Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Overlord (WN)
Okay, so I dove into the Overlord web novel (WN) after being a fan of the light novel (LN) for a while, and it's definitely a different beast. It's like seeing the rough draft of a story you already know and love, complete with its own unique quirks and deviations.
First Impressions
Initially, the rawness of the WN was jarring. It felt hurried in the beginning, almost like the author was rushing to get the story out. However, I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did. It definitely gets better after the first 20 chapters or so. The plot begins to diverge significantly from the LN, offering some interesting "what if" scenarios.
What Works Well
One thing I really appreciated was how the WN gives Ainz a more active role. In the LN, he sometimes feels sidelined, but here, he's more directly involved in the action and decision-making. I also liked that some of the more divisive characters, like Albedo and Mare, are absent. This allows for a different dynamic among the Nazarick denizens and shifts the focus to other characters, like Naberal, who gets more time to shine. Some of the plot changes, such as Brain being turned into a vampire, are interesting twists that kept me engaged, even though I knew the broad strokes of the story from the LN. Many readers praised the improved character development and faster pacing of the WN.
Areas of Concern
The WN's unpolished nature is a double-edged sword. While it allows for a faster-paced story, it also leads to some inconsistencies and plot holes. Some of Ainz's decisions seem questionable, and his personality can feel unstable at times. Also, the quality of the translation is a consistent issue that many readers have pointed out.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some people may be upset by the fact that Ainz kneels before the Empire and becomes a subordinate. This is a major deviation from the LN and might be a dealbreaker for some.
Final Verdict
Overall, I'd say the Overlord WN is a worthwhile read for dedicated fans of the series who are curious about the original story. It's not as polished or consistent as the LN, but it offers a different perspective on the characters and plot. If you can get past the rough edges and translation issues, you might find yourself enjoying this alternate take on the Overlord universe. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's not a masterpiece, but it's a fascinating look at what could have been.
