By now, I've read this series' manga version volumes 1 and 2 as well as light novel volume 1. I have also watched the parts of the anime that this light novel volume covers. It must say, all three mediums are a different experience. Previously, when I viewed these three mediums for other stories (such as Rising of the Shield Hero) I have found one medium to be totally outdone by one or both of the others. Not so here. All three mediums for So I'm a Spider So What are different experiences.
This particular review is going to focus on the light novel, with compare/contrast with the comparable manga volumes and anime episodes.
The light novel, on which both the manga and the anime are based, contains more information than the other two mediums. I was surprised to see the human-side story after reading the manga. I was like, "where did these characters come from"? That is because the manga omits the human side chapters that the light novel covers. This has pros and cons.
The pro is that it focuses on Kumoko's life in the Great Elroe Labyrinth, and thus creates a more streamlined narrative. The con is that a lot of exposition is removed from the narrative, and this can leave the reader as confused as Kumoko to her new situation. This can be seen as a pro as well, because it enables the reader to get deeper into Kumoko's perspective, but it gives the impression that she is alone in this new world and that the focus of the story is some kind of ontological mystery. That is not the case.
Also, manga-only readers will be in for narrative-whiplash when Kumoko leaves the labyrinth and meets up with the human-side characters. See, Kumoko's actions have been influencing events outside the Labyrinth and outside of her perception, and so manga-only readers will not see these events taking place like they would if they read the light novel. Furthermore, they will not understand quite as much about the world. The purpose, as I understand it, of the early human-side chapters is to provide context and world building, such as what the deal is about the Appraisal skill, why Kumoko is born with skill points, and certain foreshadowing about The System.
As for the light novel itself, I very much enjoyed reading it even though I knew what was going to happen, at least in Kumoko's side of the story. The three mediums give emphasis to different events and different subjects. So while I knew what would happen, the presentation of what happens is still enjoyable.
The anime does not include any of the human-side chapters from the first light novel, but presents them all at once, presumably adapting from a latter scene. I imagine this lack of individual focus is why Kumoko stands out all the more, since she is alone for the first several episodes. The light novel introduces the human-side characters one at a time, which provides opportunity for them to build their own personalities separate from each other. For a good while, Shun's whole situation as a prince in a palace is used to contrast Kumoko's time as a spider in a dungeon.
Kumoko's internal monologue is charming and engaging. It is fun to read, and insightful for her personality and mood. In fact, I'd say this type of first-person narration is the best style of first person narration that I have ever read. That is not an exaggeration or hyperbole.
When I usually read first-person narration, I have to practice suspension of disbelief in order get around the fact that this protagonist/narrator is thinking in the format of a novel, with grammar and paragraphs and stuff. Sometimes, the author uses a frame narrative like a journal or letters. That helps with the suspension of disbelief. No such thing is needed here.
What we have are Kumoko's thoughts as she thinks them, in the form of dialogue. Locations are described to the reader as her impressions of them, and battles are described as her own thoughts as to what to do or reactions to what her opponent has done. So it doesn't sound self-conscious or unnatural at all.
Trickster Eric Novels gives " So I'm a Spider So What - light novel volume 1" an A+
Click here for my next book review: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior
Click here for my previous book review: New York Times article - Brain Health
Brian Wilkerson is a independent novelist, freelance book reviewer, and writing advice blogger. He studied at the University of Minnesota and came away with bachelor degrees in English Literature and History (Classical Mediterranean Period concentration).
His fantasy series, Journey to Chaos, is currently available on Amazon as an ebook or paperback.
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