As its title suggests, The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon Volume 1 is a dungeon manga complete with levels and parties. However, in this manga, the dungeon lies in another dimension. The main character Souya, enters a portal to the dungeon world. A shady company offers him a large sum of money to go to the fifty-sixth level of the dungeon, but it will not be that simple. Souya’s craftiness and comedic moments make The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon Volume 1 appealing as he struggles to meet the basic requirements to enter the dungeon.
The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon is an story by Hinagi Asami, art by Kaoru Hoshino, and character design by Kureta with translation by Alexandra McCullough-Garcia and lettering by Adnazeer S. Macalangcom. Published by Yen Press, the first volume starts with Souya’s arrival in the dungeon dimension. Unfortunately, despite meaning to have goods and a team, Souya winds up alone. Not only that, but he lost half his supplies, and there was no team in sight.
His goal is to enter the Tower of Legions and receive the total compensation to help his sister’s mystery—to the reader—condition. Not to mention it’s doubly dangerous for Souya. This dimension does not like humans. The reason is the first expedition entered and committed atrocities against the beings in that world.
The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon Volume 1 Shows Nuanced Personality
Initially, it appeared Souya would be a cold and cool character akin to other manga characters in glasses. That quickly changes as Souya interacts with others. Especially as he tries to find a contract with a god or goddess, his hilarious reactions stick with you. Every rejection becomes more comical as his composed exterior vanishes into exaggerated shock and horror.
He’s also shrewd. Souya figures out who stole his products. He’s also cutthroat, destroying his products and everything else. It reminds me of the “this is fine” fire meme. That’s probably why Souya caught the eye of the cat and goddess, Mythlanica. It’s a relief his personality is not necessarily one note, but above all, he reminds me of a beleaguered office worker.
Magic and Invulnerability
Let’s just say it’s hard to kill someone in this world. That can be a blessing, as Souya can resurrect. However, it makes you wonder about feuds and other, more dangerous, individuals. Imagine fighting forever against one enemy. However, they are not wholly invulnerable, as broken necks, poisons, and parasites are fatal. Except for a few characters, most look like humans. There’s little magic in the first volume. But now that Souya has some magical output thanks to his guild, the battles will likely intensify in future books.
A Long Journey
Souya cannot go straight to the fifty-sixth floor. He must clear the previous levels first. But, like any MMORPG, the enemies’ strength increases with each level. Even as a gamer, grinding that much takes time. It makes you wonder how long it will take to reach the floor. Plus, there’s the question of what happens to his sister in the meantime. The company claimed they’d compensate his sister if he died, but he’s not present to ensure that.
The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon Volume 1, has promise thanks to the comedy, Souya, and Mythlanica. The other characters are not as attractive as this dynamic, but hopefully, they build the others up in later volumes. The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon Volume 1 takes a unique approach to the dungeon manga and builds interest by crafting a funny and bright character while layering mysteries.
