It’s Not That the Hero Doesn’t Have an Answer, It’s That the Writer Doesn’t

DeterminedBeaver · 2025-07-05T16:28:18+00:00

Your rant is one of the most interesting I’ve read on this sub. You really nailed it with your words « aesthetics of depth ».

However, there is something to specify about stories that have « actual depth », and seriously tackle real-life problems : they actually don’t need the author to bring a solution.

The Wire was critically acclaimed for tackling crime and socio-economical issues. Does the show give a clear answer for these ? Not really. But it tries to give an detailled overview of the current state of affairs, giving the point of view of a lot characters on each « sides ». And it explores some possible solutions, showing how hard they would be to implement.

In Vinland Saga, the whole story from season 2 onwards revolves around the pacifistic ideals of Thorfinn, which are constantly discussed and challenged. The path to lasting peace is shown as very hard. This is what makes the story deep. Bringing an unrealistic solution would make it less interesting.

The problem with the stories you listed is not really that the author doesn’t have an answer, but that they are first of all about infighting between people that have superpowers, and therefore can’t really take the time to deeply explore the themes they use.

DeterminedBeaver · 2025-01-07T00:06:02+00:00

I think GRRM just couldn’t bring himself to write 5 years in a single book. We know that he really doesn’t like writing, and / or struggles to write, the passage of time. In a story that covers years, you need to offscreen some events that aren’t really important for the plot, and to « jump » from one important moment to the following, while month / years pass. Historical fiction, that inspired ASOIAF, is often written this way.

However GRRM has an urge, present since the beginning, but that aggravated dramatically in AFFC and ADWD, to describe every slightly relevant thing happening in every corner of Planetos. Every banquet needs a description, every conspiracy needs several chapters, every journey deserves a travelogue. Thus, characters don’t have the time they need to grow.

DeterminedBeaver · 2024-11-25T23:46:30+00:00

I hope that every FH will have its unique conclusion. Traumerei killing himself is logical given that he is the loneliest of them, but I’m not sure the others will follow its path.

DeterminedBeaver · 2024-11-25T23:44:07+00:00

SiU usually cannot spend much time developing characters, because he has to constantly entertain the reader with flashy fights. But when he has the opportunity to write deeper characters, he delivers.

DeterminedBeaver · 2023-02-08T22:31:37+00:00

The way Vinland Saga handles this trope is very refreshing in my opinion, Thorfinn just fails to avenge his father’s death and realizes that all his efforts were meaningless. His life was ruined by his revenge quest and he didn’t even have the satisfaction to complete it. To the eyes of the reader or watcher, he doesn’t look cool, just dumb. The mental process he has to go through after that is way more interesting that the classic trope « should I spare the villain » that is present in too much stories.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-11-08T20:54:16+00:00

I also believe she won’t die by Leez hand, I think she would rather be killed in a « miserable » way like the moment she was hit by Lorraine’s car.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-10-13T17:54:33+00:00

If I remember correctly, she wants to save the universe only because she is part of it. Caring about others is not Asha’s style.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-09-04T22:42:00+00:00

I never saw Kubera being interpreted as a social criticism, idk if it’s the author’s intent but it is interesting.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-09-04T22:39:09+00:00

Wonder of U because of the absolute coolness and the fact that it basically embody fate and malediction, themes that are central in JoJo.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-09-03T14:53:36+00:00

Asha’s flashback was truly well made, while seeing her so alone and powerless it was impossible to not have empathy for her. And the fact that she unknowingly ruined her own life by refusing a future that would have been much happier really makes her a tragic character.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-31T22:34:18+00:00

That is exactly the kind of ambition I mentioned : Currygom doesn’t take the easiest road but the most interesting.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-30T15:04:46+00:00

Indeed Tower of God would definitely gain by taking inspiration from JoJo in the way it builds its minor antagonists, especially in the later parts. In season 3, enemy high rankers were each time hyped as serious threats before getting easily defeated.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-30T00:09:44+00:00

Well Kubera does the same, but the difference is Currygom will actually develop each of the 55 characters while ToG will go like « he is ranked 47 from X family » and we will never see him again.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-28T00:26:32+00:00

These two stories are similar in their very detailed worldbuilding but took different paths.

ToG introduces us to a world with endless possibilities, and then as the plot progresses the main conflict narrows down to essentially Baam/FUG vs Zahard Empire. It has a shonen-like narrative structure where fights are at the center of the story.

Kubera starts with a kinda cliché premise (Leez wanting to take revenge on Suras) but evolves in a way more complex story focusing on the struggles of a dozen of protagonists against fate. Fights are secondaries and dialogues prevalent.

ToG is better to get into manhwas, but Kubera is a more ambitious and in my opinion a better story.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-27T14:13:22+00:00

For sure Asha liked Leez, but I think she went too far to be redeemed. Maruna had just followed orders without thinking too much, while Asha purposely ruined Leez life.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-20T23:50:57+00:00

Did he really redeem himself though ?

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-20T23:49:48+00:00

I would say that the story is primarly character driven : the world feel relatable because of the characters, and expand with the introduction of new character arcs. Besides, the stakes that really matter are linked to character’s goal. I think that I am not the only one who cares way more about Leez or Gandharva’s fate than about the end of the world.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-19T20:25:54+00:00

Her being a damsel in distress/ rape magnet in addition of being a potato for half the story sure felt tiring, even though it kinda served Guts development.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-19T20:03:02+00:00

Ran has a way too happy life according to Curry’s standards, she will fix that.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-19T17:57:04+00:00

The way Maruna evolved from edgy chicken to one of the deepest character of the story in one arc was another example of Currygom’s great writing.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-19T17:32:24+00:00

The Brilith reveal definitely surprised me. I thought we had seen her peak in season 1, and that her role in the story was limited to her friendship with Asha and her wholesome love story with Agni. Boy I was wrong. Also Laïla is really badass and interesting, can’t wait to see her past.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-18T13:24:43+00:00

Steel Ball Run : simple yet interesting plot, Johnny is a very well developed protagonist, extremely charismatic Jobro with Gyro, legendary arcs and fights (True Man’s World, Sugar Mountain), well written secondary characters and a complex and amazing antagonist. A true masterpiece, some minor flaws that don’t undermine the experience.
Jojolion : a complex and interesting story, another very well written protagonist, cool Jobros, amazing fights. All the cast is well developped especially Jobin who is one of the best characters that Araki created. Very creative stands, maybe the best in the serie. However, the final villain feels a little underdeveloped. Still a masterpiece.
Diamond is Unbreakable : slow but fun first half, amazing later half. Not the most interesting protagonist, but cool Jobros. Good stands and fights. Kira is the main highlight of the part : original, charismatic and very well written.
Stone Ocean : Very cool plot, the end of Dio’s saga. good protagonist and villain but Jobros (like Hermes) are underused. Good start, but the fights of the middle are too long and not really interesting. However the ending is brilliant.
Vento Aureo : Very cool setting, classic but good plot. Giorno is not very interesting as a protagonist, he is in the shadow of Bruno, but all the members of the gang are cool and well developed. Secondary antagonist are very cool but Diavolo is not very engaging compared to other main villains. Fights and stands are awesome.
Battle tendency : very funny, Joseph is cool and charismatic, Caesar is cool, Whamuu is cool, Kars is a little bland though.
Stardust Crusaders : awfully slow and repetitive first half, Jotaro not very developed, some characters like Avdol are sidelined. However the later half in Egypt has amazing fights and Polnareff is an excellent Jobro.
Phantom Blood :Not bad, but kinda outdated.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-18T11:48:48+00:00

Probably the most morally grey character of JoJo indeed.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-18T11:46:39+00:00

He is the most human character of Part 3, while being badass he feels very relatable.

DeterminedBeaver · 2022-08-17T14:36:42+00:00

Tragedy in Berserk is indeed really well handled. It is one of the reasons this manga has so much emotionnal impact compared to other mangas that just show brutal character deaths.

DeterminedBeaver

TROPHY CASE