In somewhat defence of SAO, I personally didn't think it was even approaching bad enough to get 3/10. Granted, the series is worth far less than the 'GREATEST TING EVAR' reputation that its attracted, but its still nowhere near that far below the line. Yes, its base elements are well worn and attracted the Jump base, but I have to give it some points for exploring a theme which is actually not contrived and socially irrelevant (more than you could ever say for Naruto and Bleach).
In terms of thematic representation, I actually found there to be some value, although I will grant that my interpretation of the series is skewed a little since I've read the source material as well. The exploration of how morals and morality can be interpreted and affected when taken to a strict virtual medium is quite interesting and also very relevant to today's society. And then Project Alicization had to add in moral opposition to cloning, but thats another story....
Will grant, ALO was a bit on the lazy side and probably could have done without the seemingly unnecessary pseudo-incestual relationship drama and came lacking the aforementioned commentary on the moral implications of a continually virtualized society but meh, it was the jump point for SAO becoming an actual series so I'll forgive it, and its still better than trying to plow through the early chapters of Alicization which spends about 50 pages trying to explain the human soul with science. Seriously, it was like episode 3 of Bakemonogatari again just with all the wit and humor drained away...
01-Mar-2013 19:43:29
- Last edited on
01-Mar-2013 22:23:17
by
Jesse B77
