Reviews

Accel World 01 by HiMA, Reki Kawahara, Hiroyuki Aigamo

vick_yuu's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

rinku's review

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Accel World is the only Shonen series besides Death Note that I’ve ever read. I sometimes have the feeling that this genre isn’t my thing since it feels quite male centric to me. Still, the first volume of Accel World gets 3.5 stars from me. 

Because it’s the first volume, it’s more an introduction to the world and set up. The main idea feels a bit similar to the one of SOA; after all, both series share the same author. Haru, a bullied kid, gets one day approached by the popular girl Kuroyukihime that invites him to the virtual reality game Brain Burst. This was quite cliché, but the world created here is interesting, nevertheless. The first fight scenes though were a bit confusing. 

I furthermore really like the character designs but the character constellations not so much. Haru is a likable main character that struggles with a lot of self-doubt. Sadly, we’re already introduced to the love triangle here which annoyed me throughout the series. The only female characters in this volume hate each other but at least they have ambitions on their own and are not only there to cater to the love interest. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying

Moderate: Violence

Minor: Murder

orasmis's review against another edition

3.0

I’ve been reading a lot of manga lately and I somehow got a copy of this (I’ve owned it for so long I honesty don’t remember how) and I finally got around to reading it. The main premise is based around a young boy that uses an online virtual reality game to escape from his real life, where he is tormented by bullies in his school. One day he is approached by another student in the school and given a special program in said game. Hijinks ensue.

I didn’t hate this book but it wasn’t amazing either. I basically thought it was just okay. I liked the art style. Some of the backstory involving the game and the program within it were interesting. I liked the main female more than I liked the male but that really isn’t saying much. My main problem is I’ve read this storyline before. Only the other manga that had this game within a game premise were better executed.

Maybe the series gets better later but I’m pretty sure I won’t be continuing. I can see why this would have a fan base but it’s not for me.

puddingtaco's review against another edition

4.0

This story was much cuter than I thought it would be! In the near future everyone has computer technology installed in their bodies. Kids can access the global net with avatars of their own creation. Haruyuki is an overweight kid who gets picked on. His avatar is a tiny pig and the net is one of the only places he feels confident. Suddenly a popular senpai approaches him! Haruyuki directly connects with Kuroyukihime, a taboo among anyone who isn't dating, and she gives him an app called Brain Burst. Now he can accelerate!

The underlying story about bullying is nice, though Kuroyukihime appears to be using her status to manipulate Haruyuki. What is she up to? What does she want?

lilsuccubus's review against another edition

2.0

Interesting concept but this volume was the total opposite of the ideal "show, don't tell." I felt like I was getting infodumped on, getting a bunch of lore and logic all at once. I would have preferred less happening in this volume so it could have felt less wordy. I might continue but eh.