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Overgeared (manhwa) #1
Overgeared, Vol. 1
Youngwoo Shin is a deadbeat in real life, working odd jobs to barely pay off his loans. Even his family has written him off as a hopeless video game addict. But when he logs in to the massively popular VR game Satisfy, Youngwoo becomes Grid the Warrior…who is also painfully mediocre. Everything changes when he stumbles across a tome containing the lost knowledge of a legendary blacksmith. The catch is, using it resets all his levels! In order to survive after being forced back to square one, Grid will need to hone his skills and gather reliable allies…or not! Who needs all that when you’re decked out in god-tier items?!
288 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2023
20 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 23, 2023
I did enjoy this one, though after reading the review of someone who had some issues with it, I did realize this wasn't perfect. The MC was kind of a Gary Stu/jerk, but it was a fun read and despite his less than stellar qualities, I am invested in wanting him to succeed and reading the next volume.
It's light, fluffy and just fun gamer-in-a gaming-world, that he isn't trapped in, but is trying to use to get himself out of self-caused debt. At least he's grown up a little?
3, I will definitely continue with this series, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Yen Press/Ize Press for an eARC of this to read and review.
It's light, fluffy and just fun gamer-in-a gaming-world, that he isn't trapped in, but is trying to use to get himself out of self-caused debt. At least he's grown up a little?
3, I will definitely continue with this series, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Yen Press/Ize Press for an eARC of this to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
This story is pretty reminiscent of all the other "guy living in a video game" comics out there. This novel moves very quickly, yet almost nothing happens at the same time. I know my complaint will come off as silly since this series is literally called "Overgeared", but the way the main character is just handed all of this powerful stuff makes him feel like a Mary Sue. It doesn't help that the main character, Youngwoo Shin, is not really that likable of a character. He's a guy who got himself into thousands of dollars (well, won) of debt because he couldn't stop playing the MMORPG "Satisfy". He's also shown to have a not great personality, when he gets defeated by a high-ranking player, he spams a forum with several threads to create a small smear campaign against her. This is played off as a one-off joke, but it left a sour taste in my mouth. The rest of the story is just him trying to figure out how to get rich quickly in the game, to pay off his debts in real life. So far, it's not really too interesting to me. He's not putting actual work into achieving anything, he's basically handed every on a golden platter with minimal effort on his part. Also, this novel ended so abruptly. I know this used to be a WebToon, so I guess they couldn't figure out a good spot to cut it. But if you never read it in the webtoon format, it's jarring.
This story is pretty reminiscent of all the other "guy living in a video game" comics out there. This novel moves very quickly, yet almost nothing happens at the same time. I know my complaint will come off as silly since this series is literally called "Overgeared", but the way the main character is just handed all of this powerful stuff makes him feel like a Mary Sue. It doesn't help that the main character, Youngwoo Shin, is not really that likable of a character. He's a guy who got himself into thousands of dollars (well, won) of debt because he couldn't stop playing the MMORPG "Satisfy". He's also shown to have a not great personality, when he gets defeated by a high-ranking player, he spams a forum with several threads to create a small smear campaign against her. This is played off as a one-off joke, but it left a sour taste in my mouth. The rest of the story is just him trying to figure out how to get rich quickly in the game, to pay off his debts in real life. So far, it's not really too interesting to me. He's not putting actual work into achieving anything, he's basically handed every on a golden platter with minimal effort on his part. Also, this novel ended so abruptly. I know this used to be a WebToon, so I guess they couldn't figure out a good spot to cut it. But if you never read it in the webtoon format, it's jarring.
December 13, 2023
This is fun! It reminds me of animes such as Sword Art Online where the game players actually have real lives outside the game. This is different because the main character is rather ‘unsuccessful’ at real life and unsuccessful at the game, but he is tenacious and persistent and suddenly he finds that he is taking chances in the game and chances at life so that he can pay off his debts and get his life in order.
The story is layered because the game company has also noticed our hero and who knows what this might mean for the future.
The artwork is nice and bright and the colouring is good. Altogether, this is an engaging read and I would very much like to read volume 2. Definitely a series to follow.
Copy provided by Yen Press via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review. This is a good one!
The story is layered because the game company has also noticed our hero and who knows what this might mean for the future.
The artwork is nice and bright and the colouring is good. Altogether, this is an engaging read and I would very much like to read volume 2. Definitely a series to follow.
Copy provided by Yen Press via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review. This is a good one!
January 22, 2024
**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**
Overgeared, Vol. 1 by Art by Team Argo, Adapted by Monohumbug (REDICE STUDIO), Story by Saenal was a cool and fast-paced manhwa about a down-on-his-luck gamer trying to make ends meet and accidently acquires some strong skills. This is a volume that reads a lot like the other gamer leveling-style book and anime media of its kind, but the different spins on the worlds, characters, and skills keep it interesting for me. Also manhwa, unlike most of its manga counterpart, are in full color which is very satisfying. There's not a lot else to say here, but if you enjoy Solo Leveling, you might like this too. Would recommend.
Overgeared, Vol. 1 by Art by Team Argo, Adapted by Monohumbug (REDICE STUDIO), Story by Saenal was a cool and fast-paced manhwa about a down-on-his-luck gamer trying to make ends meet and accidently acquires some strong skills. This is a volume that reads a lot like the other gamer leveling-style book and anime media of its kind, but the different spins on the worlds, characters, and skills keep it interesting for me. Also manhwa, unlike most of its manga counterpart, are in full color which is very satisfying. There's not a lot else to say here, but if you enjoy Solo Leveling, you might like this too. Would recommend.
September 30, 2023
Do you like SAO when they're not actually trapped there? Or the SAO abridged? Cause this is basically that minus Kirito lol.
As an MMORPG player who would 100% play an MMO in VR, this manga was cool and I wanna be in it. The world is like if Final Fantasy XIV and Balders Gate 3 had a baby, it's massive and beautiful and unexplored and very cool. The way the game works too is also super cool.
The story itself is very funny. Lots of weird twists and turns and funny encounters. It definitely doesn't take itself too seriously, which is very refreshing in this genre.
Even the characters are cool. Granted, I kind of wish the NCPs had more NPC ish lines and reactions, cause they all seemed a little too real, but it's VR, who knows, maybes that's how NPCs will be by that point. That did however gave me more of an isekai feeling than a VR game feeling. Regardless, still good, the NPCs were memorable, the play characters even more so.
If you are looking for a solid ending? This isn't it. It ends like an anime episode that you gotta wait until the next one and by the time it gets there you gotta go back cause you kind of forget why it's in the middle of a thing. Not my favourite for manga, I much rather when they stop at the end of a small plot point but elude to the larger plot point, but ce la vie. It's pretty well my only real complaint.
If you're a gamer, give it a go. You'll probably enjoy it. I am definitely looking forward to future volumes and this would be one I would like to add to my physical collection.
As an MMORPG player who would 100% play an MMO in VR, this manga was cool and I wanna be in it. The world is like if Final Fantasy XIV and Balders Gate 3 had a baby, it's massive and beautiful and unexplored and very cool. The way the game works too is also super cool.
The story itself is very funny. Lots of weird twists and turns and funny encounters. It definitely doesn't take itself too seriously, which is very refreshing in this genre.
Even the characters are cool. Granted, I kind of wish the NCPs had more NPC ish lines and reactions, cause they all seemed a little too real, but it's VR, who knows, maybes that's how NPCs will be by that point. That did however gave me more of an isekai feeling than a VR game feeling. Regardless, still good, the NPCs were memorable, the play characters even more so.
If you are looking for a solid ending? This isn't it. It ends like an anime episode that you gotta wait until the next one and by the time it gets there you gotta go back cause you kind of forget why it's in the middle of a thing. Not my favourite for manga, I much rather when they stop at the end of a small plot point but elude to the larger plot point, but ce la vie. It's pretty well my only real complaint.
If you're a gamer, give it a go. You'll probably enjoy it. I am definitely looking forward to future volumes and this would be one I would like to add to my physical collection.
December 22, 2023
Overgeared, Vol. 1 Art by Team Argo, adapted by Monohumbug with story by Saenal is a manga style graphic novel. Youngwoo Shin is a deadbeat in real life, working odd jobs to fuel his video game addiction. But inside the VR game Satisfy, he becomes Grid the Warrior, who is also painfully ordinary. Everything changes when he discovers the tome of a legendary blacksmith. Who needs skills when you have god-tier items, right?
Overgeared is a fun read for gamers. I liked the set up and the story and could understand Shin's frustration and struggles as he tries to level up his player in the game, and make enough money through the game not to have to do manual labor to pay the bills. I think I would have liked a bit more back story for Shin, not just that it took him years to get to the point readers meet him in the beginning of the story. I also felt a bit like things were just getting past the set up and into the story when the volume ended. The story pretty much ended mid-fight. I get wanting to hook readers so they want the next volume, but at least get us to a reasonable stopping point rather than a complete cliff hanger. That always drives me crazy. I did like the story, and would love to see how Shin gets to the point we see him in the opening teaser. I think I will keep reading this if I find the next volume, but I will not be hunting it down.
Overgeared is a fun read for gamers. I liked the set up and the story and could understand Shin's frustration and struggles as he tries to level up his player in the game, and make enough money through the game not to have to do manual labor to pay the bills. I think I would have liked a bit more back story for Shin, not just that it took him years to get to the point readers meet him in the beginning of the story. I also felt a bit like things were just getting past the set up and into the story when the volume ended. The story pretty much ended mid-fight. I get wanting to hook readers so they want the next volume, but at least get us to a reasonable stopping point rather than a complete cliff hanger. That always drives me crazy. I did like the story, and would love to see how Shin gets to the point we see him in the opening teaser. I think I will keep reading this if I find the next volume, but I will not be hunting it down.
September 30, 2023
Graphic novels that involve living in a video game reality are popular right now. Overgeared is a manhwa (Korean graphic novel) featuring Shin. Shin is depressed. His friends have ditched him because he is addicted to a video game, his family is disappointed and he can’t seem to shake his addiction. He is pouring all the money and time he has into the VR game Satisfy. The only way he sees forward is to follow through on the path he is on. Double down on the game.
When he receives a quest to find a special book, He spends a month and all his money to complete the quest. The books changes to a hidden special tome and Shin has thoughts of selling it for lots of cash on the internet instead of completing the quest. The game interprets his thoughts as failure to complete the cast and the group who gave him the quest come after Shin. He decides to use the tome to accept a Legendary class upgrade but he dies in the game before he can figure out what that means.
Becoming a legendary blacksmith apprentice is a unique class to Satisfy. Has Shin figured out a way to make something of himself and level up in the real world too?
A refreshing new look at the video game genre of graphic novels. Can’t wait to read volume 2. .
When he receives a quest to find a special book, He spends a month and all his money to complete the quest. The books changes to a hidden special tome and Shin has thoughts of selling it for lots of cash on the internet instead of completing the quest. The game interprets his thoughts as failure to complete the cast and the group who gave him the quest come after Shin. He decides to use the tome to accept a Legendary class upgrade but he dies in the game before he can figure out what that means.
Becoming a legendary blacksmith apprentice is a unique class to Satisfy. Has Shin figured out a way to make something of himself and level up in the real world too?
A refreshing new look at the video game genre of graphic novels. Can’t wait to read volume 2. .
November 30, 2023
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review, thank you Yen Press and Ize Press for this opportunity.
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I was very excited to get this ARC. The story sounded very interesting.
A very popular MMORPG "Satisfy" has millions of player worldwide and it's a true sensation, you can actually struck rich playing it, you just have to have dedication and luck. Youngwoo Shin has tons of dedication, having sunk thousands into the game in the hopes of getting rich and finally having an easy life, unfortunately he has no luck and that is exactly how we readers meet him, right in the middle of failing a long quest in which he invested too much and now has nothing to show for it.
Youngwoo Shin is basically a loser, he lives for this game, works enough to sink more money into it, has a terrible relationship with his family and even his friends have given up on him. But now he has a chance to maybe turn it around since he has gained a new legendary class, and maybe this is his ticket to success.
I have to say I'm not that hooked, I know that having an unlikable MC is an interesting choice but I don't feel much empathy for Youngwoo Shin and consequently I'm not that invested in his journey.
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I was very excited to get this ARC. The story sounded very interesting.
A very popular MMORPG "Satisfy" has millions of player worldwide and it's a true sensation, you can actually struck rich playing it, you just have to have dedication and luck. Youngwoo Shin has tons of dedication, having sunk thousands into the game in the hopes of getting rich and finally having an easy life, unfortunately he has no luck and that is exactly how we readers meet him, right in the middle of failing a long quest in which he invested too much and now has nothing to show for it.
Youngwoo Shin is basically a loser, he lives for this game, works enough to sink more money into it, has a terrible relationship with his family and even his friends have given up on him. But now he has a chance to maybe turn it around since he has gained a new legendary class, and maybe this is his ticket to success.
I have to say I'm not that hooked, I know that having an unlikable MC is an interesting choice but I don't feel much empathy for Youngwoo Shin and consequently I'm not that invested in his journey.
October 2, 2023
*Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchanged for an honest review*
There's a ton of video game based series out there right now, it's a popular genre particularly in manhwa. What sets this one apart, at least for me, is that it's not an isekai, the mc isn't physically transported to a new world and there aren't dungeons or anything opening up on Earth. Everything fantasy takes place in the VR game Satisfy, which is a global phenomenon and intensely popular. There's even news casts about events happening in the game, which was fun. The mc is a VR addict who spent years chasing a quest, only to flub it at the last second and changes his class. He takes on a legendary class, but ends up getting reset to level one, and then into the negatives due to a penalty. The story is about how he learns to use his new class attributes and begins making a name for himself in game. I liked the art, and while the story is pretty standard for this genre, I liked the main character enough to want to read more.
There's a ton of video game based series out there right now, it's a popular genre particularly in manhwa. What sets this one apart, at least for me, is that it's not an isekai, the mc isn't physically transported to a new world and there aren't dungeons or anything opening up on Earth. Everything fantasy takes place in the VR game Satisfy, which is a global phenomenon and intensely popular. There's even news casts about events happening in the game, which was fun. The mc is a VR addict who spent years chasing a quest, only to flub it at the last second and changes his class. He takes on a legendary class, but ends up getting reset to level one, and then into the negatives due to a penalty. The story is about how he learns to use his new class attributes and begins making a name for himself in game. I liked the art, and while the story is pretty standard for this genre, I liked the main character enough to want to read more.
January 10, 2026
A slightly different take on the OP main character trope, set within a detailed and interesting world. There's a nice blending of real world politics from gamers and the game-makers, as well as the in-game politics of rankers and gaming skill. It's a nice twist that the MC is actually a horrendous gamer; anyone with even a touch more skill could have broken the game if given the same set of skills and buffs.
The MC's characterisation is good; he's a gaming addict and a bit of a bum, burdened by debt, with an inferiority complex. But despite that, he's surprisingly sympathetic and a bit of a doofus, so you can forgive him for flexing when he "makes it" and suddenly has the money to buy a nice car. Ultimately, he's a believable character who is a little bit cringey, but mostly likeable.
Overall, a fun OP underdog vs dungeon style of story, but I stopped reading when I got to the end of the printed volumes because I didn't care enough to scroll through 300+ webtoon chapters and give myself an RSI.
The MC's characterisation is good; he's a gaming addict and a bit of a bum, burdened by debt, with an inferiority complex. But despite that, he's surprisingly sympathetic and a bit of a doofus, so you can forgive him for flexing when he "makes it" and suddenly has the money to buy a nice car. Ultimately, he's a believable character who is a little bit cringey, but mostly likeable.
Overall, a fun OP underdog vs dungeon style of story, but I stopped reading when I got to the end of the printed volumes because I didn't care enough to scroll through 300+ webtoon chapters and give myself an RSI.
September 29, 2023
Overgeared Vol 1 was so much fun! It is a classic leveling up manga/graphic novel. The main character accidentally ends up at level negative 3 when he suddenly dies on a quest...but only after acquiring some seriously amazing items that help him to level up in the future. We follow this character on his journey to go from level -3 to try an win back his previous stats and maybe even go beyond!
This graphic novel was really enjoyable! It was humerous and really fast paced. I thought the illustrations were really well done, beautifully colored, and easy to determine what was going on in the plot.
I think you will really like this if you are into Sword Art Online, and also if you are into books/games where you need to constantly level up. A great age range would be teens and adults.
5/5, highly recommend.
Thank yo netgalley for providing a free copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
This graphic novel was really enjoyable! It was humerous and really fast paced. I thought the illustrations were really well done, beautifully colored, and easy to determine what was going on in the plot.
I think you will really like this if you are into Sword Art Online, and also if you are into books/games where you need to constantly level up. A great age range would be teens and adults.
5/5, highly recommend.
Thank yo netgalley for providing a free copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2023
The story reminded me of another manhwa I have read called "Legendary Moonlight Sculptor," in which the main character is also playing a VR game to make money, and thanks to his perseverance, he gets a legendary crafting class that allows him to become stronger in a non-standard way.
In comparison to "LMS," while I enjoyed myself with this story, I also felt it was a bit lacking in some areas. Right at the beginning, I got very confused because we get three different intros for the character: two in the future and one in the present. I don't have a problem with an intro that shows where the main character will be in the future, but why two in a row?
Another thing was that I didn't really see him working that hard for the unique class, even though in the background, we are told he has. A lot of that happened before we met him, so it fell a bit flat.
I did enjoy the art and the game design. While I am a bit worried that we can get a bit too OP character eventually, for now, the fights were fun and engaging.
Despite having some issues, I did like the story, and I would be interested in reading more. Although I might actually try the original novel version to see which is better.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In comparison to "LMS," while I enjoyed myself with this story, I also felt it was a bit lacking in some areas. Right at the beginning, I got very confused because we get three different intros for the character: two in the future and one in the present. I don't have a problem with an intro that shows where the main character will be in the future, but why two in a row?
Another thing was that I didn't really see him working that hard for the unique class, even though in the background, we are told he has. A lot of that happened before we met him, so it fell a bit flat.
I did enjoy the art and the game design. While I am a bit worried that we can get a bit too OP character eventually, for now, the fights were fun and engaging.
Despite having some issues, I did like the story, and I would be interested in reading more. Although I might actually try the original novel version to see which is better.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2023
Overgeared revolves around a VR game called "Satisfy". Youngwoo Shin is a hopeless gamer who is trying to make ends meet. So far Youngwoo hasn't amounted to anything. He's even ordinary in game. That is, until he unlocks a legendary class, blacksmith.
Personally, this was a fun read for me but I am not too invested in Youngwoo's story. I'm hoping that his future character development will capture more of my interest. I'll definitely come back to read it again when there are more volumes out.
I would recommend this for fans of:
The Newbie is Too Strong
Solo Max-Level Newbie
Sword Art Online
Thank you NetGalley and Yen Press, Ize Press for the opportunity to read this ARC !
Personally, this was a fun read for me but I am not too invested in Youngwoo's story. I'm hoping that his future character development will capture more of my interest. I'll definitely come back to read it again when there are more volumes out.
I would recommend this for fans of:
The Newbie is Too Strong
Solo Max-Level Newbie
Sword Art Online
Thank you NetGalley and Yen Press, Ize Press for the opportunity to read this ARC !
October 9, 2023
I loved reading this book.
I opened it and read, and sadly reached the end. I need the second volume.
I loved the direction of the story, and I was really amazed.
I loved the main character, I thought he was fantastic.
He was determined and preserves even when he is against the wall.
The illustrations and colors that accompany the entire story shape it and bringing it to life.
Super curious to read the next volumes of the stories.
A huge thanks to
the author Saenal
the illustrators Team Argo
Monohumbug(REDICE STUDIO)
the publisher Yen Press and Ize Press
and to Netgalley
I opened it and read, and sadly reached the end. I need the second volume.
I loved the direction of the story, and I was really amazed.
I loved the main character, I thought he was fantastic.
He was determined and preserves even when he is against the wall.
The illustrations and colors that accompany the entire story shape it and bringing it to life.
Super curious to read the next volumes of the stories.
A huge thanks to
the author Saenal
the illustrators Team Argo
Monohumbug(REDICE STUDIO)
the publisher Yen Press and Ize Press
and to Netgalley
December 21, 2023
When I started this I wasn't sure that it was something I was going to like.
But then suddenly.... I finished it.
It's a mix between the "real" world and an online universe.
Our main character isn't a lucky one. In neither of those worlds. But after a streak of really really bad luck it finally looks like his luck might be turning but only by his hard work and persistence.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and I just couldn't believe that that was it...
So now I'm patiently waiting for the next volume.
But then suddenly.... I finished it.
It's a mix between the "real" world and an online universe.
Our main character isn't a lucky one. In neither of those worlds. But after a streak of really really bad luck it finally looks like his luck might be turning but only by his hard work and persistence.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and I just couldn't believe that that was it...
So now I'm patiently waiting for the next volume.
March 9, 2024
For a male led book with a pleothora of game jargon, I actually liked this one. It would benefit from a touch more plot and a touch less stat spewing. The MC is a "real life" bungler and not much better in game, but even in the first volume, you see real character growth (as well as leveling up). I hope to see a few more side characters developed as well.
Will definitely continue reading.
Will definitely continue reading.
Read
June 3, 2025When an unremarkable player in an expansive virtual fantasy world discovers legendary blacksmithing abilities, it’s not exactly the answer to all his problems—but the ability to craft godlike equipment certainly goes a long way toward changing his circumstances.
Full review at: http://goodreads.com/review/edit/1503...
Full review at: http://goodreads.com/review/edit/1503...
January 19, 2026
48%
Started off a bit boring to be honest, and I wasn’t getting into it for a bit. But it picked up towards the end, mainly when the MC started actually doing blacksmithing stuff.
The MC’s also kind of an asshole, which sometimes comes off as annoying, but it can sometimes be effectively funny. Depends on the situation, though.
Might continue this one at some point.
Started off a bit boring to be honest, and I wasn’t getting into it for a bit. But it picked up towards the end, mainly when the MC started actually doing blacksmithing stuff.
The MC’s also kind of an asshole, which sometimes comes off as annoying, but it can sometimes be effectively funny. Depends on the situation, though.
Might continue this one at some point.
July 11, 2024
Keine Kapitel und Seiten Nummerierung ,dadurch nur 3 Sterne von 5 Sterne .
October 13, 2024
I think this is a super funny story. It does remind me of SOA but definitely different storyline. I love the blacksmith, his blushing and major crushing on the main character is hilarious.
January 17, 2025
A very good start for the series.
February 7, 2026
it's very cookie cutter tbh but im bored and it has lots of pretty art
November 29, 2023
Special thanks to the author(s), publisher, Goodreads and/or NetGalley for the review copy. All views and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Set in the virtual reality game Satisfy, Youngwoo Shin embarks on an adventure as Grid the Warrior, a Legendary class blacksmith.
Given the title of this manhwa it’s no surprise that our main character is headed to be overpowered. Although his past and real life depicts him as hard working, Youngwoo seems to have it easy going in his new legendary class. However Youngwoo doesn’t see it like that just yet and can be seen expressing it as ‘bad’ luck. Youngwoo is a likable character given his personality so far. He’s adaptable, funny and practical to the point where he avoids conflicts that he knows he won’t win. He’s someone you can relate to quite a bit and enjoy reading about.
The plot isn’t very unique except possibly him being a blacksmith. There are many stories in the market following similar storylines to this series, where characters enter a gaming environment and gradually become overpowered whist minding their own business. I think what makes this particular series stand out is that the main character is trying to survive by being a blacksmith. He’s not looking to fight; he’s just looking to gather materials to create items, survive and get rich. It’ll be interesting to see what items he creates and how strong or useful they’ll be in the future.
There is a lot that happens in volume one while at the same time being ambiguous enough to not really feel like anything. The introduction is quite confusing although it gives a glimpse into the future. However the story does a good job in mixing old and new concepts of gaming without sounding too confusing. I enjoyed the small notes defining gaming terms.
The artwork in this manhwa is very clean. Utilizing solid colors and thick strokes it defines the intensity of the action theme. I think the series does a good job in utilizing a wide variety of colors that balance each other to bring out the scenes. The panels are large and descriptive, having enough background and detail to provide an understanding of the location and story while not being too overwhelming.
Overall, this was a fun read but I think it needed to set the story up a bit more. There are a lot of moving parts in this first volume which makes it slightly confusing. I liked the clean artwork, direct dialogues and layout which made it easy to read and follow. I would definitely recommend giving it a chance if you enjoy reading gaming based stories, with an overpowered main character.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
Set in the virtual reality game Satisfy, Youngwoo Shin embarks on an adventure as Grid the Warrior, a Legendary class blacksmith.
Given the title of this manhwa it’s no surprise that our main character is headed to be overpowered. Although his past and real life depicts him as hard working, Youngwoo seems to have it easy going in his new legendary class. However Youngwoo doesn’t see it like that just yet and can be seen expressing it as ‘bad’ luck. Youngwoo is a likable character given his personality so far. He’s adaptable, funny and practical to the point where he avoids conflicts that he knows he won’t win. He’s someone you can relate to quite a bit and enjoy reading about.
The plot isn’t very unique except possibly him being a blacksmith. There are many stories in the market following similar storylines to this series, where characters enter a gaming environment and gradually become overpowered whist minding their own business. I think what makes this particular series stand out is that the main character is trying to survive by being a blacksmith. He’s not looking to fight; he’s just looking to gather materials to create items, survive and get rich. It’ll be interesting to see what items he creates and how strong or useful they’ll be in the future.
There is a lot that happens in volume one while at the same time being ambiguous enough to not really feel like anything. The introduction is quite confusing although it gives a glimpse into the future. However the story does a good job in mixing old and new concepts of gaming without sounding too confusing. I enjoyed the small notes defining gaming terms.
The artwork in this manhwa is very clean. Utilizing solid colors and thick strokes it defines the intensity of the action theme. I think the series does a good job in utilizing a wide variety of colors that balance each other to bring out the scenes. The panels are large and descriptive, having enough background and detail to provide an understanding of the location and story while not being too overwhelming.
Overall, this was a fun read but I think it needed to set the story up a bit more. There are a lot of moving parts in this first volume which makes it slightly confusing. I liked the clean artwork, direct dialogues and layout which made it easy to read and follow. I would definitely recommend giving it a chance if you enjoy reading gaming based stories, with an overpowered main character.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
January 20, 2024
Reviewed for Booklist Magazine; This is like Solo Leveling and Sword Art Online, although I think Solo Leveling does a better job of it. I liked this because it focuses on the weapon maker becoming powerful rather than the straight-up warrior type, but Grid eventually becomes the warrior with all of the weapons he makes through his smithing. It's a decently made story and I hope it goes into the battle with video game addiction more as that will make it stand out from the other titles where the main character loses themselves inside a video game and sees no repercussions from it.
June 9, 2024
Check out my full review here: https://animeuknews.net/2024/04/overg...
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