Just wanna say, it's really funny that the Reincarnation plot is what made me start reading this manhwa. And the biggest factor is because I was captivated by Brian's blue hair during season 1. How I used to look forward to Brian's backstory more than anything. But now look at me, being the Ian's biggest simp and just realizing how good this story is when he was the main character. Well, we appreciate things when we lose them. Okay then, I'll stop reading this manhwa until the flashback is finished
I've saved a few chapters and I'm grateful that the story has gotten to the exciting part (Lorkan meets Soleite and Brian) but no offense, I cringed soo bad at Brian in the latest chapter...that "main character" ahh dialogue
I believe most of the people here actually don't mind the "slowburn" and political problems in season 2, since if you pay attention, that already happened in season 1. The problem is that the flashbacks are too sudden. This is what many people are disappointed with, it's a shame that even though season 1 was very good, season 2 feels a bit odd. It would be better if the flashback was delivered by Ian himself (for example, he gets a memory of his past, then we enter the flashback arc). So it's not surprising that many readers complain about season 2, it's something that can't be helped. Even the author should have seen it coming.
After thinking for a moment, i have several theories about these:
1. Whether Ian would get his past memories as Brian or not?
2. Or if he gets his memories, would he still be himself, or would his personality change to be exactly like Brian?
In my opinion, the fact that Ian is Brian's reincarnation will not change, and we have to accept that. Ian and Brian have the same essence and "core", so it's not surprising that they have similar traits, this is what readers often miss. Some of the most prominent are their curiosity and the way they sneak out of whatever confinement they're placing.
But again, even though the core is the same, different experiences and upbringing can produce different characteristics, It's called nature vs nurture. Human personalities won't change that easily, especially since Ian is already an adult. So I think even if Ian got his past memories(as Brian), he wouldn't change much. I'm sure there would be a couple of things that change, but Ian would still be himself. What's different is that he remembers his past memories.
Honestly, as a reader who is biased towards Ian, my enthusiasm for reading this season is not as high as the previous season. But because Brian is still Ian's past, I can't help but like him too. Maybe, the most tragic character in this story is Brian. Ian's journey is still long and unpredictable, there's even a possibility that he can find his own happiness and live longer than Brian. However, Brian's story just ended there, on the day he was killed.
This story is one of the best Omegaverse I've ever read.
Khalid treated Ilya very gently and kindly. Before reading it, before, I had a suspicion that this manga contained clichés about kings who treated their wives badly. And Ilya isn't typical Omega character! He's not weak and submissive, but on the contrary, He's a strong character.
The age gap trope is also executed very well. There was no sexual relationship between them before they were both adults.
I disagree with those who say that the artist is lazy, even though for me the art is already quite stunning. Once again, this Manga is really a comfort zone for me, the only thing I don't like about this manga is the lack of extra chapters! I wanna see the baby!!
You know what, I think the reason why almost everyone dislike season 2 is not because of Brian. I have several theories:
1. The changes of MC
We are first introduced to Ian as the main character, But suddenly in season 2, in the flashback, the main character changed to Brian. I'm sure a lot of people aren't ready for that because they already attached to Ian. "But they are the same person". Nope, their souls may be the same, but they are different people. Even Ian doesn't like it when he was compared to Brian.
2. Transition from S1 to S2
The transition from season 1 to season 2 was kinda...bad and not smooth. S1 ended with a cliffhanger of the conflict between Soleite and Ian. It's hard to enjoy S2 without thinking about what would happen in the current timeline. It was as if Ian's worries had come true. Now we are faced with the fact that Brian-Soleite's relationship is better and stronger bond than Soleite-Ian's, and Ian's insecurity that Brian is a "better person" than him is true.
3. As in the previous point, this story is supposed to be about "Ian", the reincarnation of Brian. And as a result of the past story being too detailed, Brian's character overshadows Ian. And I think telling the story of the past condensed into one season is not clever. IF the flashback was only about 20 chapters and the rest was told bit by bit interspersed with the main story, maybe people's response would be better. I love this analogy by an account with username Nikki in the comments:
"This is the equivalent to being happily married, then an old friend of your spouse's sits down and starts rambling on about how GREAT your husband's ex was, what a WONDERFUL and INTELLIGENT and CHARMING and ACCOMPLISHED person they were, and that the ONLY REASON they didn't work out was because their family moved across country or some shit."
I don't know how the author will develop Ian without bringing Brian along(impossible). Because I don't think the author is that cruel to make Ian's character disappear, considering that Ian's insecurity towards Brian was one of the big plot points in season 1. And again, I'm not the author and I still don't know the continuation of the story. So I will continue to support the author and continue following this manhwa. buy the official chapters on Tappytoon if you can, guys!
I like Ian and Brian, but I think Ian's character is more interesting than Brian's. well it's not surprising because the main purpose of brian is to be the "previous life of the protagonist" so of course his character is not as deep as ian. So do I consider Ian a more interesting and complex character than Brian? yes. But that doesn't mean Brian is a bad character. brian and ian were written for different purposes. Those who say the author prefers Brian...hm, I don't think so. it's clear that Brian was written just for Ian