Captive Hearts (manga)
| Industry | Manga publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Matsuri Hino |
| Defunct | 2002 |
| Fate | Ended serialization |
| Headquarters | Japan |
Area served | Japan, North America, Australia, New Zealand |
Key people | Matsuri Hino (creator) |
| Products | Shōjo manga series |
| Owner | Hakusensha (Japan), Viz Media (North America), Madman Entertainment (Australia/New Zealand) |
is a Japanese shōjo manga created by Matsuri Hino. The narrative centers on Megumi Kuroishi, a university student, and Suzuka Kogami, an heiress whose families have been intertwined by a curse spanning 100 generations. The series was serialized between 1999 and 2002, compiled into five tankōbon volumes, and made available in North America beginning in 2008. In 2009, it was recognized as one of the top 10 shōjo titles.
Plot
The Kuroishi and Kogami clans have been connected by a century-old curse: the Kuroishi family is bound to serve the Kogami family without question. After the disappearance of the Kogami household 14 years prior, butler Yoshimi and his son Megumi reside in the Kogami estate, enjoying its wealth. When Suzuka Kogami is discovered alive in China and returns home, Megumi resolves to defy his servitude to her. However, he soon realizes that the curse compels his obedience. Upon their reunion, Megumi involuntarily kneels and greets Suzuka with a kiss on her hand.
As events progress, Megumi and Suzuka develop a strong friendship that evolves into romantic feelings. Both strive to break the sinister curse to secure their shared future, exploring themes of loyalty, love, and family heritage.
Characters
- Megumi Kuroishi (黒石 恵) is a 20-year-old university student residing in the Kogami Mansion. He is afflicted by a curse linked to the Kogami family's Dragon lineage from a century ago, which causes him to become an overly protective servant toward Suzuka upon meeting her. Initially motivated by self-interest, Megumi gradually forms genuine affection for Suzuka while contending with the curse’s influence.
- Suzuka Kogami (昂上 鈴花), aged 17 and the sole inheritor of the Kogami fortune, was raised in China after her parents went missing. She returns to Japan aiming to reconnect with Megumi and reclaim her family’s legacy, learning Japanese with his assistance.
- Yōshimi Kurōishi (黒石 嘉) acts as head butler and trusted advisor to the late Kogami parents, managing household affairs and supporting Suzuka’s endeavors.
- Etō Jishii Kurōishi (クロイシ ジシイ エト), Megumi’s mother, works as a police officer specializing in combating child trafficking on the black market.
- Gōshi "Sōgaku" Sagara (剛志 "ソウガク" 相楽), Megumi’s closest friend and fellow university student, is a transgender woman balancing personal challenges alongside academic life.
- Hiryuu Takatsukasa (鷹司 比流), a wealthy 16-year-old suitor who proposes marriage to Suzuka but is declined when she acknowledges her feelings for Megumi.
- Rui Sakurayama (桜山 留衣), introduced in Volume 3, is a maid who harbors affection for Megumi. After being rejected in favor of Suzuka, she returns anticipating marriage and confronts Suzuka regarding him.
Media
Manga
The series was originally serialized in LaLa magazine from 1999 until 2002 and later collected into five tankōbon volumes published by Hakusensha. Viz Media holds the English license for North America while Madman Entertainment distributes it in Australia and New Zealand.
- Volumes
| Volume | Japanese release date | Japanese ISBN | English release date (Viz Media) | English ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | November 5, 1999 | 4-592-17743-6 | November 4, 2008 | 978-1-4215-1932-6 |
| 2 | August 5, 2000 | 4-592-17768-1 | January 6, 2009 | 978-1-4215-1933-3 |
| 3 | February 5, 2001 | 4-592-17505-0 | March 3, 2009 | 978-1-4215-2157-2 |
| 4 | October 5, 2001 | 4-592-17506-9 | May 5, 2009 | 978-1-4215-2158-9 |
| 5 | April 5, 2002 | 4-592-17297-3 | July 7, 2009 | 978-1-4215-2159-6 |
Drama CD
- Initially launched on November 21, 2001, with announcements suggesting an updated Drama CD featuring enhanced sound quality was scheduled for release in 2018.
Reception
Leroy Douresseaux from Comic Book Bin observed that the debut volume depends significantly on humor to boost its conventional teenage shoujo romance storyline. However, subsequent installments show improvement by shifting focus away from the curse element toward deeper character exploration. He commended the series for its compelling supporting cast and layered storytelling, including flashbacks showcasing younger versions of principal characters, which contribute a unique charm.
Regarding commercial success, the series secured the position of the 7th top-selling shōjo manga and ranked 20th among all manga titles in the United States during the first quarter of 2009.