Works of fiction in the isekai genre continue to be major hits in Japanese anime. I, the anonymous Tokyo Anime News writer, thought it would be fun to list my top 5 favorite isekai anime main characters! Do these characters top your list as well?!
Four of my top 5 are coincidentally characters from the crossover anime, Isekai Quartet. Maybe that means my taste is too mainstream? Lol Regardless, these are characters that should be on everyone’s radar, and they come from series that are great recommendations for your friends who are just getting into anime.
5. Natsuki Subaru from Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World
Subaru annoys the heck out of me sometimes, and I know I’m not the only one. The reason he still manages to make it on to this list is in large part because of his supporting cast and how he works with them. There are many awesome and lovable characters in Re:zero, and “Barusu,” even with all his flaws and weaknesses, finds a way to selflessly help and save everyone. At the cost of his own life. But as mentioned in our Season 2 Part 2 Preview, maybe that will finally change?
Kazuma and Subaru have a lot in common. Both are young, teenaged “losers” who died and isekai’d. And both are great strategists who can adapt to their situations. But Kazuma has a much higher opinion of himself than Subaru has. Kazuma also has hilarious chemistry with his supporting cast, although that cast is far smaller than Re:Zero’s.
3. Tanya von Degurechaff from Saga of Tanya the Evil
Tanya was originally a salaryman, but his brilliance and ruthlessness proved much more useful in his new life as a female child in an alternate reality Europe caught up in a magical World War I! It’s awe-inspiring watching her strategize against the enemy. It might feel like hell to be one of her subordinates taking her orders, but those by her side get to live to see another day because she’s just too good!
2. Rimuru Tempest from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
As we previewed, Rimuru-sama is finally back in the spotlight this Winter 2021 season, and I’m thrilled about that! Rimuru is one of the most overpowered isekai heroes ever. It’s a treat to see him and his people absolutely demolishing their enemies, especially since Rimuru is often mistaken as just some lowly little slime.
Last but not least is the powerhouse Ainz-sama! Ainz used to be just a gamer geek. But in E-rantel, he’s the mightiest being who’s on the way to become the world’s supreme ruler! Cold and calculating, he’s such a good anti-hero!
Those are my Top 5! Mention your favorites in the comments below! Maybe new heroes from anime like Mushoku Tensei or So I’m a Spider, So What? will top my future lists!
