10 Things you didn’t know about Accel World
If you’re a fan of anime and you haven’t watched Accel World yet, you’re missing out on one of the most unique and entertaining shows out there. This cyberpunk tale follows the adventures of Haruyuki Arita, a high school student who discovers a mysterious program that grants him incredible powers in a virtual reality world. But did you know that there’s much more to Accel World than meets the eye? In this article, we’re going to share 10 things you didn’t know about this beloved anime series. From its surprising connections to other popular anime to its hidden Easter eggs and references, we’ll take you on a journey through the fascinating world of Accel World. So get ready to dive into the secrets and trivia behind this groundbreaking anime, and discover some new reasons to love it all over again!
The origins of Accel World
Accel World is a light novel series written by Reki Kawahara, the same author who created the popular Sword Art Online franchise. The series began in 2009 and is still ongoing, with over 25 volumes published as of 2021. The anime adaptation of Accel World was produced by Sunrise, the same studio behind Gundam, Code Geass, and several other popular anime series.
Kawahara has stated that he was inspired to create Accel World after playing a video game called The World Ends with You. He was fascinated by the concept of a game that takes place in the real world but has its own unique rules and mechanics. He also wanted to explore the idea of a protagonist who starts out as weak and powerless but gradually becomes stronger and more confident.
Despite its similarities to Sword Art Online, Kawahara has stated that he intended Accel World to be a separate and distinct work. However, fans have noted several connections and references between the two series, such as the appearance of a character from Sword Art Online in Accel World’s second season.
The main character and his abilities
Haruyuki Arita, the protagonist of Accel World, is a short and overweight high school student who is frequently bullied by his classmates. However, his life changes dramatically when he discovers the Brain Burst program, a mysterious software that allows him to enter a virtual reality world where time is accelerated. In this world, Haruyuki is able to move and think at incredible speeds, making him almost unbeatable in combat.
Haruyuki’s abilities in the virtual world are a reflection of his desire to escape from his mundane and unhappy life in the real world. He is able to transcend his physical limitations and become a powerful and respected warrior in the virtual world, where he can achieve things that are impossible in reality. However, he also faces many challenges and obstacles as he tries to balance his virtual and real lives.
Haruyuki’s character has been praised for his relatability and depth, as well as his growth throughout the series. He starts out as a timid and insecure boy, but gradually becomes more confident and assertive as he gains experience and learns to trust his own abilities.
The significance of the Brain Burst game
The Brain Burst program is the central plot device of Accel World, and it plays a major role in the lives of the characters. Brain Burst is an augmented reality game that allows players to enter a virtual world where they can fight each other and gain experience points. However, there’s a catch: in order to play the game, players must sacrifice a portion of their remaining lifespan.
The concept of sacrificing lifespan for power is a unique and intriguing one, and it raises many questions about the nature of power and the lengths people will go to in order to achieve it. The game also serves as a metaphor for the characters’ struggles to find meaning and purpose in their lives, as they must balance their desire for power with their desire for happiness and fulfillment.
The Brain Burst game is also notable for its complex and intricate rules, which are gradually revealed throughout the series. These rules add to the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding the game, and they provide a sense of depth and complexity to the world of Accel World.
The unique setting of Accel World
Accel World takes place in a future version of Japan where technology has advanced to the point where virtual reality is a part of everyday life. The world of Accel World is a fascinating blend of cyberpunk and science fiction, with neon-lit streets, towering skyscrapers, and advanced computer systems.
One of the most unique aspects of the setting is the concept of “accelerated time.” In the virtual world of Brain Burst, time moves much faster than in the real world, allowing players to gain years of experience in a matter of hours. This concept adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the story, as characters must constantly balance their virtual and real lives and make difficult decisions about how to spend their time.
The setting of Accel World also explores themes of identity and self-discovery. Characters are able to create avatars that represent their ideal selves, and they are able to explore different aspects of their personalities through these avatars. However, they also face the challenge of reconciling their virtual and real identities, and they must grapple with questions of authenticity and self-worth.
The themes explored in Accel World
Accel World is a rich and complex work that explores a wide range of themes and ideas. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of power and its relationship to happiness and fulfillment. Characters in the series are constantly seeking power and status, but they also discover that these things are not enough to bring them true happiness. Instead, they must learn to find meaning and purpose in their lives through their relationships with others and their own personal growth.
Another key theme is the idea of overcoming obstacles and adversity. Characters in the series face many challenges and setbacks, both in the virtual world and in the real world. However, they are able to overcome these obstacles through their determination, resilience, and the support of their friends and allies.
Accel World also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and trust. Characters in the series form deep and meaningful connections with each other, and they learn the importance of relying on others and working together to achieve their goals. These themes add depth and emotional resonance to the story, and they make the characters feel more relatable and human.
The supporting characters and their roles
While Haruyuki is the protagonist of the series, he is supported by a large and diverse cast of characters who play important roles in the story. Some of the most notable characters include:
– Kuroyukihime, a beautiful and mysterious girl who introduces Haruyuki to the Brain Burst program and becomes his mentor and friend.
– Takumu Mayuzumi, Haruyuki’s childhood friend and rival, who also becomes a member of his team in the virtual world.
– Chiyuri Kurashima, a close friend of Haruyuki and Takumu who later becomes a Burst Linker herself.
– Yuniko Kozuki, a powerful Burst Linker who becomes a major antagonist in the series.
Each of these characters has their own unique personality, backstory, and motivations, and they add depth and complexity to the story. They also provide opportunities for interesting character dynamics and relationships, which help to keep the story engaging and compelling.
The anime adaptation of Accel World
Accel World was adapted into an anime series in 2012, with a second season airing in 2013. The anime was produced by Sunrise and directed by Masakazu Obara, and it featured a talented voice cast and impressive animation and visual effects.
The anime adaptation of Accel World has been praised for its faithfulness to the source material, as well as its strong character development and exciting action scenes. However, some fans have criticized the pacing of the series and the exclusion of certain storylines and characters from the light novels.
Despite these criticisms, the anime has been popular among fans of the genre, and it has helped to introduce many new viewers to the world of Accel World. It has also inspired several spin-off manga series and video games, further expanding the franchise’s reach and popularity.
Accel World’s reception and popularity
Accel World has been well-received by both fans and critics, with many praising its unique setting, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. The series has won several awards, including the Dengeki Novel Prize in 2008, and it has been praised for its innovative approach to the “isekai” genre.
The franchise has also been successful commercially, with over 20 million copies of the light novels sold as of 2021. The anime adaptation has been popular among viewers both in Japan and internationally, and it has helped to introduce many new fans to the world of Accel World.
Despite its success, Accel World remains a somewhat underrated and underappreciated anime series, overshadowed by other more popular franchises in the genre. However, its unique and innovative approach to storytelling and its engaging characters and themes make it a standout work that is definitely worth checking out.
Fun facts about Accel World you didn’t know
– The character designs for Accel World were created by Hima, the same artist who designed the characters for Sword Art Online.
– The name “Brain Burst” is a play on the words “brain” and “burst,” as well as the Japanese word “buretsu,” which means “burst.”
– The virtual world of Accel World was inspired by the popular MMORPGs World of Warcraft and Lineage II.
– The name “Kuroyukihime” means “black snow princess” in Japanese, and it was chosen to reflect the character’s beauty and mystery.
– The ending theme for the first season of the anime, “Unite” by Sachika Misawa, was also used as the opening theme for the second season of Sword Art Online.
Conclusion
Accel World is a unique and engaging anime series that deserves more attention and recognition than it has received. From its fascinating setting and complex characters to its thought-provoking themes and innovative storytelling, Accel World is a standout work that is sure to captivate and entertain fans of the genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in the world of Accel World. So why not give it a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?