Wanted (manga)
| Company type | Manga |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | January 5, 2005 |
| Founder | Matsuri Hino |
| Products | Shōjo manga |
Wanted is a standalone Japanese shōjo manga created by Matsuri Hino, the same author behind Vampire Knight. This three-chapter story was initially published by Hakusensha on January 5, 2005. The English-language version was made available in North America through Viz Media on September 2, 2008. Additionally, the manga is licensed in Italy by J POP, in Germany by Carlsen Verlag, and in Singapore by Chuang Yi.
Plot
Armeria, an orphaned vocalist, develops feelings for Luce, the nephew of the Governor-General, who is abducted by the pirate known as Skulls. Eight years pass before she disguises herself as a boy named "Alto" to infiltrate Skulls’ pirate crew in search of Luce. However, her true identity is soon uncovered. Skulls claims that Luce ended his own life, a statement Armeria refuses to accept. Although disturbed by the crew’s brutal methods, she discovers that the pirates have backing from ordinary townsfolk.
During an assault on their ship, Armeria is taken hostage. Skulls offers his own life in exchange for her safety and then reveals that he is actually Luce. He explains that he turned to piracy to support the oppressed peasants exploited by his uncle. Despite her shock at his drastic change and violent nature, Armeria decides to remain with the crew.
Luce intends to spy on the Navy, and Armeria volunteers to assist him but is rejected. Feeling sidelined, she takes employment at a brothel. Luce subsequently rescues her from an intoxicated man and insists on extracting information from her, threatening to "purchase" her until she complies. After being captured by the Navy and later escaping with help from the pirates, Armeria learns that Luce sold a cherished golden statue to secure her freedom, revealing his hidden concern for her.
Luce holds a map leading to the mythical "Devil's Score," a cursed musical composition. Armeria convinces him to pursue it for its worth. While searching a cave for the treasure, they encounter Reid, a Navy commander and Luce’s childhood companion sent to recover the score for a nobleman. Reid uses Armeria as leverage to coerce Luce into retrieving the treasure from a trap-laden chest. When Luce is poisoned while shielding Armeria, Reid condemns him for becoming a pirate despite claiming to act as a Robin Hood figure.
As Luce weakens, he requests Armeria sing the Devil's Score. Her singing guides their crew to their location; they manage to rescue and heal him. Reid ultimately allows Armeria to keep possession of the Devil's Score.
Main characters
- Armeria
- The central figure who, after encountering Luce during childhood, later disguises herself as "Alto" to join Skulls’ pirate crew in search of him. Her true gender is revealed when she sustains a gunshot wound. Though uncomfortable with piracy, she remains devoted to Luce/Skulls and strives to stay near him and be helpful.
- Luce
- The nephew of the Governor-General and Armeria’s love interest. After his parents were killed by pirates, Armeria believes he was taken by Skulls, motivating her pursuit.
- Skulls
- The actual Luce who captains his own pirate vessel and is the second individual known as "Skulls." Raised among pirates, he has renounced his former identity but retains deep feelings for Armeria/Alto and seeks to protect her. His turn to piracy stems from remorse over his uncle’s exploitation of peasants.
- Reid
- A Navy commander and childhood friend of Luce whose parents were also victims of pirate attacks.
- Doc
- The original Captain Skulls responsible for abducting Luce eight years earlier. He now serves as the ship’s doctor and advisor.
Representation of Female Stereotypes
The narrative incorporates several gender-based clichés frequently seen in shoujo manga. Armeria’s male disguise as Alto and the reactions she encounters highlight the constraints imposed on female figures: once her true sex is revealed, Skulls perceives her as a distraction and exerts control over her, demonstrated when she is confined aboard the ship solely due to her being a woman. This situation underscores a recurring theme where female characters are depicted within frameworks of submission and male authority.
Moreover, Armeria often finds herself in situations requiring rescue by male characters after attempting to support the crew, reinforcing the common trope of women endangered and subsequently saved by men. For instance, on Perrine Island, Armeria commandeers a boat and is subsequently abducted while disguised as a waitress, only to be freed by Skulls. This persistent "male rescuer" storyline is a prominent stereotype in shoujo manga and can be viewed as perpetuating sexist attitudes.