Discover the pros and cons of 'Overgeared,' a new fantasy/action manhwa that blends real-life drama with a virtual reality world. Explore the unlikable protagonist, outdated humor, and impressive visuals, and find out if it's worth your time and money.
Overgeared: A Mediocre Start in the Crowded World of VR Gaming Manhwa
( Credit to: Asianmoviepulse )
As the catalog of Ize Press expands, it is natural to expect variations in quality and perception when building a diverse library. In the fantasy/action genre, there has been a surge of titles like 'Solo Leveling,' 'Tomb Raider King,' and 'The World After The Fall.' Amidst this growing competition, 'Overgeared' attempts to carve its niche by blending real-life drama with fantasy elements in a virtual reality (VR) world. However, while the series offers a fresh twist on a familiar formula, it falls short of standing out from its predecessors, making it a questionable choice for avid readers seeking the best content for their time and money.
( Credit to: Asianmoviepulse )
The protagonist of 'Overgeared,' Youngwoo Shin, fails to captivate readers in the introductory volume. He is portrayed as a dull and uninspired gamer with a negative outlook on life, complaining about money and gaming addiction. With such an unengaging and unsympathetic hero, it becomes challenging to root for his success. Nevertheless, there is potential for character development beyond the initial unlikable persona, leaving room for improvement in future volumes.
Unfortunately, the series also stumbles in its comedic elements, often resorting to outdated and tasteless humor. One instance involves Youngwoo Shin encountering a clingy and predatory blacksmith who grosses him out. While this attempt at humor may not be intentionally offensive, it reflects poorly on the series and feels out of touch with modern sensibilities. Such humor has long lost its appeal and serves as a baffling inclusion in a contemporary comic.
On a more positive note, the visuals in 'Overgeared' showcase considerable style, particularly in character design and armor. Given Redice Studio's previous successes with titles like 'Solo Leveling,' there is reason to believe that the action sequences will be visually appealing as the series progresses. However, a notable shortcoming lies in the lack of detailed backgrounds, which hampers the immersive experience of a VR-created fantasy world.
Had 'Overgeared' been released earlier in Ize Press's lineup, it may have generated excitement for the forthcoming titles. While it does provide a moderate level of entertainment and incorporates elements that have attracted readers to other series, it pales in comparison due to its clumsy execution and unlikable protagonist. The ultimate deciding factor for readers will be their ability to connect with or tolerate Youngwoo Shin. For those seeking top-tier manhwa content in print, 'Tomb Raider King' presents a more skillfully crafted and intriguing 'unlikable protagonist' narrative. Alternatively, readers can explore any of the other titles available in Ize Press's collection.
