Ever wonder why a show seems so familiar or why you already know what the story will possibly be? A veteran author claims that the isekai genre has killed the essence of originality in the entertainment industry, particularly in light novels.
This statement of hers has raised quite a commotion among fans online who agrees and disagrees with her. Hence, we have decided to answer the question of whether it is becoming a wasted genre for killing originality.
If you’re a big fan of isekai animes, mangas, manhwa, and light novels then you may have probably read or watched more than you can count with your fingers. And maybe from all of them, you have come to test your abilities in predicting the storyline. You might have also praised yourself for being on point with your predictions. Well, as much as how fun predicting the whole plot of an isekai anime is, a veteran author claims that it has become a major problem.
Nakamura Usagi, the author behind the light novel and anime Gokudo-kun Manyuuki, revealed in a recent interview with Real Sound the concerning effect of lack of originality in isekai light novels. Many light novels today are heavily focusing on the isekai genre. However, Usagi’s concern is not about its abundant number, but about how repetitive it has become. She claims that the ongoing trend of having an overpowered protagonist reincarnated to another world and gaining a harem has become unoriginal.
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This statement by Nakamura Usagi has stirred quite a lot of arguments online. People are now debating whether the underlying issue falls under the deficiency in the creativity of the author or the too much number of stories following the same genre.
In the interview, the veteran author highlighted her experience in an adult-oriented male novel competition as a judge to back up her claims. She said that almost all of the entries during the competition felt like they were written by the same person. This led her in comparing her experience to the current situation of the isekai genre in the entertainment industry. It is as if almost all light novel isekai today is also written by a single individual. She believes that with the overabundance of the isekai genre it has become easier to determine the plot with only its characters differentiating them.
However, some fans do not agree with the author’s claim. Various light novel readers and anime fans have shared their thoughts on this issue. Some insisted that the genre is not the problem. Anime Senpai even revealed that the issue will be resolved on its own. This will eventually happen when fans will decide to shift to another because of outgrowing the isekai genre. A fan even made it clear on Twitter that the industry revolves around a cycle, what is popular today may not be popular tomorrow.
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Another fan also shared on Twitter that the issue behind repetitiveness should not be a big of a deal. This is because fans have become fond of this ongoing repetitiveness that they keep on seeking more of it.
It should also be taken into account that this issue is not solely happening to the isekai genre. Be it an isekai light novel or anime, a romantic one, shoujo, or shonen, there have been plenty of instances of them almost featuring the same plot. However, this is not a bad thing. When one tries to look at it on its positive side, the repetitiveness of the isekai plot is more of an inspiration rather than a lack of originality.
It can be safely assumed that the growing number of authors following the powerful reincarnated protagonist with a great harem is an inspiration they gained from popular shows or novels. However, repetitiveness is not an issue especially when the author’s personal and unique touches to their works are incorporated. Yes, there might be numerous mushrooming shows that follow that type of storyline. But, keep in mind that not all of them tell a story the same way.
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This can be the reason behind the unstoppable rise of the isekai genre. Despite the claims of most plots being repetitive, we cannot deny that is still offering something fresh and new to its fans. Not all isekai novels or shows follow the same plot. Each of the characters has their own struggles and unique skills that make them different from others. This even makes the fans more intrigued. The question, “How is this different from the other?” is something that gives the audience more reason to look forward to them.
Five Isekai Anime That Would Convince You Otherwise
As mentioned, repetitiveness is not actually a bad thing especially when authors add personal touches to their works. The popularity of isekai animes has been increasing non-stop. It seems like most fans will not shift to another genre anytime soon.
This means that despite the claims and online debates, this genre is still releasing shows and even novels that fans are looking forward to. Therefore, here are the five isekai anime that would get you hooked on repetitive, still unique, and badass plots. Note that there are more of these amazing isekai shows in the anime industry and are not limited to the following shows.
1. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World!
This anime will prove that not all isekai shows start off with a weak character and will suddenly turn into a very overpowered one. Kazuma Sato gets reincarnated into a fantasy land and ends up with dysfunctional party members who are chased by problems over and over again.
This anime features classic harem jokes that would get you laughing, but at the same time, pitying our male lead who aspires to be a typical protagonist – popular and powerful. But instead, he got reincarnated into a weak warrior in the fantasy land. However, the fun continues with the characters as they cause and solve all the problems they have made which strengthens their bond of friendship.
2. I Got a Cheat Skill In Another World And Became Unrivaled In The Real World, Too
This new spring anime interestingly and amazingly explores the life of a brutally bullied young man who was given the chance to go back and forth between Earth and his new world. He is the main protagonist who gets to have the best of both worlds because of having access to a lot of skills including a cheat skill. This was all made possible when he encountered a secret door in his grandfather’s secret room. Hence, his journey in juggling both worlds began to challenge him greatly.
3. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
An all-time favorite and an ultimate game-changer anime. This anime features the issue of repetitiveness. However, it became an ultimate game-changer because of how well it continually proved itself by always adding something new or by improving or disagreeing with the usual isekai tropes.
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime has gained so much praise and even awards for featuring characters that make the show worth watching. The main protagonist, Rimuru Tempest, is also one of the most likable characters today because of his selflessness and always-giving personality which greatly influences all the other characters in the series.
4. Re: Zero – Starting Life In Another World
If you think that you can figure everything out because of repetitive plots. Well, for sure this anime is not one of those. This anime actually has the power to debunk all of your speculation and theories on the overused plot in the isekai genre.
Re: Zero – Starting Life In Another World starts with an ordinary guy named Natsuki Subaru. Subaru’s ability to use Return by Death is the one that makes it hard for fans to know how things will actually turn out. There are so many twists in this series that will certainly keep you in your seats or stay up all night. This is a must-watch isekai series that will prove how divine this kind of genre is.
5. Inuyasha
This anime is enough to justify how well the isekai genre can transcend through generations. Inuyasha might have been produced in the late 90s. However, it is the perfect show. Inuyasha will allow you to see the beauty, comedy, and thrill that comes with the genre. Thus, if you’re still a beginner then Inuyasha should definitely be one of the firsts on your list.
The author behind Inuyasha, Rumiko Takahashi, is greatly known for amazingly mixing together a series of genres in a single show. And because of that Inuyasha not only falls under the isekai genre, but also has romance, fantasy, a lot of comedy, and a bit of suspense.
