A Gothic Romance Retelling of a Classic Japanese Folktale Graphic Novel featuring 130 anime-style comic pages… In the shadowy halls of Himeji Castle, a love story brews — one of obsession, betrayal, and the supernatural. Okiku, a young servant tasked with caring for ten priceless Delft plates, becomes the center of a deadly game of passion. She serves in the castle by day and feeds the dungeon prisoners by night, unaware of the dark desires and jealous eyes following her every move. Among those captivated by Okiku’s beauty is the ruthless samurai Aoyama Tessan, whose twisted infatuation becomes all-consuming. Obsessed and envious, Aoyama silences the prisoners by ordering their tongues cut out, leaving Okiku to believe none wish to speak to her. But one man breaks through the silence—Shinji, a once-proud samurai now imprisoned in the depths of the dungeon, with powerful o-fuda seals binding him to his cell. Mysterious, resilient, and with a charm that captivates Okiku, he becomes the light in her dark and lonely world. As Okiku and Shinji’s forbidden connection deepens, the key to his freedom dangles from the very chain around Aoyama’s neck. Okiku must risk everything to steal it, but with Keiko, the jealous wife of Aoyama and daughter of the lord, watching closely, every step toward liberation teeters on the brink of tragedy. As jealousy boils over and Aoyama’s obsession spirals, a single missing plate becomes the catalyst for a series of harrowing events that plunge Okiku into darkness. Betrayed and brutally wronged, she transforms into an onryou — a vengeful spirit bound by her love and fury. Now, as a terrifying ghost, Okiku must face the ultimate question: Can love survive even in death?

Love Magic Monsters Mystery Supernatural Zombies Teenagers (13-18)
Adults (18+)
ghosts gothic romance Japan onryou paranormal romance romance samurai supernatural yokai zombies