Analysis: The Rise of the Hated Prince and His Shovel of Condemnation
There is some really interesting news for manga lovers today! Makako's brand new series, The seventh son of the imperial family, but he's in trouble because he's better at shoveling than swords Volume 1, has officially hit the stands this March 27th. Published by Tokuma Shoten's Ryu Comics Unicorn, this project is actually a comic adaptation of the popular novel written by Ordinary Nichan. It is quite a unique take on the fantasy genre, especially with such a long and descriptive title that catches your eye immediately.
A Prince Shunned by His Own Blood
The story follows Ashley, who is the seventh son of the Emperor. Right from birth, life has been very difficult for her because she was born with what the imperial family calls a deformity—specifically long eyes and very unique hands. Because of this, she was totally shunned and even officially declared as non-existent. It is a very sad situation where a child is rejected just for being different. Her older brother Georg, the fifth son, actually tries to help her out. He attempts to train her in swordsmanship so that she can at least survive as a soldier in the future, but things don't go as planned. No matter how hard she tries, Ashley just cannot handle a sword or any standard weapon. The only tool that feels right in her hands is a simple shovel.
The Discovery of a Dark Guidance
While digging and excavating old ruins—which is basically her only hobby—Ashley accidentally finds a hidden room. In this mysterious place, she meets the evil dragon Zirant and receives a very strange book. This isn't just any book; it is a book of guidance that promises the owner will grow dramatically, but only if they complete the specific tasks mentioned inside. This sets the stage for a very intense journey. Many fans are saying that Hated Prince's Shovel of Condemnation is going to be a very big hit because of this dark and gritty premise.
- Protagonist: Ashley, a rejected prince with a talent for digging.
- The Weapon: A shovel that slaughters evil in accordance with a strange book.
- The Mentor: The evil dragon Zirant who provides the book of guidance.
- The Themes: Redemption, condemnation, and unearthing hidden power.
Why This Fantasy Series Stands Out
The narrative is quite gripping as it depicts a hated prince who uses a shovel to take down evil forces. The way the story mixes everyday excavation with high-stakes combat is really fresh. If you are looking for something different from the usual "hero with a magic sword" trope, then Hated Prince's Shovel of Condemnation is definitely something you should check out. The art style in the manga version also does a great job of showing the emotional weight on Ashley's shoulders. We are really looking forward to seeing how the plot develops in the next volumes!
