Alright, seeing as everyone seems to be at each other's throat right now, I think it's time to give my two cents as well. So, constructive criticism time!
1. Considering the sheer amount of negativity on this thread currently, it's probably best if I start with the positive side of things. I really, truly enjoyed the Interludes, not only from a purely entertainment perspective, but from a narrative one as well. I genuinely do not understand those who say that they added nothing of import, they were actually choke full with absolutely vital information. Let's start from the top:
a. Victoria's character development is put front and center. Honestly, she has changed so much that, were I lacking the inner monologues given in her Interludes, I probably would've been shocked and raised a massive stink due to the sheer shift she has undergone. Since it should be obvious by now that she is going to be a major character from now on, or at the very least in the near future, establishing her new personality is very much vital to prevent future confusion.
b. Outside perspectives are given on Joe. Thanks to this we now have a far better grasp on his public image, as well as all of the theories people are putting out to try and understand him. This gives us a better idea of how the various movers and shakers, as well as the general public are going to react to the events of Chapter 41. It also shows that Victoria is surprisingly adept at gauging the differing opinions on Joe, proving that she is quite perceptive.
c. The Interludes serve as "fix-it" for Chapter 41, as they seem almost tailor-made to clear up uncertainties and give a greater context to the events occurring. Off of the top of my head there are:
I. The readers are reminded that while neither they nor Joe care for Lung, everybody else very much does. Just about everyone else is absolutely terrified of the man, with the whole ABB essentially existing only due to his sheer strength.
II. It's shown that Joe does in fact only backhand March, rather than hitting her full force, making her survival more tolerable and believable.
III. We are shown exactly how Joe's overwatch got taken out.
d. Lastly, the most important part of it all, Victoria meets the Fragile One.
Overall, I'd rate the Interludes rather highly. They add further worldbuilding, character development, put past events into perspective, offer explanations for contentious occurrences, and set up a positively ludicrous amount of future content I am quite genuinely rather hyped for. How are the local PRT going to be punished for failing to prevent further kidnappings of civilians? How will everyone react to Joe's so aptly demonstrated strength? Is Cauldron going to get involved? What will happen at Somer's Rock?
I have absolutely no idea but by God am I looking forwards to finding out.
2. However, there remain flaws within the recent chapters, and it is my hope, that by pointing them out, as well as offering ways how they could have been avoided, that Lord will be able to avoid another such contentious chapter. Please remember that this is in fact writing practice for him, not pointing out the negatives isn't going to help anyone. So, without further ado, in no particular order:
a. Showing Joe's altered state of mind through changes in writing. Lord himself has already addressed this point, stating that it would've taken to much time to implement and would've required further delays, which he didn't want to happen, wishing to keep as close to schedule as realistically feasible.
Now, while this is very much commendable, it really didn't help the controversy. Because the fact that Joe is essentially too angry to think clearly is told to us, but not shown, it doesn't really register and thus makes his following decisions seem stupid. I recommend that next time such an event happens within the story, Lord simply delays and spares himself the stress.
b. Secondly, Lung wasn't build up enough to serve as a satisfying final boss of this arc. I'm not going to complain that it should've been March, that wasn't what happened and we have to deal with it. We simply lacked an emotional attachment to him to truly rejoice at his defeat and the downfall of the ABB that it spelled, because he was so utterly dismissed.
Personally, I would've added some monologue or dialogue on Joe's part, showing us just how formidable of a threat Lung normally is, as well as showing us the consequences of his mere existence. Maybe have Joe stumble onto footage from Lung's operations regarding human trafficking, showing us just how much of a blight he truly is, eliciting disgust at him and at least giving us some measure of catharsis at his defeat.
c. Alright, this is going to be the most controversial part of it all. Let's talk plot-holes, namely March not dying and Joe focusing so much on Lung. And I think this ties in neatly with point a.
If we were truly shown just how out of it Joe actually is, than him not managing to punch in the most effective way or not being able to hit March full force would be quite believable. Show a barely conscious Joe just blindly lashing out, and March's survival becomes much less of a sticking point.
Similarly, his absolute focus on Lung rather than March after seeing Garment hurt and deciding to hurt the one responsible stops being such a "Wait, what?"-moment if he is shown to be so utterly furious, that he simply goes after whoever is closest, rather than responsible. Again, if Joe is just lashing out rather than acting rationally, a lot of things make much more sense. And I think that that was Lord's goal, but it just doesn't come off well at all in this case.
Nonetheless, I still greatly enjoyed the last installment, and having been one of the people brandishing my pitchfork after chapter 41, I can assure Lord that his efforts at fixing what some of his readers didn't like has been noticed and is greatly appreciated.
Have a nice day everyone.
