ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘The Holy Grail of Eris,’ Volume 1

A romantic intrigue story with a side of the paranormal, The Holy Grail of Eris Volume 1 is a manga adaptation of the light novel of the same name. The original story is written by Kujira Tokiwa, with character design by Yu-nagi. The art for The Holy Grail of Eris Volume 1 is done by Hinase Momoyama, English translation by Alice Prowse, and lettering by Katie Blakeslee. The manga is published in English by Yen Press. Containing the first four chapters of the manga adaptation, this is the story of how Constance (Connie) Grail’s mundane life falls apart.

Ten years ago, Connie witnessed the execution of notorious criminal Scarlett Castiel. A traumatic moment, but one she didn’t realize would have drastic consequences. Connie’s family values sincerity above all other virtues. A decision that unfortunately drives their family to financial ruin after her father cosigns on a bad loan for a friend.

Connie agrees to marry Neil Bronson, the son of a businessman who can repay the families debts in exchange for a boost in social status. Connie doesn’t love Neil, but she’s fond of him. When Connie and Neil attend an extravagant ball, she catches him cheating  on her. As if this wasn’t enough, the woman her fiance cheats on her with, Pamela Francis, publicly accuses her of stealing,  putting her engagement and reputation in jeopardy. But it turns out that the aforementioned Scarlett Castiel is dead yes, but not gone. Her ghost is angry and seeking vengeance on those who wronged her. And she’s willing to help Connie get revenge- for a cost.

The Holy Grail of Eris Volume 1 has a fantastic premise and it delivers. I haven’t read the light novel, but I think this story works perfectly for a more art-heavy format. Things start out very strong with Scarlett’s execution. The executioner holds up her head, dripping blood, while her body, also surrounded by blood, lies on the gallows. And poor Connie, is in the splash zone.

Momyama has a fantastic grasp of visual storytelling, knowing when to rely solely on art, and when to use art and text. This is to the benefit of The Holy Grail or Eris Volume 1. There’s so many beautifully composed panels with no text, dialogue or sound effects. Characters’ body language and facial expressions drive the entire scene. One panel that particularly stands out is an entire page of young Connie breaking down over witnessing Scarlett’s execution. Her horror, agony, and distress are palpable. No words needed.

Facial expressions and body language become increasingly important as the story progresses. There’s the contrast between Connie’s self-conscious, timid posture, and the confident, self-assured ways the other noblewoman carry themselves. Noblewomen, including Scarlett.

While overall this is a fantastic story, I have one minor issue with the volume. Before chapters 3 and 4, Connie has a one-page fourth-wall breaking summary of what’s been going on in the story. It feels like an unnecessary addition. Perhaps if the reader is only reading one chapter at a time, taking long breaks in between this would be useful. Though this story isn’t the kind of thing you’d want to put down for long. But because these pages don’t take away from the story so it’s ultimately not a big deal.

The Holy Grail of Eris Volume 1 is a thrilling, emotionally-driven story that will leave readers eager to learn more about Scarlett and Connie.

The Holy Grail of Eris Volume 1 is available wherever books are sold on May 31st, 2022.