Anime Weekly: Return to the Isekai Realm

Welcome to the Summer 2025 Isekai Roundup!

The summer of 2025 brings with it a slew of new isekai anime, captivating audiences worldwide with their otherworldly adventures. Coop and Lucas dive into the latest offerings of this popular genre. Join them as they explore whether these new releases deserve a spot on your watchlist.

The Isekai Phenomenon: An Overview

Isekai, which translates to "another world," has become a staple in anime, with protagonists transported to fantastical realms. This season, we have a variety of titles, from CITY The Animation to The Summer Hikaru Died. However, today, we're focusing on those lesser-known titles.

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© 久宝忠・TOブックス/水属性の魔法使い製作委員会

The Water Magician

Plot and Pacing Issues

The Water Magician starts with Ryo, a boy who awakens in a magical land after a fateful encounter with a truck, a classic trope known as "Truck-kun." While the premise is intriguing, it suffers from pacing issues. The story progresses slowly, focusing on Ryo's discovery of his powers.

Lucas points out that, while the meditative feel might appeal to some fans, the show lacks the engaging hook seen in other series like So I'm a Spider, So What? Unfortunately, without compelling character writing, the series struggles to retain interest.

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© 久宝忠・TOブックス/水属性の魔法使い製作委員会

Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra: World Conquest Starts with the Civilization of Ruin

This series twists the genre by placing its protagonist in a 4X strategy game world. While the concept has potential, its execution leaves much to be desired. Despite the initial flair, Coop and Lucas agree that it offers little novelty compared to the plethora of other isekai offerings.

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© 鹿角フェフ・じゅん・マイクロマガジン社/「マイノグーラ」製作委員会

Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4

Controversial Yet Popular

Despite its controversies, including problematic plot devices like false accusations and slavery, Shield Hero remains popular. Lucas notes its continued success allows studios like Kinema Citrus to pursue more inspiring projects. However, both Coop and Lucas feel disconnected from the series due to its darker themes.

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© AnekoYusagi Seira Minami/KADOKAWA/Shield Hero S4 Project

Uglymug, Epicfighter

Touted as big "misogynist-bait," its regressive themes make it difficult to enjoy. The show struggles with harmful narratives, including false assault claims, leading to its dim reception among the audience.

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© 弘松 涼/ブサメンガチファイター製作委員会

Turkey!-Time to Strike-

Anchored in a feudal Japanese setting, this involves the wondrous integration of bowling in an unexpected way. Despite its absurdity, it intrigues viewers with its unique combination of sport and history.

Reborn as a Vending Machine, Now I Wander the Dungeon Season 2

This anime leans into its absurdity, offering a light-hearted take on isekai tropes. With Boxxo, the vending machine protagonist, navigating dungeons, it delivers humor and creativity, breathing fresh air into the genre.

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© 昼熊・KADOKAWA/「自動販売機に生まれ変わった俺は迷宮を彷徨う2」製作委員会

Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show

Though not technically an isekai, the blend of cosmic horror and adventure provides a unique angle. It artfully critiques influencer culture, using diverse animation styles to highlight the absurdity therein.

Final Thoughts

This summer's isekai lineup showcases a broad range, from conventional tropes to innovative spins. While some series fall into predictable patterns, others push the boundaries, offering a glimpse into the future of the genre. Ultimately, these discussions remind us of the isekai allure—its power to both provide escapism and critical insight.

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© 2025 Megalox, Co. PR Dep.

Explore these titles through Crunchyroll, where you can dive deeper into the fantastical worlds of isekai. Whether you're seeking a light escape or a mirror to our reality, this season has something to offer every anime enthusiast.

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