight in this volume, with more backstory into how she met Zen and Mitsuhide. Snow White With the Red Hair Volume 10 by Sorata Akiduki is published in English by Viz Media. Translated by Caleb Cook, it features touch up art and lettering by Brandon Bovia.

This series is overall peaceful, but Volume 10 especially so. Although the characters are all in their late teens and early twenties, with the exception of Obi, most have led relatively sheltered lives. This is especially so with Zen, who comically tries to take Shirayuki out on a date. The two spend some time walking around town, peering into the shops and getting presents for loved ones. Shirayuki even packed lunch for the two to enjoy together. It is a simple, but a lovely chapter. The consistent highlight of Shirayuki and Zen’s relationship is how they treat each other as equals.

There is a bit of drama, however. Kiki reveals to Mitsuhide that she has a promise that she must return home in a year to take over the family line. Part of this includes getting married, but Akiduki manages to craft a fantasy world that doesn’t weigh readers down with sexism. Her father wants her to find a partner that will respect her, but she is in charge of the family. That is made very clear. In addition, while it is clearly uncommon to meet a swordswoman, no one makes comments that Kiki shouldn’t be a swordswoman, or that it is unbecoming of someone of her status. Even Hisame, who comes off as rather slimy, makes a point of requesting their duel is two-on-two, to ensure that people wouldn’t assume his victory due to gender. It is a nice change of pace to see the story delve more into the relationship between Zen, Mitsuhide and Kiki. Once again, they treat each other as equals. It is sad that such a simple thing can feel like a breath of fresh air, but that is what this series truly is: a deep inhale to calm anyone who reads.

What can be said about Akiduki’s art that hasn’t been already? New character, Hisame, has a lovely design to contrast the main group. His clothes and hair are near black in color, and his eyes have a more cat-like quality in line with Obi. Also, he wears great earrings. In all seriousness, Akiduki’s art manages to contain both fast and slow movement panels, allowing for a great swordfight scene. What could easily be rushed and have the action muddled and confusing, instead is crystal clear.

Overall, Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 10 continues to deliver a stunning fantasy featuring love and relationships in many forms. A peaceful interlude for Zen and Shirayuki, and a flashback about Kiki, will greatly satisfy readers. Akiduki excels in creating a fantasy world that doesn’t bog down its readers with sexism.

Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 10 releases November 3rd, 2020.