Another World! — The Best Isekai Anime from Spring & Summer 2022
What kind of world would you like to live in? A world of swords and magic or perhaps a high-tech civilisation?
What would you like to be reborn as? A mob character, the last character you played in a game, what about as a seriously overpowered human, or even as a skeleton?
In this article, we will discuss some of the best isekai (different world, 異世界) shows that have aired in Spring and Summer 2022. There will be a combination of both sequels and new anime in this list.
By the way, all these anime has aired so there will be spoilers.
Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs | Otome Game Sekai wa Mob ni Kibishii Sekai desu | 乙女ゲー世界はモブに厳しい世界です
Summary
A Japanese man is reincarnated in an otome (dating sim) game he was forced to play as the mob character Leon Fou Bartfort. While he initially wanted to remain as an invisible mob character, the emergence of another mob character Marie Fou Lafan disrupts the game’s original plot. ARelying on his knowledge of the game, Leon must now seek to survive in a matriarchal society where all odds are stacked against him.
Why I Enjoy This
I enjoy Leon’s squabbles with Luxion and the other supporting cast. His relationship with other characters also show progression, such as being an “enemy” of the “main” characters to begrudgingly earn their respect instead. Thankfully, Leon is also not someone who is romantically or situationally dense but is self-aware of his relationships. While the animation may seem a bit simplistic compared to other anime on this list, the plot and characters more than make up for it.
You can watch the trailer here.
Skeleton Knight in Another World | Gaikotsu Kishi-sama, Tadaima Isekai e Odekakechuu | 骸骨騎士様、只今異世界へお出掛け中
Summary
A Japanese man is reincarnated (this will be repeated throughout this review) in an online game as his last game character — Arc, an overpowered skeleton knight. Seeking to regain his human(?) appearance, he travels the world in search for a cure with spirit animal Ponta and elf warrior Ariane “Maple” Glenys Lalatoya. While he tries his best to blend in, his actions sets him in conflict with evil forces and end up changing the fate of the realm.
Why I Enjoy This
The opening song is a banger. The animation is quite good, especially how the names of each special moves are animated differently. This show does not take itself seriously and is full of comedic moments. In addition, the interactions between the trio of Arc, Ponta, and Ariane with other side characters such as Chiyome and Goemon are never boring. As humorous as it is, this show does not shy away from violence.
You can watch the trailer here.
Overlord IV | オーバーロード IV
Summary
Momonga a.k.a Ainz Ooal Gown and the team is finally back. After establishing the Sorcerer Kingdom, they now need to navigate in the murky waters of international politics, contending with the Dwarven Kingdom, the Baharuth Empire, the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Slane Theocracy. A series of events shifts the Sorcerer Kingdom’s focus to conquering the Re-Estize kingdom as a show of strength.
Why I Enjoy This
I am partial to Overlord and have been a fan since the first season. This season is equally humorous, dark, and action-packed. The plots and machinations are in full swing and everyone is arguably fighting for their benefits. Ainz seems to take a step back here as his subordinates and the leaders of Re-Estize kingdom take centre stage. I also found myself unexpectedly rooting for Re-Estize’s crown prince Zanac, an exemplary proof that we can’t judge a book by its cover.
You can watch the trailer here.
Uncle from Another World | Isekai Ojisan | 異世界おじさん
Summary
Takafumi Takaoka’s comatose uncle Yousuke “Ojisan” Shibazaki has woken from a 17 year coma. Initially skeptical of his uncle’s claims of being in another world, his uncle’s feats of magic swiftly convinces him and they plan to become YouTubers. Now, Takafumi daily life consists of him entertaining childhood sweetheart Fujimiya Sumika, hearing his uncle’s adoration for SEGA, and seeing his uncle’s adventuring memories from another world.
Why I Enjoy This
This anime is the answer to what happens when one gets back and retains their power and knowledge. Thankfully, in this show his uncle is relatively well taken care of unlike another manhwa where things go horribly wrong. Despite his uncle’s overpowered abilities, his normal looks in a world where everyone is good looking causes him to be mistaken as a half-orc, causing much misunderstandings with the inhabitants.
Watching his uncle fawning over new technology and despairing over old news (such as SEGA losing the console wars) is also relatable as we may know some old-timers who act likewise. While his uncle may be romantically dense, Takafumi and Fujimiya’s reactions are as funny as it is frustrating.
This anime took a break but has recently resumed airing. You can watch the trailer here.
Parallel World Pharmacy | Isekai Yakkyoku | 異世界薬局
Summary
Kanji Yakutani, a renowned medical researcher who lost his little sister is reincarnated in a medieval magical world as Falma de Médicis, son of the de Médicis royal pharmacists. Armed with immense magical powers, the deity mark of the medicine god, and medical knowledge of the 21st century, Falma seeks to alleviate the medical standards of this new world and provide medicine to everyone regardless of class.
Why I Enjoy This
While the main character is overpowered, it is not the main tool he wields. On the other hand, his relies on his knowledge and only use magic as a supplementary tool. This show also pays proper homage to the writer’s love and wealth of pharmaceutical knowledge. The characters are never one-dimensional. While the pacing and ending is a bit rushed, overall it does a decent job adapting the source material and is a good alternative isekai show for those tired of the standard themes and tropes.
Bonus points as this show was launched in collaboration with the Japanese Pharmaceutical Association to raise awareness for the pharmaceutical field.
You can watch the trailer here.
Honourable Mention
Black Summoner | Kuro no Shoukanshi | 黒の召喚士
Summary
Kevin gives up his memories for more power and is reincarnated as the black summoner in another world. On his levelling up quest to meet Melfina — the goddess he loves, he adventures in another world and pick up multiple companions, including elf maid Efil, pet slim Clotho, death knight Gerard, and pet slime Clotho.
Why this is an Honourable Mention
While I personally enjoy this show, the animation and fight scenes are lacking compared to most anime on this list. Some enjoy the different types of animation during the fight scenes but I personally find it slightly jarring. Albeit rushed, they did a decent job adapting the source material but the pacing could be more even.
You can watch the trailer here.
That’s all I have in this review. Feel free to share your feedback and if you enjoy it, do share with others too.
Happy watching!
