lol I had to check back to ch 2 to name check that Sangwoo was the same person in the other stories XD His entire hue, hairstyle, and the grittiness of the art from the first story is so different from the other stories. Still enjoyed the compilation as a whole tho.
No idea how long I let this marinate for but the art by ch 90 is VASTLY different from the beginning chapters.. like her head shrunk and looks weird and eyes for everyone don’t fit their faces well… also looks like there’s enough plot that’s happened that the dude that killed her she somehow is now in love with???
The only plot hole sequence/character writing thing I had issue with was why Judith didn’t think of the possibility of Luca having turned back time, once she learned about the magical goblet that granted a wish once to each head of Winterwald (according to what she was initially told). She had been portrayed as pretty quick on the uptake and smart as well as having her memories from her past life which would have stories of that trope (since she automatically recognized what had happened to herself as a transmigration trope), so I don’t see why she wouldn’t have thought of it way back then (it was pretty obvious that that was a strong contender of explanations for Luca’s change in demeanor since the train ride at least). Not that it would’ve made a big difference in the story unfolding, but they would’ve been closer earlier and it just sticks out like a huge brain fart moment to me since the rest of the story was really good.
Ok so I tried. Like I REALLY tried but the character writing is sh*t. Art is very nice so I kept reading after they did it but that scene also put the nails in the coffin and it just didn’t get better. Below are my issues with the chars.
FL - Was she really stupid in her original world? She comes off as brainless and as others have mentioned, she just never wanted to be a singer again? Also why does she think the novel she read is in play when no events occur that are in alignment with the book? Like yes she’s surrounded by the same characters and is in that marriage, but she hasn’t gone through any event and been like ‘oh this is exactly what happened in the book’. There’s no reason for her to think what she’s doing isn’t making a change. Additionally, there’s the topic many have brought up where she’s not attempting to understand the original’s backstory. I just don’t see how this can pass for ok writing even when her brother that dotes on her comes around and she just has no incentive to figure anything out about her past in case he brings up stories? Like does she even know that her char was adopted into the main family?? Even after meting again with Rune, she still doesn’t try to get info on her background? And no one questions how you straight up told a guy who you clearly have history with ‘who are you?’?? Like this is a huge char issue and also mega bad writing that this is happening. Like that doesn’t work unless you do an amnesia explanation for stuff (which she didn’t do).
ML - The dude fell in love with her looks… No improvements from there. No substance given to his char. He has not once given any compliments that aren’t about appearance and steamrolled her with guilt to get a boning session. Oh and I find it disgusting that they tried to make the readers feel bad for him for needing to hold back in the cottage with him digging his nails into his arm deep enough to draw blood. Holding back from raping someone isn’t some noble and respectable thing - it’s EXPECTED behavior and a prerequisite for existing anywhere near society. He’s just trash with a hot bod and pretty face.
FL & ML - I was fine before they did the deed since I thought her character was still developing but why ON EARTH would she agree to do it when all he did after she said no was to bombard her with how he ‘needs’ her, then bring up the rumors about him being impotent while guilting her saying she knows he isn’t (how the hell would she know that anyway?), and keeps pushing with how much he wants her and again guilts her (this time asking her if she thinks he’s ugly and that’s why she won’t sleep with him), and really hits a home run asking her not to make him useless by not sleeping with him (even if this ment loving him in his head this is still SO WRONG). Also note that she barely got any words in while he just went on this tantrum to get her to sleep with him while having the audacity to sprinkle in twice that he didn’t want to do it if she didn’t. Dude literally steamrolled her into it. My issue with the FL on this is that her character writing got sabotaged with this since there is nothing in her character development to this point that supports why she would go along with it at this particular point in time. My issue with the ML here is that he’s a whining piece of trash for doing this we he supposedly ‘loves’ her and will ‘respect’ her choice.
Oddly enough, at this point in the story the only love interest that has been written consistently is the trash brother of the emperor. At least he has his story straight and is doing things that make sense for the character. Maybe Rune (tutor dude) will end up being true to the char that’s been written for himself too, but I’m too tired of the bad writing to continue from this point.
Wait… but if the fox universe is the only one in which they have kids (what’s his name said it was the only universe where they have kids when Yoo-I forget how to spell his name asked if they had kids in the other universes) then what about the alternate universe one where he got pregnant after 8 yrs of them being together?? Is he gonna miscarry in that one??? He wanted 2 or 3 kids tho T-T
Like I just don’t like that this is feeling like the trope of the ml doesn’t do relationships and is bored but oh! This new interesting toy. And oh! It’s seeing other guys and isn’t trying to be in a relationship?? Now I want cuz I get jealous (even tho Danwoo totes has the feels for him and just doesn’t want to get abandoned). Just really makes it feel like the ml doesn’t actually care about anything that isn’t superficial about Danwoo. Finding someone’s obliviousness or innocence amusing doesn’t count as actually valuing any part of who they are as a person to me. But I also don’t see him ending up with the celebrity either since he seems to want to own him (like he said he doesn’t like), so Danwoo seems to be the only person he can get paired with unfortunately. T-T
Extra rant:
Like Woori is actually trying to get to know Danwoo as a person and hang out in a wholesome way whereas the one time we see the hair dude hanging out with Danwoo, it’s about dressing him up and ejaculating and there isn’t any form of actually having a wholesome hang out (not sure why Danwoo thinks they’ve been doing the same things people do when they’re dating - only part of that they do is the sexual stuff since getting his haircut turns into that and it’s not like they talk about themselves and their values as it’s happening or anything).
If someone is lying then she should talk to them both at the same time. Why believe what that chick is saying when you’ve known the dude for years and her for like 10 mins total? Or at least tell him that she said they’re dating so he can resolve it if it’s untrue. Better yet, have him call her out while you’re with him have them hash that out where you can hear.
Not that I’m defending Gareth, but I hate that Jack and his friends shit on him as bad as they do without knowing the truth. Like I personally also have issue with how Violet just didn’t handle any of that but I get her personality and understand that she had no responsibility to - just feels like she really didn’t even care about Jack as a friend even, since it doesn’t sound like she did anything about that (aside for break up with him since I guess it was too troublesome for her and bored her or something).
Also pissed that Sammy didn’t step up and say that she’s the one that told Leslie and not Jack - furthering the misunderstanding Gareth had. The dude already thought that the guy he was trying to be genuine friends with (even though he was doing it the wrong way - maybe Jack couldn’t tell that he was trying? Giving benefit of the doubt even tho I don’t believe that Jack couldn’t tell) had to have known he was dating Violet (since everyone talked about his attitude after they started dating) and must’ve hit on her causing him to be dumped and for her to be official with him 2 weeks after. Yes I get that that’s ok and he also knew her personality; I’m just saying that the miscommunication between these folks was already bad and this doesn’t help me think of that friend group better.
I wish Leslie got to hear the full story since I’m sure she would’ve had a clearer and more unbiased decision about her feelings tho. I feel like she would’ve asked for his side if he hadn’t blown up on her since he got triggered/got ptsd flashbacks of everyone on campus saying he did something that he didn’t (basically getting bullied). Like she had more in common with Gareth and it was sweet seeing his not obsessive love form for her. I’m just genuinely curious who she would have developed feelings for with knowing the full truth as well as seeing Jack’s bad side of not clarifying what actually happened and causing Gareth to take a year off from bullying that originated from him and his friends shit talking him worse than they should have. Like they just took the words of that no name dude that name dropped Gareth and never bothered to get the truth after that. Like I get that it was his sister and people can blow up worse with closer connections, but if they drive somebody to disappear for a year, they have a responsibility to make sure they have their facts straight. I do like that Jack didn’t say anything to Leslie tho because he could see that their affections were genuine - his approach on that was the most appropriate. Sammy just messed that up.
Also it kind of sucks that Leslie didn’t really get to explore more than just the BDSM stuff since she was following Jack’s preferences. Would’ve been nice to see more on her relationship later and see how that plays out.
TLDR: Gareth got crapped on more than he deserves and Jack and his friends are responsible for him getting bullied off of campus (didn’t bother getting facts from him rather than the no name dude that stalked his sister). I don’t see how Violet could be counted as their friend since she did nothing to help Jack in that situation (she could’ve just sorted out facts with Gareth). I wish Leslie could get the whole story but don’t blame her since Gareth blowing up from his ptsd made her not want to continue that convo and she doesn’t have to. Only really liked Leslie and I feel bad for Gareth but his quick fuse and the way his personality got all ‘trying too hard to be cool’ from dating Violet is a turn off. Wish we got to see more of Leslie spicy time.
Wait so why did Poh have sex with her in the beginning (doesn’t really seem like that happened before the elixir)? More importantly, why haven’t any more scenes of him bathing her or anything come up again?? The previous chick’s personality don’t really come off as the type to have sex with him in the first place, but if it’s happened once I don’t get why he wouldn’t ask for it again like he did the first time (his personality is the type to do that - unless the change in her character is that big of a turn off for him??)?? That plot point is seeming like it was either a mistake or wasn’t thought out and now the author is just ignoring it happened. It just feels like they’re really pushing Ian now when they kicked off with the wrong dude or something (maybe they thought of doing a reverse harem initially?).
Didn’t really like either couple, but the second one had better communication than the first even though it was Woojin making that happen really (kinda what needs to happen when someone goes after someone that is openly emotionally closed off and not wanting commitment).
First couple could have been great but the traumas weren’t really dealt with/explained well so it made those seem as quick little side things about them/made them not seem like big deals (even though they clearly were - shouldn’t have been so quick to resolve). Also, the facial expressions really needed some work (especially the seme during sex scenes - second couple did really well in this realm).
Second couple I would argue wasn’t toxic since Shin was up front about his take on everything from the beginning (even though he was forceful in the coercive way in the beginning - Woojin is an adult and still could’ve run away or shoved him off). If Woojin wants to be uber dedicated to Shin until he fully accepts his love (which seems to be the method that works), then that’s ok and I’m glad that Shin has been better since he isn’t pushing him away anymore from the 3 months later chapter.
Woojin IS a terrible friend tho since he just dropped his buddy and failed hardcore to communicate with him about his concerns for his emotional safety (which I only put importance on in friendships like theirs where it seemed like they were close enough to be on that level of acceptable friend caring - regardless of if his friend is in love with him as I suspected). And if they weren’t on that level of friendship where they could be worried about one another’s’ emotional safety, then Woojin should have communicated that so they were on the same page (saying ‘this doesn’t concern you’ isn’t communication - actually sit down with coffee or something and use words to say that you’re uncomfortable with that level of concern and think you need to set boundaries within your relationship - it’s a sucky convo but if you need it then just do it).
I feel like with the knowledge that her bio and adopted fams love her (without the original plot of her bio ones being worn out from an almost 20 year misguided search and never sensing the signal of her aliveness - that consort did a great job plotting that for her purposes) the best way to have everyone be happy would be for the emperor and archduke to marry eachother after getting the empress kicked out. They can un brainwash Azella together (hopefully - she’s still a kid) and still have the family.
This is a staple piece for me that I revisit every so often. Plot, smut, characters, and artwork are all 10/10
Translations aren’t the best but I’m actually chill with the way this is going. Also she’s not a femdom. She just gets pissed occasionally and the licking scene was totes just vanilla level (not all black cat/golden retriever relationships have femdom kinks). I dig it (I also dig fem dom stuff) and am curious if this’ll end up with a bittersweet Absolute Boyfriend type of ending (Power Fox reverts to being a fox and fl ends up with Rory) or if Power Fox will actually end up with her forever. Just unsure who Rory would end up with if PF stays human.. Maybe red haired other animal turned human dude? (Name starts with a D - can’t remember).
And I SO want to see crow’s story develop. I have a feeling it’d be mad sexy.. also I kinda wish we could see Leo’s human form if he got one (he mentioned tats and I can’t get it out of my head).
I get that this is the first time for her being able to do this, but she’s gonna need to learn how to be a proper dom soon. He’s been doing great on his end so far, so she needs to put in some effort too (not to say that I don’t get her anxiety over finally finding someone who is open to her kink - I just want her to look up the proper way to do it).
I’m into BDSM stuff and read most things but this is a purely toxic relationship that she forced on him. I prefer things to be consensual regardless of how extreme the sex goes. They aren’t on the same page and this isn’t helping either of them with their traumas. Like the point of fetishes is that it’s something that is a release and potentially comfort for the person. It’s a positive thing for them. This just…. isn’t.
Impressive side note: She was real quick on getting rid of that priest. Very meticulous with her manipulation.
I’m glad this fear is FINALLY coming out. Like the dude might be a chatterbox, but he also doesn’t explain his fear based decisions and covers up his intentions for stuff a lot until they burst through like water rushing through a broken dam.
So I get the beginning and it makes sense up until Omega lead stops the alphas from raping the alpha lead. There’s no reason given for why he would and it felt like I skipped a huge part that showed omega lead getting the feels. And it’s not explained after either. So the biggest plot hole here is that I never saw the omega lead falling in love at all but then he’s popping in and saving the alpha lead and all of a sudden in in tune with the part of him that is in love? Like only the alpha lead had his love explained/shown to the readers.
The side omega’s bad fate made sense because of his bad decisions (and it makes sense the omega lead wouldn’t give a crap about him since nowhere did it ever show that he cared about anyone) and I’m actually glad that it didn’t end up that the teacher kidnapped him and locked him away or something (I was low key scared of this when they mentioned the teacher and the student were both missing) but it does sit bad with me that both the pedos in this story had nothing happen that would have them take responsibility for what they did.
Overall, I can make out what the goal was here but the biggest pitfall that causes none of it to make sense is that we have 0 insight into any of the omega lead’s thoughts on anyone except the pedo that raped him first and continued to traumatize him, thus making the whole story feel like it was glue sticked together. The story just doesn’t flow well and doesn’t let readers get to know 1/2 of the main characters.
So I actually liked the art as it was in the beginning more than in the later chapters. Like the chars seem to be getting younger in the later chapters which is off putting for me personally (I didn’t even like the chibi-ish art-style of the CGs in FFIX).
Seeing the MC’s personality a big thing that bothered me from the beginning is how she never pointed out to her guide that she never signed up for this competition that puts her life at stake. Like even if she can’t get out of it with logic and lack of contracts as a reason, she has plenty of ground to permanently make him indebted to her and never kick up a fuss considering the $h*t show he’s at fault for putting her in. And now he has the gall to like her and get in the way of share selling success.
I DO really appreciate how the duke is actually changing his tune since he realized he effed up before pretty big time tho. She’s still good for being pissed at him, but she also has good reason for getting butterflies since he has actually been making and effort now and she’s finally getting the chance to know him as a person.
I snorts feel bad about how things are going with our blonde holy knights captain since, even though she finally started getting butterflies for him, she still hasn’t really gotten to show more than maybe 1 or 2 sides of herself (when she also has her crass self, hot tepered, super serious, etc.). I think they’d be a really nice match for a calm life (plus she’d potentially be in line for the throne), but I have a feeling the author might not go that route with her (since she hasn’t really shown much trust in him even to tell him ‘yes something is up but I can’t tell you what’).
As for our albino… I kinda REALLY want it to work out with him (was previously rooting for our guide, but then he started overstepping and getting in the way of her trying to survive in the way she’s decided to do it). Not sure what’ll happen with him, but I hope he does more of this helping from the shadows thing (just maybe in ways that she would appreciate - unlike the arrow almost-fiasco). I just like how it shows his sincerity in trying to help her - he does need to learn moderation tho (duke is working on his, so I have faith that this guy can too!).
This comic was definetly better pacing wise in the first 30-40 chapters but kinda started getting slow right before she met the guild leader and then just kinda started shifting gears a bit since then. I’d say it’s still pretty decent and I just need to read more and hope I get answers to stuff about who set up they guides and what their stake is in the completion (cuz it’s now obvious that they get more/stronger powers the more shares their contender sells). Also, I kinda hope they mention a little about all the contenders’ situations. Like MC is a transmigrator, but the Lily chick is a returner to time and the chick that MC saw disappear definetly knew the story but I don’t know is she was also a transmigrator or a returner in time. Like I’m curious just how messed up the system the guides work under is that they’re erasing existences of people that belong in that world as well as others that were dragged into it (or maybe there’s a soul thing like another story I read where the ‘real world’ wasn’t actually real and existed in a parallel plane due to the souls being fragmented because the body wasn’t strong enough and later was able to come together as just the 1 existence).
Either way, still interested in this comic: story is getting slow as of ch 76 being the latest chapter and the art has been changing in a direction I’m not a particular fan of, but the concept is interesting and I’m curious how the author will direct it and who MC will end up with (kinda pleased that I still can’t really tell at this point, but I need her to have ‘accidental’ kiss moments with the remaining 2 dudes in her harem so they’re all on equal footing).
I mean I guess that first batch would be sacrificed since the higher ups wouldn’t divulge the price, but couldn’t he at least let the pilot know what’s up and tell them to let everyone else know the full deetz???