A new visual teases the anime adaptation of the Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, a fantasy romance tale based on Yuu Tomofuji’s manga by the same name. Also known as Niehime to Kemono no Ou in Japanese, this series will be one familiar for Western fairytale fans — incorporating story elements of Beauty and the Beast.
It’s unknown what voice cast will take on characters such as the strong-willed princess Saliphie and the cold beast king. Fans can only make their predictions for now. Likewise, the animation studio along with the series’ director has yet to be announced. Since the show is projected to release next year, we’ll have to stay tuned for more information!
Those curious about the upcoming anime can always check out the manga in the meantime. With its fairytale and romance themes, Niehime to Kemono no Ou will likely be a good fit for fans of 2017’s The Ancient Magus’ Bride. Fans of Beauty and the Beast retellings can also check out the anime film Belle.
What is the plot of the Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts?
In a far-off land, there exists a society where beasts roam free. Under the rule of a fearsome king, the beasts leave mankind alone — asking only for a sacrifice. Saliphie is one such sacrifice. And though she is the 99th maiden to give her life to soothe the king’s wrath, she’s not without demur.
Saliphie, or Sali, chastises the beast — insisting that his cruelty will lead to a lonely life. He urges her to cower before him, but the girl is at peace with the idea of death. With no family or life to return to, she accepts that even if she were to run, there’d be no true escape. This leaves the king perturbed.
There’s still time left until the sacrifice day. And while Sali’s ability to smile under such unnerving circumstances is inconceivable to the beast king, he insists that she remain at his side. It’s his desire that she fears him as the others have before her, but during the time the two spend together, perhaps it will be the beast who’s forced to change his mindset.
Where can I read the Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts manga?
Japanese readers can pick up all 15 volumes of the manga — including special edition versions — via Hakusensha. Pick up paperback copies on Amazon and Rakuten. Or read the series digitally on sites such as eBook Japan where the entire series can be enjoyed for free until May 19th.
English-speaking fans, too, are in luck. On April 26th, the 15th volume will be published in English — making the entirety of the series available. Head to Yen Press to find the manga in paperback and eBook formats from major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Along with an anime adaptation, Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts also has a spin-off manga in the works serialized in HanaYume — the same shojo magazine currently publishing Yona of the Dawn and Skip Beat! The serialization is set to start this summer and continue until autumn.