In this manga adaptation of the popular light novel series, the world's strongest sage will stop at nothing to get stronger...not even reincarnation!
ONE BOY WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO BE THE WORLD’S STRONGEST…NOT EVEN DYING!
After a lot of trouble, Matthias was finally able to use his ancient magic device to track down the demon mastermind behind all the schemes disrupting humankind. Normally, this would be the point when Matty goes and slays the demon, but this particular demon is not so easily slain. Zaridias is in a league of his own in terms of power and he’s ready to take a big swing at Matthias!
The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest Book 13 delivers another entertaining installment in the series. Fans will be thrilled to finally confront the mastermind behind all the chaos, Zaridias. While the battle might not be the most suspenseful given Matthias' immense power, the lead-up is engaging. The story continues to expand the world-building, offering glimpses into the larger conflict at play.
However, some familiar beats might leave readers wanting a bit more challenge for the protagonist. Overall, this is a solid continuation for fans of the series, offering action, humor, and a satisfying step forward in the overarching plot.
I wrote a big long review of this on my phone, which is rookie mistake #1. The back button ate almost my entire post (saving only the useless first line, figures), and I don't remember enough of what I said to merit writing it all again. Mostly, this volume seems to have finally covered the end of the first season of the anime, which feels like they skipped a LOT, but I'm not interested in writing up a comparison guide or anything.
Short of it is, this is still fun, but not like GROUNDBREAKING or anything. Recommended for fans of the series, newcomers will be scratching their heads.
On-the-computer edit:
So this series is still one I like but don't LOVE, particularly not enough to keep even just to re-read all in one go once the series has ended (that shelf is currently reserved for Berserk of Gluttony, which is only SORT of better in that I read it before an anime was released, while Strongest Sage I only started reading after watching the anime). I don't know if I want to go back to the anime, though, because it'll remind me of just how WEIRD Matthias is drawn with his creepy eyes and all, while BoG is interesting to see in how they changed things.
I don't know. Still interesting on the first or second go, but I doubt I'll remember it in ten years unless it actively crosses my line of sight.