Manga: .hack//Alcor
Story by: Amou Kanami
Art by: Izumibara Rena
Publisher: Tokyopop
Age rating: T (Teen age 13+)
Genre: Action/Fantasy
May include: Mild violence & mild fanservice
Release date: December 2009

.hack//Alcor is the story of Nanase, a teenage girl who plays a really popular online game called The World. While playing this game she falls in love with Silabus an incredibly nice guy who, interestingly enough, is her Guildmaster. How typical, right? Unfortunately, Silabus seems more interested in a female player called Alkaid. But he’s not the only one. Why is that? Well, she’s the undefeated Arena Emperor. In other words, she’s BADASS!

Nanase realizes after a while that, on top of being jealous of Alkaid, she’s also been unconsciously trying to copy her in every possible way. But Nanase doesn’t have the skills to compete. What should she do to get Silabus’ attention?

I was spoiled yet again when I was sent this manga to read and review. I had been looking forward to reading it since the publisher announced its release. I love mangas and animes that talk about the social interactions of players in MMOs which is why I’ve always been fond of the .hack franchise.

When I read the first few pages of this manga I quickly assumed that it was going to be all about the love triangle between Nanasa, Silabus and Alkaid. But I kept going just to make sure… and I’m glad I did. Half way through the book I realized that it’s not about Silabus or Alkaid, or the relationship Nanase has with either of them. It’s all about HER and how she doesn’t like who she is.

As I kept reading I got to learn more about her, how she is clumsy and quiet both in real life and in The World. I also figured out that she started playing this game to escape reality. She thought the game would allow her become someone she was not. But that’s where Nanase’s problem lies. She doesn’t really need/want to be someone else; she just needs to learn how to appreciate who she is.

The story is really believable… which is what got to me I think. All MMO players out there have either been through something similar or know someone who has.

Something that bugged me with this manga was that most characters had the same defining physical attributes and that made it confusing at times. Also, a few pages were really dark to the point where you couldn’t see any details. But overall the art was lovely!

I’m not going to tell you what ends up happening between Nanase, Silabus and Alkaid or what the climax of the story is. But, I’ll tell you this… If you’ve seen the ending of .hack//Sign and appreciated it, you will not be disappointed with the ending of .hack//Alcor!

I really enjoyed reading this manga and hope you will too! ;)