Introduction
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The Sword Art Online (SAO) franchise has taken the world by storm with its gripping plot, intense action scenes, and love story. But did you know that the franchise also has a highly-rated manga spinoff called SAO Progressive?
Written by the original author of the light novel series, Reki Kawahara, and illustrated by Kiseki Himura, SAO Progressive goes beyond the events portrayed in the main series and focuses on the never-seen-before details of the Aincrad world. It particularly highlights Kirito and Asuna’s journey through the 100 floors of Aincrad, detailing how they became the powerful duo in the series.
Published by ASCII Media Works, SAO Progressive first came out in 2013 as a web manga. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most popular manga series in Japan and has gained worldwide recognition. The spinoff is currently ongoing and has been adapted into other forms of media, including light novels, anime, and even video games.
The manga has received glowing reviews from fans and critics alike for its in-depth character development, immersive world-building, and breathtaking artwork. If you’re a Sword Art Online fan, then SAO Progressive is something you definitely don’t want to miss!
What is SAO Progressive?
SAO Progressive is a manga series that started in 2013, written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by Kiseki Himura. It is a retelling of the Aincrad arc of the original Sword Art Online light novel series, but with several differences and additions that expand on the story.
The story takes place in the year 2022, when a revolutionary virtual reality MMORPG called Sword Art Online (SAO) is released. Players are able to fully immerse themselves in the game using a special Nerve Gear headset, allowing them to control their in-game avatars with their thoughts and senses. However, on the day of the game’s release, the players soon realize that they are unable to log out.
They are trapped in the virtual world by the game’s creator, Akihiko Kayaba, who tells them that they must reach the top of the game’s tower, which has 100 floors, in order to be allowed to return to the real world. If they die in the game, or if someone tries to forcibly remove their Nerve Gear, the headset will fry their brain and kill them in real life. The players are now stuck in a deadly game where the only way to survive is to beat it.
Unlike the original light novel series, which skips over large chunks of time and focuses mainly on the relationship between the main characters, SAO Progressive takes a more detailed and chronological approach to the story. Each floor of the game’s tower is given its own arc, and the manga shows the struggles and accomplishments of every player as they progress through the game.
The two main characters of the series are Kirito, a skilled beta tester who has already played SAO before the official release, and Asuna, a newbie who soon becomes a fierce fighter and Kirito’s love interest. Their relationship is a major focus of the series, and is slowly developed throughout the various arcs.
The fight scenes and the game mechanics in SAO Progressive are also given more attention, with detailed explanations of the different skills and strategies used by the players. This adds more depth and complexity to the world of SAO, making it feel more like a real game.
Overall, SAO Progressive is a must-read for fans of the Sword Art Online franchise, and anyone who enjoys action-packed fantasy stories with a touch of romance.
Reasons why SAO Progressive manga is loved by fans
SAO Progressive manga is a spin-off of the popular Sword Art Online (SAO) light novel series. The manga adaptation is written by Kōtarō Yamada and illustrated by Kiseki Himura. The first chapter was released in 2013, and since then, it has become a fan-favorite for SAO enthusiasts worldwide. The manga is loved by fans for several reasons, some of which include:
1. In-depth character development
SAO Progressive manga provides excellent character development for the main characters, Kirito and Asuna. The manga follows the two main protagonists, detailing their journey through the Aincrad labyrinth floor-by-floor. The manga provides more insight into their backstory and character traits, which make readers connect with them on a deeper level. The development of Asuna’s character is particularly impressive, as it shows her transformation from a passive player to a strong-willed warrior. The manga gives readers a better understanding of her motivations and desires, making her a more relatable character.
2. Detailed exploration of the SAO world
SAO Progressive manga takes readers on a detailed exploration of the SAO world. The series takes us through the Aincrad labyrinth floor-by-floor, giving readers an inside look into the different bosses and challenges that Kirito and Asuna must face. The manga provides a more detailed explanation of how the game works, making it easier for readers to immerse themselves in the storyline. The manga also explores the different factions and organizations within the SAO game, giving readers a better understanding of the world.
3. New storylines and plot points
SAO Progressive manga introduces new storylines and plot points that were not explored in the original light novel series. The manga provides additional insight into the other players trapped in the game, their struggles, and their reasons for being in SAO. The manga also introduces new characters, including some that Kirito and Asuna meet while ascending through the floors of Aincrad. These new characters provide a different perspective on the SAO world and help to flesh out the storyline further. The added plot points and storylines make the series feel fresh, even for readers who have read the original light novel series.
SAO Progressive manga is a must-read for fans of the original light novel series. The manga provides excellent character development, detailed exploration of the SAO world, and new storylines that add depth to the SAO universe. The manga is an excellent addition to the SAO franchise and has earned a significant fan base worldwide.
Where can you read SAO Progressive manga online?
If you’re a fan of Sword Art Online and have been following the series for some time, then you know that the Progressive manga is no exception to the intensity and action-packed scenes present in the anime adaptation.
The SAO Progressive manga is readily available online, and fans are in for a treat as they can easily access and read the manga from their favorite manga reading websites. Here are just a few of the sites you could visit to read the SAO Progressive manga:
MangaDex
MangaDex is one of the popular manga reading websites that offer free access to a vast collection of manga series, including SAO Progressive. Fans can enjoy the latest updates of the SAO Progressive manga, including the spinoffs and prequels, without having to pay a penny.
The site has an easy-to-use interface, with a search bar that users can use to find specific titles, including SAO Progressive. Once you find the SAO Progressive manga, you can choose to read it online or download it for offline reading at a later time.
MangaPark
MangaPark is another website worth checking out if you’re interested in reading the SAO Progressive manga online. This website is popular among manga lovers worldwide because of its rich collection of manga series and the variety of genres to choose from.
MangaPark also offers readers the chance to read the latest updates of the SAO Progressive manga for free. Users can use the search bar to find the manga easily. You can also bookmark your favorite titles or create a reading list that you can access from your dashboard.
Manga Rock
Manga Rock is a popular manga reading platform providing free access to thousands of manga series, including the SAO Progressive manga. It has a vast collection of comics, manga, and graphic novels that readers can access without having to worry about subscribing to any paid services.
You can stay updated on the latest releases of the SAO Progressive manga by using the search bar on the website to find the specific titles you’re interested in. Additionally, the website has filters that readers can use to narrow down their search based on the author, genres, and publication year.
ComiXology
ComiXology is another excellent website that readers can use to access the SAO Progressive manga. It is a comic book e-commerce platform owned by Amazon. Though it is primarily known for offering paid comics and graphic novels, there are also freebies that users can browse through.
However, the website has a limited selection of free manga titles, and SAO Progressive may not always be available on it. If you’re interested in the series, you can check the website from time to time to see if it’s available.
Overall, if you’re a fan of the Sword Art Online franchise, the SAO Progressive manga is worth checking out. And with these online reading sites, readers can now enjoy the epic anime/manga series in the palm of their hands, making it more accessible and convenient to access the latest updates of the series whenever and wherever they are.
Is SAO Progressive ongoing or completed?
For fans of the Sword Art Online light novel series and anime, SAO Progressive manga is a must-read. This ongoing manga series, illustrated by Kōtarō Yamada and based on the light novel series by author Reki Kawahara, takes readers on a journey through the Aincrad Virtual Reality game that Kirito and his friends were trapped in for two years.
The story of SAO Progressive manga takes place within the first game that Kirito and the others were trapped in. Unlike the original light novel series, which skipped through several floors of Aincrad, SAO Progressive dives deep into each floor, detailing the Boss battles, floor clearing, and character development. Essentially, SAO Progressive manga serves as a reboot of the Aincrad arc, providing a more comprehensive and detailed look into the game world and characters.
The series began serialization in 2013 in Dengeki G’s Magazine, and new chapters are still being released monthly. As of August 2021, there are eleven volumes of SAO Progressive manga in circulation, with the twelfth volume set to be released on October 9, 2021.
SAO Progressive has been well received by fans and critics alike, with praise for its character development, world-building, and attention to detail. If you’re a fan of the Sword Art Online series, or even just a fan of the Isekai genre, SAO Progressive manga is definitely worth checking out. With the series still ongoing, there’s no telling where the story will go next, and fans are eagerly anticipating each new chapter release.
The story so far
SAO Progressive is a manga adaptation of the popular light novel and anime series Sword Art Online. The story follows Kirito as he ascends the floors of the Aincrad castle with his friends and fellow gamers. In contrast to the previous adaptations, SAO Progressive focuses on the events that occurred on each floor, providing a more in-depth look at the world and the characters that inhabit it.
The role of Asuna
One of the main differences between SAO Progressive and the original series is the increased role of Asuna. In this adaptation, she takes the lead alongside Kirito, and her character development is given more screen time. Asuna is no longer just a love interest or a damsel in distress; she is a strong and capable fighter who can hold her own in battle and contribute to the party’s success.
New adventures and challenges
As SAO Progressive is an ongoing series, there is no shortage of new adventures and challenges for Kirito, Asuna, and their friends. With each floor they ascend, they encounter new monsters, puzzles, and obstacles that test their skills and teamwork. Along the way, they also meet new characters who join their party or become their rivals.
Deeper exploration of Aincrad
SAO Progressive also allows for a deeper exploration of Aincrad as a world. Each floor has its own unique environment, architecture, and history that provide insight into the game’s lore and the players’ experiences. From the lush forests of the 1st floor to the frozen wasteland of the 22nd floor, there is a sense of wonder and discovery as Kirito and Asuna explore and conquer each level.
Potential anime adaptation
Given the success of SAO Progressive as a manga, there is a high possibility that it will also be adapted into an anime series. This would bring the story to a wider audience and allow for even more immersive visuals and sound effects. An anime adaptation could also provide additional content and perspectives that the manga cannot convey.
Conclusion
SAO Progressive is a thrilling and thought-provoking addition to the Sword Art Online franchise. It provides a fresh take on familiar characters and events while also expanding the world of Aincrad. The future of SAO Progressive looks bright with more adventures, character development, and potential anime adaptation on the horizon. Fans of the series can look forward to more exciting and emotional moments as Kirito and Asuna continue their ascent through Aincrad.
1. The Importance of SAO Progression Manga
SAO Progressive manga is a well-known manga series based on the Sword Art Online light novels written by Reki Kawahara illustrated by Kōtarō Yamada. The manga is a retelling of the Aincrad arc from a floor-by-floor perspective rather than a summary. It adds fresh and detailed information that wasn’t in the original series, making it a must-read.
2. The Characters
SAO Progression manga offers a more in-depth look at the characters from the Aincrad arc. We get to see more of their stories, personalities, and relationships. Every chapter drops new info about the characters and their backstories, which make them more fleshed out.
3. The Storyline
If you are an avid Sword Art Online fan, you might think you know everything about Aincrad’s storyline, but you’re wrong. The SAO Progression manga is like a treasure trove of new material that takes you on an Aincrad adventure, floor by floor. The manga helps fill some gaps and plot holes that may have been missed in the first season. It also provides additional insight about new aspects of the story arc, which previously was unknown.
4. The Art
The artwork in the SAO Progression manga is amazing. Every panel is drawn with astonishing detail, and the fight sequences are effortless to follow. The manga depicts the world of Aincrad beautifully, giving readers an insight into the world and its realities. The art style has improved significantly compared to past adaptations from the Sword Art Online franchise, which helps make the reader’s experience that much more enjoyable.
5. The Relationship Development
As the manga takes a floor-by-floor storytelling approach, it provides the ability to explore unique moments between characters. Things like sharing food, setting camping, or being part of a guild help establish character dynamics within the series. With extensive character interactions, a layered relationship blooms, and you can see characters’ friendships and feelings develop throughout the manga.
6. The Implementation of RPG Elements
As the manga is based around the SAO game, it offers an incredible insight into the RPG elements that others may overlook. With each floor, different mechanics are introduced that accurately represented how the MMORPG was played. This RPG aspect adds an extra level of detail to the Sword Art Online universe and establishes it as a proper game world.
7. The Overall Quality
Overall, SAO Progressive manga is an excellent addition to the Sword Art Online universe. The way the story is retold, adding more depth to the characters and world-building components, is admired. The development of the character relationships is done exceptionally well, and the RPG elements created add extra enjoyment to the overall reading experience. The artwork is fantastic, and the actual design of the manga itself is of high quality too. SAO Progressive manga is a must-read for every Sword Art Online fan, and it will give readers a fresh and detailed perspective on the Aincrad arc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sword Art Online Progressive manga is a must-read for every fan out there. The series adds detailed explanations to every aspect of the Aincrad arc, from the story and the characters to the RPG elements and the art. With every chapter, the manga delivers something fresh and exciting. Overall, Sword Art Online Progressive manga is an incredible contribution to the universe, and fans will love every moment of it.