The mind is central to everything we as humans do. It is an eden, one that must be kept free of monsters (Fear, Sadness, Anger and other negative emotions). But what happens when those monsters are allowed to run wild? Friends Rin, Katana and Iko find out when they play the 1UP programme for the first time in this manga one-shot.

This comic book attempts to capture the excitement of gaming culture but unfortunately falls short. Despite the potential which this comic book had for an engaging story, the one-shot struggles with execution, character development, and narrative coherence.

The premise of this comic book centers around a gamer who unexpectedly finds themselves inside a video game world. While this setup holds promise for creativity and excitement, the plot quickly becomes disjointed and lacks direction. The narrative feels rushed, with a series of events that fail to build a cohesive story, which have left me feeling confused and disconnected.

The character development is notably lacking in this comic book. The protagonist is introduced without sufficient depth or backstory, making it difficult for me personally to connect with or invest in their journey. The supporting characters, who could have added richness to the narrative, are similarly underdeveloped, serving merely as plot devices rather than integral parts of the story.

The writing style in this comic book fails to capture the essence of gaming culture, often relying on clichéd dialogue and superficial interactions. Conversations feel forced and lack the authenticity needed to bring the characters and their experiences to life. This deficiency detracts from the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character growth.

The artwork in this comic book does little to enhance the reading experience. While some panels capture the vibrant energy of a video game world, the overall style lacks consistency and detail. The illustrations often feel flat and uninspired, failing to convey the excitement and immersion that the premise demands.

The pacing of this comic book is another significant problem I had with this comic book. The story moves at an uneven pace, with scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression.

Despite its shortcomings the concept in this comic book of blending gaming elements with a narrative holds potential for future exploration. With a more structured storyline and deeper character development, subsequent works could better capture the thrill and complexity of gaming culture.

I Give This Book 1 / 5