Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Mary Sue Does Not Stick to the Plot
First Impressions
"Mary Sue Does Not Stick to the Plot" immediately grabbed my attention with its quirky premise. The idea of someone being recruited to weaken a Mary Sue's overpowered abilities? Brilliant! I dove in expecting a lighthearted, comedic romp, and that's largely what I got. The short story format was evident from the start, and I was curious to see if the author could deliver a satisfying experience in a limited space.
What Works Well
The humor is definitely a strong point. The MC's disdain for Mary Sue tropes is hilarious, and the dynamic between her and the target Mary Sue/boss is quite entertaining. I especially enjoyed the unique twist of making the MC's mission about subtly nerfing the Mary Sue, rather than outright destroying her. It allows for creative problem-solving and some genuinely funny situations. The yuri undertones also added a layer of sweetness to the story. The concept of an organization dedicated to combating Mary Sues is also interesting and has a lot of potential.
Areas of Concern
The biggest drawback for me was the brevity of the story. While I appreciated the fast-paced plot, I felt it could have benefited from more world-building and character development. The ending, while not explicitly a cliffhanger, felt somewhat open-ended. I would have loved to see the author explore more of the 'anti-Mary Sue organization' and delve deeper into the mechanics of weakening a Mary Sue's halo across different worlds. It also felt like the story could have benefited from a more defined story arc system, allowing for more structured progression.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Mary Sue Does Not Stick to the Plot" is an enjoyable and humorous read. It's perfect if you're looking for a quick and lighthearted story with a unique premise. While I wished it were longer and more fleshed out, the author successfully delivers a fun and engaging experience within the short story format. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys comedy, romance, and a good dose of Mary Sue subversion. I'd certainly be interested in seeing more stories set in this universe!