16 replies to this topic

[Mizura]

It's pretty hard to describe this story's strengths without adding spoilers, lol. The current summary is pretty good, but I think it does rather make it sound like a typical fantasy. I think there'd be an advantage in emphasizing the mystery aspect of the series:

• The strengths of this series are quite different from those of a typical, straightforward fantasy. So readers looking for a typical fantasy may wonder why "the main character isn't doing anything" while missing out on the real meat of the story: the gradual revelations about the past.
• Meanwhile, the type of person who Does like a good mystery will think "bah, typical fantasy" upon seeing the summaries and just pass.

A good summary could not only hint at the strengths of the series, but also prepare the reader to approach the story in a way that'd make them appreciate its depth more. I mean, I've come across way too many reviews that go "Typical fantasy story, main character doesn't do anything, a bit confusing, very slow" (obviously they missed the fact that the "confusing" part is a huge chunk of the real story).

 

So, here's a tentative proposal for a new summary:

 

---

 

When her village meets a sudden end, Kubera Leez embarks on a journey of survival and revenge. A diverse cast of characters gradually appears, each with their own story, motivations and values, yet all connected across races and generations by a complex web of family, friendship and deceit. Whether they are trying to find or reunite with their loved ones, seeking revenge, trying to save their declining race or pursuing some goal unknown to all, each character, from humans to powerful Sura to immortal Gods target the bearer of the Power of the Name.

Through them the true story unfolds, as the catastrophic events that occurred across centuries, multiple planets and even multiple realms are revealed. In a world where powerful races have existed since the Universe, what is the truth behind the tragedies that sent all the races into chaos?

Meanwhile, Kubera Leez tries to make new bonds, unaware that she's become the central pawn in this "war with no villains, only victims."

--

 

This summary does a few things:

• By hinting at the motivations of the other characters, it shows that this isn't a straightforward story of "hero beats up the big bad monstery", and hopefully would get the reader to pay more attention to the other characters from the start.
• Without really spoiling anything, it shows that this world is pretty huge and has been around a long time, so the fact that all the races suffered catastrophes is a rather big deal. It's one of the central mysteries of the series.
• "War with no villains, only victims" is a term Currygom used and that I personally like a lot. It shows that it's not your typical black and white fantasy.

There are also other bits and pieces that I would have liked to put in, such as:

According to the Names they received, the first beings were split into two groups:
"Those who are strong, but live only once", and
"Those who are weaker, but can resurrect themselves an infinite number of times."

 

I think this rather unique arrangement is one of the most interesting parts of the world, but adding that would make the summary too long, and besides it's pretty spoiler-y.

 

Well? What do the rest of you think? Do you have your own ideas for summaries? (and please, no, not "love conquers all", so many manga have done such a bad job abusing the notion that readers would run away on sight upon seeing that. Besides, it describes the story badly. Just look at Kasak: he killed his wife, whom I'm sure he loved very much)

 

Oh by the way, couldn't the title be changed from Kubera to "One Last God Kubera"? That's the full title after all. I know Naver just has "Kubera" on the front page, but isn't that because of lack of space (besides that part of the title seems to be in English only)? As a title, "One Last God Kubera" by itself hints as mystery elements.

Edited by Mizura, 08 May 2013 - 06:19 AM.

[Dreamingflower]

I love to summary, maybe you should add; Love kills all instead. XD In some ways it comes to that. Leez wants revenge for the people she loves. Yama has warned Agni that his attempts to save Brilith will be in vain, so maybe something worse will happen because of his actions? 

Look what Gandharva and Maruna are willing to do to find they people they love. As for the suggestions of the other things you want to add, it does have a mysterious ring to it, but two of them are describing the Naskikas and the Astikas. Maybe you can put it like this;

When her village meets a sudden end, Kubera Leez embarks on a journey of survival and revenge. A diverse cast of characters gradually appears, each with their own story, motivations and values, yet all connected across races and generations by a complex web of family, friendship and deceit. Whether they are trying to find or reunite with their loved ones, seeking revenge, trying to save their declining race or pursuing some goal unknown to all, each character, from humans to powerful Sura to immortal Gods target the bearer of the Power of the Name.

Through them the true story unfolds, as the catastrophic events that occurred across centuries regarding the ancient conflict between "Those who are strong, but live only once" and "Those who are weaker, but can resurrect themselves an infinite number of times." Multiple planets and even multiple realms are revealed. In a world where powerful races have existed since the Universe, what is the truth behind the tragedies that sent all the races into chaos?

Meanwhile, Kubera Leez tries to make new bonds, unaware that she's become the central pawn in this "war with no villains, only victims."

I don't know if it's possible to add the two groups part.

[Mizura]

Oooh! Very good idea! Maybe not in that sentence though, because the humans are involved too (planet Carte, I'm looking at you). Maybe the sentence after that? I'm going to trim it a little bit too. Oh yeah, stuffed "tragic mistake" in there. Makes it look less like they're just seeking some generic ultimate power. Hmm, something about love. I changed the third sentence:

 

When her village meets with sudden destruction, Kubera Leez embarks on a journey of survival and revenge. A complex cast of characters gradually appear, each with their own story and values, yet all connected across races and generations by a dense web of friendship, family and deceit. With the lives of their loved ones, revenge, or even the fate of their whole race on the line, each of them, from humans to powerful Sura to immortal Gods, targets the bearer of the Power of the Name.

Through them the true story unfolds, as the catastrophic events that occurred across centuries, planets and even multiple realms are revealed. In a world where "Those who are strong, but live only once" and "Those who are weaker, but can resurrect themselves an infinite number of times" have been in conflict since the beginning of the Universe, what is the truth behind the tragic mistakes that sent all the races into turmoil?

Meanwhile, Kubera Leez tries to make new bonds, unaware that she's become the central pawn in this "war with no villains, only victims."

Edited by Mizura, 09 May 2013 - 02:26 AM.

[Dreamingflower]

That looks perfect! People won't judge it as a typical fantasy story.

[Mizura]

Great! Any other comments or objections, anyone? Before I start poking the scanlators?

[AishiteruJae]

nah, that sounds great! I would have totally read Kubera off that summary if I hadn't been already xD 

[smthFishy]

My "BladeRunner" version (for parody only)

 

"I've seen things you magicians wouldn't believe... Transport ships summoned to carry survivors off planet Cartes... I saw Rakshasa transcendentals lighting up the sky near the Fire Temple at Altera... All these memories dissolve in time, like a Hoti Vishnu casted on Asha. Time for Kubera..."

Edited by Dried Seaweed, 08 May 2013 - 04:39 PM.

[( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

For the lulz

"I have no name , but you may have heard of me , for I have killed him who was supposed to be the stronget , outwitted he who sees every road to take , feasted with Gods and even surpassed them , I command my sworn enemies , I can break the boundaries between realms and I am God of abundance , you may have heard my "name" "

Don't take this seriously^^

Edited by Odinan, 12 May 2013 - 01:14 PM.

[Mizura]

^ That sounds pretty badass actually. xD

Just top it off with a "And my name is not Alexander." xD

[( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

Based it on the description Kvothe gives himself in "The name of the wind"

[Marim]

^ That sounds pretty badass actually. xD

Just top it off with a "And my name is not Alexander." xD

 

You only need to add: "just to remind you, my name ..."

[( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

"I have no name , but you may have heard of me , for I have killed him who was supposed to be the stronget , outwitted he who sees every road to take , feasted with Gods and even surpassed them , I command my sworn enemies , I can break the boundaries between realms and I am God of abundance , you may have heard my "name"...  which is not Alexander!"

 

Problem solved   

[Dreamingflower]

"I have no name , but you may have heard of me , for I have killed him who was supposed to be the stronget , outwitted he who sees every road to take , feasted with Gods and even surpassed them , I command my sworn enemies , I can break the boundaries between realms and I am God of abundance , you may have heard my "name"...  which is not Alexander!"

 

Problem solved   

So he wants to be called Not Alexander? That's also fine. XD

Not= first name

Alexander= Last name. 

Edited by Dreamingflower, 13 May 2013 - 02:23 PM.

[Boredoom]

lols..

 

Good idea mizura.

 

hmm, ... that part about the nastikas/astikas fits there indeed... if only could be a lil shorter ;X..

 

 

I'll try to think of something

[Marim]

"I have no name , but you may have heard of me , for I have killed him who was supposed to be the stronget , outwitted he who sees every road to take , feasted with Gods and even surpassed them , I command my sworn enemies , I can break the boundaries between realms and I am God of abundance , you may have heard my "name"...  which is not Alexander!"

 

Problem solved   

 

And this would be autobiography of Alexander: ,,How I abuse everyone, a.k.a My name is not Alexander"

 

Leez: " *Reading* Wow! Mister Alexander is so cool!"

 

We should make this into some badass rap song

 

"- Fighting Suras!

 

- Like a boss

 

- Trolling them! << Kali: "Hey that's my line!"

 

- Like a boss

 

- Opening portals!

 

- Like a boss

 

- Feeding bunnies!

 

- Like a boss

 

- Using spear!

 

- Like a boss

 

- Stalking Leez!

 

- Like a boss"

 

@Mizura: About summary, I like it very much since it tells newbie readers about main plot and its inhabitants. Completely making them understand what this webtoon is about.

Edited by Marim, 13 May 2013 - 06:54 PM.

[Mizura]

^ Bahahah! xD

 

Huh. Alternate summary, this one inspired by a term which may or may not have been used in the raws, depending on whether my Google Translate was accurate or not. :S

 

For some, this is a matter of survival: for their friends, for their family, for their race.
For others, this is a matter more important than survival.
For all of them, from the powerful Sura to ever-resurrecting Gods, to weak humans caught in-between, this is a war with no villains, only victims.
"You are not the only one who lost everything."

When her village meets sudden destruction, Kubera Leez is led on a journey of survival and revenge. Yet her story is just a small part of the catastrophic events that unfolded over centuries, planets and realms. The truth of these events are gradually revealed through a complex cast of characters, each with their own story and motivations, yet each connected through races and generations through a complex web of friendship, family and deceit, and each targeting the holder of the "Power of the Name."

I kind of think it sounds TOO dramatic now though. xD

[Marim]

No, it's not XD

In this one, the phrase ,,this is a war with no villains, only victims" was portrayed out very well, though I prefer the first one.

In this summary there is not presence of ,,Evil Boss" and his ,,organization", that are in most manga, which might confuse the readers.