Reviewed @ch28 (approx LN 3 out of 8.)
This is near masterful in its story and execution and art.
Yes, there's an obvious comparison to made to Frieren. Both follow an elf who may as well have an immortal lifespan while living amongst mortal races. (in this case our mc is a high elf, who live for over 1200 years then become immortal spirits, whereas normal elves live for about 1000 years and die). [both began in 2020]
Thematically where this differs is that Frieren from the start is about grief and processing grief and existentialism and living life in the moment while loving those around you.
This story is a lot less focused on the grief aspect, though it is inevitably relevant and still powerful. It's more about valueing life in exploring new experiences and skills and seeing the world, rather than just the people around you (though that is relevant, but less so). It's a lot less focused on the and the existentialism as our mc has already decided his purpose in life being his wanderlust, though of course he slightly changes/grows over time.
To be clear I'm not saying to go into this expecting Frieren level work. Frieren is a 10. But this is close (9.5?)
The art is perfect. Detailed such that the world is easily immersive.
The characters are good. I wish we delved into some of them more, especially Kahea, who's probably the most important human so far.
I would say it's a little contrived that he stumbles upon plot-lines in so many places...but then, we have a lot of time-skips for his journeys, plenty of cities he passes through in a single panel or off-panel and nothing happens...so really it's believable that across the decades of the story we're just seeing the relevant things.
And I really want to praise its pacing. Often there will be a storyline that's very satisfactorily wrapped up within a few chapters.
The writing is tight.
The chapters are soooo long. I'm honestly really really impressed that they can output so many pages of great art each month. I wouldn't be surprised if it were trimonthly.
I just want to keep writing about this, which I guess is just another sign of how well written it is and that you should read it. I'm probably going to read the novels cos I can't wait 6 years for the rest to be adapted, though I'll end up reading the manga, too, cos it's a brilliant adaptation. (Yes the LNs are complete and being TLed, currently up to LN6 of 8)
edit: I just read some of LN 3 to read the most impactful part (ch20-ish) and the end of book extra chapters/side-stories that aren't adapted in the manga...and man the book's writing is even better. Largely because the few sentences cut out just paint an even more detailed picture. (props to the translator)
This is a great story.
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