I Stack Experience Through Writing Books

I ended up binging this in one go. I think overall it’s about a 5.5/10.

I like the premise and I think it’s a neat idea: “What happens when a bookworm gets a magic book of experiences?” however the story is much less focused on that detail and more focused on using it for childish wish fulfillment. For some readers that might be a nice bit of escapism, and if so, this might be your thing. But imho the story relies on this cycle so much, that after a while it becomes too boring: MC gets new skill -> MC shows off skill -> Somebody is jealous -> That somebody is always a bad guy -> The bad guy gets owned by the MC. Done once in a while, and with good tension, this is a tried and true trope that can be very satisfying, but in this comic there is zero tension. MC has so many powerful friends, and has such immaculate skills that it never feels like he’s going to be in trouble, and just gets throw life showing off his skills and looking hot. There is very little ethical or moral questions as whatever MC does is always good, and anybody else is always bad or ignorant.

SPOILERS BELOW

Half way through I got so bored that I wondered “wouldn’t it be cool if other people found out about this book, and it lead to a conspiracy adventure?” And then guess what? It happens. Suddenly after arcs and arcs and arcs of the MC showing off skills and wondering what he’ll do in his life, his popularity is put into question by others and a secret group does find him. I was so stoked.

But even this arc was a disappointment. As soon as they introduced some type of possible tension, all of it is relieved just as quickly when MC’s powerful friends (old men in the government and companies) help him out, and then he uses his martial arts skills to kill any of the aggressors.

And then as quickly as it started, the whole thing ends and another couple chapters afterwards the story ends in a happy ending with the MC just being so powerful.

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SUGGESTIONS

There are other webtoons that I think do this better.

The “Invincible Man” I think fits into this kind of genre of “contemporary normal person with super skills” but is much more satisfying in story as there is an actual plot and challenge that an over powered hero still has to overcome via ingenuity, planning and patience. As well as ethical quandaries about the consequences of violence.

Another one that is about as “serious” inc comparison to this one is Mercenary Enrollment. Just as silly of a premise “What if a high schooler had top tier mercenary experience” but I think it’s able to balance between the pretty boy hero and his overwhelming power versus those that are trying to kill or capture him, and thus tension and resolution feel a little bit more meaningful.

To Be An Actor is probably like A-Tier. It’s a slice of life about a regressor who gets a chance to be a better person and also to retread his life as an actor. His experience allows him to still be OP in the specific situation of acting, but he goes through his own fears and trials and tribulations of his past life in the realm of relationships with his loved ones, and has character arc that is endearing to following.

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I think overall, if you’re looking for something with a world pretty much catered to the success of the main character, this is it. No other world is so kindly written for the MC to succeed at just about every point. But because of the incredible power he is given with no price, lack of any prolonged tension, lack of any real challenges for the MC, it becomes a world is too safe and boring.

Thankfully the tiredness towards the excess only happens around halfway through the story, so you will finish only as the taste begins to wane.

Oh also, the romance in this is just very cringe. It’s very “nice guy” fantasy. The kind of middle school wish fulfillment of every girl liking him for being hot, and being super good at everything he does. It’s a very shallow look at the world and humans and relationships, and perpetuates infantile ideas of women.