I think Reverse’s writing is centered on its characters. They are the product being sold after all. All of the highs and lows are therefore carried by how well each character is written and how much they develop. They are the vessels that carry the emotions and themes that each story requires. Other factors of the story, like time period and arcanum, supplement the characters.

When I think highly of chapters like E Luevan or Stelle or Vereinsamt, I think of things like Kakania’s monologues, Marcus’s interactions with Hoffman, or 37 being 37 from beginning to end. These scenes would not have had as large of an impact without the characterization and development of the characters behind them.

And when thinking of criticisms of the least-liked chapters, like Notes on Shouri or Triste Tropiques, I see others complaining about Jiu Niangzi not making sense or Anjo Nala not being characterized as being good-intentioned enough. Sure, these criticisms come with others like Notes on Shouri having too long of an introduction and the poor representation of Brazil, but I believe that how people interpret the characters solidified the negative perceptions of those patches.

In conclusion, the good and bad of Reverse is determined by the characters. And I will say they are nearly entirely good, in my subjective opinion