Jan 7, 2025
Re:Zero Ex is a spin-off novel that explores the world and its characters before Subaru’s arrival in the main story. It mostly focuses on momentous historical events and the personal upbringings of the series’ cast. They start out as side stories from the Web Novel that are later polished and compiled into these Light Novel volumes. Since each of the Ex volumes are released at a time when they are relevant to the events of the ongoing story, if you are certain and committed enough on wanting to maximize one’s enjoyment of Re:Zero, and especially the main story, it'll be recommended to read these side
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stories in order- at moments where they’re most important at whatever point in the story you’re at. For example, experiencing “Sword Demon Battle Ballad” before arc 3 and 5, will result in the arcs’ climaxes surrounding Wilhelm and Theresia to be higher, as you have formed a greater understanding and bond of these characters. The Ex’s include many of the best written and cardinal side stories this series offers, and my own personal favorite: Battle Ballad, which features a fantastically written antagonist that is side story exclusive, only having been referenced in the main story, (but maybe just for now). Unlike something such as “Re:Zero Tanpenshuu” which is also good on its own and features some great side stories, the one’s in the Ex’s are consistently longer and more lore-character relevant, while comparably being substantially less slice of life centric. Here's a very short summary of what the volumes are about:
Ex 1: The beginnings of Crush and Ferris’ relationship, about their backstories and how they grew to have such a deep connection.
Ex 2-3-6: Willhelm and Theresia’s love story through the Demihuman War and their encounter with the former Sin Archbishop of Pride.
Ex 4: Julius, Reinhard and Ferris on a mission in Vollachia to protect and strengthen their diplomacy with Lugunica.
Ex 5: Priscilla’s upbringing and Aldebaran’s life as a trapped gladiator.
And Ex 7, although it has yet to be released, will very likely be the “Tale of Iris and the King of Thorns”, another love story about that of Vollachia’s former Emperor.
This is just me simplifying the basics for your convenience, as these side stories do include a variety of other well written and decently relevant characters. You’ll notice that the main story references them quite a bit and there will probably be occasional bouts of confusion if you’re going through it without having read them, especially when it comes to arc 7-8. But I don’t particularly think they’re a necessary read to understanding the story, as I’m sure in due time everything of importance will be explained, but at a later date than the Ex’s have. Nevertheless if you’re someone who’s already a fan of Re:Zero, then I’d say it’s absolutely worth reading. As much as I love Subaru, the narrative doesn’t have to involve him for it to be great. It’s a vast and complex world with countless parallel storylines and branching paths colliding, meshing and interacting with one another. Bringing us along the journey and experiences of others, providing remarkable insight while showing us their different sides.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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