The Sword Art Online main series can get extremely dark. There can be lighter moments, but we’re always seeing the stakes characters face. It’s in the background, lurking. Sword Art Online: Kiss and Fly, a new manga series being localized by Yen Press, flips that by focusing on some genuinely happy, pleasant, and relaxing moments in the lives of Kirito, Asuna, and other folks we’re often seeing diving into danger.
The first volume of the Sword Art Online: Kiss and Fly manga takes place over multiple time periods. The first story is in the midst of the events of the original Sword Art Online story, while the second takes place after events in ALfeim Online. In the case of one, it’s a quieter, happier moment during a darker moment. With the others, it’s a chance to see what it’s like when these established characters are enjoying the MMOs without worrying about their futures.
I really loved the first story in the manga, which involved a pivotal moment in Kirito and Asuna’s relationship on October 23, 2024, during the Sword Art Online arc. “The Day Before” is an opportunity to advance their relationship further, while also highlighting how sidequests could function in the title. It’s a reminder that it wasn’t designed to be a life-or-death sort of game. Not to mention it shows just how serious the two characters are about each other. It really sets the stage for Sword Art Online: Kiss and Fly as a series, since we’re immediately presented with the two pivotal protagonists at a turning point in their lives.
This doesn’t diminish the value of the other stories in the Sword Art Online: Kiss and Fly manga though. The second is just as pivotal. Again, it brings the relationship between Kirito and Asuna to the forefront, showing how they’ve developed as a couple and what life is like for the couple during quieter times. We see how focused they are on each other, as well as how they reach out and support each other. I also felt like the progression was again perfect, as “The Day After” introduces the idea that this line won’t just be about their relationship with each other. We’ll see how others relate to and interact with them as well.
I also appreciated how this manga series isn’t just about positive interactions between Kirito and Asuna, but other Sword Art Online characters as well. The final story in this first volume is more about about another fun mystery of the world and opportunity for Kirito and Leafa to connect. Given the romantic nature of the other two stories and focus on the Kirito and Asuna pairing, it was fun to see another sort of interaction both in and out of the game.
Sword Art Online: Kiss and Fly is refreshing, considering how dire the mainline entries can be, and I loved seeing these supplemental side stories with Kirito and Asuna. Instead of worrying about death or unfathomable stakes, the two are actually enjoying Sword Art Online and ALfheim Online. The fact that it also focuses on their relationship and offers extra examples of why these two love each other is another added bonus. It’s just a fun read.
Sword Art Online: Kiss and Fly volume 1 is available now, and volume 2 of the manga will release on October 15, 2024 outside Japan.
Published: Aug 3, 2024 12:00 pm