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Misfit of the Demon King Academy is classified as a fantasy adventure with a romantic twist and is arguably in a league of its own when it comes to intricate magical systems and compelling reincarnation plot points. While most Demon King Isekai shows take a relatively comical approach to life these days (such as The Devil is a Part-Timer! and Welcome to Demon School!), Anos’ tale is rather stern and thoughtful, hitting viewers on a different level entirely.
8 Politics and Preconceptions- Rising of the Shield Hero
Except for his doting parents and a few friends, Anos is given the short end of the stick after his reincarnation, as he faces harsh discrimination due to his hybrid bloodline. Similarly, Naofumi Iwatani knows all too well what it’s like to get a raw deal in an Isekai adventure, as he too was deemed unworthy from the get-go after inheriting the Shield Hero title in an unwelcoming world.
Following an unwarranted altercation, Naofumi is essentially cast out from the Kingdom of Melromarc and left to fend for himself, yet still expected to rack up enough experience to save this strange land from a doomed fate. Luckily for the Shield Hero, his powers are more potent than anyone realized, especially when combined with his unconventional harem’s magical abilities.
7 Swords and Spellcasting- Bleach
Beautiful blades do not always have to be mere tools of destruction and can also add substantial value to the overall storyline, even when magic systems are at play. As Lay Glanzudlii, Anos, and any Shinigami or Espada can confirm, the sword one wields (and the corresponding history behind it) can substantially impact one’s chances in battle. Having the bonus backup of spellwork changes the game completely by delivering some surprising curve balls, keeping things spicy and unpredictable.
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Much like the reborn Anos, Ichigo is also a hybrid of sorts, with a potent mixture of powerful lineages running through his veins. Bleach provides an eloquent combination of “hack and slay” with intricate fantasy worldbuilding and magic combat, with enough variety to entertain countless fans for decades.
6 Solemn Tone- Grimgar, Ashes, and Illusions
Those who are bored of the slapstick manner in which many Isekai anime are handled, and appreciate the sinister, somber undertones of Anos’ saga, should take a dip into the realm of Grimgar, where survival of the fittest takes on a whole new meaning.
While Grimgar, Ashes, and Illusions depict the adventurous side of Isekai (unlike Anos at the Demon King Academy), it is more slow-paced than the typical MMO-inspired action-packed plots and focuses heavily on character development (and awe-inspiring artworks!) Haruhiro and his party discover the hard way that surviving a fantasy world isn’t as glamorous as it’s cut out to be, particularly when fellow fighters’ snap judgments leave certain warriors with little support.
5 Supernatural Love Triangle- Castlevania
Anos and the Necron sisters could probably swap notes with Trevor Belmont and his gang, who battle with a weird power dynamic themselves after transitioning from mortal enemies to allies. Although the object of Sypha Belnades’ affections becomes evident quite early, Alucaurd’s involvement in the whole ordeal certainly complicates matters as the male ego struggles to share.
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Regardless of their bickering, this unlikely trio consists of some of the strongest supernatural forces around, as their strengths perfectly complement each others’ weaknesses. This symbiotic relationship forces a bitter Monster Hunter, a recluse vampire-hybrid prince, and an over-zealous Mage to prioritize teamwork and learn to trust others again.
4 Reincarnating Iconic Heroes- Fate/Apocrypha (or any Type-Moon)
Unlike many contemporary Summoned Heroes or modern-day reincarnations, some series stick to their roots concerning the transmigration of influential, ancient souls into a relatively current setting. The Fate fighters are always ready and waiting to join in the Holy Grail War after dying a noble death many moons ago, with unfinished business to attend to (and an all-important wish to fulfill).
Fate/Apocrypha brings some iconic figures into the mix (arguably with as much name-dropping power as the Demon King), such as Astolfo, Frankenstein, Artemis, Jeanne d’Arc, and even Jack the Ripper. Every reborn Hero is embued with incredible abilities and unimaginable strength, each forming part of an integral system within the age-old war between Red and Black.
3 Romantic Adventure- Re: Zero- Starting Life in Another World
The teaser regarding the romantic potential between Anos and Misha (and Sasha) is more of a subtle sub-plot in Season 1 of Misfit of Demon King Academy; however, the significance of their relationship becomes more evident later on. Likewise, Re: Zero provides a successful balance of romance and action to appease multiple diverse appetites in one sitting.
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Even though Subaru Natsuki’s world has been completely turned on his head, the young adventurer is more concerned with Emilia’s wellbeing than his own, putting his life on the line (on numerous occasions) to protect his paramour. Overpowered handsome men defending their equally-powerful (yet still -in-distress) damsels in a supernatural setting provides enough exciting content to entertain all!
2 Intricate Magic System- Parallel World Pharmacy
Although the Misfit of Demon King Academy’s magic system is explored more in-depth in the light novel, the anime gives a good indication of the complexities of the reincarnation process and paranormal power structures. Falma de Médicis is well aware of the weighty responsibility of being the reincarnate of one of the most powerful beings in creation, Panactheos, the God of Medicine. However, he takes up the challenge with almost as much confidence as the Demon King of Tyranny, similarly causing quite a stir in the San Fleuve Empire.
Utilizing their past life knowledge is exceedingly beneficial for Anos and Falma as it gives them the upper hand regarding the course of events, although the young pharmacist takes a much more scientific approach to his problem-solving. Breaking the barrier between the social class system is also a priority for Falma while providing a fair distribution of resources in the process.
1 Intellectual Advantages- How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom
While most didn’t expect Anos to actually “lead the revolution into a new age,” high hopes are placed on Kazuya Souma, who is involuntarily summoned to Elfrieden to save a bunch of strangers. The war between Demons, Humans, and everyone in between, has put a great deal of strain on the political system, in both Anos and Souma’s case, who are left to pick up the pieces.
Thankfully, these boys are incredibly intelligent and aren’t easily intimidated by trickery, and they gain recognition for their overpowered abilities relatively quickly (although the Hero’s ascension to the throne was significantly faster!) Magic girls also pop in to steal the spotlight and add their own flair to realistic rebuild, and deliver some much-appreciated fan service in the process.
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