Putri Lycan

typos and grammar spoil it

I'm crafting this review by considering both parts of the series—the first part and the second part, "Superior Cross," as they should be evaluated as a complete work. "Superior" strikes a well-balanced blend of Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, and Shounen (I'd also tag it with Comedy, even though it doesn't dominate the manga). So, let's delve into what made "Superior" such an engaging experience and why I enjoyed it immensely.

Story: 9/9  
The story captivated me from start to finish. What initially seemed like a standard "good versus evil" plotline quickly evolved into something far more intricate. Set in a world where humans and monsters have been at war for ages, the hatred between these two races has reached monumental proportions. How can peace be achieved without eradicating one species entirely? "Superior" addresses this question compellingly, illustrating that determination can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. The narrative touches on themes relevant to our modern world, such as the cycle of hatred, revenge, and destruction, while emphasizing the power of love, forgiveness, and personal conviction. While some chapters are stronger than others, and pacing occasionally falters, unexpected twists keep the story fresh and engaging. As a whole, it’s a remarkable tale that evokes happiness, sadness, excitement, and intrigue. If you enjoy adventure stories rich in action and drama, this manga is a must-read.

Art: 9/9  
Despite being labeled as Shounen, the artwork carries a distinctly "Shoujo" vibe. Characters—both male and female—are beautifully designed with slender physiques and stylish attire. Personally, I found this appealing, though it might detract slightly from the gravity of certain scenes. Given the graphic violence present in "Superior," the aesthetic beauty sometimes softens its impact (in contrast to works like "Blade of the Immortal," which handles this masterfully). Backgrounds vary in quality, but when effort is invested, the results are breathtakingly detailed. Over time, I grew to appreciate the art style, particularly the character designs.

Characters: 9/9  
Character development in "Superior" is robust. Many characters undergo significant growth, especially Sheila, the protagonist who begins as more of an antihero or even a villain. As Demon Lord, Sheila adheres to a primal worldview where the strong prey upon the weak. Initially unfamiliar with emotions like loss, love, or compassion, she gradually learns their value throughout the series. This journey isn’t always pleasant, as these newfound feelings bring regret, guilt, and sorrow. Sheila faces her past transgressions head-on, showcasing the strongest character arc in the series.

Exa, the hero, embodies righteousness but isn’t without flaws. At times, his unwavering idealism may frustrate readers, yet understanding his backstory fosters admiration for his resolve to create a better world. His ideals are repeatedly tested, especially concerning Sheila. Beyond these two leads, numerous supporting characters shine, each receiving their own moments of exploration. My sole reservation lies in a few areas feeling rushed or underdeveloped, preventing a perfect score. Nonetheless, the ensemble remains highly enjoyable.

Enjoyment: 9/10  
I thoroughly relished the "Superior" series! It kept me on edge, brought tears to my eyes, and had me laughing out loud. Minor flaws in the story and character arcs prevented it from achieving masterpiece status, but it was undoubtedly memorable for me.

Overall: 9/10  
To those patient enough to read through this lengthy review, here's the gist: "Superior" is an excellent manga that tackles relatable themes, features a touching romance, and delivers thrilling action and adventure. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates thought-provoking narratives and heartfelt romance. GO - READ - IT - NOW! :)

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MOD EDIT -*The review contains spoilers*  

Superior is a captivating blend of fantasy, adventure, and romance. The story revolves around Sheila, the powerful Demon Queen who single-handedly wiped out half of humanity, as she unexpectedly falls in love with Exa, the Hero tasked with the mission to slay her. To be near him, Sheila disguises herself as a weak monster and joins Exa on his quest. Initially, the narrative follows a straightforward path as Sheila and Exa encounter companions, both new and familiar. However, things take an intriguing turn when Sheila creates a clone to act as the Demon Queen while she travels with the Hero. This clone, driven by ambition, hatches a plan to prove her superiority by eliminating both the Hero and the original Demon Queen. Alongside this twist, the story maintains a perfect balance of humor and drama, making it an engaging read.  

The artwork may require some adjustment for readers, but it offers much to admire, particularly in its meticulous attention to detail and distinctive character designs. The facial expressions in this series are undeniably charming.  

Superior boasts a likable ensemble cast. Exa embodies the noble hero archetype, grappling with internal conflicts regarding his feelings for Sheila and the possibility that she might indeed be the Demon Lord he was destined to defeat. Sheila, alongside other companions like Lakshri and Angelica, brings her own strengths, vulnerabilities, and doubts to the table. Their differing beliefs spark questions about the relationship between humans and monsters: who is right? Who is wrong? Can coexistence be achieved, or will one side inevitably destroy the other?  

In summary, Superior presents a profound story infused with humor. Its morally complex narrative and characters will leave readers pondering and eager for more. It's undoubtedly a fascinating series.

TL;DR  
Great concept ruined by poor execution. Overly formulaic plot, lackluster romance, and a clichéd pacifist protagonist. Avoid this at all costs.  

Story: 2/10  
The Demon Lord, who has decimated half the human population (though strangely, this seems to have no real impact on the narrative), falls head over heels simply because the hero refuses to kill. Yep, it's that kind of story.  

The romance is underwhelming, with zero development.  

Every storyline unfolds exactly as you'd anticipate. A character questions the hero's "no killing" mantra? They're convinced by the end of the chapter. Even the backstories of the hero's companions are painfully predictable. Given just the setup for each arc, you could likely rewrite this manga yourself.  

While the plot is uninspired, it isn't entirely nonsensical, so it avoids being a complete 1/10 disaster.  

Art: Subjective  
Decent enough, but nothing remarkable.  

Characters: 2/10  
The Demon Lord behaves like an overly dramatic teenager, while the hero reads like a child's fan-made original character. We're served every trope imaginable—violent female sidekick, womanizing companion, noble prince—you name it. Any attempt to describe these characters goes no deeper than one defining trait.  

On the bright side, whatever characterization exists is consistent. That said, it's not bad enough to warrant a 1/10 rating... barely.  

Overall: 1/10  
A perfect storm of predictability and poorly crafted characters results in a manga that feels worse than its individual flaws suggest. I cannot recommend this in any capacity.

Another fantastic manga I came across while searching for new reads. I can confidently say it's in my top 5 manga list.  

- The story is excellent. It's humorous, entertaining, and charming. Although it doesn't have as much intense action as I initially hoped, the fights are thrilling enough to keep me hooked. I rate the story a 9.  
- The art is absolutely delightful, with clear influences from Final Fantasy designs seen in the detailed clothing, straps, and accessories. The cover art is spectacular! Truly exceptional, and thus rated 10.  
- The characters are amusing and intriguing, making them easy to love. Rated 9.  

I completed the series very quickly, always eager to keep reading. It's an incredible story and definitely worth your time. If you enjoy adventures, demons, heroes in shining armor, or even romance, this is perfect for you. Overall, I rate Superior a 9.  

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<p>So, I've finished "Superior," and all I can really say is that it was underwhelming. The series does have solid worldbuilding; the way the author employs episodic chapters to flesh out the world is commendable. However, it seems like this is the author's only redeeming quality. The plot revolves around the Male Main Character (MMC), who is the hero tasked with killing the Female Main Character (FMC), the leader of the monsters. Unbeknownst to the MMC, the FMC is a human-like monster, and since he doesn't know what she looks like but she knows him, she decides to tag along for fun. Over time, she falls in love with him, and as the story progresses, the MMC develops feelings for her as well. Here's the twist: the MMC doesn't want to kill anyone and believes that humans and monsters can coexist peacefully. The real narrative momentum begins at the start of the third volume when the author brings the main party together—comprising the Monster Lord, the Hero, and the Hero's two companions. Unfortunately, the romance aspect was poorly handled. It could have been an excellent love square with witty banter, but the author fails to capitalize on its potential. The action sequences are also rather mundane, although there were a few standout moments. The series shines brightest when the hero attempts to persuade others that killing isn't necessary and that peace is possible. I enjoyed those parts, but once again, the execution leaves much to be desired. Execution is truly where this series falters—it's full of great ideas but suffers from poor delivery across the board. The author doesn't adequately explain how characters transition from one point to another; we're simply expected to accept events as they unfold. Additionally, the author does a poor job of giving depth to other characters, resorting to deathbed flashbacks for characters who were just introduced, which never works effectively. While these elements contribute to worldbuilding, their execution is lackluster. The author also drags out unnecessary backstories with too few engaging moments. Overall, I appreciated the concept, but the execution severely detracts from the series. There were some decent moments, though.</p>

very good story.

Will there be any more chapters?? waiting for over 9 months by now.....