Douluo Dalu (Novel)

PharuanUndearth Sep 2, 2019

9

Now according to my own policy, the actual score should be at 6 but because it's a light novel that doesn't have any artwork so that score actually doesn't count. I start on the 1st of October but I had to restart on the 17th of October.

xLuluko Oct 28, 2020

8.5

Douluo Dalu follows the standard martials arts LN plotline of a talented MC (even more so because he is reincarnated) training hard to obtain OP strength and defeat enemies. It stands out in terms of the unique worldbuillding and it's focus on the supporting cast who are varied and well characterized. The first two thirds of the story is amazing since you're continually introduced to new skills/characters while the primary cast of 7 work together to grow stronger together. MC is freakishly strong but not unbelivably so due to his backgroud and does not overshadow the strength of the supporting cast. The last third is less so as he eventally does become rediculously overpowerd and stops having to rely as much on teamwork with the others, but is still relatively interesting and engaging. Characters have different and well defined personalities, each with interesting backstories and motivations as well as cool skills/power ups. Unfortunately, many romantic relationships in the story have a sexist tendency of following the plotline where a strong beautiful girl either ignoring the pursuit of an interested male character until they badger them enough/prove themselves through fighting or said girl being defeated the MC and falling in love with his strength despite his utter lack of interest. Platonic bonds between characters are more well written and just as motivating and romatic ones.  In terms of content, the novel is much better than the manga, which veers off into non-canon territory, adding filler and altering plot lines as well as leaving out important information. The ongoing 3-D animated donghua is much more faithful to the novel and has very good action scenes, but it's animation style is quite jarring/uncomfortable to people who are used to western or japanese animation. It can take quite a bit to time to get used to it and depending on the source, the subtitles might also not be great.