Jan 26, 2022
Have you seen too many "hacking the mainframe" moments in movies or shows? Do you have enough experience in programming, IT, or software engineering that you can't watch 'hackers' do their thing on the big screen? Want something like Mr. Robot?
This manga is for you.
I love this manga because it incorporates real-world technology, terminology, and concepts in a way anyone can understand. References to Linux, exploits using Python scripting, cryptography, nmap scanning, honeypots, DNS poisoning, etc. are among the many tech-world references that are used in a realistic, easy-to-understand, and impactful way. Each reference is thoroughly explained and interesting anecdotes are given at the end
...
of each volume, giving informative observations on each topic that both tech-savvy and tech-illiterate readers can enjoy.
The writers incorporate these concepts wonderfully into the manga and plans every character's 'attack and defenses' harmoniously with the limitations of real world tech. Characters don't pull weird wildcards or aces up their sleeves. They methodically approach every conflict and solve it just as a hacker would do so in the real world (with a little more social engineering than usual to add drama). As someone who's working in the tech field right now, it's refreshing to see this pacing and approach to hacking in entertainment.
Every character is lovable, but are understandably infallible in their own ways. All of the characters have a realistic strength and a weakness - whether past, present, or future - that they actively work towards getting around. By the time you get to know them, each of them has done something in their life to turn it around or make a name for themselves.
This manga has finished its syndication since 2019, and if you are a Japanese reader you should absolutely buy the manga volumes as you go. If you're a reader who needs translations, you might need to turn to community-supported fanlations. There is one major English fanlation one out there (that I read the most) and it is excellent! I highly encourage you to help the hobby translation project out if you're great with manga translations.
== Story, if you're not already hooked yet... ==
The story follows Koreeda, an 18-year-old hacker. A shy but relatable techie whose grasp on technology and cybersecurity is far more extensive than his social skills. Trapped in his own world of computers, he hacks security systems for fun. Hijinks ensue when this hobby of his gets the attention of powerful people around him, especially entrepreneur and angel investor Daisuke Sakai, who seeks to take Koreeda under his wing and use his cracking skills to make name for each other in the rapidly-changing digital world. A world that crosses with reality more than you might expect.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
