Read up to chapter 23, I legitimately enjoyed parts of this story but its flaws really hold it back. Specifically in terms of characterization and story pacing. In my opinion there is a lack of depth in dialogue, character relationships and overall story.
Mc has some character development in the beginning and with the Ancient One. Outside of his humor he's not a compelling enough character for me. He's a recluse whose only real motivation is to get stronger. Aside from reluctantly involving himself in hero work. Any relationship he has with characters is skimmed over and awkward. I.E him making Bruce Banner his butler, changing his name and demeanor, which was just a bit too absurd. His relationship with Nick Fury and Avengers feels one note. The romance is also clumsy, and forced. It felt contrived for Mc to have a past wife who was basically a doppelganger of Scarlet Witch. Just to have a reason for him stalk the real one years later.
The story pacing is what ultimately sinks story quality for me. The MCU plot feels stuck on rails. The only real changes are a few dead characters are saved. Even with that the story follows the exact same beats. Since a few scenes here and there are copied word for word from the movies. The story makes it clear the MCU is just a pitstop for the Mc. So the world doesn't feel explored at all. We just skim over his time in world war 2 and speed run through a few MCU movies. We don't even get a hero name for him even after he saves the day.
Thanks for reading my review and please excuse my rambling.
