Del Rey has announced the acquisition of the Chevalier D'Eon manga by Tou Ubukata and Kuriko Yumeji.  This stylish historical manga is based on the real life story of Charles de Beaumont, the 18th Century spy and diplomat -- and the manga inspired a new 24-episode anime series from Production I.G. that just debuted in Japan in August.

The Chevalier D'Eon manga is drawn in a highly detailed Gothic fantasy style and the narrative blends real historical characters with a religious fantasy plotline involving secret societies including the mysterious cult of the Rose Cross, which is determined to summon gargoyles, creatures of vast, dark power, to bring down the established order.

Del Rey, which is a division of mainstream publishing giant Random House, plans to release the first volume of Chevalier D'Eon next June with a cover price of $10.95 and an age rating of 16+.  So far no U.S. company has announced the acquisition of the Chevalier D'Eon anime series, but it seems highly likely that the stylish anime, which is already a hit in the fansub community, will be available in the U.S. before too long.