The glut of isekai anime: What is their future?

The glut of isekai anime: Where is the genre headed in the next decade and how will it affect the anime industry?

Are we tired of the modern world or the isekai genre?

In a recent interview published on the official website of the franchise "Ghost in the Shell", Kazuchika Kisea renowned director and character designer, expressed his concern about the proliferation of the isekai genre in contemporary anime. Kisewith an impressive track record that includes work in series such as "Blue Seed", "Made in Abyss" and "Fate/Grand Order Camelot"He questioned the public's and creators' obsession with reincarnation stories in alternate worlds. According to Kise, current anime seems to reflect a growing disillusionment with the modern world, a trend he finds alarming.

The saturation of isekai stories: lack of originality or evolution of the genre?

Kise noted that the anime industry is saturated with plots. isekaiThe trend has led to some recent series going to surprising extremes, such as one in which the protagonist is reborn as a vending machine. This trend, according to the director, has led to a decline in the production of anime with solid foundations and deeper plots. For Kise, the repetition of the same elements, such as RPG interfaces that appear without logical explanation, reflects a lack of originality and a departure from the well-constructed stories that used to characterize the medium.

Kise's critique: An outdated view or a necessary wake-up call?

Kise's statements did not go unnoticed and generated heated debate among anime fans in various forums. Some defenders of isekai argued that Kise's criticism was the result of an inability to adapt to current trends. Others, on the other hand, agreed with the director, pointing out that genres such as science fiction and fantasy, which also seek to escape reality, offer more varied and richer plots compared to repetitive isekai stories. This debate highlights a divide in the community, where innovation and tradition seem to be in constant conflict.

What are anime fans looking for today?

In the midst of this debate, a crucial question arises: what are anime fans looking for in today's stories? Despite the popularity of isekai, the most prominent series in recent years, such as "Kimetsu no Yaiba" y "Jujutsu Kaisen"do not belong to this genre. This suggests that viewers value narrative quality and originality as much as the escapism offered by isekai. Fan comments also reflect a desire to see more realistic stories or protagonists facing more significant challenges, which could indicate a possible saturation and attrition of the isekai genre.

Personal opinion

Anime evolution needs diversity and depth

In conclusion, Kazuchika Kise's critique of the saturation of the isekai genre in contemporary anime highlights a valid concern about originality and narrative depth in the industry. While isekai has offered countless fascinating stories and has gained widespread popularity, it is essential that creators continue to explore new horizons and themes to maintain the diversity and richness of the medium. Personally, I believe that anime must constantly evolve, balancing escapism with well-constructed narratives that challenge and enrich viewers. The key is to find a balance between innovating and maintaining the roots that make anime such a special medium.

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