Ah, just beautiful. It's always fun to go back and read this manga after not having glanced at it for a while. I remember first reading this way back then, and it was a story I could always put down with a satisfied smile.
For me, Dawn Tsumetai Te still holds up plot and character wise. I do wish that the author extended the series a bit more, as the ending feels a bit rushed and a lot was crammed into the last couple of volumes, but the beginning and middle still holds strong. There are quite a few elements that felt pointelss or were abruptly concluded - and in my opinion Nagasawa's condition could have been left a bit more vaguely - but I feel like the (mostly) defined ending was refreshing since Nagasawa's conflict between his humanity and Nightshift seems to have been somewhat(?) resolved. I enjoyed watching him struggle as a character despite the power and invincibility he was given, as it added some really nice flavors to a typically bland plot.
Unfortunately, we don't really know what happens to the conscious Nightshift and whether or not fangs have any significance to their futures; and we still don't know what happens to the city after the climax. But who knows, maybe that's what the author intended to show: that the Nightshift are out there living as normal humans.
Before concluding, I will say that Yuuki's character bothered me a bit because the author didn't seem to have a solid grounding for making him trans, as I believed it was more so that he was gay. I realize that this manga was released during a time and culture when these topics regarding minorities weren't written in for proper representation; but as times have changed, everybody, please make sure to do some research to get a better understanding on the topics you might wish to include in your stories!
On a final note, for me, this story will always be a feel-good read for the interesting characters (I'm mostly talking about Nagasawa and the asshole doctor here lol) and uplifting, hopeful ending. It wasn't too long or too short, although it did leave you wanting a bit more. However, I was glad to see a happy ending to the dark burdens our boy carried around for most of the series. I'm probably clouded by sentimentality, but I still enjoyed the well-modified "empowered mc" plot and the excitement of watching Nagasawa evolve both physically and psychologically.
These are my thoughts after reading up to Ch30, so who knows, they might change later. A good chunk of it is just me ranting because gosh darnnit I'm finally going to say some things that've bugged me about the whole reincarnation genre.
I find it really dumb how our MC doesn't even bother even bringing up the idea of wanting to stay. She knows the people of the castle are friendly and loyal towards her and that Erden is looking out for her, so it makes no sense why she would fear bringing it up. Plus, even if she lived through this fantasy world, she's shown to still have the knowledge and attitude of this contemporary one; and Erden knows this, so why would she stay quiet about wanting to stay?! For such a smart girl, she has no brains. For me, it's pointless drama thrown in for the sake of "plot" and "character development".
(Listen, I'm going to be real here, there's way too many red-head reincarnated FL webtoon characters who all have very similar reserved yet "strong" personalities, have some sort of trauma that keeps them going, and look 5 years younger than their supposed age. It's all the same flavor of heroine trope, and the same goes with the villainess trope. I need more variety to get me interested in a story, and so far, this is okay soley because of the premise of Erden hiding his face and the world of demon-human interactions. Goddammit, I can barely remember the MC's, Leticia's, name because it's either mentioned so few times or because she's becoming more and more forgetable.)
Also, I hope this isn't another rule of the book situation where all powerful demons are evil and where Halstead gets bullied by everyone, humans and demons alike. If anything, I'd be really interested in seeing Halstead becoming a stronghold for the coexistance of humans and demons or at least a starting stone for strong human-demon alliances.
I'll keep my eye on this one for now, hopefully to stay.
Aah i totally agree, the reincarnated isekais are starting to get repetitive now. Just staying here for the amazing art and erden
Welp, it started off good, then became not so good. Unfortunately, I have loathing towards the "character development" for most of the original cast, and I can't say that the pacing is all that great. Don't get me wrong, the premise was decent and character/monster drawings/designs really improve, but oh lord the story just isn't the best.
It doesn't help that the chapters get scrambled from vol. 22 onwards, with vol. 25 missing entirely.
It had potential but fell quick due to lack of resolved plot, terrible motivations, some really nonsensical character choices, and in general dragging things out for wayyyy too long.
Lmao, the mc is such an asshole. I find myself amazed by how much I like and hate him at the same time.
I leave with these parting words: Round 2 Lanuvel is adorable, Porter rip, give me more demon king schenanigans, oh god he's a full-on weeb, and always stan Nasus as king.
Sorry I meant to upvote.
Gaaaaaahhhhhhh, I'm on the edge of my seat!
Can't wait for the next chapter!
My tears are already welling up ...
The author set up the first chapter really well, and now I can't wait to read the rest! I'm really looking forward to the story and what happened to this couple.
AhahahaHahAhJashajH BUNNY
The author really did that, huh? Not to mention the return of maid friend and Mr. Police Woman and so many more.
Anyways, thank you for continuing to translate this amazing series. I am thouroughly enjoying every chapter, especially with the reveal of any new vagrants and concepts. The plot is intriguing and the characters are adorable!
Plus, we're rooting for you, Makie and senpai!
Slightly spoilery?
Fun fact:
Tae-seung is only 29 years old