As a veteran fan/reader of the original version, I just want to say to any new readers to be patient and let the story cook if you're feeling a bit lost. Much like the original version, you start very quickly into the story going from outside Helios (the school) to inside the school. This is all done intentionally.
There aren't any real slowdowns in the plot. No filler side stories to worry too much about, but we will have some flashback arcs that are vital to the present storyline, which may feel a bit slow to some readers.
The story stars an OP protaganist also for a reason, which you'll find out why eventually.
The amount of mysteries, that build up throughout the story, will keep you on your toes.
The constant one highlight that I love about Black Haze are the themes of friendship and family. Thankfully, there's only one character, in the entire story, who cares about being strong and that's just a major supporting fighting obsessed character (Shic).
Looking forward to seeing how Yong-Yong progresses through this reboot. I noticed that she cut some stuff out, while making certain scenarios longer than the original version. (I've re-read the original version several times. 😅 I'm nuts!)
Only thing about these newer fan translation groups is the use of 'Black Mage' instead of 'Black Magician'. It just doesn't feel the same. 'Black Magician' sounds cooler to me, but I can understand why they went with using 'Mage' in a uniforming type of way. (i.e. Calling all the Magicians, 'Mages'.) Consistency and sounds more fantasy-ish to go with 'mage'. I'll still call Blow, the 'Black Magician'.
Sorry.... I can't help it with the only nitpick I can think of with these new translations. 😅
Hopefully, we can finally get answers to stuff like (new readers, please run away - Major spoilers to the original's story):
- How different will Rood be, or his growth, when he stops running away and returns to the human world? !<
- Will we get a backstory flashback to the Demon King's friendship with the Princess? !<
- Will Rubymonter call Rood....."Uncle"? 🤣 I mean, technically, he is her uncle? !<
- Will we get a bro reunion between Master and Rood? !<
- Will Shicmoun eventually grow out of his 'must fight the strongest person' (cough Blackie) phase? !<
- Will we ever see Opion's guild be restored as itself or will it remain a joint venture with the Association? (Once Rood returns of course.) !<
- Lispen..... Definitely not the last we see of him. !<
- Will Meredith's own form be 100% back to normal? Can he live normally in the human. realm? !<
And many more questions that will keep rattling my brain. 😱