Review: #847
Title: Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World Vol. 1
Series: Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World - 1st volume
Author: Tappei Nagatsuki
Comments: Re:Zero follows Subaru who was mysteriously transported to a fantasy world. He is as confused as we are and no effort was made on the reason why or how. Instead, it focuses on his initial exploits in this new world. With a twist in the genre, Subaru has no special abilities and he is as useless as he was in the real world. He was lazy and is a coward; he was sheltered for his whole life and has never done a day’s work, this does not bode well when he has to fend for himself in this harsh new world. He meets the beautiful heroine of the story and pretty much undying swears his loyalty to her, promising to help her. The sole ability that Subaru has in this world is the fact that once he dies, he goes back in time and can redo the day but now armed with the knowledge of before. That isn’t as good as it sounds because the novel shows how dark this can get. Subaru remembers the pain and despair of his deaths and you can feel how it can put you off. As a result, and also due to him not knowing what triggers this “Return by Death” mechanic, he tries his best to not die. It is an interesting tale where each run he will advance a bit more. There are some really neat characters introduced, but the ending felt a bit weak since it wasn’t Subaru who saves the day.
Rating: 6.5/10