Disclaimer: This review covers episodes 1-6 and will attempt to avoid spoilers.
When I fist began watching Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- I didn’t expect it to be a Log Horizon meets Konosuba type of anime. The opening scene features a boy named Subaru Natsuki in a convenience store; then what follows is so vague that you don’t have time to think about what’s happening until after the main character is transported to a parallel universe.
What I enjoy is how Subaru doesn’t hesitate to use all his knowledge of video games and anime to try and fit in to this new world. It’s hilarious how quickly he jumps in and expects main protagonist star treatment. After running into some thugs in alley, Subaru is saved by a girl with silver hair named Emilia and her spirit animal named Puck. Re:ZERO quickly turns from comedy to gore fest as we meet the first villain, Elsa Granhiert, who ends up killing Subaru and in turn revealing his true power.
What stands out the most in Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- is the very well written script. The characters express themselves and their personalities shine throughout each episode. Their conversations are hilarious and you might have to re-watch scenes just catch the quick and witty humor. However, it’s not all comedy, there are very fast actions scenes that get extremely gory. But the characters still manage to express themselves accurately, which makes those scenes all that more powerful.
The character design fits every character perfectly, although I feel like Subaru has a forgettable face. This could be because he is from our universe and because every character in the parallel world is so well designed and unique. Also, I find the costumes fit the setting just as much as they fit the characters’ personalities.
The downfall, with Subaru’s “true power”, is the pacing of the anime is always off. There are episodes when I felt like the show was making progress but then sometimes it seemed like everything that happened was all for nothing. Although, this isn’t that big of a deal as I am still eager to watch the next episode.
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- is an anime that deserves to be watched; The story sets itself apart from shows like Sword Art Online and Log Horizon by providing characters with such well written personalities. I’m eager to go into the second half of the season and learn more about this parallel world, as well as, the reason Subaru was dragged into it.
