Published in the US by CMX
Slugline: A military fantasy version of "The Prince and the Pauper" complete with assault weapons and fiery dragons.
The inclusion of guns as the enemy's strange new weapon comes across as rather unoriginal in a manga -- the genre has a history of strange and fantastic weaponry, so a 9mm or a shotgun is downright mundane in this context.
Otherwise, this fantasy world is presented in a fairly standard manner with a fairly standard cast of characters, particularly Fana who is more competent injured and in her undies than the entire Royal Guard.
Princess Orfina's country is being invaded, and though either innocence or incompetence the kind does not go out to investigate, issue any orders, or do more than worry out loud until the enemy is at the gates. By the end of volume 1, the capital city is well on its way to falling.
I didn't find the story compelling and the art is in a somewhat older style than readers may be accustomed to. It's all right, but unless volume 2 pulls out some real surprises, I doubt I would keep reading.
Orfina, vol. 1 is also available from Right Stuf, Intl., an online retailer specializing in anime and manga.
-Miranda
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