How Mushoku Tensei Succeeds Where Most Isekai Fail: The Case For Rudeus Greyrat

[@epsilonchannel502]

Everyone, thanks so much for watching! I'm glad people were able to enjoy the video, and I appreciate the support! I never imagined I'd ever make a video that would get such a well received reception! It's been quite a shocking experience. I hope I'll be able to make more content enjoyed by everyone going forward as well!

[@TheKingofTheVoid]

I'm glad you're still making content. I had a quick look through your channel and seems like most of your other videos follow a different style/format than this video. Have you considered making more anime introspectives/critiques for popular airing shows?

[@epsilonchannel502]

@@TheKingofTheVoid Thank you! I have thought about it but unfortunately I just don't really have the time to dedicate to all the anime that comes out anymore. I watch what I can but it's really not a lot.

[@ethanmitchell9488]

Would definitely love to see more videos about Mushoku Tensei!! You explain and go through different points on it super well, and hope plenty see this to give the show the love it absolutely deserves!

[@epsilonchannel502]

@@ethanmitchell9488 Thank you! I definitely would like to make another video or 2 for Mushoku Tensei. I just need to find the time. I have other videos I'm currently working on so I need to finish those before Mushoku Tensei.

[@Insignia27]

overlord is also good

[@AtlasAdvice254]

Personally, I love stories that point a mirror in the audience’s face and say “look how disgusting we can be as humans. You’re no better than this, but you can BE better than this.”

[@epsilonchannel502]

Yeah, we can all be better. Even the worst kind of person can if they put forth the effort.

[@Andi-jk8pr]

Brother you have a sex playlist in your profil :) but music is very good

[@harnageaa]

@@Andi-jk8pr damn u right, that +40m video is. pretty good

[@Solbashio]

most ppl are better than pedos

[@mariokarter13]

The best, most groundbreaking works of fiction are based on reality. Actual people the author has met, actual philosophy, human nature, etc. Bad works of fiction tend to be based on other works of fiction.

[@wildeyoung3943]

I love how Rudy is super horny as a baby until he discovers magic and then immediately throws almost all of his being into learning it and it isn't until he has a decent mastery over it that he returns to being a horny a-hole. But it was such a fun moment, where Zenith healed him, and just that childlike sense of wonder that reflected how so many of us would feel upon seeing real magic for the first time.

[@epsilonchannel502]

To be fair, it takes him several months before he realizes he's in another world. At first, he just thinks he's been reincarnated in some impoverished Eastern European nation (this is explained in the light novel, but was unnecessary for the anime). But yeah, once he realizes his mistake and that magic exists, he gets super into trying his best to master it. I agree that I think every one of us would probably have the same response to seeing actual magic.

[@Hawk7886]

He never stops being super horny. He just winds up hiding it better.

[@mr.slimeyt]

@@epsilonchannel502 I think he mentioned that in the Anime too when he was exploring their house

[@TheFallenFaob]

I dumped it as soon as I saw the scene where he tries to take the girls panties off when she is asleep

[@shawermus]

Even a lazy idiot like me, who wants but just can't force myself to learn something, would definitely get consumed by wish to learn magic.

[@ddy7323]

There is one thing you didn't mention that i think is important. Despite the type of person he was, despite the fact the he was suddenly homeless, the last act of his first life was entirely selfless. He tried to save a group of kid.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Yeah I should have mentioned that at some point. It let's you know he doesn't completely lack morals or redeeming qualities.

[@sherrdreamz7232]

Not to make light of the act but at that point he also didn't really see anything to still exist for, so taking that chance and potentially dying was never really a thing he feared at that moment. Even listening to his rather sarcastic reactions to everything after he was hit, you can see a huge aspect of his fractured psyche being in the depths of an apathetic depression. It may have even been a revolt from deep within himself to do something that could be considered beneficial to the world, before potentially being hit by the truck.

[@rocketman3770]

I like that in episode 3, after Ghislaine slays the kidnappers and when the blood drools over Rudeus is when he realized that this is very real, and that he and others can certainly die. It brings back that essence of reality when prior he was sort of acting in his fairy tale land of no real consequences.

[@sidneyrodrigues2238]

Not just the most human isekai, but one of the most human pieces of media imo. And that's one of the reasons why so many people hate it, looking from a psychological POV, the show is, in certain aspects, like a mirror reflecting the worst aspects of a person, something we are taught since we are young to hide and pretend it doesn't exist, to suffocate every chance we get. It has so many layers and require a certain level of maturity and open minded to see below the surface.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Yeah, while I wish I could recommend it to everyone, you need to have some base level of maturity to get the full purpose of Mushoku Tensei.

[@doriejames7650]

Those who criticized the anime clearly didn't know what human nature is. They're saying it's disgusting because of those subjects but they don't realize that sometimes they thought of doing those or maybe even did those. Mushuko Tensei really captured human nature masterfully to the point that you can symphatize to the characters .

[@epsilonchannel502]

It's written so well! But unfortunately there are a lot that see certain scenes and just assume that it's saying this behavior is okay. They somehow don't realize Mushoku Tensei shows these scenes as a means of saying "This is bad and this is why Rudeus needs to be fixed/redeemed." It's so frustrating! But yeah, I do see a lot of people who scream about certain things on Twitter constantly getting called out for doing the very thing they are speaking out against. It's almost a confession at this point.

[@hydrocurry6494]

those that say that are prolly people that only watch "big anime" like one piece naruto bleach or whatever

[@epsilonchannel502]

@hydrocurry6494 I think it has to do with a maturity thing. I saw a lot of people repeating these claims, but it felt like they were saying it only to fit in with what they perceived as being the "in group." Kind of like how people may bully someone if that person is bullied by others simply because they think it'll make them popular. If people dislike Mushoku Tensei for legitimate reasons, then I'm fine with it, but like I said, these people are hating on it for reasons they themselves don't even understand.

[@lucyfer2314]

Those people are just kids who loves edgy characters, a perfect and cool human being. There are just delusional people who thinks that's how human nature works.

[@48cxy2]

​@@epsilonchannel502- The saying "Miss the forest for the tree" or something like that fits perfectly to describe these people

[@christianstephan7301]

I think the best part about Rudeus redemption is that the series does make a case for his character and tendencies. He may be a bit of a pervert, but to grow does not mean to stop being a pervert. To grow means to learn and respect boundaries. To handle his urges and be respectful. That's why the series has characters that challenge or at least showcase those boundaries for Rudeus, like his dad. His dad is kind of "living the dream" of narrowminded weebs with his attractive former healer and he even has an attractive maid at his side. But the way he goes about this is where Rudeus sets a line he does not want to cross. Paul is - in his own words - "scum". That's because he hurt the feelings of his wife just because of his sexual urges. That's something that Rudeus does not want to do himself. So the first thing he set out on was to not be a cheating piece of shit and be upfront. That's something he pursues with Eris but learns the hard way that he can not go in his own pace at it, but needs to respect the pace of the person he is pursuing in his romantic efforts. I really loved how they showed his growth in this regard where he first threw his clothes away, ready to go and came off as an insensitive prick (rightfully so) and the second time he is the one to question Eris if it is not too early for them. That's what maturity is really all about. Not being an egocentric dipshit who only thinks about what he himself wants but to think ahead about what those around you want and if you act in their best interest. He is still horny - that's a part of his character - but he is respectful to those around him and they get to know this side of him and have the ability to chose if they still want to be with him anyway. His perversion is not something the series tries to argue away as being bad. His perversion is something he himself needs to come in terms with, work around it to not offend, hurt or disrespect anyone around him or anyone he cares about and everything is going to be just fine. It's ok to be a pervert. It's just not ok to act upon this trait without thinking about others.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Yes! Self-control and learning to respect the boundaries of others; that's what Rudeus learns! He still has a strong libido, but now he knows how to use it instead of being controlled by it.

[@marcdes6316]

and for me that makes Rudeus more relatable, more human.

[@Anxiou5Panda]

You summed it up well. It is also understandable that at that age, kids will definitely have these urges, the only difference though is that Rudeus has a little bit of knowledge about it because of his unique situation (I say a little bit because IIRC he's a virgin and never really had meaningful relationships in his previous life). I hope people who are unaware will now start to understand the importance of self-control/restraint, boundaries, and consent.

[@faizanbughio6555]

why don't he member his past he save girl from truck because he was pervert he was always grown man even when he was baby so he idiot in his past life he should have handle his urges and be respectfully

[@mariokarter13]

There's a thematic reason Rudy's original life was a neet. Although he grew up the first time, he never matured. In fact, most of the trouble he gets into in the beginning is the result of his overconfidence being mentally older than everyone else. He needs to physically and mentally mature, but he has to be humbled before he can recognize that.

[@BabyFed]

Mushoku Tensei is still the most well-rounded and my favorite story I’ve ever read or watched! It’s no wonder so many have tried (and failed) to emulate its masterful world-building, character writing, and plot twists.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I agree! It's the best light novel series I've read and one of the best anime I've seen! It's not only one of the most engaging plots with amazing world building, but the author wrote the light novel in a manner that almost anyone could easily read it without infantilizing it. So it's easy to read while still sounding mature, fitting the story.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Yeah, one thing the author did was write Mushoku Tensei at a level that anyone can read while still not sounding like he was infantalizing the story. It's extremely easy to follow. I've tried reading Youjo Senki, which while I enjoyed it, it reads like a history textbook. I also tried reading Arifureta, but that one has the opposite issue. It's like a child trying to tell you a story but they don't quite know what parts to mention and what parts to leave out. I hate saying that because I know I'd probably suffer the same thing if I tried to write a novel, but it was the impression I got from it when reading it. That said, plenty of people seem to enjoy it, so maybe I'm the odd one out on that.

[@randomguywanderingatyoutub3777]

@@epsilonchannel502 have you read rezero novels or konosuba?

[@leroiarouf1142]

What 91days if u want good writing

[@michaelmathews4103]

​@@epsilonchannel502yeah but we read the light novels, there's multiple volumes where he ain't doing shit right up until the chapter he fights dragon god but he loses and instantly goes back to being boring and generic.

[@jakeail1995]

another thing i love about Mushoku tensei is the fact this is not a series of adventure/event compilation of an OP char that just endlessly continue one after another. MT is story of about the life of Rudy, every up and down, every peaceful and chaotic moment of his life, the best part that the story show that while Rudy is main character of his life but he is not the center of the world, the world don't revolve around him as he is only a small part of it, not the world itself, which make MT world feel alive with so much depth

[@epsilonchannel502]

I agree! The world goes on even if Rudy is involved or not. It makes ot very engaging.

[@wildeyoung3943]

I would like to add that I would totally read a sequel serious about his grandchildren.

[@epsilonchannel502]

@wildeyoung3943 Apparently, there's going to be a sequel series. I don't know much about it since I'm still waiting for the official light novel releases, but I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes!

[@kingarzal1502]

Orsted is the real MC of Mushoku Tensei world

[@CaptainGrogg6109]

ye i love this show and i personally cant wait untill he starts fighting enemies again because the fights in the show are so good in that they actually show how shitty the world is

[@minajio]

I'd say mushoku tensei isn't just about rudeus' redemption, even to the very end he keeps some of his past traits which really make him who he is, the story is more about change in general, the six faced world was doomed before rudeus' arrival, only after rudeus starts to change the world around him does as well. Rudeus is flawed and makes a lot of mistakes throughout his life and we can see the effect of those mistakes through the povs of many different characters who are also flawed and develop with rudeus. Mushoku tensei is a perfect story because of how much you can feel the characters, they all feel real and when anything happens, it's heart wrenching, that's the essence of a perfect story.

[@ChewyGummy17]

Paul is a sleazebag alright, but what he did after the teleportation incident was amazing. He prioritize any people that he can save instead of just prioritizing his family.

[@MyKey2449]

What I like about Mushoku Tensei is that it isn’t like most redemption stories I’ve seen where they try to stray away from who they are, or struggle with the person they were before. To me, it is doesn’t just feel like Rudeus is given the chance to redeem himself from who he was. But instead, he’s given the chance to just finally live. Where he can finally grow as a human. Which in that last 20 years of his deteriorating life, he couldn’t take that first step

[@epsilonchannel502]

I agree! He stopped living in his previous life. He may have literally been in his 30s, but his mental development stopped in his teens. He stopped being a person, so to speak. But then his reincarnation allows him the chance to live again.

[@Mlrald]

Exactly, that's why I don't really think "redemption" is the tight term to use for Rudeus' development. He jusr grows and becomes a better person despite his past self, not because of it.

[@amanamcculskie]

Mushoku Tensei was my introduction to the isekai genre. Started reading it as a web novel from way back when. It's probably one of my favorites if not my favorite stories. I'm afraid to share this story.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Yeah it's so good! Can't wait for it to be fully released!

[@hezrondharma9669]

@@epsilonchannel502 the story telling, animation, we can feel and experience the isekai, instead most of trash isekai anime that have boring stories, 2 much fans service, cringe. bad animation, unrealistic, bad plot twist. cough isekai smartphone, cough* cheat skill, ughh arifureta.

[@tyleralvarado3849]

my first and favorite web novel. binged read the whole series

[@GabeSweetMan]

Fun Fact: The author went on record in one of the bonus Q&A's stating that if Rudeus were not the main character, Norn would take his place. He doesn't go particularly in depth (nor will I to avoid spoilers), but it's presumably because of her position as Rudy's foil in terms of personality and character development. While Rudy eventually becomes a good, respectable human being, the narrative takes several key moments to demonstrate that all it takes is one catastrophic failure to completely undo all of his progress and revert him back to his old habits as the garbage human he used to be. Norn, by contrast, while distraught by her seemingly endless string of failures, gut-wrenching traumas, and a pronounced inferiority complex being the sister of literal genius prodigies, remains a fountain of emotional maturity throughout the series. She has her bratty moments, but she's literally a child during those otherwise rare outbursts. As the resident "normal" average girl, she demonstrates that you don't need to be anyone's "better" to make them admire or respect you. It is actually far more important that you put in your best effort and others will naturally appreciate you. Norn's social life takes a back seat to the Rudy's adventures, but every now and then Rudy pokes his head in and points out that Norn's natural clumsiness and significant reliance on others is actually one of her most endearing qualities that draws people to her as it results in a healthy give-and-take relationship. She allows the people in her life to feel needed and relied upon and she can in turn rely on them when she's in over her head. She struggles at most things she does, but she improves through failure and never shies away from that painful process. Aisha and Rudy, unfortunately, rarely struggle at anything they attempt and while their brilliance/competence carries them smoothly through most of their lives, they remain particularly vulnerable to failure, rare though those moments may be.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Oh right, I remember seeing that in the interview I was quoting in the video. I feel like Norn would be the best main character if Mushoku Tensei was to be a Fantasy light novel instead of an isekai, for the reasons you mentioned. Her being normal makes her the best way to view the world with a normal person's lenses.

[@GabeSweetMan]

@@epsilonchannel502 Having written all that out and ruminating a bit more, I'm actually realizing an additional subtle detail of Rudy's characterization that hadn't occurred to me until now. He's the definition of a glass cannon in every sense of the phrase, not just combat. He can solve problems really effectively, even emotional ones, and is genuinely a really fast thinker, but hit him in any of his weak points (insecurities or family) and he crumbles immediately. It even demonstrates at one point that Roxy is especially effective at dismantling him in an argument if he's not being 100% honest with her because she has decades of socializing experience over him and at points in the story effectively provides impromptu therapy sessions that he desperately needs to get over certain mental blocks (unintentionally in some cases like with his final exam in Buena Village).

[@TheTomoyaNagase]

How would that work seeing how alot of Norn's character is built around her upbringing in relationship with Aisha who wouldn't be around if it wasn't for Rudeus's interference?

[@epsilonchannel502]

Unfortunately, the author doesn't go into how he'd have handled that story, but I would think it would be a story about a girl having to overcome her insecurities about not being as good as her sister. And being able to naturally attract people to her, seeing their talents and how to best compliment them. Can't really get too much deeper into the hypothetical since I'm not Rifujin-sensei, but that's probably the direction he would aim for.

[@rythmicdyno2955]

the reason rudeus is so competent is because even before reincarnation rudues was incredibly smart for example in the novel when casting the saint class water magic roxy only wanted him to cast it for a few seconds but instead rudy used the clouds and rain to make it work without mana and making it capable of lasting for multiple days and he did all this because he remembered a documentary about the weather

[@ItzNikoMaybe]

season 2 will show even more growth to rudeus and by season 3 rudeus becomes a respectable person even if he has some faults, but its far cry from what he was before. This is a story about people, love, trust, betrayal, heartbreaks, the most human story to be written, in my opinion the best story made, season 2 is gonna be great!

[@epsilonchannel502]

Agreed! I can't wait for the Third Turning Point as it's my favorite arc in the series so far! I just hope they don't end up rushing season 2 to get to that part.

[@angrymaninapandamask6432]

By the end of the book I looked up to Rudeus as a man I want to be like Kind gentle but with the strength to protect his large family A good man and a good father His change from a mentally ill pervert who leached off society to a heroic man who contributes to the well being of others is a powerful story

[@ItzNikoMaybe]

@@angrymaninapandamask6432 I agree you with you there completely! Its amazing to see his transformation and his growth.Everything else like all the cool fights and other stuff are just the extra spice on this wonderful written story. The author has my respect, he clearly put time and effort in this story.I am glad i was able to find it and experience it. I have never thought that i could care so much about fictional characters and their life, so this was really eye opening. Can't wait to see it in animated format.

[@geminiistu]

One of the best Isekai, Moshuko Tensei is best at: - World building - storytelling - character development and characters themselves - depth and plot - power system

[@epsilonchannel502]

Agreed! Rifujin is one of the best storytellers out of all the light novels I've read.

[@baovirus]

The only one got me to read the novel, and I don't even like to read

[@anthonyabad4734]

I like how the character development isn't perfect, sometimes we take one step forward and two backwards, changing is difficult and not a one way lift to perfection. That's not unique to Rudeus, every character goes through their own journey and changes being influenced by other characters, that's what make the world feel so alive

[@Lukandrewus]

What a great video essay. There are many ideas that I have thought of while watching Mushoku Tensei, that I initially could not put into words. The perfect writing encapsulated in this video has helped me better understand this amazing anime. Thank you!

[@sora2541]

Rudy is not a good person, but he is the greatest main character I've ever seen. Most main characters in anime are usually always morally right and often either have very little character development or their personality change completely after one single major event. Rudy on the other hand feels very ... human. He's not righteous, he doesn't have any big ambitions, he will never not be a perv, .... but he tries his best to become better than who he was before through, not just one major event, but through a lot of small interactions with the people around him. It takes literally years for him to make any noticeable change, just like a person in real life would. What is impressive about Mushoku Tensei is that not just the main character, but even side characters feel like they are real people, each with their own story to tell and could easily be the main character of another interesting story. Mushoku Tensei to me is special and it's the only show that I consider a masterpiece.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I agree! Everyone in Mushoku Tensei feels like a real person and all the interactions feel very human. The author is a genius!

[@hish33p32]

Read Vinland Saga and Berserk, it's a lot darker, but the focus of themes for self improvement and flawed humans are more apparent there

[@sora2541]

​@@hish33p32 Definitely plan on watching both, especially Vinland Saga since I feel like it has the same level of character-writing as Mushoku Tensei. But still, the thing that left the strongest impression for me about Mushoku Tensei isn't the theme of self-improvement theme, rather it's the theme of family. I'm not sure why but seeing Rudy growing up, leaving his parents, reuniting, and become a parent himself (while not perfect, is trying his best to be a good father) makes me want to strive to become a good husband/father in the future. If you know a show that execute the theme of family just as well as MT or close to it, do let me know.

[@hish33p32]

@@sora2541 The concept of family is also tackled on the stories i mentioned but i do agree that Mushoku Tensei is further into the subject than the two i mentioned and compared to other stories as well

[@hish33p32]

@@epsilonchannel502 Yes, It feels like when you're watching this show, you're so immersed that you feel like you're not watching something but is inside the screen itself (I can't explain it better myself)

[@nathanielsoucie-porter936]

I can certainly understand the people expressing discomfort with the scenes that shall not be named, they should make you uncomfortable. But like you said, so many people conflate the concepts of portrayal and condonement. I've been trying to wrap my head around this argument for a while and you put into words that made so much sense. I hope you do end up making more videos on Mushoku Tensei because it deserves all the praise👏🏽

[@jkman9828]

Even though Rudeus might be the MC, the real power of Mushoku Tensei lies in that it fleshes out all it's supporting cast, not just the MC. there are entire arcs dedicated to supporting characters. Roxy, Sylvie and Eris are more Deuteragonist than supporting cast in my opinion.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I agree! It's masterfully written. Rudeus isn't the only person in this world. Even without him, the world and characters would still be compelling.

[@akeru2007]

"Each conflict is meaningful" Yup sir, that's right Well except for Ars, we-we don't.....talk abour Ars

[@Olixein]

I've been planning to watch this video for a long time, and now the time has come. And I can say that you did a wonderful job, well done!

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AnArtistInAVoid]

If I had been someone like Rudeus when the anime started, I feel like I could’ve actually been impacted by it to change myself for the better, just because of how realistic the people in the story are.

[@frankwest5388]

I was on the verge of becoming like [ ] when I first read the light novel and it stuck with me. This is why I feel the fact that we never learn the name of Rudeuses last life is a purposeful choice. He could be anyone, even you. Anyone could let themselves go until they become as worthless as [ ]. The entire series is a warning but also encouragement. That you can be better, even if it takes a lifetime of trying. It is the entire philosophy of the series.

[@ExponentMars]

@@frankwest5388 watching my boy Rudeus improve himself fr motivates me to go work out and improve myself as well

[@epsilonchannel502]

If you're wondering why the video is mirrored, it's because it took me 6 tries to get this past the KZbin Copyright system. I had to change some of the background music and some of the scenes as well. So if something seems off, that's probably the reason. When I had to replace scenes, I tried using ones that were relevant, but they weren't the ones I had intended on being at that part of the video. But I still hope you all enjoy it! Thanks for watching! Oh geez, this video gained a lot more traction than I thought possible. Everyone, thanks so much for pushing me past 1000 subs!

[@shin-iti]

Don't worry, trying to dodge copyright system is always an annoying process, pretty sure the audience is already used to this annoying kind of things haha.

[@the179bobkiller]

I understand your pain 100%. It took me 5 tries to upload my latest video about Madoka Magica. The best part is when you fix the problem area and then randomly, KZbin finds another problem area that it didn't catch before. Or when KZbin copyrights YOUR OWN VOICE in the video and somehow equates it to a 10 second clip, making the entire claimed area 2 minutes...

[@epsilonchannel502]

@the179bobkiller I feel your pain. That was exactly what happened to me, too.

[@SOLO.SHAD0W-HAWK]

Hello, mushoku tensei has amazing writing and progression. Though because of this vedio I'd like to ask have you heard of The Beginning after the end

[@epsilonchannel502]

I had not before making this video. Someone else has mentioned it and now I'm interested in it since so many people have brought it up!

[@eliaspanayi3465]

The best part is, he doesnt become a different person, he becomes a better version of himself and not through superficial means, each encounter and challenge adds layers of self improvement, builds him up and sometimes tears him down just like how people grow in reality

[@xmapa4677]

I love how his dad is such a Philanderer, because when Ruduis is young everyone is just like "Oh, it's Greyrat's kid, no wonder he's like this." So, he sort of gets this chance to grow and change people's opinions on him, and get out from under his father's shadow (which represents his past life). Greyrat is sort of a mix of who Rudius was, and who he is growing to be, in one person.

[@ricchan66]

This series is really is something else, a unicorn of an Isekai I would say. You can feel the amount of love the author put into his writing, and everybody who has worked in this anime project. I have no doubt when Studio Bind finished adapting the LN, assuming the quality is consistent, Mushoku Tensei will go down as one of the best if not the best Isekai story.

[@littlesporeling]

Bro, you can't just drop Katawa Shoujo music on me in the middle of a MushoTen video like this. I didn't expect to get hit with a wall of feels within a wall of feels.

[@epsilonchannel502]

😁 Glad you recognized it! Glad I included it in the video. A lot of people recognized it.

[@messengerfrom0]

Fantastic video! I got into reading MT pretty recently so I never understood the Rudeus hate, maybe because he's similar to re:zero's protagonist in the sense that they both start out incredibly flawed. Also sucks to hear about the re-uploads, but I'm still impressed you got away with using so many unedited clips without getting the video struck down.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy the light novels!

[@kenji214245]

One of the few rare animes with a story that is comparatively on a proper novel quality level of writing. The story AND the Characters have depth.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I agree! It's fantastic!

[@funfwegpfand2160]

Man, you did a great job with this video. I've been watching isekai for a long time now and around 2018 I stopped watching them cause it was the same stuff over and over again. Then a friend of mine said, I should give this one a try and damn, he was spot on with this recommendation. The way you described Rudeus' character is exactly how I think about him. Let's hope your video reaches those people that just don't watch MT because of what they heard from twitter and other platforms. Keep up your great work.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I hope more people will get into Mushoku Tensei. It is probably the pinnacle of isekai and I think most anime fans need to watch it at some point. Though it is a rather mature show, so maybe wait until they reach adulthood themselves.

[@Bigdaddy93413]

Mushoku Tensei is the most emotionally mature anime I have ever seen. Not just among Isekai but anime entirely.

[@jeremygonzal8603]

"Showing something does not mean condoning it." I remember saying the exact same thing against a critique of Shield Hero about the slavery part. It's not so much a defense of the anime as it is a rebuke of the narrowmindedness of some people. Also, in addition to your explanation of why Rudeus acts that way in that his adolescence to adult life just hobbled him socially, remember that he's suddenly put inside a kid's body and has to go through the raging hormonal tendencies of adolescence again, but this time, in a not so morally rigid society. Is there an argument that maybe an adult mind can overcome all those biological urges and the deviant moralities in his new world? Maybe. But my question is, why should he as a character do that when he knows he doesn't have to? Not like any Japanese police will arrest him. If you tell me that if you were in Rudeus' shoes, that you would uphold whatever morality you currently have instead of adapting to the rules of your new reality, you are either stupid or you are a liar.

[@Deadlychuck84]

I think one of the biggest things that authors mistakenly take from mushoku tensei is that they interpret the fantasy world as a fantasy world designed for the character and his influence in the world as the story making the world pretty much revolve around the MC. When really it's the telling of a story of Rudeus from his prospective in this fantasy world. Yes his actions have consequences and by extension influence in the world, but it is not a world that's perfectly built around the character's existence. While the ultimate narrative of the world is to save it, he only plays a small part in that.

[@epsilonchannel502]

That's a great way to put it! He's just another person in the world like anybody else.

[@sherrdreamz7232]

Precisely why Re-Zero, Mushoku Tensei and Shield Hero have been my favorite Isekai since Inuyasha. The world and its culture/inhabitants and customs are completely alien to the protagonists, and they each set out to be a functioning part of it. Rather than the MC's embodying a glorious gift upon the world they now tread like many Isekai that appear more like power/harem fantasies. Shield Hero being the closest to riding the rail of those tropes, and also my least favorite of the four Isekai I mentioned liking.

[@cEighteen]

Am I crazy or did you put Katawa Shoujo music into this??? That's some culture bro, liked & subbed

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I'm glad you recognized it!

[@BFjordsman]

The anime cut so much of the inner monologue you don't get to see but a glimpse of the actual character growth

[@deusvult7902]

It's a series I have fallen hard for, after watching the anime, reading the WN, reading the LNs up to current release. It's nicknamed of grandfather of Isekai has some standing, and it's almost painful how few have been able to capture the magi of it. Watching Rudy, as the story is of his life specifically, grow up, live, cry, and die can and does hit like a truck sometimes and is bittersweet enough to throw you into depression. I'm at least hooked on the world the author built, and although Rudy's journey is over, with some side stories, redundancy mainly, giving us some more glimpses into his family and life, I do look forward to seeing stories to come.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I know right? I know the author has written some other stories that take place in the same universe but I've not read them as I want to finish the light novel series first. I think at this rate, the official English translation of the LN will be finished this year though, so that's a plus!

[@sericsson1996]

@@epsilonchannel502 No, not this year unfortunately. LN 23 just released digitally, August physically. LN 24 will release in October physically. LN 25 is December physically. So last LN 26 has no date yet but will likely be either February or March at the latest going by the current pace. All these for the English releases. The Japanese have already been released since November of last year. So yeah. We'll just wait for the extra stuff after, the Redundancy chapters from the Web Novels, that will come into LN format.

[@nguyenthanhhai6725]

The last dream chapter in the novel is something else.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I've been reading the light novel as they've been releasing them (official translation I mean). I'm really looking forward to volume 23's release on Thursday (Kindle version anyway, I think the physical copy comes out later)!

[@jimtamim1708]

Great video essay, you have a good voice & script writing. I listening to your video while driving & it touch my heart on how you explain on this show is about Rudeus redemption arc. About his wicked views on female & lack of social skills because of his previous life.❤

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnnguyen9747]

This video did amazingly as it should, keep them coming

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you!

[@afailable]

Rudies impotence in season 2 makes much more sense after watching this.

[@howardlam6181]

the most important part is there is no cheesy unnecessarily long dialogue especially in the middle of a fight

[@martinratagris]

I believe that when translating the title they missed the point. Mushoku Tensei - Jobless Reincarnation is sort of a repetition. Musoku Tensei could be translated as the Jobless on Reincarnates, the second part of the title is key because it can translate into "I will try my best in a new world". Another great Fantasy Author has a character wonder "What is the most important step a man can take?" And they believe it is the first one but in reality is the next one. You will suffer, you will be tired. You would think "this is enough, I can stop here right?" But you need to take that next step. Keep going is bothersome. It can be painful and it can be confusing but to grow you have to take it. That is why I love Mushoku Tensei, because Rudeus decided to try his best and he does. And we, and Rudeus himself, get to see what happens when he stops trying in the future diary chapters. He may never be a perfect character but he will be better and that is something we can learn from this story. It also has fantastical worldbuilding in the way that the wars from thousands of years all the way to the one 400 years ago have influenced the world politically and even geographically. But as you say, the real gem is the characters interactions. In passing Paul tells Rudeus that it is important to be strong but he will need others to cover his weaknesses wich became prophetic because it stand to reason that a flawed character like Rudeus will need two wives and a husband to cover his.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Right. Rudeus deciding to give his best in his new life is a big step for him. Even if he fails a lot, he still tries his best and it's his struggle that makes the story so compelling. Also, yes, I originally had a whole section about worldbuilding that I wanted to talk about but ended up cutting it out of the video. I may do another video about that some time, but I also need to figure out how to avoid the KZbin Copyright System.

[@martinratagris]

@@epsilonchannel502 I would love to see a video about the worldbuilding. I wish I could give a good advise to bypass the copyright bots but I have no idea how. From what I saw using static images, preferably from the manga, LN or fan art instead of anime clips helps quite a bit.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I might do that next time! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@asakayosapro]

Wait, two wifes and a husband? *Sounds about right…* Sadly he can’t be a bride anymore…lol

[@Lau-ze3nn]

Did not expect the Katawa Shoujo soundtrack playing in the background but it just made the video that much better

[@epsilonchannel502]

Glad you recognized it! It was a while since I had listened to KS songs but I wanted to include them! Also because the copyright system didn't like a couple of the songs I originally had un the video.

[@zallia_]

I cannot thank you enough for making this video. As a huge mushoku tensei fan and someone who read all of the LN I have a real hard time recommending MT to my more... reserved friends bc the start really is rough to watch. Now that you made this amazing vid, I can just send it to them. Also, thank you for including little spoilers. Great vid.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks!

[@disruptsplode7570]

Bro said everything I was thinking about the series word for word while I was watching and reading the series. I try to explain these points to everyone who hates Mushoku Tensei saying that it’s either perverted, a generic Isekai, not unique, or just awful. This video explains everything I try to tell people. I couldn’t put everything I felt about the series into words. I tried writing it as well but your videos helped me add onto that. Thank you for making this video and you just earned yourself a new subscriber.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! And I'm glad to have helped.

[@chickenmag1657]

Currently on vol 13 of the LN after finishing the manga/anime. This is one of the best videos describing what mushoku tensei actually is. Thank you.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@amayra2010]

thanks for making and sharing our love for this MT world

[@vindex7309]

It’s also really cool to watch Reudeus start out as who he was in his own world and realize he can be whatever he wants to be in this world… and then fashions a new persona to be the opposite of who he was in his old life. He hates himself so much that when he is reminded of who he used to be you can feel the self loathing. This is, by far, peak isekai imo. My favorite thing is the anime doesn’t rush anything, it’s a work of art from the characters to the setting to the music.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Exactly! While not much happens early on, I never felt like it was boring or wanting it to hurry up through things. It built up everything and everyone so well, I was genuinely interested in simply reading about Rudeus and his family's life.

[@kahliellewis4671]

This was a great video, I completely agree with you because on the first and second watch I didn't really feel comfortable with a lot of scenes but stuck with it because of its animation and world building but from recapping and watching videos like yours I've come to understand that you're not supposed to like him or societally acknowledge how or what Rudeus thinks or does because in life I've come to understand that most things aren't black and white and this show really depicts that in a way some anime’s especially iseaki’s can’t.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Exactly! There's two scenes in particular that left me uncomfortable, but they exist for a reason! I'm glad to see others understanding that too!

[@ericbunker6242]

Thanks for the thoughtful analysis. I too love this story and the tremendous growth Rudy has over the years.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it! Watching Rudeus grow has been a great journey. I can't wait for the anime to cover my favorite arc this season.

[@ericbunker6242]

@@epsilonchannel502 Zenith rescue?

[@epsilonchannel502]

@@ericbunker6242 Yeah, the entire Turning Point 3 Arc.

[@williehughes1690]

Brilliant work I know what you mean about some people judging it to harshly my brother didn't even give the anime a shot cause of how perverted Rudy is most of the time in season one.

[@Jazzyneko941]

I don't know how greatful I'm towards you for doing justice to this beautiful novel/anime . Mushoku tensei is very difficult to explain what this anime is actually about but u did a great job man . Thank you❤

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@noobslayer3664]

Mushoku tensei is anime that reflects the regret in your life just like the protagonist in his 1st life many or a lot of things he didn't have chance to do because of Bullying that's why he became a HIKIKIMORI. Many Japanese people relate in this depression that's why when he given a chance to life a 2nd chance he live life to the fullest That's the reason why Mushoku tensei is the most the best story isekai anime / manga/ novel series

[@KyleandPrieteni]

the intros are awesome!! It makes me not want to skip it every time. We need more of that.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I agree! They're so good!

[@terencebarnes7393]

I loved video hit everything on the head about show/story sub. Probably the best video I’ve explaining everything in 17 min. 👏

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear it!

[@cookiesarereallycool]

Technically spoiler from redundancy chapter 26, but should be safe, still proceed with caution Bro literally took photos of his niece naked, like holy fuck he was fucked up. That was also why his brother beat him up

[@thetrain47539]

To the people complaining about incest: The father of Eris is the COUSIN of Paul. NOT THE BROTHER. This means they are NOT cousins. They are 2nd cousins. Incest is defined as a relationship with someone in the first or second degree of your family. This means parents and brothers (first degree), aunts, grandparents and first cousins (second degree). It does NOT include 2nd cousins which are on the third degree. So no, there is NO incest in Mushoku Tensei. Learn biology, gah damn.

[@thomaswagner3934]

As someone who suffers from the same mental problems that the main character faced before he died. This anime spoke to me. I've never really gotten jnto light novels until this one or many anime either. But this hit me on such a personal level that i spend most of my time crying

[@epsilonchannel502]

It's a very emotional series! I'm glad you've been able to enjoy it!

[@Pathetic-Ali]

If you liked that this anime talked about those mental issues then, let me recommend you another anime called welcome to the nhk. It goes deep in this issue where the mc is like rudeus in his past life. It's a 24 ep slice of life anime and it's very good. Not as great as MT but still worth checking out.

[@swhawk]

From my understanding, a lot of modern isekai (like Re:Zero) take inspiration from Zero no Tsukaima rather than Mushoku Tensei. So I guess that could explain why so many of them lean into the same kinds of tropes and have a tone that resembles Zero no Tsukaima instead of Mushoku Tensei.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I completely forgot Zero no Tsukaima existed lol. How nostalgic

[@DDDInnovation]

I honestly love this series more than ever right now cause I come to realize I'm a pretty shitty person, I've done and said things I regret and will for the rest of my life.. I'm at a point where I know im horrible and this story gives me hope that one day I can change for the better and be happy with the person i am and accept myself. This story really hits close to home for me and is one of if not the best Iseaki of all time

[@epsilonchannel502]

One day? Why not today? Gotta start eventually and you can improve yourself with small steps first, but you can do it! It won't happen immediately but is a goal you can strive for!

[@Bxlt.]

@@epsilonchannel502 usually people wait for some kind of wake up call instead of trying to take steps themselves, being too scared to change is pretty common

[@DDDInnovation]

@epsilonchannel502 yeah just started taking those steps today, after reading vol 7 I got inspired to start working out and doing what I need to

[@BrickDaniels-qu7bz]

You could make the case that the exposure makes things worse, and you could make the case that knowledge helps. It's hard to know for sure. Both sides probably have some truth.

[@AtreidesIV]

The characters are so good that my favourite part of Mushoku Tensei is and will always be the 5-6 first episodes (except for when he marry Sylphiette in the manga, honestly Sylphiette is the best character).

[@epsilonchannel502]

A fellow Sylphiebro!

[@alirosheno9473]

Love this show so much, after watching Mushoku tensei season 1 i'm tempting to bought LN and yes it WORTH pretty darn good to read Especially LN Vol 15 my favourite, loving the world building and character development especially for Rudy from losers pervert to become Family man For me Mushoku Tensei is one of the my best Isekai like Re:Zero and Overlord

[@epsilonchannel502]

Yeah the light novel is great! My favorite part is actually Turning Point 3, so I can't wait for that part to get animated!

[@rio425ee]

I think as is the case with many anime, the camera is at odds with the shows condemnation of these acts. The show is saying "this is bad" at the same time the same is saying "this is sexy and we want you to find this sexy" to child characters. And ignoring that disconnect is disingenuous at minimum. Dismissing it out of hand instead of engaging with it, is akin to "it's okay because she is actually 500yo". You say, this scene will make you feel uncomfortable, but fail to acknowledge the reason why it will make you feel uncomfortable is because it's a scene sexualizing a child character, and the show wants you, the viewer, to feel aroused by this and the recoil the viewer feels is because they are not and know they shouldn't be, and the type of person who isn't repulsed by those scenes isn't going to be affected by any of the rest of the shows condemnations of those feelings they will not ever engage with any of the shows messages that it's not okay. So it serves only to appeal to those people while undercutting and negating the messaging of the show. It's one of those things where it's inclusion fundamentally changes the work it's included in, you cannot have it both ways, you cannot make the message be "even disgusting pedophiles can change and become better" and then pander to them by sexualizing kids for their pleasure and have that be the message anyone sane comes away with. You absolutely can make a show that tackles and includes and even shows those themes, but the messaging has to actually be aligned or it no longer says what you intended it to say.

[@altair3090]

Might be the best video I've seen on mushoku tensei

[@epsilonchannel502]

@@altair3090 Thank you! I appreciate the praise!

[@hish33p32]

Wow, 17 minutes felt like i watched a movie documentary, keep up the great content man.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I'm grateful for all the support I've received.

[@ssnowbanditt]

This was really well made. Im surprised you only have 1k subs

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thanks! This video is what pushed me over a thousand, so I'm grateful for that!

[@chonious9705]

Thank you for putting into words what I poorly try to explain to others when I say I love this anime.

[@fathanthoriq2413]

This is the first LN i've ever read. Never thought i would finish it in less than a month. I don't even like reading

[@epsilonchannel502]

Lol at the time it came out, I read every volume available (12 volumes) in the just over 2 weeks. I also don't like reading much but it' was fantastic.

[@uziel1447]

That is all nice and dandy, but the fact remains that redeus is still a 42 year old in the body of an child. This fact simply poisons everything else in the series for me and makes most of his relationships fucked up. I think most people simply choose to ignore this, because of the nice animation.

[@epsilonchannel502]

And I understand that some people won't be able to look past that. It's not something people can just get over and may drop the series because of that. But I think a lot of people would claim that he never grew past the age of 14. He may have physically been in his 30s when he reincarnated, but he was emotionally stunted due to his bullying. I'm not justifying his behavior, but I do think it's important to understand when watching. The only time he was ever with women his age was when he was 14 and younger, so that also plays a role in that. Yes, it's messed up. But it's with reason. Not only that, but he starts controlling his perversion as time goes on. Again, this probably doesn't make you any less concerned, but I hope it helps put things in a different perspective.

[@investmentkage]

Fantastic video. I really appreciate content like this

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@angrymaninapandamask6432]

I think you summed it up best Rudues is my favorite charater because he redemed himself from a scumbag to a man to look up too This story of redemption is long but its also beautifull and very intresting

[@REDTD]

Any OG BakaTsuki readers here? I started reading this alongside LMS when I was 14 years old back in 2014 and it's one of the novels that got me hooked to reading JP novels KR novels and then CN novel later. I miss those simpler days.

[@epsilonchannel502]

You're one of the OG readers then! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Quid0pher]

thank you for using katawa shoujo music, been a minute

[@epsilonchannel502]

You have no idea how happy I am that someone recognized that. KZbin Copyright struck some of the music in the video, and then a couple of things in Mushoku Tensei reminded me of Katawa Shoujo, so I decided to replace some of the songs with Katawa Shoujo songs.

[@Quid0pher]

@@epsilonchannel502 really great choice of music, even if ks wasn’t one of my favorite games of all time I find the music to be so beautiful

[@epsilonchannel502]

@@Quid0pher Definitely was really good. I still listen to some of the tracks even now. Haven't played the game in over a decade though. Man I'm getting old...

[@Gukworks]

This video gives me the feels simply listening to another talking about how this anime gives them the feels. A round of feels is in order.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Glad you liked it!

[@woomy_boy]

W for using katawa Shoujo music!!!

[@epsilonchannel502]

Glad a lot of people recognize it 😂

[@maxkim7937]

i understood what this anime was trying to do the moment i saw him overcome going outside thanks to roxy. and it is the moment i started to really love the anime. until this moment, it could have been a typical isekai (with isekai logic, it could have been "genius isekai mc perv with no consequences"). but as you mentioned, everything he was in his 30's, isn't going away. it's these traits he is fighting, to become a better person. with that said, roxy is my favorite character, and all the roxy-ism (roxy religion?) we are getting is great. the way rudy talks about roxy, should have given a clue to the viewers how much he has changed and is willing to change. she literally helped him overcome his fear of the outside world and what people may think of him. we also get to see how roxy also has a "i don't belong here" attitude towards her village, similar to how rudy first felt about going outside. she ends up changing her opinion a bit when she was with her parents. eris went from punching her way out of any problem, to using her head and not her emotions. and this is how she determined that she needs to become stronger and better overall. all she did was rely on rudy up until the point where they all could have died. sylphy from what little we know from the anime (manga probably shows a lot more by now), looks like she has gained a lot of confidence (which she didn't really have in the beginning) after meeting rudy. when he was gone, she went from a crybaby to a reliable "sister" to rudy's little sisters. what this anime excels at and has an abundance of, are people with flaws who are willing to change and not shying away from topics that would be controversial if these characters weren't interested in changing. feels like every character who shows up for any amount of time isn't a 1 dimensional character.

[@_caith]

It was one hell of a ride, after reading all the books. Absolutely loved it. But I get a lot of people being put off by it - as it's a story that never lies to the reader. It portrays true characters - and some readers do not want accept/allow that intrusive thoughts exist, that bad decisions can be made, that a novel isn't just a series of best choices. It's a true story that includes the parts that aren't socially condoned - but also deals with them slowly. The grooming mention was real - but in his situation, with his character, it was a realistic thing to happen. It wasn't the main focus of the story. it lasted less than a single book. If anything - he really paid for it later for multiple consecutive books.

[@Prismark]

The core of this story is the only reason I made an exception to watch an anime of this category. It is not a character simply thrown into another life without meaning behind it. Rudeus starts off with his many bad sides, trauma and knowledge. Instead of the same character he changes bad to slightly less bad to eventually good. He overcomes past traumas. When he hits roadblocks with his current knowledge, he learns/studies.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Exactly! It's an isekai that actually has a reason to be an isekai!

[@spugelo359]

Did we both read as far into the story? Yea it got better for a long while but eventually just got worse and all progress he seemed to make gone.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I'm at volume 23 of the light novel. Not sure what you mean by that.

[@spugelo359]

@@epsilonchannel502 Ahh... only recently found out that light novel changed some things later into the story. Been reading web novel since assumption was that story has gone further and there didn't seem to be any significant differences in the story for a long while so just kept going with it. Though that maybe light novel just improved the writing and maybe fixed some inconsistencies. But apparently did a bit more fixing than that. AKA things got toned down. A lot by the sound of it if people genuinely believe he made progress as a person. In the webnovel Rudeus just seemed to regress back the way he was before so I just gave up on the story as whole, not even giving light novel chance and dropped the anime early on because it kept reminding about the web novel.

[@voraxityy8349]

7:57 funny how you put pax there because, believe it or not, pax ACTUALLY has some redeeming qualities (although later in the lightnovel)

[@epsilonchannel502]

lol I know he does, but at this point in the anime, he just seemed like a one-off villain. And that was the only clip I had on me that kind of fit at that part.

[@rimwell]

Smth that rlly helped was the 24 episodes it allowed for the “slow” start

[@bujin5455]

16:01. I think I could watch someone gush over how great Mushoku Tensei is for two and half hours.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Lol well I appreciate it. But instead of one 2.5 hour long video, I think I'll just make multiple shorter videos. I have a non Mushoku Tensei video in the works, but after that, I may do another MT one about worldbuilding. I might wait for Season 2 to have several episodes released so that I'll have more footage to pull from though.

[@kuzeno6637]

to think... I've watched a 16 minute video without skipping... Damn

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I'm glad it kept your attention!

[@Akemi727]

also its great that the people who "save the world" is not rudeus, but his kids

[@_GamerG]

This is why i loved mushoku tensei, you can hate the protagonist all you want, but the anime is a master piece, it has what other isekais dont have, the protagonist really treats his new world like real life, and there is some parts where he thinks he is on some sort of video game and then reality strikes again and he remembers it's another chance at life, because ITS REAL (for him) its not a video game or some manga

[@ltambrosekurt2]

15:11 the love the creators of this anime have is real, THEY MADE A WHOLE STUDIO TO MAKE MUSHOKU TENSEI JUSTICE AS AN ANIMATED SHOW. I am so excited to keep watching, they sold me on the idea on the first episode, the animation of that first waterball, and the SOUND of the destruction and life bringing rain the second spell he cast, i can still hear it in my mind, THE FREAKING MUSIC AND HOW IT TRANSFORMS ACCORDING TO WHICH REGION THEY WERE TRAVELLING THROUGH, and of course the emotional backlash of seeing the life he thought he had to look forwards to, gone overnight, IT MADE ME CRY FOR THIS LITTLE GOBLIN OF A MAN. Even though i sat through the season it was airing without even knowing about it, I then caught up with it in just 1 weekend. After that, i just had to read what happened next and, MY GOD, I LOVE THIS STORY.

[@epsilonchannel502]

They did such a great job with it! I can't wait to see how they hamdle season 2!

[@dahyo8480]

Bruh calm down this wasn’t the first studio to do this

[@ltambrosekurt2]

@@dahyo8480 BruH CaLM DoWn, Maaaan stfu. dont bother me.

[@mariokarter13]

Most Isekai: I'll just use my Earth knowledge to get ahead in the fantasy world. Mushoku Tensei: You're still the same loser you always were, now grow up for real this time.

[@nattiecraft]

The way this isekai succeeds is because this is the only anime that has made me seriously dive into the source material been speedrunning the LN past couple weeks only got like 6 volumes left this shit is so good

[@epsilonchannel502]

I started with the LN but I ended up binging the first 12 volumes in like 2 weeks. It consumed my life for those 14 days. Then I went and binged the anime which had just finished airing.

[@zavertaylom]

I dont have anything to say that hasn't already been said, so I'll just comment on your immaculate bg music choice

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I'm glad people appreciated what I went with!

[@RoboticWisp]

I stumble across the channel again a year later, first rune factory, now my favorite anime, you have good taste haha. Mushoku Tensei is unfortunately quite misunderstood, and due to that, almost feels scary to recommend. Not only is the story about redemption, like you said, but it takes time, which is a risky move but a very welcome one. If Rudeus were to grow to be a better person in just the one journey alone, the series would fail to do what it established. No matter what you're fighting, from erotic addictions, to the fear of growing up and starting life, everyone grows away from these things slowly. Sure you can boot up a fantasy show and wish you were able to adapt as fast as the protagonists that never suffer from their flaws, but not Rudeus. And thats why hes so special. Spoilers for The light novel and web novel, i'll try to keep it vague.. but later on, Rudeus ends up meeting an older version of himself and he is terrible, having done so many awful things, he is practically a villain, also showing that its not just Rudeus taking these steps, but the encouragement from the people around him, making him want to change. Nobody is perfect, and the show reflects that, with almost every single character having glaring flaws they must surpass, overall, from the story, characters, animation, music, and just general world building, this anime and story, is a 10/10. Still doesn't mean I don't skip that bath scene with sylphy on rewatches.. HUGE YIKES BRO

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! Love both Mushoku Tensei and Rune Factory! And yeah, I've been reading the official LN translations. I really like how the author handled things in the plot.

[@iron4517]

in a nutshell, its good because the story had meaning on every episode along with an actual direction compared to other shows that focus on appeasing and pleasuring their viewers with cute bland anime girls meanwhlie this show focuses on redemption and showing the journey on how this "rudeus" character ends up reliving and doing much better than what he did on his previous life, this plot is exactly what makes the show perfect and unique. Lack of Direction for the most part is the reason why most isekai shows suck since after a short while like the anime arifureta or by the grace of the gods the show would typically wonder off into a "just write whatever, we need to quickly think of something once the character eventually achieves his goal". By the grace of the gods literally turned into a laundry simulator 💀. its really refreshing to see fresh isekai shows like this because you can tell the writer didnt make it in order to milk money out of the genre and wanted to actually make a good show that has meaning on every episode, a deep lore while also showing the main protagonist develop as the story goes on.

[@epsilonchannel502]

It definitely helps that Mushoku Tensei has a definitive direction that the author wanted to take the story. And that he has multiple characters with their own stories also helps build the world and sets up a deeper conflict that doesn't really involve the main character. That way there's still stuff to explore even if Rudeus's story comes to an end.

[@iron4517]

@@epsilonchannel502 the story moves like Star Wars, despite the main story ending there are just so many other characters that the story just never ends

[@kdz9581]

Thank you for making this video.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you for watching!

[@RMDragon3]

I think that, while the story makes it clear that Rudeus does bad things, it also shows many times that he is a good person deep inside. He is shown helping other people many times, usually for selfless reasons. And many of his bad actions are either because he doesn't know any better or because of experiences in his previous life. This does not excuse them, but it does put them into context. We can see that he isn't evil, and that he could even be a very good person if he dealt with his personal issues and lackings. That's what makes the redemption story work.

[@TheBranchez]

Thank you for making this video, you've put into words what I could not. I have read the novels and watched the anime and I consider them both to be a masterpiece. True art. People claiming nonsense with huge majority of them not even watching the show and/or reading the novels. I understand if you don't like the character or some scenes but you can't claim that it promotes bad things just because they happen. I mean than we should all stop watching action movies because people die right? And also people act like they are angels, sinless. Not like all the stuff we have these days exists (modern slavery, porn, OF, drugs whatever). Claiming a moral highground they do not stand upon. I wish this video was longer, the moment I finished it I've started watching it again. I feel like I can listen to or talk about MT for days on end. Great work man. Do you have more content on MT? Would be very nice to hear your opinion more on both the anime and the specific novels and events. I will check out more of your videos.

[@epsilonchannel502]

I'm planning on another Mushoku Tensei video but won't be able to do it until just before the anime gets to the Third Turning Point since I'll need the footage from that, so I'm working on a video for a game series next.

[@JaelonEsquash]

Your underated man take my sub

[@epsilonchannel502]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!

[@somethingtowatch10]

I don't know what to say, just Mushoku Tensei is such a masterpiece. I love its fandom so much respect for it, so much love. The thing is just like Rudeus we are all trying to be better version of ourselves.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Yes! Mushoku Tensei is a human experience!

[@robpaul7544]

MT is a great story, and a fantastic anime. One thing that seems to be overlooked a lot - because Rudeus is in many ways an absolute shit - is the way he improves the lives of those close to him. He helped Sylphie when she was bullied and alone, he stood up to Paul at his worst, he made Illia become a true part of the family, and he tempered Eris' outbursts. All of that before his own redemption arc had truly kicked off.

[@epsilonchannel502]

Yep! I really wanted to talk about a lot of his interactions with others, but ended up cutting that part of the video to keep it at a more reasonable length! Despite being a terrible person, he is extremely anti-bullying due to his past life. So even though he is a terrible person, he still has at least one thing going for him. Paul's affair with Lillia and how it was handled was something I really wanted to talk about as I felt like the anime kind of glossed over how Zenith just kind of gets over it. Overall, the anime is phenomenal but this was something where it was lacking, but only due to a restricted runtime, not out of ill will.

[@robpaul7544]

@@epsilonchannel502 Yeah, I get your point about the affair. But Zenith being sad and angry is the longest single scene we get from her I think, which kinda does it justice.

[@epsilonchannel502]

@robpaul7544 yeah it's still handled well. I just felt like the light novel did it better. But that's not the anime's fault. The anime has a limited runtime and it still handled it well enough.