| Ja Kanji: | クリムゾン・スぺル |
| Ja Romaji: | Kurimuzon Superu |
| Genre: | Action,[1] high fantasy, Japanese: [[yaoi]] |
| Type: | manga |
| Author: | Ayano Yamane |
| Publisher: | Tokuma Shoten |
| Demographic: | Josei |
| Magazine: | Chara Selection |
| Imprint: | Chara Comics |
| First: | 2004 |
| Last: | 2021 [2] |
| Volumes: | 7 |
| Volume List: |
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is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Ayano Yamane. It was serialized in the monthly manga magazine Chara Selection from 2004 to 2021.
Vald, the prince of Alsvieth, is forced by circumstance to use his family's cursed sword, and so he seeks out the services of Halvir, a sorcerer, to help him lift the curse in exchange for the sword. The curse is unknown to Vald, but it manifests itself as turning Vald into a bloodthirsty and lustful demon at night. Halvir subdues the demon by having sex with it, and when Vald awakes, he remembers nothing. Throughout the manga, Vald and Halvir meet several new allies that accompany them in trying to defeat Vald's curse.
Crimson Spell is written and illustrated by Ayano Yamane. It was serialized in monthly manga magazine Chara Selection from 2004 until 2021.[3] The chapters were released in 7 bound volumes by Tokuma Shoten under the Chara Comics imprint.
In August 2006, Media Blasters announced they had licensed the series in English for North American distribution, releasing the first two volumes under the title The Crimson Spell through their Kitty Media imprint.[1] [3] [4] In May 2013, Viz Media took over English distribution rights and re-released the series under its original title through their SuBLime imprint.[5] The series was given a print release only, as Viz Media could not acquire digital distribution rights.[5]
Movic produced two audio drama adaptations of the first two volumes and released them on CD under the Chara CD Collection imprint. The first CD, adapting volume 1 of the manga, was released on June 24, 2009, and peaked at #156 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart on its first week of release.[6] The second CD, adapting volume 2 of the manga, was released on March 25, 2010, peaking at #274 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart on its first week of release.[7]
Julie Rosato of Mania.com criticizes the first chapter for rushing "things a bit".[8] Holly Ellingwood of Active Anime commends the manga for going "beyond the average Japanese: yaoi to give readers a truly immersing fantasy world". She also comments on the "scorching and beautifully drawn" love scenes".[9]
In the United States, SuBLime's translation of volume 3 debuted at #2 on The New York Times Best Seller List in the manga category,[10] while volumes 4 and 5 debuted at #1.[11] [12]