What type of Afterword reader are you? I know someone who reads the afterword first and regardless of how often I tell them that they are a perverse freak and should be ashamed they are unapologetic and don't change their wicked ways.

And while we're speaking about Afterwords, have you come across interesting ones? Personally, I like ones that give some background info about the volume the most and afterwords written as the characters least.

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[–] wjs018@ani.social 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Definitely a fan of the afterwords that are written by the author about themselves in some way (as opposed to in-character ones). My favorites are usually the ones that provide some behind the scenes picture of things. I remember reading one of the Eminence in Shadow afterwords where the author talked a bit about work that was done on the anime adaptation that was announced shortly before the volume came out. Similarly, another they wrote about the process of writing a LN instead of a WN and how the writing process was different working with an editor as opposed to instant, regular feedback from the comment section. I appreciate that peek behind the curtain of the process.

[–] NineSwords@ani.social 3 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Speaking about adaptations is a hit-or-miss thing for me. If it's just news about an anime coming out soon, for example, then by the time I get to read the translated volume years later, I often think to myself something like, "Look at you, all giddy and hyped up, you sweet summer child. If only you knew how terrible your anime will turn out. Ohohohohoho (best ojousama impression)." But if they talk a bit about the actual process of adapting the novel, for example, I'm all for it. Also tidbits like meeting VAs.

[–] I2jgwh0hYtxrCZQ@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I always read the afterword at the end. I know some authors give an overview of the story and talk about taking the book to the checkout [So I’m a Spider?]. But it just feels wrong to read it first.

I am not too fussed about afterwords. There are some interesting ones which give extra info about the story or tell us more about the author, and it’s always nice to see them thanking everyone.

But I quite enjoy it when the illustrator gives extra pictures they have done of characters that didn’t get added to the main story [Average Abilities], or little story panels (manga/comics) [Bookworm]

[–] NineSwords@ani.social 2 points 4 months ago

Great point. The end of volume manga in Bookworm are always something to look forward to.

[–] Deemo 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I know someone who reads the afterword first.

I skim through all the pictures first (if the book is drm free like jnovel I unzip it and look through the image folder, else I look through fandom or skim for images).

But regarding the afterword I read those at the end 🙃

[–] NineSwords@ani.social 2 points 4 months ago

I skim through all the pictures first (if the book is drm free like jnovel I unzip it and look through the image folder, else I look through fandom or skim for images).

I do not think that's any better than reading the afterword first. My initial thought is that it's even worse TBH. At least with the afterwords, you have a chance not to get spoiled.