User blog comment:LaviBookman/Sword Art Online/@comment-4969779-20120731011311/@comment-973828-20120731031900

I just finished reading the first volume visual novel that the anime is based off of. The first episodes are based off of the side stories of Kirito's adventures before the main story actually begins. Personally, I think doing this isn't necessary and bogs down the story's pacing, but the anime is currently slated for 25 episodes, which is basically a full season. The main plot probably won't start for another 5 episodes, which is disappointing, but all of these side stories are relevant to the development of Kirito's character.