Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?

Description

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The world where the Hero and the Demon King continue to oppose each other. The grand magic from the Hero and the Demon King cross over worlds and exploded in the classroom of a certain high school.

The students who died in the explosion will be reincarnated in a different world. The protagonist, who had the lowest reputation in the class, was reincarnated into a spider. Nevertheless, she adapted quickly to the present condition with strong willpower.

This is a story of she who has become a spider trying whatever she can to live.

Associated Names
One entry per line
I'm a Spider, So What?
So I'm a Spider, So What?
เกิดใหม่เป็นแมงมุมแล้วงัย
蜘蛛ですが、なにか?
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (WN) (20)
Evil God Average (13)
Reincarnated as a Dragon’s Egg ~Lets Aim to Be the Strongest~ (11)
Demon Noble Girl ~Story of a Careless Demon~ (10)
Apotheosis of a Demon – A Monster Evolution Story (9)
Sevens (8)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Best novels I've read
  2. Novels I have Read
  3. Mix of novel recommendations
  4. Good Stuff
  5. Best Fantasy Novels

Latest Release

Date Group Release
08/14/17 blastron c120
08/13/17 Raising the Dead past arc 15
08/12/17 Raising the Dead past arc 14
08/08/17 Raising the Dead past arc 13
06/23/17 Raising the Dead past arc 12
06/13/17 Raising the Dead past arc 11
06/02/17 Raising the Dead past arc 10
05/26/17 Raising the Dead past arc 9
05/24/17 Raising the Dead past arc 8
05/23/17 Raising the Dead past arc 7
05/21/17 Raising the Dead past arc 6
05/21/17 Raising the Dead past arc 5
05/20/17 Raising the Dead lesson 2
05/20/17 Raising the Dead past arc 4
05/19/17 Raising the Dead past arc 3
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216 Reviews sorted by


niconico100
niconico100 rated it
December 21, 2017
Status: --
This is freaking AMAZING!! I've read the manga first and I'm rereading the novel since it's much updated...

Okay so this is the first time I've seen a Japanese novel that doesn't have romance and harem (I hate this genre the most-it has the most senseless reason I'd ever seen). The story have a good plot like most male-concentrated novels, minus the ones I mentioned and most of all the protagonist is female. It's just so refreshing to read especially when the protagonist is leveling up step-by-step, she thinks more logically... more>> and gets so happy when she accomplish small things because the past her doesn't really achieve anything (since she's a shut in).

I also love each evolution and the way she acquires her abilities. It's just frustrating how much she gets into a lot of near to death experience, but it's understandable since it promotes her growth and the place is a dungeon, swarming with predators.

I recommend everyone to read this, but it's also okay if you don't.......... your lose ("-3-) <<less
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ieh
ieh rated it
November 28, 2017
Status: --
I keep hearing how amazing this LN is and how great the story is. I've tried quite a few times trying to read Blastron (best English translation) version but can never really make it that far. I just don't find the MC very interesting or her internal monologue very compelling. I had a far better time reading the manga version because the comedy and energy really come through the drawing.

I really wish I could read the 150 chapters or so where she's just grinding to where the story takes off... more>> and becomes more but I just don't want to read 150 chapters of dull grinding to get to the real meat of the story. I just wish I could see a point or a plot to compel me to be invested in the LN in the beginning. I personally think the manga is a much better version because they concentrated the story and action but each chapter comes out at such a slow pace. <<less
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GoldSweeper
GoldSweeper rated it
June 29, 2017
Status: past arc 12
Really enjoyed this novel, won't say its unique or anything like that but in the sense that the MC is reincarnated as a spider is pretty unique. Its a hilarious WN and I would recommend that you read it. Here are some things that are bad about the novel tho:

  1. The 1st downside to this is that the author really takes his time in explaining things and there are many things which you will not understand immediately.
  2. Secondly, due to the constant view swapping, it would actually be advisable to read the main story 1st? Before going into all the view swaps or maybe even re-reading the other POVs after reading the whole thing to get a better grasp of the story.
  3. It gets quite messy half way through the story with the skills and so on and sometimes it just turns into 1 entire chapter being a side story just to clarify what has been updated ETC.
  4. Minor qualm the chapters are too short in my opinion
If you are ok with those kind of things then by all means, its a good read.
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Demonic Reader lv 451F
Demonic Reader lv 451F rated it
December 26, 2016
Status: insane oni
Edit addendum 07/2022. This novel is great. It's now animated.

:hr:

What's good is good. But what's good to most people may be bad for some people. This novel is the BEST example. It's best for many, but nor for everyone.

... more>> First, the plot. It is new/unique. Not like 99.9% of other novels. It's so jumpy that if you are skip reading some chapters, you'll end up being confused, upset and getting bored, and soon will leave this novel.

So, my uncovered spoiling suggestion : The MAIN story is not the main. The jumping SIDE story is.

REPEAT. THE ULTRA BORING SIDE STORY IS THE MAIN PLOT.

If you follow the above suggestion, you'll finally able to taste the roast elf meat.

However, if your usual reading habit is "linear", ie : have to be told everything in advance, better leave this story. This novel is very convoluted, goal-less, plot-less, until ch.160-170 or the second half. If you are unable to read novel this style, stop here

Don't show your incompetency like those 1-3 stars reviewers who doesnot/cannot read pass ch.100th before boastfully reviewing. Whole story in 2 sentences.

Spoiler

1. The story of the MC who was accidentaly killed by the idiotic act of two hero reincarnated as the lowest class beast before idiotly turned into the most powerful idiot god from its overt, no ending, hunger.

2. After it realized the truth, it tried hard to destroy all living creatures, friends, elf, d3mon, human, WORLD included, to free the dead people and a particular insanely idiot angel it never met.

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The very problem of this world setting and the real plot is revealed at about 250th chapter. That means you have to read all the side stories again.

Not many reader can withstand this mal-treatment. That's why 10% of the reviewers give 1-2 stars despite 90% give 4-5 stars.

Next from convulated plot. Let's review the characters. Summary : all of them have roles. Even the least significant side chars from the very beginning of the story, if not die first, would later play big role in the late stage. As plot progress, they developed themselves too. Some did it boastfully, some silently. For example, the coward, low class clown magician.

BTW, don't expect much from
Spoiler

those splendid strong heroes and heroines who were transmigrated at the same time. Most of they were just side chars.

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Wish you're survive the lyrinth to enjoy this novel. <<less
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Zek
HOMOSENSEI rated it
September 24, 2016
Status: c272
This story have the same premise with any other reincarnation related novels out there, with an exception, the protagonist was reborn as a spider in a game-like world. The pacing is decent but you won't find any interactions with intelligible creatures until post chapter 60+, which was my first problem I stumbled upon with the novel. However, the real story starts when you have advanced beyond that point, and it gets even more exciting. Plus, the author takes his time to build-up characters by taking each's perspective into account, and... more>> uses it to expand the plot further.

This is a mix of both fluffy and dark, good to read if you're taking a break from romance and other related genres. <<less
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comradeprozac
comradeprozac rated it
June 2, 2016
Status: --
Spoiler

If you are reading this hoping to get a cute Arachne let me save you a couple of hours: yes she does becomes an Arachne, it last two chapters and them the story takes a noise dive.

I didn't cared about the side sorry that much and for the longest time I actually thought those were running in parallel with the main story, thinking the main character had lost her sense of time. Nope! The main story takes place years before the meat and bones of the side story.

Before the apotheosis I just wanted for the MC to explore the world and for her to try to seduce the Men she liked but that didn't happened, after it I just wanted for her to tell the goods to shove it but nope, she couldn't because of some revelation that the reader can get, which is one of the problems that plague the story

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tl;dr: If you want monster girls you aren't going to find them here, go to /monster/ or anonkun

Edit: So there is a manga adaptation of this now, hopefully the manga will fix some of the problems of the original text
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Liquid Ice
Liquid Ice rated it
February 25, 2016
Status: --
I don't understand why there's so many 5/5 ratings. There's a few comments saying how the story has large segments that are slow, confusing, or boring, but the rating is still 5/5?

I admit, I mostly tried this story because of the positive reviews and made it to chapter 60 or so before I got a migraine. Now I'm usually pretty open to reincarnation stories, considering they almost all start out the same way, but this story just feels so... bland. I can't really put it into words, but it was... more>> so boring that it inspired me to make an account just to comment.

In an attempt to explain what I mean, I'll be using a part of nwms8's review: the story has a huge lack of emotional and scenic detail, and focuses more on the mc's perspective. This might be fine as a stylistic choice, except for the fact that the MC is quite dull. It's like having the boring guy play dungeon master in D&D. Even for the "action-y" scenes, you never really feel a sense of anticipation or excitement. I'm not sure whether it's due to the writing style or the translation, but the MC seems to be more of a self-insert protagonist. The story is pretty standard, and there's really nothing eye-catching about it, but that might be due to me stopping where I did.

Well that said, the headache inducing feeling reminded me of SAO, so if you liked Kirito, you'll probably like this story, but I really can't stand it. <<less
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admira
admira rated it
February 1, 2016
Status: --
I don't think that I can do it justice with a review, so I'll just give my top two points:

(1) MC is female, reincarnated as a weak, female spider. But she fights for herself and doesn't become a damsel in distress. The same goes for many of the other female characters; they exist as actual characters, rather than props to support the male characters' existence.

(2) No instant OP. And even when she gets stronger, she is immediately humbled by something even stronger appearing. As for when she gets... more>> strong, there are other, weaker characters who provide interest in that area. So, the story doesn't get boring because the MC becomes able to handle herself. <<less
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sdarkpaladin
sdarkpaladin rated it
January 25, 2016
Status: --
This is the success story of an Author who turned a relatively new genre (?) into a success. Many turn-ed into a monster story involves the protag being humanoid and use his/her wits to form connections with other monsters and prosper. Not our kumoko, she's a beast. The way her attitude and personality shows through in writing is really fascinating. Lastly, nai waaaa~~
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bom12826
bom12826 rated it
November 4, 2015
Status: --
It was fun until the story wasn't about her anymore.

Kinda same with other Webnovel in this genre really

Authors tend to get distract and focus too much on a side characters

Basically think of manga Beach
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linnil
linnil rated it
November 4, 2015
Status: --
re:charioles

Around chapter 56 and you will get a nice action.

But it will stay as a game log until she got out of the dungeon in chapter 100+++

However if you can reach chapter 96, this will turn into a fun comedy even with those game log.

Spoiler

Because with her new skill, she can create another will of herself. It's funny seeing her talking to herself as if there actually two kumoko.

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Euluer2746462
Euluer2746462 rated it
January 6, 2025
Status: Completed
One of my first web novels and probably my favorite monster isekai. Kumoko is such a fun protagonist. Insanity, a severe lack of morals and common sense, and a strong will to live make for a great character. She talks to herself a lot, and is incredibly endearing for a genocidal spider monster. Nai wa~

The starting arcs are peak isekai. With lots of suffering, Kumoko makes her way from a tiny baby to the terror of the dungeon. Later arcs slow down and involve more politics and outside forces, which... more>> up the stakes and power levels but don't quite manage to recapture the initial charm of burning yourself to death for fire resistance. The story has its flaws, but I'll give it 5/5 since Kumoko and Ariel are great. <<less
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markus0i
markus0i rated it
September 1, 2023
Status: c284
One of my favorite LNs, about a highschool girl who is reincarnated as a lvl 1 tiny spider in a D&D fantasy world. Her rise to becoming one of the most spectacularly OP beings in any medium is extremely entertaining due to her nonstop color commentary.
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Hosh
Hosh rated it
June 12, 2023
Status: Completed
Summary: One of the best Isekai novels if all you're looking for is a good time. Also, READ THE LN INSTEAD

The POV changes are bad in the WN but the LN fixes it.

MC: The MC is a bit deranged and isn't a particularly good character. She makes up for that, however, by being funny. The Lee Kiyoung equivalent of Japanese novels, so to say. In the WN she seems a bit too cold-hearted but the LN fixes that. Top tier Isekai MC

SCs: Like, the MC, none are particularly well-written with... more>> the exception of Ariel, but they're funny and they character interactions are fun to watch and rather wholesome.

Action: Its basic but it's done well. There are occasions where the MC gets saved by some asspull she supposedly got off-screen but that happens like, twice in the early stages of the story and again, the LN fixes most of it.

Setting: Good but not outstanding

Story: Its really messy in the WN but when told coherently like in the LN it's great. Not excellent or peak but tis still amazing.

If you want to read the WN despite my many warnings to read the LN instead then read Blastron's, then Turb0's, then Raising the Dead in that order

In short, the WN is a low 5-star, the LN is a high 5-star. READ THE LN <<less
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Geddn
Geddn
May 17, 2022
Status: --
This series could have been the next slime. It could just be another great Isekai transformed into monster but then the author decides to do the biggest cardinal sin that alot of isekai writers or light novelist does. They go wayyyyyy of script and they pace the series in horrible ways. Maybe in the minority but I like buildup with a combination of good story telling and good fights. This series does that until like vol 3-4 and then its a typical here we go again sh*t fest were the... more>> MC gets randomly stronger with a plot weaponization. I couldnt bare to go past a point due to how aweful it felt. <<less
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cavler
cavler rated it
April 17, 2022
Status: Completed
before anything, I have arachnophobia so I might be a little biased.

this phobia is also the reason I started reading, I saw the anime and the title and hoped it would help a little. (i haven't tested the results)

to the review...

i read the web novel version, not the light novel. Overall I enjoyed the story, except the end, it felt empty. the final battle was there, because there was a need for a final battle. it could have been saved if the writers spend a decent time on the... more>> epilogue, maybe with a little time skip.

the beginning is also a little confusing because of the time jumping, this is fixed in the later parts of the story. SS does not stand for side story, but student story. it later joins with the main story.

all in all, enjoyable story except for the ending. it seems that the light novels used for the anime adaptation is taking the story in a slightly different direction fixing the course a little, I might look for it another time. I need a break from spiders... <<less
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Comic_Sans0113
Comic_Sans0113 rated it
April 12, 2022
Status: Completed
First before anything else, if you plan on reading this story and am therefore reading a review first, I would like to say that it is quite a journey. I haven't personally been following it for all that long, but I remember reading the from about 4-5 years ago, and have continued to follow the story since. The story has many astounding and overall extremely enjoyable action scenes, with lots of fun that isn't random and generic like other novels. It is unique and that is part of why I... more>> enjoy it so much. The story also begins building and actually foreshadowing future events with good storytelling. What I will get into later will include some spoilers for the story, though I will try to keep it as vague as possible.

Spoiler

I think that for those of us who have read the story, it is quite apparent that the final ending that came after the hiatus was somewhat rushed. However, even with that added fact, I still believe the story is good enough to make up for that fact. Although I do personally dislike the ending. (From a personal standpoint, not an analytical one) The ending gave me quite a feeling of nihility. With the way the story ended, it felt as if all that the main character and her side fought to accomplish was pointless. The goal that they wanted to achieve was accomplished, but with the goddess dying nevertheless, many of their own sacrifices, and overall very little reward for their sacrifice, it felt rather empty.

Though I can somewhat understand the author's view, if not that, then at the very least my own interpretation of it. With the story shifting, and the main character really starting to become more akin to the villain in the story, it is difficult to give them a truly "happy ending". Furthermore, with the story being more serious in tone, it obviously cannot be a story that will end in such fashion that even optimists will find it unrealistic. Even just from reading it up until the hiatus, I had a subtle feeling that the ending would not be an ideal one, at least for our protagonist. I think at that point, the author had really only a few choices. Whether to end it as she did, with an almost melancholic feeling, or to have Shun's side end up winning. The ending itself, while quite rushed, I do believe gave sufficient effort to honor each of the characters. Whether it was Kyouya or even Shiro herself, I do believe the story honored their character.

With the rest of the story, while I also started off hating on the many side stories that interrupted Shiro's story, which was extremely enjoyable, I did grow to enjoy them. Considering how critical the reincarnators and the other characters were to the final story, I felt as if those sections were very necessary and very important to the story itself. Therefore, despite them being "side stories", I enjoyed being able to understand the other characters and their motivations. Furthermore, it also breathed life into this world, making it feel as if each of the characters had their own lives and that the world itself wasn't entirely centered around the protagonist. This is especially reflected in the final chapters. Whilst Shiro and Guro's battle were very critical to the final conclusion of the story, the other battles and different encounters all nudged the conclusion closer to their own favor, though Shun's group obviously were of the next highest importance, after Shiro and Guro's battle.

One thing in particular that I had always idolized in writing was the capability to "make a world feel alive" or depending on the person, "making the character feel alive". This story, as far as I consider it, does a great job of that. While Shiro and the other reincarnators' stories might initially feel distant, their stories eventually merge and congregate, which really impressed me. While I'm sure objectively there are multiple problems with story, whether it was some of the side stories being irrelevant or perhaps the timeline and some of the setting. I am personally able to look past that, and willing to give it a 4.5 (Though I had to round it up).

Without forcing me to write like I'm trying to actually act intelligent, I have to say I am probably quite biased for this story. As aforementioned, I had been following it for a long time, and only recently found out about its conclusions and therefore came to finish the story. I don't remember much from the earlier volumes except really enjoying Kumoko's adventures and reading through the side stories thinking that they were pointless. I doubt there's a point in trying to be absolutely neutral when creating a review, so I left some of my personal thoughts in there. Overall, my review is probably a 1/5 at best, but so be it.

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NogardterceS
NogardterceS rated it
September 16, 2021
Status: c200
This is actually the first japanese novel Ive ever read, back in 2016. It made me hunger for more monsterstories, but nothing has ever been able to scratch that itch as well as kumo. It has extremely well made worldbuilding, system and characters. Kumo is a great character as well, I love her antics and the way she progresses. This is definitely a novel to read if you want actual quality. The MC is OP but in a reasonable fashion (no cheats), she earned all of her power through hard... more>> work and countless incidents. Her power doesnt feel "given" but earned and it's something a lot of authors struggle with to portray correctly, hence the "cheats" and "systems". I came back to this page after watching the anime and just wanted to leave my 5 stars here to counteract some of the bad reviews of people that skim through chapters without actually caring about the world they're reading. I agree that there are a lot of side stories later in the story, and the fact that the story still isnt finished after all those years does make me a bit sad, so I hope the author finally finishes it. <<less
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Seeya
Seeya rated it
August 18, 2021
Status: --
Good read, the side character POVs are interesting, but the timeline is sort of all over the place, but it will make sense once you get farther into the story.
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Whimssica
Whimssica rated it
July 15, 2021
Status: --
Hmmm. This novel starts with our dear kumo-chan as the bottom-feeder who works her way to the top. A good 100+ chapter of all which have been a tedious but sometimes a fun experience to read, had been about her levelling-up. There were also the side stories (other characters). I find myself bored with all the grinding level-up chapters and I really really wanted the story to be all about her but I persevered because I see comments that says this novel was amazing. I'm currently at 140+ and I... more>> must say that I'm confused as to whether Kumo-chan is the villainess of the story or not... nonetheless, the chapters were pretty short, so I guess it's ok.

I am having a bit of trouble with the translations by Turbo but he/she is doing his/her best and it's actually more understandable. Thank you translator-san for your efforts 🥰 <<less
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