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Whether in the role of a villain or a lesser foe in the ranks of antagonists, these anime series all bring unique twists to the isekai genre.
'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' might be a prime example of high-quality isekai nowadays. Focusing on world-building and strategic plotting, it expands the character system and diversifies the roles of each individual, creating consistently surprising content.
The second season of the series concluded in September last year. While waiting for the new season set to release in the fall of 2022, fans can still explore some equally interesting and creatively crafted isekai series.
The Rising of the Shield Hero: Isekai in the gaming world
The Rising of the Shield Hero is an ideal choice for those who enjoy elements with a gaming touch in Rimuru's journey. After arriving in the virtual world, Naofumi Iwatani takes on the role of the Shield Hero, one of the four legendary heroes. However, after being betrayed by the people in the kingdom and treated as a social outcast, he loses faith in humanity.
By honing skills and training a loyal team acquired on his journey, Naofumi discovers ways to survive and self-protect in a world that has forsaken him. Shield Hero not only invests in building the history of the fantasy world but also satisfies the audience by developing the skills of each character from ground zero. Fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime will appreciate how this anime invests in the systems and rules of the reincarnation world, and how Naofumi adapts, leveraging those systems and rules.
Konosuba: The perfect blend of action and humor in isekai
One of the strengths of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is its seamless combination of epic action with charming humor. Kazuma Satou may have the support of three high-level comrades, but the goddess Aqua, mage Megumin, and crusader Darkness prove to bring more trouble than help to Kazuma.
Konosuba features one of the most adorable goofball ensembles in isekai history. When traveling together, they create moments that are both amusing and sincere, much like the characters alongside Rimuru in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. While Konosuba falls into the comedy genre, the audience still gets the chance to enjoy thrilling, suspenseful battles against formidable foes. Watching Konosuba, most viewers will undoubtedly feel like they are growing alongside the characters.
So I’m A Spider, So What?: From vulnerability to strength
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime captivates the audience by transforming the protagonist into a slime—a weak creature. So I’m A Spider, So What? follows a similar path by turning the main character into a small, fragile entity forced to fight for survival. Despite controversies in later seasons, it cannot be denied that it shares many commonalities with That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
After reincarnating as an inconspicuous spider, high school student Shiraori must figure out how to battle for survival. Initially, she must acquaint herself with the spider body and skills to endure. However, over time, she has mastered the body and begun accumulating immense strength, much like Rimuru.
Overlord: Isekai with an immensely powerful antagonist
While Rimuru often seeks a peaceful life with those he cherishes, he doesn't hesitate to play the villain when circumstances demand. Overlord, on the contrary, is an anime where the antagonist behaves like a hero. After a VR RPG game shuts down, protagonist Satoru Suzuki awakens in the body of the character Momonga, realizing he's been reincarnated into a world resembling the game.
Assuming the character, Momonga continues to fulfill the role of a dark, all-powerful demon lord, yet with merciful actions. Similar to Rimuru's friends and followers, Momonga's demon minions are also diverse. Together, they are drawn into a fierce power struggle.
How A Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime explores complex relationships and histories among various races. In this aspect, How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom is similarly constructed. Kazuya Souma is reincarnated into a land of swords and magic, becoming a hero. Applying his knowledge, Souma becomes the ruling king, guiding both his subjects and foreign affairs to success.
While How A Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom takes a gentler approach in world-building compared to other isekai titles, it covers nearly all the essential aspects of constructing a world, establishing a nation, and interactions between different groups of people. It's an isekai suitable for those interested in the process of building Rimuru's Jura Tempest Federation.
