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Sword Art Online: Fairy Dance Manga #1
ソードアート・オンライン フェアリィ・ダンス 1 [Sōdo Āto Onrain Fearii Dansu 1]
『ソードアート・オンライン』 ALO編のコミカライズ！
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2012
45 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 26, 2017
A good story with great artwork! (Could have done without the shower scene, though...)
September 16, 2020
Me ha gustado mucho la historia,podemos conocer mejor a Kirito y su vida en el mundo real.
Asi como se explica mucho mejor el contexto de lo que es SAO, esta ocasion en un nuevo juego, donde tratara de rescatar a Asuna,creo que mi unico problema con este volumen, es esa relacion entre ''hermanos''.
Ni siquiera viendo el anime me intereso eso,Aunque lo que si me gusto fue el ver al villano mas presente en la historia pues se sentia mas real,al igual que las escenas en las que se le mostraba al protagonista como realizar los movimientos y conocer mas de este mundo nuevo.
Asi como se explica mucho mejor el contexto de lo que es SAO, esta ocasion en un nuevo juego, donde tratara de rescatar a Asuna,creo que mi unico problema con este volumen, es esa relacion entre ''hermanos''.
Ni siquiera viendo el anime me intereso eso,Aunque lo que si me gusto fue el ver al villano mas presente en la historia pues se sentia mas real,al igual que las escenas en las que se le mostraba al protagonista como realizar los movimientos y conocer mas de este mundo nuevo.
June 18, 2024
Like Sword Art Online Aincrad, the premise is great, but the execution is a little iffy. Not a fan of the cousin thing, the damsel in distress plot (tiresome), or the wildly unnecessary nude scenes and focus on boobs (ugh). Hopefully at least the damsel in distress plot becomes less of a thing as the series progresses.
February 24, 2020
This book is a continuation of the first book, (Sword Art Online: Aincrad). This book takes place in a new world, Alfhem Online were most of the abilities you can have are similar to the world of Sword Art Online, but there is magic and you can fly. Kirito dives into the game now knowing that his loved one (Asuna) is trapped within Alfhem Online. With the help of Leafa, Kirito makes his way to the world tree and rescue Asuna.
May 31, 2023
Held rettet "Maid in Nöten", alle Frauen laufen ihm nach, viel Haut/Oberweite/Po.
Einzig die Erklärungen zum Hintergrund zu Beginn eines jeden Kapitels mag ich.
Einzig die Erklärungen zum Hintergrund zu Beginn eines jeden Kapitels mag ich.
February 5, 2016
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
Goodreads’ Blurb
Kazuto Kirigaya (aka Kirito) has survived the death game of Aincrad masterminded by Akihiko Kayaba, programmer of Sword Art Online, and made it back to the real world. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Asuna Yuuki (aka Asuna the Flash), the girl Kirito fell in love with in the game world and who has yet to awaken from her seemingly endless slumber. As his sister, Suguha, sadly looks on, Kazuto continues to visit Asuna in the hospital in the hope of finding answers… But one day, the answers suddenly find him in the form of a man who claims to be Asuna’s fiancé?! With him, the man brings an in-game screenshot of someone who looks a lot like Asuna being held captive! Now Kirito must dive into an all-new VRMMORPG, ALfheim Online, to bring Asuna home!
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
I felt like I was the only person in the world that didn’t know what Sword Art Online (SAO) was, as I blindly bought this volume and read to only later find out how famous this series is. And honestly? I don’t understand why. I had my fair share of manga titles in my life (just take a look at my goodreads list) and I don’t see anything new, exciting or even worth reading on this series. Don’t get me wrong, the art is pleasant and the story will keep you busy until the end of the volume, but that’s it. Nothing memorable, so much fan service (when the characters show a lot their bodies, specially the female ones, and the title is packed with clichés), and a kind of stupid plot. Sorry, but this title wasn’t for me, I’ve seen too much to be impressed. However, it did kept me interested until the end of volume one, so two stars. And I won’t be finishing this series.
I don’t believe on bad mouthing a book or manga (or anything at all) just because I don’t like it, as all of us have a distinct opinion, so I’ll keep my review short and sweet :)
The narrative pace is fast, as this series is like a season two for the original SAO series. This doesn’t impact on the reader’s understanding of happenings, which is good. This was my first attempt at reading SAO and worked outalmost just fine. We have shared points of view during the volume, shared by Kirito, Asuna and Suguha.
The plot is simple and with a mysterious air, as we don’t know exactly how Asuna’s fiancé plans on conquer the world. Just as many titles before it, SAO is a partial dystopian title, as the world that we know has reached such a level of technology that the online games immerse their players on the virtual world with the help of a helmet and their brains believe that all of they are living inside the game is real. It is nice, but not new. The majority of the series goes on the game SAO’s world (the game names the manga series) and the scenarios are cool, just like the designs of the characters.
I was bored to my bones to see that every character, without exceptions, was a typically archetype of shoujo (a.k.a. sugaed romance) mangas. There is the hero, the heroin, a girl to form the amorous triangle, the guy that always helps the hero, cheesy dialogues, and a soul deep love that no one understands why it is there. Add all that to sword fights and over power characters, plus a damsel in distress. Yeah. Nice.
As I said, the art was pleasant, but also didn’t hold my attention. One thing that did bothered me was the size of Suguha’s boobs, as she is twelve – from what I have gathered. Honestly, teen girls on this age have not those boobs. I wonder if this becomes a hentai (a.k.a. pornographic) title, as the traces are on that style. Or maybe I’m too much of a bore, haha!
Overall, if you like semi-dystopian and adventure mangas, or shoujos, I think you should give SAO a try. Maybe it is your type :D
Thank you for reading!
Goodreads’ Blurb
Kazuto Kirigaya (aka Kirito) has survived the death game of Aincrad masterminded by Akihiko Kayaba, programmer of Sword Art Online, and made it back to the real world. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Asuna Yuuki (aka Asuna the Flash), the girl Kirito fell in love with in the game world and who has yet to awaken from her seemingly endless slumber. As his sister, Suguha, sadly looks on, Kazuto continues to visit Asuna in the hospital in the hope of finding answers… But one day, the answers suddenly find him in the form of a man who claims to be Asuna’s fiancé?! With him, the man brings an in-game screenshot of someone who looks a lot like Asuna being held captive! Now Kirito must dive into an all-new VRMMORPG, ALfheim Online, to bring Asuna home!
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
I felt like I was the only person in the world that didn’t know what Sword Art Online (SAO) was, as I blindly bought this volume and read to only later find out how famous this series is. And honestly? I don’t understand why. I had my fair share of manga titles in my life (just take a look at my goodreads list) and I don’t see anything new, exciting or even worth reading on this series. Don’t get me wrong, the art is pleasant and the story will keep you busy until the end of the volume, but that’s it. Nothing memorable, so much fan service (when the characters show a lot their bodies, specially the female ones, and the title is packed with clichés), and a kind of stupid plot. Sorry, but this title wasn’t for me, I’ve seen too much to be impressed. However, it did kept me interested until the end of volume one, so two stars. And I won’t be finishing this series.
I don’t believe on bad mouthing a book or manga (or anything at all) just because I don’t like it, as all of us have a distinct opinion, so I’ll keep my review short and sweet :)
The narrative pace is fast, as this series is like a season two for the original SAO series. This doesn’t impact on the reader’s understanding of happenings, which is good. This was my first attempt at reading SAO and worked out
The plot is simple and with a mysterious air, as we don’t know exactly how Asuna’s fiancé plans on conquer the world. Just as many titles before it, SAO is a partial dystopian title, as the world that we know has reached such a level of technology that the online games immerse their players on the virtual world with the help of a helmet and their brains believe that all of they are living inside the game is real. It is nice, but not new. The majority of the series goes on the game SAO’s world (the game names the manga series) and the scenarios are cool, just like the designs of the characters.
I was bored to my bones to see that every character, without exceptions, was a typically archetype of shoujo (a.k.a. sugaed romance) mangas. There is the hero, the heroin, a girl to form the amorous triangle, the guy that always helps the hero, cheesy dialogues, and a soul deep love that no one understands why it is there. Add all that to sword fights and over power characters, plus a damsel in distress. Yeah. Nice.
As I said, the art was pleasant, but also didn’t hold my attention. One thing that did bothered me was the size of Suguha’s boobs, as she is twelve – from what I have gathered. Honestly, teen girls on this age have not those boobs. I wonder if this becomes a hentai (a.k.a. pornographic) title, as the traces are on that style. Or maybe I’m too much of a bore, haha!
Overall, if you like semi-dystopian and adventure mangas, or shoujos, I think you should give SAO a try. Maybe it is your type :D
Thank you for reading!
April 27, 2018
So, I initially checked out this book from the library thinking that it was the original novel, but when I finally cracked it open to give it a read, I was surprised to see that it was in fact the manga adaption! I was going to put it down, thinking I wasn't in the mood for a manga right now, but the beautiful and lively art style really sucked me in. Tsubasa Haduki's art is so bouncy, free, lively, light, classic with some new age as well, and emotional that draws me in immediately and it really flows so well and immerses you into the story as much as the Amusphere or NervGear.
I've watched the anime adaption of the Alfheim arc two or three times now, but never has any telling of this arc sucked me in so well. It's almost like I'm experiencing it for the first time, even though I roughly know what will happen. I'm truly experiencing this arc as it was meant to be experienced for the first time with this manga adaption. I'd also like to point out that the fact that the Fairy Dance/Alfheim arc focuses on, of course, fairies and their lore, Haduki's art style fits the mold of "fairies" and all that they are meant to encompass in this story absolutely perfectly. She's able to capture the innocence and the freedom that they embody better than I have ever seen before. So much so that I feel it too. And Leafa has never looked so beautiful before.
Her art and this story really did uplift my spirits, I felt a little more free and light hearted, even if only while taking in this story. I need more, and I've already bought the second volume, since this was the only one my library had. A manga hasn't captured me like this in a long time, and I respect this mangaka and author for that.
Oh, and before I forget, I love that once I started to feel like I should be disappointed that Asuna is becoming nothing more than a damsel in distress, a fire is lit within her once she learns her love is still alive, and she devises a way out-- to save herself while still expecting to accept the help of her beloved! This is why I love Asuna. She's beautiful and a great mix of fierce and submissive. On top of all this, I still remember so clearly the love I felt exactly as Asuna describes and portrays it. And even as Leafa describes it to Yui, which is a bit more shallow...or...simple. I still remember it, and I still feel it to a degree, as much as I am allowed. I don't want to forget it from back then. There is still some purity left within me. Thank you ALO, for reminding me that it is there.
I've watched the anime adaption of the Alfheim arc two or three times now, but never has any telling of this arc sucked me in so well. It's almost like I'm experiencing it for the first time, even though I roughly know what will happen. I'm truly experiencing this arc as it was meant to be experienced for the first time with this manga adaption. I'd also like to point out that the fact that the Fairy Dance/Alfheim arc focuses on, of course, fairies and their lore, Haduki's art style fits the mold of "fairies" and all that they are meant to encompass in this story absolutely perfectly. She's able to capture the innocence and the freedom that they embody better than I have ever seen before. So much so that I feel it too. And Leafa has never looked so beautiful before.
Her art and this story really did uplift my spirits, I felt a little more free and light hearted, even if only while taking in this story. I need more, and I've already bought the second volume, since this was the only one my library had. A manga hasn't captured me like this in a long time, and I respect this mangaka and author for that.
Oh, and before I forget, I love that once I started to feel like I should be disappointed that Asuna is becoming nothing more than a damsel in distress, a fire is lit within her once she learns her love is still alive, and she devises a way out-- to save herself while still expecting to accept the help of her beloved! This is why I love Asuna. She's beautiful and a great mix of fierce and submissive. On top of all this, I still remember so clearly the love I felt exactly as Asuna describes and portrays it. And even as Leafa describes it to Yui, which is a bit more shallow...or...simple. I still remember it, and I still feel it to a degree, as much as I am allowed. I don't want to forget it from back then. There is still some purity left within me. Thank you ALO, for reminding me that it is there.
June 11, 2020
„Sword Art Online: Fairy Dance“ ist die Fortsetzung von „Sword Art Online: Aincrad“.
Nachdem Kazuto Kirigaya, der in SAO noch unter dem Benutzernamen Kirito bekannt war, das Spiel für alle, nach zwei Jahren in der Gefangenschaft in der Spielwelt, beendet hat, wacht er nun in der realen Welt wieder auf, mit der Erwartung mit Asuna dort wiedervereint zu werden.
Doch trotzdem das Spiel beendet wurde bleibt Asuna in der Spielwelt gefangen. Ihr Charakter wurde über das Nervgear mit den Charakteren von 299 anderen Personen in die Spielwelt eines anderen MMORPGs transportiert.
Nun beginnt Kazuto die Reise in ihr neues Spiel, Alfheim Online um sie zu retten und die Möglichkeit zu erhalten wieder mit ihr vereint zu werden.
Dieser erste Band der „Fairy Dance“ Reihe aus dem Sword Art Online Universum beschreibt Kazutos Leben nach Sword Art Online und seine Reise um Asuna zu retten.
Neben den bereits bekannten Charakteren wie Kirito/Kazuto, Asuna und Agil werden auch neue Charaktere eingeführt wie zum Beispiel Kiritos jüngere Schwester/Cousine Sugu.
Ich finde diese kombination aus neuen und alten sehr Interessant, die auch in der Storyline vorkommen.
Mir gefällt die „Sword Art Online Reihe“ weiterhin sehr gut und würde jedem der sie noch nicht gelesen hat empfehlen den ersten Band mal anzufangen.
Nachdem Kazuto Kirigaya, der in SAO noch unter dem Benutzernamen Kirito bekannt war, das Spiel für alle, nach zwei Jahren in der Gefangenschaft in der Spielwelt, beendet hat, wacht er nun in der realen Welt wieder auf, mit der Erwartung mit Asuna dort wiedervereint zu werden.
Doch trotzdem das Spiel beendet wurde bleibt Asuna in der Spielwelt gefangen. Ihr Charakter wurde über das Nervgear mit den Charakteren von 299 anderen Personen in die Spielwelt eines anderen MMORPGs transportiert.
Nun beginnt Kazuto die Reise in ihr neues Spiel, Alfheim Online um sie zu retten und die Möglichkeit zu erhalten wieder mit ihr vereint zu werden.
Dieser erste Band der „Fairy Dance“ Reihe aus dem Sword Art Online Universum beschreibt Kazutos Leben nach Sword Art Online und seine Reise um Asuna zu retten.
Neben den bereits bekannten Charakteren wie Kirito/Kazuto, Asuna und Agil werden auch neue Charaktere eingeführt wie zum Beispiel Kiritos jüngere Schwester/Cousine Sugu.
Ich finde diese kombination aus neuen und alten sehr Interessant, die auch in der Storyline vorkommen.
Mir gefällt die „Sword Art Online Reihe“ weiterhin sehr gut und würde jedem der sie noch nicht gelesen hat empfehlen den ersten Band mal anzufangen.
September 14, 2017
This was admittedly interesting and enjoyable but there were also many things that were simply stupid or made no sense. First of all, just because Kazuto's sister Suguha learned that they were actually cousins she's suddenly falling in love with him. What is wrong with her?! Does this mean she only waited and hoped that they weren't actually siblings so she could date him? Now that they're cousins, which means they're still closely related, is it really that much of a difference for her? Another thing that absolutely made no sense at all is Asuna's father wanting to marry her off to one of his employees while she's in a coma. This can't even be legal! Asuna can't decide for herself and she's in a coma since she's 16 or something, which means she's probably 18 now but marrying a very young unconscious girl still sounds like he's a pedophile. He even says to Kazuto that she hated him and never would have married him if she was awake. But apparently he will be the family heir whether they are legally married or not. These are so typical things that always make me angry when I read manga. Other than that the story is so cool and I would like to see more of the game world rather than the strange things going on in the real world.
November 6, 2023
"Sword Art Online: Fairy Dance Manga," is an exciting expansion of the "Sword Art Online" series. It continues to deliver the unique adventures and challenges that fans have come to love. This manga takes readers on a journey that explores the potential of artificial reality, both its advantages and drawbacks, in a vivid and immersive way.
What makes "Fairy Dance" stand out is its commitment to character development. It not only offers thrilling virtual adventures but also delves into the complex problems the characters face in both the real and virtual worlds. This dual focus adds depth to the story and makes it relatable and engaging. The characters' emotional struggles, dilemmas, and personal growth enhance the narrative's authenticity.
With its unique adventures, exploration of artificial reality (including some of the moral dilemmas and dangers that come with it), and focus on character development, it's a fun read and a great continuation of the series.
What makes "Fairy Dance" stand out is its commitment to character development. It not only offers thrilling virtual adventures but also delves into the complex problems the characters face in both the real and virtual worlds. This dual focus adds depth to the story and makes it relatable and engaging. The characters' emotional struggles, dilemmas, and personal growth enhance the narrative's authenticity.
With its unique adventures, exploration of artificial reality (including some of the moral dilemmas and dangers that come with it), and focus on character development, it's a fun read and a great continuation of the series.
March 8, 2019
Proving to my son that all books count and that age shouldn't limit your choice. (he's 10, breathes and lives for football, certainly not for books! - I chose that one as they're currently showing the animé)
I grew up with French comics (asterix, tintin, lucky Luke to name a few) so adjusting to manga with their action packed drawings and minimalist dialogues feels a bit awkward. I do however like scifi and I'm quite taken by how this new world of research in VR could take us in and probably control us using some "innocent" vr games...
The overall story is quite entertaining and I might as well read the next volumes. Few details in the story feel useless, sexy themes yet juvenile "purish" love (incest though ?!) but then I guess it does appeal to the original readership it was intended for in Japan.
I grew up with French comics (asterix, tintin, lucky Luke to name a few) so adjusting to manga with their action packed drawings and minimalist dialogues feels a bit awkward. I do however like scifi and I'm quite taken by how this new world of research in VR could take us in and probably control us using some "innocent" vr games...
The overall story is quite entertaining and I might as well read the next volumes. Few details in the story feel useless, sexy themes yet juvenile "purish" love (incest though ?!) but then I guess it does appeal to the original readership it was intended for in Japan.
August 12, 2018
I met a guy cosplayed as Klein from SAO and I read the manga because I wanted to know what it was all about. Truth is, I really liked this first volume of the second series.
I still remember some details of the previous arc and I could easily get back into the story. I like Kazuto's sister as a character, both in . I also adored the world of ALfheim Online.
Well, the shower scene... Don't know what links it to the rest of the story. Was it really necessary? I'm not a prude but I was reading the manga in a bar and a guy next to me, sitting on those higher chairs, who looking at him funny when I was reading those pages.
I've already have the other two volumes and I'll start reading them tomorrow.
I still remember some details of the previous arc and I could easily get back into the story. I like Kazuto's sister as a character, both in . I also adored the world of ALfheim Online.
Well, the shower scene... Don't know what links it to the rest of the story. Was it really necessary? I'm not a prude but I was reading the manga in a bar and a guy next to me, sitting on those higher chairs, who looking at him funny when I was reading those pages.
I've already have the other two volumes and I'll start reading them tomorrow.
March 29, 2022
I loved the plot, very original! Asuna is super cute and I like her design. Onto the obvious flaws, jeez, people were not exaggerating on the amount of fan service and I’m reeeeaaally hoping that they address the fact “being in love with your cousin” is morally wrong. I like the game elements and the way the series is playing out other than the whole cousin romance thing. Also I think the fairy part is really cute!
September 26, 2017
Manga bien plus détaillé que le 1er ARC (Aincrad) : c'est que du bonheur ! Et les dessins sont de meilleure qualité, plus clairs et plus beaux surtout !! En tout cas, j'aime bcp ce nouvel ARC qui se passe dans un monde de fées!
August 25, 2017
Loved it
October 16, 2017
This sucked me right in just like the game did for Kazuto in the manga. Very engaging and entertaining. Looking forward to moving on to the next installment.
April 1, 2018
J adore Toujours autant Sword art Online, rien à dire 😍
April 21, 2018
Buen comienzo a la saga de Fairy Dance. Me gusto mucho el personaje de Leafa.
April 28, 2018
Not that good, it's kind of boring and a little stupid. But I love the rest of SAO ( like GGO that comes after. )
February 26, 2019
extremely sexist and an incest suggesting subplot!?
January 22, 2021
Es muy buena en serio :') aquí ya no resumen tanto, me gusta mucho cómo son las ilustraciones y estoy totalmente enamorada de está historia llamada Sword Art Online.
January 25, 2021
Just like how the new VR game is described...even though it's fairylands + fairy motifs, this arc seems to be hardcore in nature so far.
May 26, 2022
Enfin un véritable travail de graphisme qui fait plaisir à voir !
October 11, 2023
I forgot how much I missed SAO and ALO, I might have to do a rewatch soon
February 18, 2025
If you have seen the anime, this really isn't necessary. It is the anime on page.
October 7, 2016
This is very uniquely done. While it is most certain Sword Art Online, it has a dash of "Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare. It is quite a page turner with plenty of action as well as a wonderful plot. I highly recommend this.
July 8, 2014
In Summary
While some Kirito/Asuna fans may enjoy seeing Kirito diving into the virtual world of ALfheim to rescue Asuna, I’m not particularly thrilled to see “The Flash” reduced to a damsel in distress. I’m even less thrilled with Kirito’s new female companion in ALfheim and the incestuous overtones of her obsession with him. Squick factor aside, the world of ALfheim, despite its fairy wings and magic spells, is very much a fluffy shadow of Aincrad. While SAO fans will see the return of some of their favorite characters in Fairy Dance, they shouldn’t expect the same level of intensity and drama in Sword Art Online: Aincrad.
The Review
Unlike Sword Art Online: Aincrad, which was released in a single 375-page volume, Sword Art Online: Fairy Dance is being released in multiple volumes. For those familiar with the light novel or anime, the first volume of Fairy Dance covers the story up to when our heroes reach the underground lake before Lugru. As such, the 226-page Fairy Dance Volume 001 is only $13 versus Aincrad’s $20 cover price. In addition, Fairy Dance features a different mangaka for the artwork: Tsubasa Haduki. For those familiar with the TV series, Haduki-sensei’s illustrations are a close match to the anime, much closer than Nakamura-sensei’s in Aincrad.
Fairy Dance picks up where Aincrad left off. Kirito’s made it safely back to the real world, but of the surviving Aincrad players, three hundred have yet to awaken, and Asuna is one of them. Then Kirito receives a screenshot taken from within the latest VRMMORPG sensation, ALfheim Online – a screenshot of someone that looks strikingly like Asuna.
Sequels often have difficulty living up to the bar set by their predecessors, and Fairy Dance sadly falls several notches below Aincrad. Because Aincrad ended with Kirito beating Kayaba and his game, the continuation requires a new game and a new challenge. However, ALfheim Online, although it does have nefarious underpinnings, isn’t nearly as gripping as the you-die-in-the-game-you-die-for-real Aincrad world. As for the stakes, they’re much more personal for Kirito, but they render Asuna helpless. With Asuna literally immobile, Kawahara-sensei introduces Kirito’s cousin Suguha to be the new active female lead.
Suguha has a pleasant enough personality, but she’s difficult to relate to, mainly because of the massive squick factor. She’s got a huge crush on Kirito despite the fact that they’ve been raised as siblings, and up until the SAO incident, she believed Kirito was actually her brother. While I can see how a new romantic element would spice up the story, Kawahara-sensei could have done without the incest element. In addition, Haduki-sensei lays on the fanservice rather thick, and Suguha is the primary subject. Perhaps this is to appeal to a more shonen audience, but it’s ridiculous how her super-ample breasts look ready to pop out of her clothes in almost every scene.
Kawahara-sensei’s new villain Sugou is also lacking. In Aincrad, Kayaba was larger-than-life, an opponent as epic as the virtual world he created, and the Heathcliff/Kayaba connection was a wonderful twist. Sugou, on the other hand, is more of a garden-variety mad scientist bad guy. He is thoroughly disgusting and conniving but very much a stereotype. Despite his lack of character depth, Sugou does serve to act as Kirito’s adversary with the advantage in both the real and virtual worlds.
Extras include the title page printed in color, story summary, background guide blurbs, and closing remarks from the creators.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
While some Kirito/Asuna fans may enjoy seeing Kirito diving into the virtual world of ALfheim to rescue Asuna, I’m not particularly thrilled to see “The Flash” reduced to a damsel in distress. I’m even less thrilled with Kirito’s new female companion in ALfheim and the incestuous overtones of her obsession with him. Squick factor aside, the world of ALfheim, despite its fairy wings and magic spells, is very much a fluffy shadow of Aincrad. While SAO fans will see the return of some of their favorite characters in Fairy Dance, they shouldn’t expect the same level of intensity and drama in Sword Art Online: Aincrad.
The Review
Unlike Sword Art Online: Aincrad, which was released in a single 375-page volume, Sword Art Online: Fairy Dance is being released in multiple volumes. For those familiar with the light novel or anime, the first volume of Fairy Dance covers the story up to when our heroes reach the underground lake before Lugru. As such, the 226-page Fairy Dance Volume 001 is only $13 versus Aincrad’s $20 cover price. In addition, Fairy Dance features a different mangaka for the artwork: Tsubasa Haduki. For those familiar with the TV series, Haduki-sensei’s illustrations are a close match to the anime, much closer than Nakamura-sensei’s in Aincrad.
Fairy Dance picks up where Aincrad left off. Kirito’s made it safely back to the real world, but of the surviving Aincrad players, three hundred have yet to awaken, and Asuna is one of them. Then Kirito receives a screenshot taken from within the latest VRMMORPG sensation, ALfheim Online – a screenshot of someone that looks strikingly like Asuna.
Sequels often have difficulty living up to the bar set by their predecessors, and Fairy Dance sadly falls several notches below Aincrad. Because Aincrad ended with Kirito beating Kayaba and his game, the continuation requires a new game and a new challenge. However, ALfheim Online, although it does have nefarious underpinnings, isn’t nearly as gripping as the you-die-in-the-game-you-die-for-real Aincrad world. As for the stakes, they’re much more personal for Kirito, but they render Asuna helpless. With Asuna literally immobile, Kawahara-sensei introduces Kirito’s cousin Suguha to be the new active female lead.
Suguha has a pleasant enough personality, but she’s difficult to relate to, mainly because of the massive squick factor. She’s got a huge crush on Kirito despite the fact that they’ve been raised as siblings, and up until the SAO incident, she believed Kirito was actually her brother. While I can see how a new romantic element would spice up the story, Kawahara-sensei could have done without the incest element. In addition, Haduki-sensei lays on the fanservice rather thick, and Suguha is the primary subject. Perhaps this is to appeal to a more shonen audience, but it’s ridiculous how her super-ample breasts look ready to pop out of her clothes in almost every scene.
Kawahara-sensei’s new villain Sugou is also lacking. In Aincrad, Kayaba was larger-than-life, an opponent as epic as the virtual world he created, and the Heathcliff/Kayaba connection was a wonderful twist. Sugou, on the other hand, is more of a garden-variety mad scientist bad guy. He is thoroughly disgusting and conniving but very much a stereotype. Despite his lack of character depth, Sugou does serve to act as Kirito’s adversary with the advantage in both the real and virtual worlds.
Extras include the title page printed in color, story summary, background guide blurbs, and closing remarks from the creators.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2017
Beat for beat the second half of the anime. Well done, but just finished the show a day ago. Didn't add anything new to the story.
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