Watching 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime'

That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime, is a 2018-19 anime that was produced by 8bit studios. The same studio behind, IS: Infinite Stratos, and Absolute Duo. The series is based off of a manga what is written by Fuse, and drawn by Taiki Kawakami. The manga has been running since 2015. The show is directed by Yasuhito Kikuchi, who also directed IS: Infinite Stratos, and was one of the episode directors of the 2000 adaptation of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and Golden Boy. The show consists of 25 episodes, with a second season being greenlit for a 2020 release.

With the abundance of isekai anime that has been coming out with each passing season of anime, it has gotten to the point when an audible groan could be heard from the anime community when they see one on the release list. This was one such anime that I had a similar reaction to, however when praise was circulating around the anime, I decided to give it a chance. I was hooked from the first episode. The narrative is quite simple and starts out in a fairly generic way, however where the show shines is when you meet the characters, and how it feels as if you are watching someone play fantasy Age of Empires, or fantasy Civilization.

The show follows the exploits of the titular slime character, Rimuru, who is the strongest slime in the world. The show starts with him in our world, and the exchange that he has with his friend before his death is one of the best moments I have seen in an anime in terms of comedic value. Once we move on to the fantasy world, we see how Rimuru grows from a simple slime monster with stacked abilities to the leader of his own city, revealing more of the world, and its politics at large. The show handles worldbuilding, character development, and character progression fantastically. The narrative progresses at a brisk pace covering many story arcs, and the humor for the most part is spot on.

This is an incredibly colourful show, which makes full use of the various characters designs, and colour palates. The environments and the various cities that we visit throughout the show are wonderfully designed, and unique. Each character stands out, has a personality of their own, and seeing how they interact with each other is fantastic. There are instances when the show uses 3D animation when a large scale battle is involved, and while it does not take you out of the show, it does stand out when initially cutting between the 3D and the 2D animation. This is made all the more distinct, as the frame rates of the two mediums do not always match up.

Unlike many other shows that have an almost cynical edge to them, That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime has an earnestness to it that is quite heartfelt. There is a vibrancy and positivity to the characters that permeates through the screen. The cast is filled with likable characters, and many of the antagonists are sympathetic. In addition the various abilities of the characters are interesting to witness. As the cast grows, the more diverse they become, the theme of prejudice, which is present throughout sends the message to avoid judging by appearances alone.

The fight sequences of the show are quite exciting, as we really see the various characters cut loose, and provide us with a spectacle at the climax of each story arc. Each race, and within each race, each individual has their own unique ability, which makes them proficient in battle. Rimuru grows at a nearly unsustainable rate, as far as power escalation is concerned, and while you know that he is not going to lose a battle. The show manages to get one to think that the battle may not be as clear cut as it is, constantly making Rimuru work for each victory, and the rewards become visible as the city the characters inhabit grows.

Even if you are an anime fan that is getting exhausted with the isekai type show, this is one I highly recommend, as there is an exuberant earnestness to its message of positivity that is quite infectious. The show is available on both Crunchyroll and Funimation.