Nigoru Hitomi de Nani wo Negau: Highserk Senki
Record of Highserk War

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Making this Review (despite the low number of translated chapters) in case people are hesitating to start reading this manga.

So this manga is set in a Low Fantasy medieval world, there is some ability called power and there is magic, but there is no system thing or inventory the setting for now is more Western type fantasy. Obviously for the better since the plague of isek*i took over most of the fantasy trope in manga these past few years.

The character development of the manga despite the very low number of chapters is quite good, better than most other manga, our mc is not a senseless ... killing machine nor he is a wimp, he's just a soldier. Side character also well written, not extensively but you can make a general idea of their goals and ideals.

Art wise, it's really good I actually have some panel stuck on my mind, and the overall world building and details make sense.

I cannot really say much more, except the fact that I would wish more manga like this would exist, instead of trying to follow the "current thing" and make tons of classic isekai or Rom-com where nothing happens for 100+ chapters.

As of now the Manga keep going in a good direction I really enjoy the mental instability that our character develop, it is to be expected since the way he kills enemy soldier is not the fastest way that exist.
some political intrigue start to develop, hopefully we will stay focused on our main character and the manga does not take the full political course.

Sadly as of I believe late 2023 this manga is on Hiatus, hopefully it won't get axed
I still recommend it of course with the hope that it resume soon.

A very interesting manga, one in which I did not expect the quality I received. This is the story of a reincarnated salaryman that took to the line the workaholic culture of Japan. Many would scoff at the concept of an isekai in this day and age, with the description also painting an idea of immaturity. "What Do You Wish For With Those Murky Eyes" appears to be a generic edgy power fantasy, one of those works in which the main character uses his knowledge of the modern world/ "cheat skills" to dominate the battlefield and earn renown, and while this particular work does not ... stray away from that idea fully, it succeeds in resisting the temptation to fall into common tropes.

At reviewing my words I realized that despite recommending it, I appear to be very critical, but that is only because I use to let out all my opinions when writing these king of reviews, some may consider them just nitpicks. In any case, I do fully endorse the manga, it is a good read. some may consider the following as spoilers( depending on individual) so you can skip the rest.




some may consider the following as spoilers( depending on individual) so you can skip the rest.***











some may consider the following as spoilers( depending on individual) so you can skip the rest.







some may consider the following as spoilers( depending on individual) so you can skip the rest.**

In the whole of the story, Raizou ​​Takakura, while a somewhat acomplished swordsman, does not act with a greatness that enters the realm of unstopable. He is a cut above the common soldiers and lower masters, but does not overwhelm the higher levels in the power ranking. He is carried by the magic in the later parts of the story, but that is to be normal. What I praise about this manga is that the author did not fall into the easely exploitative trap of the "magic-swordsman", with magic being more of a tactical nuclear weapon and not something to be abused like how many isekai protagonists act.
However, at the same time, I believe that he did not go enough in stripping Takakura of power. Having the more phisical magic taken away would have made him more vulnerable, and henceforth, more understandable at the sight of his magical abilities.
This is though just a matter of preference, and while I would have liked more vulnerability, I do have to state that Takakura is saved by allies quite a few times. Take this how you will.

The art is quite above average, with many details and unique styles for the many nations. Because I for one do not particularly care for art itself, and just its design, I shall connect it with the discussing about the story.

The fact that Highserk Empire, Takakura nation, is painted in black and all others in white may at first seem like a balant attempt for "edgy", but through characterization, it is clear that no nation is comprised of "good guys", and just that Highserk Empire happened to be the aggressors. This goes further into the main theme of the manga, of war being muddy and murky, and while I do understand the effort, I find these kind of opinions as exhagerations. While yes, in wars it is usual that sides commit the same kind of crimes, usual it is that also one side at least tries to play a morally superior position, of MERCY. It is to be admitted that we only really see the perspective of the Highserk Empire and only Takakura's unit at that, but the moral side of the war is not emphasized, almost never.
The deepest it goes is: "They do X, so do we" or "They are not used to killing, but we are".

The same goes for the characters.

While I praised it at the beginning that Raizou ​​Takakura is not a classic isekai protagonist, he does not live up to the potential I found in him. Many would say that his morals conflicting with the world he is now in come as an interesting conflict or perhaps even a new kind of characterization, but it is sadly just not for me. I do understand that stress is the matter of most importance in his character, that and guilt. Acts like smoking and his rare hesitation that break the character of "a perfect soldier" create a somewhat realistic idea of how a pragmatic individual would react to a now barbaric, violent world, but I only say somewhat because of one main issue.
"The evolution of our modern society and its values"

While at the beginning of this review I appreciated that he did not try to force his modern ideals onto the world he found himself in, as the story progressed and Takakura became stronger and stronger, I found his lack of... Thought? disturbing. In the world he found himself in Authority is atributed to lineage and power. While he does not have the first, the main character possesses a lot of power.

While at first I found his lack of action normal, as he was only a stronger than average grunt, as he became stronger, I found Takakura's lack of action stranger and stranger. One might say that 12 chapters is too early, but from how quick events progress, I would not be surprised if this is about the half-way point. If this is all Takakura evolves to be, I would be dissapointed.



All in all this is a good manga. I may be overthinking as many other works do not do any better than this one and many possess far worse issues than what I found here.
I surely enjoyed reading it.
It would be better if there were more like it

I don't have much to say, I've been reading this manga for over a year now, and though I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapters, I feel compelled to share my thoughts. If you're a fan of isekai but tired of the typical harem, overpowered main characters, and excessive plot armor tropes, I highly recommend this manga.

The story in 'Nigoru Hitomi de Nani wo Negau: Highserk Senki' has some unique elements that set it apart within the isekai genre. While certain aspects may be predictable, I still found enjoyment in the narrative due to my appreciation for the genre and its particular setup. The familiar elements ... were balanced with fresh perspectives and engaging characters, making it an enjoyable read for fans of isekai.





I plan to update my review if I notice the manga adopting a generic storytelling approach, similar to many other isekais.