Review of a Good Manga “Magus of the Library (Toshokan no Daimajutsushi, 圕の大魔術師)”

Set in a magical, Middle Eastern-inspired ethnic world, the story begins with the protagonist aspiring to become a librarian at a grand library. In this world, librarians possess magical powers, making them special beings.

This manga, which I found to be excellent upon reading, is introduced here for your enjoyment.


Check out the review on ComicAddict

Detailed and Meticulous Illustrations

Izumi Hikaru, The Great Magician of the Library Volume 1, 2018, Kodansha, p6


The artwork is intricate and beautiful! The illustrations are so detailed and meticulously done that you can feel the time and effort put into each page.

To an amateur, it reminds me of the finesse and detail found in Kaoru Mori’s “A Bride’s Story.” I can’t help but wonder if there’s some connection, perhaps past assistant work or something similar.
Even the two-character name has a certain resemblance.

Intricate Settings

Izumi Hikaru, The Great Magician of the Library Volume 2, 2018, Kodansha, p22


It’s not just the illustrations; the settings are also intricate! Between chapters, there are pages detailing this world’s settings, unrelated (so far) to the story’s progression.

It’s a thoughtful touch that adds depth to the world.

Social Themes Adding Depth to the Story

The story weaves in complex themes like censorship, religious and ethnic conflicts, and portrayals of people with ADHD.
Set against a well-established world, these themes enrich the narrative without feeling cheap or superficial.

The world of a “library’s librarian” might seem peaceful at first glance, but it’s entangled with politics, religion, and other worldly hardships.

Charming Character Design

The character design is superbly balanced! The protagonist, a boy, is incredibly cute. The design seems to be well-received by many.

Izumi Hikaru, The Great Magician of the Library Volume 1, 2018, Kodansha, p22


The overall high artistic skill extends to the characters as well. The lively character settings make them incredibly appealing.

Accomplishments of the Author, Izumi Hikaru

Izumi Hikaru, the author, previously worked on the manga adaptation of “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” receiving high praise for her detailed illustrations.
This work also shines with her meticulous artistry.
At 34 years old, her future contributions to Japanese manga are highly anticipated.

大山 悠二

31 years old, single. I have been reading manga mainly as an escape from reality since my junior high school days. The genres I'm most familiar with are 'Moe' and 'Isekai' series from the 2000s.

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