Manga 122147 Rebuild World

This is a surprisingly underrated manga. I only gave it a shot because of a recommendation from a friend but didn't have high hopes even halfway into the first chapter.

But it was great. While not unique it does a very good job and if nothing else I can say you'll probably enjoy it. Story is decent, its not unique but its not predictable. There is a logical flow and continuity to events and charecter development, at the same time pacing it very well controlled and there aren't any places where the it seems to lack in terms of story to tell.

Charecters - even ... though the MC is just a 'usual slum kid' what sets him apart is the way they handle the rest of his character - he has no weird backstory, he isn't stuck with weird personaility quirks, he isn't oblivious to things for the sake of plot or comedy. His motivations, will, moral sense are all in line someone from the slums - though he isn't the best of guys what he does makes sense and given where he is its not unreasonable to excuse those actions. The author has no intention of showing him in an extreme moral light, there is usually good reason one way or another for what he does without creating artifical tension or reaction from the reader. His emotions and distress are also logical, he feels guilt over thing he should actually feel guilty for - not pity. The author is pretty precise in how he shows emotions.

The art is really wonderful, go check it out for youself is the only way to put it. That being said if I have to say something here the lack of originality in what the author does and doesn't draw comes through - there aren't too many clever angles or interesting panels - its all pretty clear cut. There are times too where the dialogue seems a bit long due to the 'crowded' nature of the panels but this manga tries to show and not tell where ti can and there hasn't been anything so far that I would consider 'worthless' in any of the text bubbles so far - like I mentioned earlier there is a good continuity to events and logical flow to just about everything in the manga - the relatively longer dialogue helps with that (its not that long anyway, just heard others mention it).

I absolutely enjoyed it, theres only 15 chapters out at the moment - but it felt more like 30. The chapters are long and it keeps your attention for sure. If I had one thing to say it would have been best to spend just a little time explaning the structure of the world since the MC also seems somewhat unaware at first. A map or something would be nice to see where the events happen.

9/10

In a world where nobody is there to help you but yourself, a constant live-or-death situation with everyone out to get you. Rebuild World is about the protagonist in a survival of the fittest world, figuring out realistic solutions, and forming relationships that benefit him. While reading, you appreciate not just the great art that enhances the story, but the underdog story of a slum kid that finally gets his break.

Updated as of 2023-01, Chapter 42 (Fixed and added more to the review, making it easier to read.)
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Art: 9/10
The art is very detailed, not "gritty", i.e Berserk or similar, but has a very clean, ... sharp style that seems to be practiced multiple times. Mixed with the world's grittiness makes Rebuild World a very enjoyable read, that also mixes with the story very well. The panels are expertly done and the author knows when and what's important to show. While it does get better over time, it's not a lot of difference in style, mainly because it already looks great with the early chapters, and only improves upon that.

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Characters: 9/10
The characters, while not amazing, have a realistic mindset within their own world. They know that failure means death, and saving others shouldn't be instinctual since they very well know the consequences.
Even so, let's start with the only negative thus far. The biggest issue with the protagonist is although he does have his moments, he's far too reliant on someone for most of his decisions. Yes, it fits the story and doesn't ruin any immersion, but I would like to see him forced to be completely alone with his thoughts. Because as the manga continues, you don't really feel like our protagonist is in complete danger.
Although to add to that, our protagonist does not always follow the female main character's suggestions, even at times suspecting her. Again, it doesn't ruin the plot in any way or break immersion but might feel cheap at times.

The protagonist's backstory is generic and you would think it'd be a detriment, but his character was made to fit into their world, and a realistic take on it. His backstory is meant to be as if most young children in their world are forced with this mindset, and we are just following one of their stories. He's not driven by revenge or anything complicated regarding his background but rather driven to survive another day and a life of comfort - however small it may be.

There are many characters that don't have a trope which is a big surprise, actually changing depending on their situations and what they have learned. Both the "enemies" and side characters are also not stupid, especially later on. They're not completely one-noted without any purpose or thought. Most characters calculate and try to figure out their best moves, not in a BS way where you Sherlock Holmes hyper-analyze everything, but some of the enemies look through any other possibilities other than immediately engaging in a gunfight.
Overall, I don't believe there are any characters in the story that are exceptionally dumb and make large mistakes for no reason. It's often because the other character beats them with tactics/strategies or whomever that makes the quicker response. I find this manga a great way to write any exposition, even for the enemies.

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Story: 9/10
Now, for the meat of the story. A funny comparison is - Cyberpunk 2077 without the bugs, and an arguably more interesting world and characters.
It doesn't follow our protagonist with a large and specific objective in mind. Rather, we follow someone that slowly builds up what he wants. Better living conditions, better gear and weapons, and connections he might benefit from. Because of how the story progresses, it weirdly feels like a video game. I'm not kidding when I say whenever our protagonist becomes stronger or even weaker, it actually feels like we've leveled up and gained EXP with every "mission".
What makes Rebuild World feels like a video game is the gear we get to see; some of them are incredibly rare and powerful but could only be used a few times, and some others could be sold for a vast sum amount of money. Money is a large component of this manga as well that people might not realize, as despite being able to live a luxurious life, nothing is forever and it's best to invest in other things. This is true for our protagonist, as we get to see both sides of the world from this concept.

Slowly, we get to see another part of the world as he becomes stronger and gains more experience. And wow, there is a lot in this dystopian, sci-fi world. We get to see how traders and missions are operated by a varied number in a group, how much a single wrong step is the death of you and a big opportunity for others.
From the comparison to a video game, this world might not seem so bad. While it's not horrific as some other mangas out there, it's a bleak world that most would struggle to stay alive, never mind the potential of luxuries. We see how the bottom-feeders, "weak", manipulative, and many other, varied characters live their lives, grasping their straws to survive another day without getting stabbed by a potential foe in front of you, or a comrade behind. Heck, even with some of the strong and smart characters, we see it's not that simple to thrive in.


This part is a bit random but bear with me. Because I want to talk about one of the main troubles people might think the writing has; the exposition. Whilst it does feel dragged out at times and with one character that does so, it's very much not there often and gets better with it over time to make it more interesting.
Literary exposition can be used to provide more to the story, which this manga does. I feel like people just putting "exposition equals bad" somehow means "writing bad". A big example is one of the characters being very much of a guide, that's their purpose, to explain.
Rebuild World is doing exposition justice, by making it advancing the plot and giving characters choices and decisions that will not always be followed. It's not used to be just a tool to write a summary of the world down, which is what bad exposition does. Something this manga does have faults over, at times, but mostly keeps the manga visually pleasing.

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Overall: 9/10

Rebuild World is a manga done amazingly with its dystopian world.
I'd say if you enjoy reading about a character exploring this world, getting to know many varied characters that truly feel like they could've had their own mangas, you'll very much like this.

By far, the best aspect of Rebuild World is the art. It is well refined and super detailed. While the style is not particularly unique, the shading and detail put into every frame is in and of itself incredibly impressive. Some shots are genuinely menacing, and give a real sense of depth and atmosphere to the world. I would say that the art alone is good enough to read this one from beginning to end, especially since its only around 10 chapters as of now.

The world building for Rebuild World is, well, decent I suppose. Already from reading a few chapters, you might think ... it's cliche, a boring rehash of every futuristic cyberpunk world in existence. Ruined cities, lost civilizations, cybernetically augmented hunters fighting each other and monsters among ruins to escape the slums of the lower world and make it to the rich society protected by walls. Having not read much futuristic manga myself, I'd say that if you don't like the way the world is presented in the first chapter, you won't like it at all. However, if you are not bored of this particular style of sci fi, it shouldn't bother you.

For the most part, the exposition is pretty bland, but honestly, since it's a light novel adaptation, I think that's to be expected. Since the art was so good, I was able to bear it.

The weakest aspect of Rebuild World would have to be character. The main character is not particularly interesting, and his guide has nothing of note in her personality. I would give the benefit of the doubt and say that since there are only 10 or so chapters out now, the characters aren't fully developed, but honestly it seems like they're going down the overpowered main character route. If this doesn't bother you, it should be fine. However, some of the side characters are a bit more interesting, should you decide to stick through.

Overall, Rebuild World is a manga with an meh plot but excellent art, making it a decent read if you have time to kill.