Danica Davidson
June 27, 2024 
Royal Tailor: Clothier to the Crown is a laid-back, wholesome, uncomplicated manga that takes place in a fantasy world. The main character, Hana, grew up in an orphanage where she did what she could to help the children. Now her tailoring skills have gotten her a job working for the royal family. Besides being an honor to work for such powerful people, it also means a lot because of the prejudice against humans. Royal Tailor is populated with all sorts of magical creatures, like vampires, dryads and fairies, and humans face prejudice from other species.
Sometimes Hana faces prejudice herself, though the manga only has a few scenes that go into the issue of prejudice against humans. Back in history, humans warred against the magical creatures, but the humans ultimately lost. To the magical creatures, who live long lifespans, the cruelty of the humans still feels fresh.
So while there is this angle to the manga, it doesn’t dwell on it. Instead, it’s a series of stories where Hana’s tailoring skills save the day. In one story, she’s in a competition making armor (which technically isn’t tailoring). In another, she helps an elven princess feel like her true self, and she aids in an undead wedding (which isn’t as creepy as it sounds).
Royal Tailor is rated 13+ and is sweet and formulaic. Hana wants to help others, and the manga seems to give off a message of kindness and assistance. Some of the artwork for the magical creatures is pretty inventive, and there’s more concentration on the characters than the world they live in. There’s also a bonus story at the end. Nothing intense happens, so it’s more a story for someone who wants a relaxing read, especially if the reader is interested in fashion or design.
Story & Art: Nakasane Nowaki
Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
Translator: Amber Tamosaitis
____
Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
