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Table of Contents
About the Book
In the arena, where life is cheap and spectacle is everything, Rey must decide what kind of game he’s willing to play.
As the largest kingdom in the Known World, the Empire of Sagrada is built on the keystones of conquest: gold, glory, and the Dying God. But when Princess Rosa unexpectedly finds herself the next heir to the throne, she is determined to change Sagrada for the better—until her father announces a glorious tournament of gladiatorial fights and blood magic, with Rosa’s hand and her throne as the prize.
In a desperate bid to win her own hand, Princess Rosa chooses Rey, a trans swordsman from the colony of Himala, as her champion in her father’s tournament. Kidnapped by Sagradan conquistadors and raised as a fighter, Rey is equally desperate to win his freedom and return to Himala with his partner, Teo. But, haunted by the past and his own quest for revenge, Rey is soon caught up in the destructive spectacle of the games, where the cost of power is blood, and the true prize is yet to be revealed.
A bold reenvisioning of the colonial history of Spain and the Philippines through an epic anti-imperialist fantasy about fighting for freedom in the face of empire.
As the largest kingdom in the Known World, the Empire of Sagrada is built on the keystones of conquest: gold, glory, and the Dying God. But when Princess Rosa unexpectedly finds herself the next heir to the throne, she is determined to change Sagrada for the better—until her father announces a glorious tournament of gladiatorial fights and blood magic, with Rosa’s hand and her throne as the prize.
In a desperate bid to win her own hand, Princess Rosa chooses Rey, a trans swordsman from the colony of Himala, as her champion in her father’s tournament. Kidnapped by Sagradan conquistadors and raised as a fighter, Rey is equally desperate to win his freedom and return to Himala with his partner, Teo. But, haunted by the past and his own quest for revenge, Rey is soon caught up in the destructive spectacle of the games, where the cost of power is blood, and the true prize is yet to be revealed.
A bold reenvisioning of the colonial history of Spain and the Philippines through an epic anti-imperialist fantasy about fighting for freedom in the face of empire.
Product Details
- Publisher: VIZ Media LLC (July 14, 2026)
- Length: 228 pages
- ISBN13: 9781974739158
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Raves and Reviews
"Tense battles, delicious imagery, captivating characters and a thoughtful throughline of inclusivity and resistance." —Holly Black, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Elfhame novels
"The crisp illustrations evoke emotion, and movement is fluid through each panel. Mangaka Aquino and Duran draw heavily from the history of the Philippines being colonized by Spain... yet this is a rich, treacherous world all unto its own." —ALA Booklist (starred review)
"Some of the hardest-hitting new fiction stories are those that don't make it hard to decipher the historical oppression which inspired them. ...It's a thrilling prospect to see more of what Champion of the Rose has to offer as it expands its dark world ever further." —ScreenRant
"A searing, thrilling tale that offers violence, beauty, and a yearning for home. Masterfully drawn and written. I'm excited to read the next one!" —Lee Knox Ostertag, author of The Deep Dark and The Girl From the Sea
"Action packed and gorgeously illustrated, this queer tale of blood and magic doesn't shy away from the brutality of colonial violence or religious fanaticism. I'm hooked!" —Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer
"This is a turbo-charged rollercoaster of a book, and rooting for Rey and Rosa had my heart in my throat as the stakes rose and threats started to stack up. Angry and exhilarating in all the best ways!" —Rye Hickman, co-creator and artist of Buzzing and The Harrowing
"Grand, utterly gorgeous, and bursting with life, Champion of the Rose is an incredible retelling of Filipino history through a medium and story that transforms the past into an epic fantasy that keeps you absolutely enthralled." —Riotbones, author of Strange Cases
"Champion of the Rose is an amazing and thrilling manga to read from beginning to end. I love all the bits that make it unique such as the intense anti-colonialism sentiment, the backdrop of the Spanish occupation of the Philippines in a fantastical reinterpretation, and the main character, who's a trans man who just barrels through and fights for what he believes in." —Richard Mercado, author of Coming Out Perfect
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Champion of the Rose, Vol. 1
Trade Paperback 9781974739158
