Isekai manga can sometimes be confusing for fans, with different sub-genres and concepts to explore. Thunder 3 Volume 1 introduces a unique twist on the isekai genre, where three schoolboys find themselves in a realistic world with sci-fi elements, despite living in a cartoonish world themselves.
The story follows the Small Three – Pynotaro Tezuka, Tsubame Azuma, and Hiroshi Ochanomizu – as they discover a disc that connects them to another world. When Pynotaro’s sister, Futaba, enters the realistic world through the TV screen, she is mistaken for an anime character by the inhabitants. The boys, with their newfound strength in the new world, embark on a mission to rescue Futaba from alien occupants of a gigantic spacecraft.
One of the most captivating aspects of Thunder 3 is the artwork, which juxtaposes the chibi-like appearance of the characters with the realistic world they are thrown into. The contrast creates a visually striking narrative, reminiscent of blending characters from different manga genres. The story builds up slowly in the first volume, focusing on world-building and setting the stage for deeper developments in future volumes.
The translation and editing of Thunder 3 are well-executed, with attention to detail in presenting the manga to the readers. The use of an otherworldly font for the aliens’ dialogues adds to the immersive experience of the story. The matte finish of the cover adds to the overall quality of the physical book.
While Thunder 3 Volume 1 sets the foundation for an intriguing storyline, it leaves readers eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the new world and the alien visitors. The blend of humor, suspense, and unique artwork makes Thunder 3 a promising addition to the isekai genre, offering a fresh take on familiar tropes.
As the series progresses, readers can expect to witness the Small Three navigate through challenges, confront the alien visitors, and uncover the secrets of the parallel world they find themselves in. Thunder 3 promises an engaging and visually captivating journey for fans of isekai manga looking for something new and different.
