That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
The anime world has an abundance of isekai. However, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime deviates from the typical isekai norm and serves us something fresh. The main character turns out as a slime and explains how different the story will be. Today, we’ll explore this anime in-depth and explain why it’s such a hit.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, also known as Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken or TenSura, is a twenty-four-episode anime written by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu. Kazuyuki Fudeyasu has worked on such anime as Bleach, Black Clover, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Nana, and Monster, all classic names in anime. He is paired with director Yasuhito Kikuchi, who worked on Patlabor and Macross Frontier. So it's no surprise that these two, along with a host of other great talents, could turn Fuse’s light novel classic into a cinematic masterpiece.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime was adapted from the light novel of the same name written by Fuse and illustrated by Mitz Vah. The light novel was initially an online serialization from 2013 to 2016. It was later adapted into an ongoing manga and branched into multiple spin-offs. Its anime adaptation was released in October 2018. Currently, the anime release sits at two seasons, with fans eagerly awaiting the third season set to drop in 2023. In the meantime, fans will have to watch the various spin-offs or season four of DanMachi.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime introduces us to a typical 37-year-old office man named Satoru Mikami. He has a boring life, but he doesn’t care much about it. One day, he’s out with his colleague and his girlfriend when he gets accidentally stabbed. Instead of dying, he finds himself in a fantasy world reincarnated as a slime.
He’s still confused about his existence in a new world as a slime when he discovers that he can gain new skills and level up. Soon, he comes across a fierce dragon named Veldora. Veldora had been sealed for over 300 years. Satoru decides to befriend him and help him break the seal. In return, Veldora grants him divine protection and names him Rimuru Tempest.
Rimuru now has a lot to do, unlike in his previous life. He begins to explore the new land he was reincarnated in and makes new friends there. His adventure has only started……
Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken was an anime that created a lot of hype. Their excitement was right because this isekai sets itself apart from the average entries.
Typically isekais follow a typical track with the protagonist often being a NEET, wage slave, virgin, or a host of other social minuses. There are variations to this as some protagonists, such as The Dungeon of Black Company’s Kinji Ninomya, were successful in their isekai and former lives. Nevertheless, the entry into the “new world” is about the same. You’re summoned or die in some tragic accident, or maybe God kills you by accident. How you get there is moot but what you do there is what matters.
The villains become progressively tricky, especially if the isekai is MMORPG-based. Once you get there, there’s usually a stronger villain to tackle. But hey, the protag has to defeat the villains; otherwise, how can he get the girls? So you get it, the MC forms a harem, and so on. I’m thinking of “In Another World With My Smartphone.”
However, that’s not the case with this anime. The goal in this one is entirely different. There are very different challenges that Rimuru has to go through.
This anime is all about evolution. We see how Rimuru transformed a small village into a larger town. It was an evolution that reminded me of the game Civilization, in which players start with a small town and slowly take through the various ages of technology. Some politics are involved, and we haven’t seen that in many anime. That’s why it stands aside from most of the isekai.
This anime also involves some witty humor that we absolutely love. Light and dark moments switch back and forth, and there is this balance that keeps the viewers entertained. Overall, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is a delightful anime. The storyline is excellent, and there are no plot holes or fillers. It’s the Hebrew National Hotdog of isekai!
Many very versatile characters are also very likable. The characters come from different races and species, possessing differing personalities and magic abilities. Our MC, Rimuru Tempest, is a well-rounded character who is also very balanced.
He wasn’t overpowered unless you count Predator, which allows him to absorb anything having its skills and abilities. He faced many challenges and used his wisdom and honor to become powerful enough to cause his opponents to bow before him. In some instances, Rimuru is a protagonist that is both loved and feared. It all didn’t happen overnight.
The other side characters are also not one-dimensional and are very well made. There are a few characters who seem to be generic. Most characters add to the story and have a purpose. So, the characters aren’t flawed and are as enjoyable as Rimuru.
8bit Studio can never go wrong with the animation. It is beautiful and bright. It’s a little different from the typical animations. It feels like it was experimental. However, the experiment they did turned out to be great! The background is very detailed. The movement is fluid. The characters look stunning. Their expressions look adorable, especially Rimuru’s.
8bit Studio is probably the most suitable studio for animating isekais. The overall environment and the scenery in this anime are vivacious. However, there are a few instances when the quality of the animation drops. But it’s all good as it doesn't take away from the viewers' experience.
This anime's opening and ending theme songs are enjoyable but not over-the-top. We expected them to be extraordinary, just like its plot. All the other sound effects are perfect, and the voice actors did a great job voicing the characters.
Overall, the music department did a decent job, and there isn’t much to complain about. Something else to note is Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken has one of the best-dubbed anime. I realize some purists only watch the original subtitled version, but for those multitaskers and those who may be visually impaired, this dub will not disappoint.
The Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime was THE isekai of 2018. You find yourself hooked to the story because it’s so different and exciting. It has beautiful animation, pacing, and acting. It is probably not an overreach to suggest this anime to someone new to the medium.
We love a fresh take on the isekai genre and finally get to see something entertaining in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. While incorporating the elements of action, comedy, adventure, and mythology, this anime is quite wholesome. We recommend watching this great isekai that sets the bar high for the upcoming isekais.
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