Reki Kawahara, the mastermind behind Sword Art Online and Accel World, has yet another gem in his collection – The Isolator. This sci-fi thriller and psychological drama series, which releases a new volume only once a year, is undoubtedly Kawahara’s most mature work. Let’s dive into what makes The Isolator so special and why it deserves your attention.

Grounded in Physical and Psychological Reality

The Isolator may seem like your typical story about teens with superpowers at first glance. However, what sets it apart is the meticulous attention to detail in both its physical and psychological aspects. Not only does each scene take place in a real-world location, but the supernatural powers are also explained in relation to modern physics and chemistry. What’s truly fascinating is that these powers serve as manifestations of the characters’ mental states, adding a layer of psychological drama that intensifies the battle scenes and makes them more relatable.

Exploring Isolation and Negative Emotions

The core theme of The Isolator revolves around isolation and how individuals respond to their negative emotions. Surprisingly, the story dedicates significant time to exploring the perspective of the villains, hinting that heroes and villains are not as different as they seem. Both sides derive their powers from emotional trauma and a sense of rejection from society. This exploration of the human psyche makes The Isolator a captivating read that delves beyond the surface of the usual hero-villain dynamics.

A Complex Protagonist: Minoru

The protagonist, Minoru, adds depth and complexity to The Isolator. Unlike Kirito and Haruyuki from Kawahara’s previous works, Minoru is morally ambiguous and possesses a personality more intricate than both of them combined. He craves absolute solitude, remaining apathetic towards the lives of those around him. However, as his story progresses, Minoru finds himself torn between his desire for isolation and the need to protect those closest to him. Despite his internal struggles, he remains kindhearted, making his decision to shield others all the more impactful. Minoru is a character whose motivations are easily relatable, even when he struggles to understand them himself.

Supporting Characters: Foils for Minoru

While the supporting characters in The Isolator may initially appear archetypal, they serve as excellent foils for Minoru. Take Suu, for example. With the ability to turn invisible, she shares a mutual understanding with Minoru due to their shy and introverted personalities. However, their abilities stem from different emotional impulses, adding layers of complexity to their relationship. Exploring these dynamics between the characters keeps the story engaging and dynamic.

A Sci-Fi Thriller with Engrossing Science Talk

Although the science talk and technobabble in The Isolator can become a bit overwhelming at times, Reki Kawahara manages to make hard sci-fi concepts accessible to general readers. The story’s pace occasionally suffers, but this doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. Each volume is a page-turner, leaving you craving more.

An English Light Novel Worth Supporting

The Isolator is one of the few light novels available in English that hasn’t received an anime adaptation yet. Supporting this series means endorsing unique and lesser-known LN titles. Despite the extra cost of the hardcover books, the quality and enlarged illustrations make them a worthwhile investment. While we wait for an anime adaptation, let’s show our support for The Isolator and its English translations.

Fecomic is thrilled to introduce you to the captivating world of The Isolator. Let yourself be transported into an electrifying journey that explores the depths of the human psyche and the power of emotional connections. Discover Minoru’s story and join us in eagerly awaiting the release of the fourth volume on April 24th, 2018. Reki Kawahara, we can’t help but beg you – please give us more of The Isolator and Sword Art Online: Progressive!