Some of the most recent Anime releases (no matter the genre, from shonen to seinen) do seem to revolve an interesting theme – isekai! There seems to be something really amazing with this other world aspect shows – let us list down some reasons why almost all isekai anime are must-watch wonders!
An Escape into the Amazing
No matter the setting, there does seem to be something common in all these shows – a chance to try something new and different! Isekai shows revolve around the idea of either a reincarnation, transporting into a new world, or simply escaping into another dimension. But not matter the case, the opportunity to make and do things better (more often than not, Isekai protagonists do not really have a life to offer before their new opportunity)!
This opportunity does seem to be a winning formula among many otaku. How nice is it to connect with characters that seem to mirror most fans’ lives – and get treated to some nice lessons as well!
Amazing World Building
Another nice aspect that isekai anime shows have is the great factor in showcasing a whole new world for characters (and readers or viewers) to explore. Since these shows mainly deal in living a new life in a strange world, there really are multiple opportunities and plotlines to follow by simply focusing on what makes the new world unique.
For example, the popular isekai anime, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, not only has a one-of-a-kind premise (of all creatures to be reincarnated as, the protagonist, Rimuru Tempest, ended up as a slime!). What makes this show really interesting is the amazing world that Rimuru gets to explore and connect with several races in the new world he’s living.
Additionally, some isekai focus on the daily aspects of living in a new world. This just shows how versatile isekai is – from slice of life to hardcore wars, almost all genres can explore just how big of an opportunity this form of anime is!
RPG Mechanics
Another fun factor that isekai brings to the plate is the RPG connections it offers in these shows. More often than not, the protagonist is an expert gamer or otaku in his or her former life. And with those skills and experience spent on playing those games, a surprising exciting edge comes to life in the new world!
Most isekai bring the common RPG concept of the status screen into life as a key component. With this simple screen, protagonists can learn how to turn the tides in battles by simply knowing the stats of other characters!
Another nice RPG concept explored in isekai shows are experience points. With protagonists aware of these points, he or she can plan out on how to strengthen skills in times of needs. Pocket space is another fine example of modern RPGs making a stand in isekai. After all, having a limitless pocket dimension to store your belongings is a fine skill to have in a strange and new world!
Point of the matter is, what is most often considered a useless skill in contemporary lives are in fact lifesavers in a new world. Now isn’t that interesting and appealing for gamers and otakus alike?
Emotional Hooks
More than the fun and video game mechanics integrated into these shows, isekai can also be a medium to tell emotionally powerful and motivating tales. Considering the common view of a downward spiral that most of the public view among otakus and gamers, isekai is a beacon of hope that life is worth living. Protagonists may have been bullied in their previous lives. But with an opportunity to learn and contribute new things, they may seek out better tomorrows to live.
Another interesting and emotional concept rolled in isekai are cooking anime shows. The nice combination of using strange ingredients with modern cooking skills can also be interesting opportunities to tell powerful stories. After all, no matter the race or circumstance, good food can connect us all.
It’s just that isekai is so versatile – and it’s a welcome change of pace for creators to take the opportunity to motivate fans through these shows as well!
Combine the factors mentioned above with an excellent plot and you just may have a tale that is as epic as time! Considering the many opportunities that modern characters can find themselves in different worlds, creators simply need to juice up their creativity to tell a story that is different from the pack!
Take for example the amazing Saga of Tanya the Evil. Who would have known that a salaryman would be reincarnated as a female child soldier – and excel as a warrior of the battlefield! The intense spectrum of the characters’ personalities bring an interesting tale that is full of twists!
Another nice isekai show filled with twists is The Rising of the Shield Hero. As a hero with the primary skill of using shields, the protagonist is soon shunned by society. But through sheer will and determination (with some creative use of his skills as well), this character would soon chart a way to make a difference in his circumstances.
Which then brings us to our most important point. The best reason to get into isekai anime is simply that most of these shows have some really memorable characters.
How often do you hear of a lead character who started out as a simple spider in another world – and ended up as a demon king (well, that is assumed – the manga and upcoming anime still need to cover this nice arc!). Or how about a simple handyman who ended up as a key player in a party of warriors conquering a dungeon?
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Or what about the top player who ended up living as his game character? Or a reverse isekai, where characters from another world end up in ours? Such are the great chances to learn about these characters!
Bottomline is, isekai is a versatile and interesting form of anime. Hope you get the chance to watch a show of this type soon!
