‘Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody‘ is a light novel series by Japanese author Hiro Ainana. The Tokyo-based publishing company Fujimi Shobo released it as well as a manga from Ayamegumu. I managed to get my hands on the first volume.
Ichirou Suzuki is a gaming developer working on a new fantasy game Freedom Fantasy Life, making the “Death March” in order to complete it by the deadline. Going to sleep under his desk, he wakes in a magical world similar to his video game. Using a “meteor attack” he defeats a lizard army and a general, allowing him to upgrade pretty quickly. Thinking it is a dream, he wanders off and he befriends mage soldier Zena Marienteil. She helps him get set up in the game and, still believing it is a dream, begins to learn about the world.
I really enjoyed the story. Now, as an isekai, it is not that unique. It combines elements from Sword Art Online, Konosuba, and Grimgar for its worldbuilding and plot devices plus The Rising of the Shield Hero for its video game atmosphere. What makes it unique is the characters. Satou is a very interesting character and his perspective is that this whole situation is a dream, instead of being lost like the examples above. It made the story feel fresh and I enjoyed it a great deal.
Like the anime, I do think it relies a bit too much on suggestive humor. It got awkward at times, but I still had a good time listening to this world’s point of view.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my manga highlights of The Rising of the Shield Hero Volume 3 and My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Vol. 1. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.
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[…] While you are at it, check out my manga highlights of The Rising of the Shield Hero Volume 3 and Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody Volume 1. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this […]
[…] While you are at it, check out my manga highlights of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Vol. 1 and Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody Volume 1. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this […]
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