RED RIVER, Vol. 20 by Chie Shinohara

With Basara practically complete, Red River is my current pick for epic shoujo adventure.

Over 20 volumes, Chie Shinohara transformed her entire roster of characters into an impressive array of compelling heroines, heroes, and villains of both genders.

Leads Yuri and Kail may have started out as the “schoolgirl sucked into a different time” and a “good-guy playboy prince.” But their tangible connection with each other is equal to — and amplifies — their cunning and integrity as individuals.

Red River also distinguishes itself from other shoujo adventures with its frank depiction of interactions that warrant the “mature content” label on its covers.

Yuri and Kail’s physical relationship springs from genuine love and admiration. But politics, power, expectations, and consquences — inherent to the manga’s ancient Hittite Empire setting — add realism and up the stakes to what is already a well-told story.