Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

My Thoughts on Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

"Make Dark Fantasy Great Again" definitely grabbed my attention with its intriguing title and premise. After diving in, I can see why it has garnered a decent following, but also where some readers find it lacking. It's a bit of a mixed bag, but overall, I found it an enjoyable, if somewhat flawed, read.

First Impressions

The initial chapters are quite engaging. The concept of a protagonist whose "normalization" power turns grimdark scenarios into something more palatable is clever. I quickly understood the core concept – a dark fantasy world constantly averted from disaster by our MC's unique ability. The blend of comedy and fantasy is well-executed early on, drawing me into the world and making me eager to see what bizarre situation the MC would stumble into next.

What Works Well

I particularly appreciated the contrast between the game's intended dark and gritty outcomes and the MC's obliviously positive influence. The author cleverly uses "forum discussions" and "another tale" side stories to highlight this contrast, providing meta-knowledge that the MC remains blissfully unaware of. This creates a unique reading experience, as I'm constantly anticipating how the MC will inadvertently subvert the world's grim expectations. I also found the characters surprisingly likable. It's refreshing to see a protagonist who isn't inherently unlikeable, and the supporting cast, while sometimes fleeting, adds to the overall charm of the story. The lighthearted comedy and the steady pace of the plot definitely kept me entertained.

Areas of Concern

However, I also noticed some recurring criticisms. The MC's intelligence seems inconsistent, fluctuating between moments of brilliance and frustrating obliviousness, seemingly for the sake of plot convenience or comedic effect. This can be jarring and undermine the character's credibility. Furthermore, the story's setting remains largely confined to a single city, which, over time, leads to a sense of repetition and a lack of broader world-building. The side characters, while initially interesting, often fade into the background, which feels unnatural given the confined setting. The MC's power also seems to evolve in increasingly random and less rational ways, turning into a more generic plot armor device.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "Make Dark Fantasy Great Again" offers a unique and entertaining take on the isekai genre. The core concept is intriguing, and the humor is generally well-executed. However, the inconsistent characterization, repetitive setting, and increasingly arbitrary power system prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you're looking for a lighthearted and comedic fantasy with a unique premise, this might be worth a read, but be prepared for some frustrating inconsistencies along the way.