Ousama-tachi no Viking
Kings' Viking

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Reading this made me cry because I was overwhelmed by how much I empathized with the protagonist. If you're Autistic, this is a must-read.

While the synopsis of this series is dramatic, the main thrust of the series is simple; Koreeda is a down-on-his-luck Autistic teenager on the cusp of adulthood who finds himself out of options, thanks to the problems his disability causes for him. Sakai, a renowned investor, recognizes his absurd skill in cracking databases and asks him to find himself a job that Sakai can support him in.

It's a surprisingly accurate and intelligent hacking drama, and reading Koreeda warily circle around dangerous ... criminals, the police, new friends, and completely ordinary citizens is magnetic even when absolutely nothing is happening. The amount of internal conflict and character writing Koreeda generates simply by existing is incredible.

As for the art, it has a sort of scratchy, wild lineart and figures that play more to gestures than to form. The panels are easy-to-follow, and it all flows nicely. The way the manga depicts emotions is fantastic, and really plays to its character-driven premise. While some might criticize it, I feel like the story would be weaker with more crisp, consistent art, and the author is definitely playing to strengths here.

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.

If you're like me, then you probably have no interest in coding or any type of computer science. And that still stands true for me, the first time I tried learning code, I could just never wrap my brain around it. However, that is not true for our main protagonist Koreeda Kazuki, because his computer skills are the only thing really going for him so computers are his world.

When I first started this manga, it honestly did not grab my attention right away. I stopped reading it for sometime and would pick it up every so often to continue reading and boy am I glad ... I continued! Honestly, the story is really intriguing, and even though I am not very knowledgeable in what is talked about, it is explained simply and in a manner that others can understand. I've truly learned the importance of good passwords and cyber security.

At some points the story does get a bit slow and then it picks up again, so others may find it hard to get through the slow pacing at times. However, as of this time I don't really have the correct words to describe how this manga makes me feel, the characters have all grown on me, especially Koreeda. His autism aside, I am also socially awkward and barely have any faith in myself. But seeing Koreeda go from a kid who had nothing going for him and was relishing in crime because it was what made him feel alive to a boy whom now has a set purpose to change the world was amazing! He wants to use his amazing hacking skills to revolutionize the world that is falling behind the constant evolving world of Technology and cyber crimes that many people during this time where still trying to figure how to deal with.

His dynamic with the angel investor Sakai is definitely one of my favorites, they both really help push each other forward. And no character in this manga is one-sided. They all feel like real people because of how well fleshed out they are.

If you are considering reading this, I say go for it! You don't need to understand the technicalities of computers or software, just read with an open mind and enjoy!