Mušoku tensei: Isekai ittara honki dasu

I have to admit right away that I don’t like the isekai genre. The reason is obvious. Although the idea of the main protagonist's journey from our world to a fantasy setting should, in theory, work with a wide variety of interesting ideas and offer a novel experience with every such story, the reality is often the opposite. Unfortunately, many isekai shows in the last two decades have been made in the same way. What sets them apart from each other is usually just the form in which the main protagonist is awakened or reincarnated (one time it could be a woman, the second time a necromancer, the third time a slime or a slime tamer). Another common occurrence is that the creators often only work with the main protagonist's backstory in the human world in the first episode. After that, the show becomes an aimless fantasy wandering where harem, titillating scenes, childish comedy, and gaming principles often take the lead. None of the above amuses me. Since the fantasy elements in such anime are often heavily drawn from Western mythology and literature (I can’t even count the number of isekai anime that feature elves, goblins, and succubi), I am more tempted to watch a full-blown fantasy adventure from Europe or America. And instead of watching a game, I'd rather simply play one (to this day, I still don't understand people who can enjoy watching several hours of let's play). +++++ However, this doesn't mean that I don't have any favorite shows from this genre. There are shows that somehow deviate from the traditional definition of isekai. For example, there is the excellent Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, which is a deconstruction of the genre, and Log Horizon, where the aspect of the main protagonist getting stuck in a game is completely unnecessary, and it might as well have been a regular fantasy from the start. However, since I try to give genres that I otherwise avoid a chance from time to time, I gave Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation a chance. I'm happy to say that it's finally the first full-fledged, well-crafted, great quality isekai I've come across. +++++ The reason why I feel so is simple: It has well-written characters, a colorful and thoroughly fleshed-out world, and, most importantly, it really works with the isekai theme from start to finish. There are several sub-topics that the viewer can find in this show, such as the motif of using a second chance to live a fulfilled life, the impact of childhood trauma on adulthood, the motif of "becoming a hero against one's will," or the treatment of the relationship between a highly conscious child and their adoptive parents. However, it can just as easily be seen as a great fantasy adventure anime series with well-crafted battle scenes. It's up to everyone to decide for themselves what they get from this show. When I add the gorgeous artwork, high-quality animation, and great soundtrack, I must give it five stars and a warm recommendation (not only) to those who have a similarly reserved relationship with isekai anime series as I do. I'm eagerly awaiting the second season! (08.02.2022) (mniej) (więcej)