The manga market is saturated with isekai and the manhwa is saturated with stories containing towers, hunters and a game like level up system. So, it is a breath of fresh air when you get something different.
If I had to draw a parallel, Barbarian Quest resembles the first arc of Vinland Saga and maintains that hype throughout. But its not only a manhwa with bloody battles, the MC even talks actively about the meaning of life.
Story-10
The story might feel kinda slow paced in parts where the characters talk about the nobles or different religions but imo that is when it shines the most as the world resembles Europe around 1400s or 1500s, so the world building is downright amazing.
Art-10
The art is stunning for a manhwa. Every scenery looks picturesque especially the evening scenes with the orange hue and the whole manhwa looks as if its printed in 4K. The attention to detail on chain mail and armors of old times is breathtaking.
Character-10
The progression of our MC just within the first 50 chaps had been really good. Going from an active warrior, which he still is, to a person who wants to explore the world and learn everything. Going from a fearless man, to a man who accepted a religion so that his soul doesnt wander the earth for an eternity.The side characters also get substantial development.
Enjoyment-10
The story is very enjoyable. And also liked the part where people follow different religions and follow different beliefs but the MC respects everyone. The MC is a mercenary leader who is strong but not OP. He has won against multiple opponents 1 on 1 but once he fought against a strong company of soldiers with coordinated attacks and heavy armor, they gave a very tough time to the MC, almost killing him.
Overall-10
This manhwa is worth reading based on its worldbuilding alone. Yes, they still live in a time where the flat Earth theory was widely accepted and they are now going to go on an expedition to discover the Asian mainland. The story is adventurous and coupled that with good characters, what you get is nothing short of a masterpiece.
