Failure Frame: I Became the Strongest and Annihilated Everything With Low-Level Spells (Manga) Vol. 1

Interesting take on the genre

The psychological aspect of this stories protagonist is pretty interesting, and I’m curious to see where the author will take his character arc. There’s quite a bit of Arifureta here, but the main character isn’t able to shake off his past so easily or find kindered spirits (sorry, S**me doesn’t count!), so I feel like the dramatic tension and internal conflict develops more naturally.

I felt like the origin of his dual nature could use more development. My own oldest kids got dragged around America after their mother became a drug addict, and were tweens before I managed to get custody. So, it’s not just anger and resentment abused kids feel towards a maternal figure that screws them up, they didn’t understand why their father couldn’t rescue them sooner. Finally, when the system is rigged against them, how can abused children believe in something as apstract as justice or karma?

The ‘Avenger’ profile is one answer. But there’s a very thin line to walk. It’s natural to be cynical and skeptical, but that probably comes across differently with Nihonjin, who are much nicer on average than people elsewhere.

I hope the author doesn’t overdo the shonen power creep route. I’d like to see The Runaway and The Avenger bicker and balance each others character flaws. Trust and friendship take a long time to develop.

This Light Novel, which I read first, and Manga are absolutely worth buying. This one is cleared for my younger children, which is pretty much the highest rating I can give. Nice job.