Summary
The idea of isekai has been around since the 60s, but for many, the first recognized isekai anime came in 1983 withBattle Aura Dunbine.Since then, isekai grew in popularity until it exploded in the 2010s with titles likeSword Art Online.
The introduction ofSAOpopularized the trope of the overpowered protagonist. Today, most isekai feature a protagonist who is head and shoulders above everyone else. However, there are several great shows that tell a story of another world without an overpowered main character. These shows are impressive entries into the isekai genre, and deserving of respect.
Shuuzou Matsutani is a student and kendo practitioner. While trying to stand up for his new friend, a quiet, mysterious girl named Lala-Ru, he is transported to another world called Hellywood, which is ruled by the tyrannical Hando.
Shuu isn’t granted any special powers for his transportationto this new world, and he suffers many hardships there. He can only fight back due to his tenacity and unquenchable hope.
It was a lot more common in older isekai to find characters that were transported to another world with little power, as opposed to tremendous power. This idea seemed to be to create a different sort of fantasy story, andFushigi Yuugiwas one of them.
Pulled into another world from a book in the school library, Miaki Yuuki and her friend Yui find themselves in an unfamiliar environment. Miaki, upon learning that she is alegendary priestess, must go in search of seven Celestial Warriors to summon the god Suzaku. However, she has very little power and often must rely on the warrior, Tamahome.
Grimgar Ashes and Illusions
Grimgar: Ashes and Illusionsdepicts the brutal honesty about the realities of being transported into a fantasy world as a regular human being. InGrimgar, a group of people arrive in another world and must earn their keep, which involves killing monsters and going on quests.
While Haruhiro is the protagonist, one could say that the entire cast of main characters were in the same nasty boat — they were high school kids with no powers. The story ofGrimgaris, well, grim. The protagonists have to improve through sheer hard work and perseverance, without an OP character in sight.
The Vision Of Escaflowneis another of those classic isekai shows that aired before the current isekai meta. Therefore, it tells a story that is a lot more complex than many modern isekai.
Hitomi, the heroine in the series, is brought to another world where she has to help Van fight the Zaibach empire. Armed only with her wits and an ability to foretell some events, Hitomi needs all the allies she can get. She’s a strong character, but that is more down to personality than ability.
Restaurant To Another Worldis as relaxing as isekai gets. It is about a restaurant called Nekoya, which runs normally in Tokyo, but once a week, closes down to open up to another sort of clientele: monsters from another world.
The owner of the restaurant is the main character for the most part, but as this is more of anIyashikei anime, which focuses on healing and relaxing the viewer. There are no battles, no political intrigue, no harems…just food, smiles and peace. Incredible powers aren’t necessary here.
Drifterswas a 2016 show that was a little different from the isekai shows of the time. It took historical figures and put them in a fantasy world that is thrust into turmoil due to the activity of the Ends.
There’s plenty of fighting, blood, and some disturbing imagery. While the protagonist, Toyohisa, is an absolute badass, he cannot be considered overpowered. He bleeds, he struggles, and is just as much in a fight for his life as his companions.
Youko’s dream had always been to be a normal girl. Unfortunately, she was anything but, as it soon becomes evident that she is actually a queen in another world. On getting to the world, Youko receives some tools, including a verypowerful swordand the help of some powerful creatures.
However, Youko’s life is anything but easy. She is a fish out of water in her new setting, and must persevere to survive in the new world. Youko’s character develops over the course of the series, and she is victorious with the help of allies, and due to personal growth.
Ren is a young boy who runs away from his family and is taken to the beast world. There, he is mentored by Kumatetsu, a beast who wants to be the next ruler, but must show that he is worthy of the title.
The story ofBoy And The Beastis like a tug-of-war between two sides of oneself. It tells a very real story with a fantasy setting and therefore does not need an overpowered protagonist.
Konosubais one of thefunniest isekai showsever made. It follows the recluse Kazuma Satou who dies in the most hilarious way and is transported to another world. He is given a choice to pick an item to help with his quest, and decides to pick the very goddess that gives him the option.
However, as it turns out, the so-called goddess is useless. Kazuma is joined by other characters like Megumi and Darkness — all strong, all ridiculous.Konosubaplays with tropes and makes fun of them, but it never makes its characters stronger than they need to be.
Subaru can’t really die, and that could be considered an OP skill, but upon closer examination, it is actuallysad. Subaru can be killed, but will resurrect at an earlier time. It seems like an OP ability, but as events unfold, fans are made to witness how horrifying Subaru’s ability is within the context of the world he is in.
Subaru is weak. As he tries to help Emilia and uncover the secrets of the world he is in, he is made to face his helplessness again and again. Subaru is no OP hero. If anything, he is underpowered.
