WEBTOON has recently expanded its ever-growing library with the addition of “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman”. This manga, adapted from the light novel of the same name, brings a fresh take to the fantasy genre with its focus on a middle-aged protagonist and a story filled with both action and heartwarming moments. The series is available now on WEBTOON’s English-language platform, reformatted for the platform’s signature vertical scroll and presented in full color.
A Humble Beginning
“From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” centers around Beryl Gardenant, a seemingly ordinary, middle-aged man who runs a small sword-fighting dojo in the countryside. Beryl considers himself a humble old man who has achieved little in his life. However, his quiet life takes an unexpected turn when Allucia, a former student, returns as an elite commander. She reveals that many of Beryl’s past pupils have become renowned warriors.
Forced by Allucia, Beryl is thrust into the role of a special instructor for the kingdom’s strongest order of knights. This new position challenges him to confront his own potential and question whether he can still achieve greatness despite his age.
Story and Themes
The story explores themes of self-doubt, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to pursue one’s potential. Despite his accomplishments as a swordsman and instructor, Beryl remains unconvinced of his own worth. His journey involves not only training elite knights but also confronting his inner insecurities and learning to recognize his true value.
Key themes:
- Second chances: Beryl gets an unexpected opportunity to make a significant impact later in life.
- Self-acceptance: Beryl needs to overcome his self-doubt and realize his own worth.
- The value of experience: Despite his age, Beryl’s wisdom and experience as a swordsman are invaluable.
- The student-teacher bond: The relationships between Beryl and his former students play a central role in the story.
From Light Novel to Manga to Anime
The story began as a light novel written by Shigeru Sagazaki, with illustrations by Tetsuhiro Nabeshima. The manga adaptation, illustrated by Kazuki Sato, was first published in Akita Shoten’s web magazine Dokodemo Young Champion in August 2021. Yen Press publishes the manga in English for North American audiences. Furthermore, the series has also been adapted into an anime, which premiered on Prime Video in April 2025.
The WEBTOON release marks another step in the series’ growing popularity, making it accessible to a wider audience through its digital format.
Characters
- Beryl Gardenant: The main protagonist, a middle-aged swordsman who runs a dojo in the countryside. He is humble and skilled but struggles with self-doubt.
- Allucia: A former student of Beryl who has become an elite commander. She plays a crucial role in bringing Beryl out of his quiet life and into a position of greater responsibility.
- Beryl’s Former Students: Many of Beryl’s former students have become successful warriors, including elite knights, a skilled wizard, and a high-ranking adventurer.
Reception
The series has garnered positive attention for its refreshing take on the fantasy genre, particularly its focus on a middle-aged protagonist. Readers have praised the characters, the dynamic between Beryl and his students, and the blend of action and heartwarming moments.
Other notable information:
- The manga is available in full color and reformatted for WEBTOON’s vertical scrolling format.
- Nine volumes of the light novel have been released as of March 2025.
- Seven tankobon volumes of the manga had been released in Japan as of March 2025.
- A spin-off manga titled “Katainaka no Ossan, Kensei ni Naru Gaiden: Ryūsōken no Kiseki” debuted in Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine.
Why Read “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman”?
- Unique Protagonist: Beryl is a refreshing change from the typical young, overpowered protagonist in many fantasy stories.
- Heartwarming Story: The series combines action with emotional moments, exploring themes of self-worth and the importance of relationships.
- Beautiful Art: The manga’s full-color presentation and dynamic character designs enhance the reading experience.
- Multiple Formats: With a light novel, manga, and anime adaptation, there are multiple ways to enjoy the story.
Where to Read
“From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” is now available on WEBTOON’s English-language platform. You can also find the manga and light novel at other retailers, such as Yen Press. The anime adaptation is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
With its engaging story, unique protagonist, and beautiful artwork, “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” is a welcome addition to WEBTOON’s catalog and a must-read for fans of fantasy manga.
