A relatively new manhwa, Surviving the Game as a Barbarian, seemingly mocks the controversial Japanese light novel series The Rising of the Shield Hero in the best possible way. As the shield is important in Aneko Yusagi’s series, considering it’s the only weapon Naofumi has, the Korean web novel downplays its importance in its storyline—and it’s just one of the many references.
Though Surviving the Game as a Barbarian and The Rising of the Shield Hero are both isekai, they differ in story. Based on the Korean web novel by Jung Yoon-kang, Surviving the Game as a Barbarian tells the tale of Hansu Lee, who turns into a real barbarian, Bjorn Yandel, after completing the role-playing game Dungeon and Stone. He’s about to start a new adventure in a fictional world by abiding by the laws.
Alternatively, The Rising of the Shield Hero follows the story of Naofumi, who receives the Legendary Shield, after being summoned to a parallel universe. However, everything goes downward spiral after her one-and-only companion betrays him, steals all of his stuff, and accuses him of sexually assaulting her. As he starts anew, he buys a demi-human girl named Raphtalia and an egg that hatches into a bird-like monster, and both become powerful warriors.
Surviving the Game as a Barbarian Subtly Taking a Swipe at The Rising of the Shield Hero
Bjorn Yandel begins his new life as a barbarian in Surviving the Game as a Barbarian by using a shield to protect him. Unlike Naofumi, who has only been handed with this weapon, Bjorn chooses it and knows its importance. However, it doesn’t become his main weapon; he just uses it to kill goblins. Things even work better for him when he uses a hammer, leaving the shield without use.
Surviving the Game as a Barbarian also gives the isekai genre a unique twist by featuring the people living in Dungeon and Stone having their own understanding of the isekai heroes. They see them as “possessed evil spirits,” whom they immediately kill. However, killing isn’t Bjorn’s style, and as barbarians are considered not so bright, he manages to escape the questions, avoiding raising any red flags.
This references another storyline from The Rising of the Shield Hero. After being summoned and framed, people try to kill Naofumi like an “evil spirit,” a move that’s also seen in Surviving the Game as a Barbarian. Some also notice the big difference between Naofumi and Bjorn. If Bjorn is kind toward a targeted elf, Naofumi is known for his controversial relationship with Raphtalia after buying her from a slave trader, seemingly trying to contradict the controversy.
Though it may be safe to say that the similarities between the two isekai are coincidences, their connection can’t be denied. Surviving the Game as a Barbarian seems to take a swipe at The Rising of the Shield Hero’s weak points, making it more interesting. The Rising of the Shield Season 3 concluded with 12 episodes on December 22. For fans who want to watch the series, it's available to stream on Crunchyroll in select regions.
