Mushoku Tensei follows the story of 34-year-old NEET Rudeus Greyrat, who dies in a traffic accident and is reincarnated into a fantasy world. With his knowledge of his previous life and his newfound magical abilities, Rudeus sets out to live a fulfilling life in this new world.
As an isekai anime series, Mushoku Tensei stands out with its unique approach to storytelling, along with the series' dark and mature themes usually not found in other action-based isekai. With its explorations of family, trauma, and growth, the series has made a name for itself in the isekai genre.
8 The Protagonist Loses the Girl, Even if Temporarily
Many isekai anime series portray a relationship between the protagonist and multiple girls who find him irresistible and cannot do without him. Despite the slight presence of the harem element in Mushoku Tensei, the protagonist does not always get the girl.
The protagonist of the series, Rudeus Greyrat, loses Eris Greyrat, one of his love interests, at the conclusion of the first season of Mushoku Tensei. While Eris’s reason for leaving Rudeus is not out of a lack of love for the young man, she does leave him after a steamy night. The abandonment he feels leaves Rudeus in a dejected state.
7 For an Action-Based Isekai, it Has Minimal Battles
Although Mushoku Tensei has some excellent battles that leave fans captivated and wanting more, they are relatively few in number, which is unusual for an action-based isekai anime. The series seems to focus more on adventure than action, with the protagonist traveling from town to town and continent to continent in search of his family and a way home.
Rather than relying solely on brute strength, Rudeus often needs to use his intelligence and cunning to overcome obstacles and solve problems. This makes for a refreshing change from other isekai anime, where battles and action sequences often take center stage.
6 The Protagonist Suffers the Consequences of His Actions
In many isekai anime series, after the protagonist is reincarnated, said protagonist often performs various actions without thinking about or experiencing the consequences of said actions. However, this does not occur in Mushoku Tensei. Here, the protagonist and other characters suffer both great and grave repercussions for whatever action they take.
Rudeus's actions in his past life as a NEET and his tendency to steal panties have had consequences in Mushoku Tensei. For example, his habit of stealing panties led to his younger sister seeing him as an irresponsible pervert, while his past as a NEET made it harder for him to leave the confines of his house. Even small actions can have big consequences in this anime.
5 The Protagonist’s Greatest Nemesis Begins as an Ally
Many isekai anime series usually have a clear-cut ‘bad guy’ from the beginning of the series. Whether it be evil demon lords that need to be defeated or dysfunctional heroes that have turned on the people, the villain of the story is usually easily and quickly identified.
However, contrary to the popular trope, Mushoku Tensei’s most evil villain starts out as a ‘unique and helpful’ character to the protagonist. While Rudeus is not fully trusting of Hitogami, he has acknowledged him as being helpful. However, little does Rudeus know that ‘friends and good acquaintances’ serve as the most dangerous villains of all.
4 It Does Not Follow the Power Fantasy Trope
The power fantasy trope is one in which the protagonist is often overpowered and overcomes any and every obstacle with relative ease. While various isekai anime series have protagonists that get unlimited power with relative ease, Rudeus starts off differently. Rudeus is talented and skilled for his age and standing, but he is far from overcoming every challenge with ease.
On multiple occasions, Rudeus has had a near-death experience. Rudeus was defeated and killed in his first battle against Orsted. While Rudeus was revived by Orsted, this goes to show that he is far from being able to mow down any and all enemies that come his way.
3 The Focus is on a Unique Protagonist Who Has Difficult Moments
Rudeus Greyrat, Mushoku Tensei’s unique protagonist, does not lack emotional trauma and difficult moments like his counterparts in various other isekai anime. As a NEET in his past life, Rudeus reincarnates with his past emotional trauma fully intact. Most protagonists of isekai anime series tend to lose all forms of attachment and trauma that they had before being reincarnated, but Rudeus reincarnates with all of it intact.
After Eris abandons him in the season one finale of the anime, Rudeus reverts to his old self as he becomes a shut-in once more. Fortunately, Rudeus is able to take the step that leads him to leave his past tendencies and resolve his trauma.
2 The Exploration of Complex Relationships
Isekai protagonists typically have straightforward familial and romantic relationships in many isekai stories. However, Mushoku Tensei takes a unique approach by delving deeply into the complexities of being a family and more.
Unlike various other isekai, Rudeus does not have the perfect family, as his relationship with his father is rocky. Moreover, Paul, Rudeus’ father, risks splintering his family apart when he bears a child outside his marriage. Additionally, one of Rudeus’ love interests, Eris Greyrat, leaves him despite their mutual feelings. This led their relationship to develop into quite a ‘complicated’ one.
1 The Presence of Dark and Mature Themes
Despite being an isekai anime, Mushoku Tensei portrays dark and mature themes that make it stand out from other isekai series. The anime explores themes of family, trauma, morality, and personal growth in a way that makes fans intrigued. Moreover, the characters are well-developed, relatable, and emotionally resonant with fans.
With few action-based isekai anime portraying such mature and relatable themes of trauma and consequences, Mushoku Tensei has set itself apart. The series has a unique way of making fans glued to it without many battle-captivating scenes. While this is uncommon in isekai anime, it has proved itself a magnet in attracting a large fan base for the series.