Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Black Summoner
"Black Summoner" had a lot of potential, and while it wasn't a complete disaster, it definitely didn't live up to my initial expectations. I went in hoping for a unique take on the isekai genre with a battle-hungry protagonist, but what I found was a fairly generic story with some serious execution issues.
First Impressions
The premise itself is interesting: a protagonist with amnesia who gains summoning abilities. However, the execution felt rushed. I noticed that the leveling process was glossed over, with the MC jumping from level to level without much explanation. This made it difficult to connect with his journey or feel any sense of progression. Several readers also commented on this jarring pacing, and I agree that it detracted from the overall experience.
What Works Well
Despite its flaws, "Black Summoner" isn't entirely without merit. The side characters, for example, were a highlight. I found their stories more compelling than the main plot, and I appreciated that they weren't simply forgotten after their introductions. There's a certain charm to the overall story that kept me somewhat engaged, even when the plot became increasingly ridiculous. Some readers have said the story is fun, and I can see where they're coming from, especially if you're in the mood for something lighthearted and don't mind a healthy dose of absurdity.
Areas of Concern
My biggest issue with "Black Summoner" is its generic nature. It falls into many of the common isekai tropes, and the summoning aspect feels largely irrelevant. The MC relies more on his cheat-like abilities and melee combat than actually summoning anything, which makes the title misleading. I also found the harem aspect to be poorly executed, with relationships feeling rushed and underdeveloped. The characters often lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their motivations or struggles.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Black Summoner" is a subpar series that I can only recommend if you're extremely bored and have a high tolerance for generic isekai tropes. While it has some redeeming qualities, such as its engaging side characters, the rushed pacing, shallow characters, and irrelevant summoning aspect ultimately hold it back. It's a forgettable read that doesn't offer anything particularly new or exciting to the genre.
