Danica Davidson
August 22, 2024 
Tales of the Tendo Family is a historical fiction manga where a nameless young woman pretends to be someone she’s not. Specifically, she pretends to be noblewoman Hojo Ran, who is engaged to a man she doesn’t want to marry. The nameless woman was raised by a man who is now dead, putting her in crisis. She says she’ll die in order to save someone, so she becomes Ran and goes to her fiancé’s house.
The fiancé, Tendo Masato, figures out immediately that this Ran is a fake. But until the real Ran is found, this one will have to pretend to be her. And the false Ran has found herself in quite a situation, because there’s a fight going on in the Tendo family on who will be the next head. In other words, it’s a power struggle, and she doesn’t know who is safe to be around, if anyone.
The reader of Tales of the Tendo Family, like Ran, is put in this situation not knowing what all is going on, so it offers plenty of mystery there. Ran is also a very appealing character. Though the higher class might turn their noses up to her, she’s well-educated in martial arts and medicine. And, unlike other people in the manga, she’s able to show compassion. She also continues to be dedicated to the man who raised her, whom she refers to as her grandfather. Because it’s a historical manga, taking place in a time where women had fewer rights, Ran also stands out for her education and her tenaciousness. Meanwhile, Masato is something of a enigma, because at times he’s terrifying and at other times he’s protective of Ran.
Tales of the Tendo Family flows well in both its story and its artwork. The first volume is a solid foundation to grow on as we unravel the mysteries involving the family and see how Ran grows as a character.
Story & Art: Ken Saito
Publisher: One Peace Books
Translator: Matt Schley
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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.
