I know exactly why this manhwa is so popular right out the gates. It’s action packed, has great characters and the story flows at an amazing pace. This one is a must read. Although I’m finding a hard time explaining exactly what sets it apart, I’ll explain what makes this one so good.
Characters
This action manhwa follows our main character Kim Dokja as he tries to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. There are a few well-written characters he meets along the way to join on his adventure. They all come with complete backstories, their own strengths, weaknesses, and motivation to make it through.
No character fits an archetype, although it does appear that way in the beginning. As the story progresses we see that not all the characters are who we think they are. Another take on this is the character progression. Before the apocalyptic event (I’ll discuss more in the plot and story) they might have had a mundane life, but are now taking this opportunity to become a leader, be fierce, or become a hero.
Setting and Atmosphere
The story so far takes place in our modern world although they have added some elements on fantasy. The setting changes through the first 49 chapters making our main heroes interact with different people, enemies, monsters and challenges.
Around chapter 46 they go back to a place where they’ve already been in the earlier chapters. That has been my only negative from the series so far. As I continue to read I’m hoping we continue on to new places with not much backtracking. This could have been nice if we were 80+ chapters in, but it just seems too soon for now.
Plot and Story
Kim Dokja is a mundane office worker who read a web comic everyday for over a decade. On his train ride to work one day he realizes that he has read the final chapter and the author has granted him a gift of the entire series.
Just then the train stops and there is a furry animal who speaks to everyone ont he train. To Kim Dokja this furry creature is familiar. He’s the exact same charater from the series he’s just finished reading. The events from the web comic he’s been reading for over a decade are now unfolding right before his eyes.
I got so excited when I started reading through the plot of this story. As it would be for anyone who read something over 10 years ago, the details aren’t clear, but you’d remember the main points. The same is true for Kim Dokja as he tries to survive in his new world.
Writing Style
I have to make a point of getting some quotes as I read through the next 50 chapters. Although nothing jumps out to me as noticable, there have been times where I’ve had to put the phone down and squeal like a pig from excitement. The artwork is absolutely amazing and I find myself staring at scenes just to admire and appreciate the work put into such a beautiful manhwa.
It’s easy to read and straight to the point. They don’t spend a lot of time info dumping and explaining concepts to you. They show you along the way and you learn as the characters learn which I love.
At some points Kim Dokja seems omniscient (ba dum tis) and I’m left looking left and right to see who else is as confused as I am, but I’m always pleasantly surprised when it’s explained. Although Kim knows the events, changes to decisions being made ultimately change what’s happening in his version of the story.
This is vital because it separates the story from the ‘I know everything’ trope.
Overall Enjoyment
Overall this is a five star read and I will continue to read through it until the end. Because the artwork is so beautiful I also plan to order it in Korean even though I can’t speak a single word of the language.
The pacing is perfect and hooks you in at the end of every chapter. When we delve into the side characters I don’t get upset like I normally do in stories ebcause they all tie in so perfectly and are vital to the story. It reminds me of Naruto, where the other characters are just as important for the overall success of the main character.
I recommend this to anyone who loves to read regardless of their preferred genre.
Once more reviews are released for this series, a link to the other reviews will be posted here. Until then, please take a look as some other action manhwa reviews!
