“As a struggling office worker, Dokja Kim's sole joy in life is an online novel so obscure that he's its only reader. Then one day the story comes to an end…and so does the world. People all around the globe suddenly find themselves being massacred by horrific monsters or pitted against each other in sadistic scenarios straight out of the novel. However, only Dokja is aware that this is merely the first chapter of what is to come. Knowing that devastating plot twists are on the horizon, he can no longer afford to sit back as a reader—it's time for Dokja to step up and write his own destiny!” (Ize Press)
Adapted from the story by singNsong, who is also the author behind “The World After The Fall.” The two series offer a lot of comparable elements, with the primary being the action-heavy pacing that shucks character development to tap into the sensational aspects instantly. However, where this proved slightly limiting in the already published series, “Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint” thrives in the chaos.
The set-up to the story is a kitchen sink approach, mashing in almost every genre one could expect of a popular fantasy Manhwa series. It is an exhaustive list with elements of horror, action, RPG, alternative realities, superheroes, potential romance, and death games. However, the series is approached more as a love letter to the medium of comics with a wink and a nod to the reader, making it more playful than throwing everything at the wall and hoping anything sticks.
Check also this interview
This includes self-referential moments, including the character mentioning singNsong's other works when discussing his obsessions. The awareness and slightly meta approach give the manhwa a playful, dark, and comedic edge that subverts expectations. Avoiding spoilers, the first volume offers several unexpected outcomes, leading one to believe the series will continue in this playful, self-aware manner. It is an immediately gripping aspect of the series, and the first volume will leave readers champing at the bit for the next.
The way the series instantly grips the reader is impressive when considering the drive, values, morals, etc, of protagonist Dokja is paper thin at best. However, at the same time, this will likely limit the appeal to new readers of the medium, as the series does ask for instant participation and buying into the scenario. The downside of being a love letter is that unfamiliarity with manhwa will likely hurt the perception. Those who have read plenty won't find this a problem, but it is essential to understand it is not an ideal starter series.
Visually, Sleepy-C does a phenomenal job of juggling the various story elements and making them feel cohesive. His design of the imp-like creatures that oversee the challenges is wonderfully ghastly, the action flows naturally, and the comedic elements land thanks to the characters' reactions. The most impressive art for a fantasy title still goes to Undead Gamja for “The World After the Fall.” Still, Sleepy-C's juggling so many elements and making them cohesive is impressive in the adaptation, and the book is consistently enthralling under his direction.
Putting more detailed criticism of the work aside, “Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint” can be summed up simply as ‘f***ing cool.' A love letter to the format of manhwa that works perfectly under the direction of Sleepy-C and REDICE Studio. The first volume packs a punch and does not let up the moment the world plunges into chaos. If the series keeps momentum, it will be a standout hit for Ize Press.
