The Incel Hero - Re:Zero as the Ultimate Otaku Horror

[@ozarazil5745]

Dude what a toxic video hahaha, i don't understand how the people that has watched it doesn't feel dissed. Using words like incel and forever alone places the story in a western context. Manga and anime is made solely and entirely for a japanese audience. In Japan there are no "incels" or "forever alones". In Japan predates a permanent sense of dread and loneliness that is not just limited to "people don't like me" no, it's something more akin to "people don't care about me" and "i don't care about others or want to bother them". Something that every body has learned to live with over there. Many women getting desperate to get married when they hit 27, so much that many even marries guys whom they've known for barely 1 month and men that don't wan't to even talk about dating because they can barely keep up with work. Anime and manga in general is the perfect escapism tool for the cold and lonely enviroment that is Japan. If you who're watching this video thinks that what he says only applies to those that like isekai, boi oh boi you might be mistaken. "I'm not like that, i watch top quality anime like Banana Fish, Cowboy Beebop y Psychopass" hahaha yeah, keep telling that to yourself. If you enjoy anime and manga in general you might wanna do some selfchecking of your surroundings... "loner" xD

[@france69kory]

👏🏼

[@SManime101]

..... I don't know whether you're being serious or not with whatever point you think you're making. If you are serious, then you have completely missed the entire point of this video.

[@ExplanationPointAnime]

I don't know if this is a serious comment or a nascent copypasta, but I think it earned a pin.

[@ozarazil5745]

@@ExplanationPointAnime I feel honored :D

[@ozarazil5745]

@@SManime101 Well i'm sorry but that's what i got from the video haha

[@Armaggedon185]

Good analysis of Subaru's problems, but I think it misdiagnoses his root issue (which, to be fair, is easy without aid of the second season). Subaru doesn't simply want companionship, he wants to be special. He's trying in vain to be someone else because his self-image is utterly loathsome. His love for Emilia begins as self-serving because, in part, it reaffirms that feeling of importance he's been chasing. In reality, he's already a much better person than he believes himself to be, and we can see this in how he almost instantly begins acting like a real human being as soon as *anybody* believes in him. He's not an incel, he's a depressed kid with an identity crisis, whose utter shame in having been a NEET has eroded his self-image to the point where he makes grandiose attempts to act 'heroically' to prove himself, not recognizing what good qualities he already has. Anyway, thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

[@Birthday888]

This. I think this video was a little overly critical when it came to Subaru as if he had zero good or even redeeming qualities until after he hears Rem's speech. It's not that Subaru doesn't want to change, if he did then Rem's unconditional love wouldn't have had the positive effect on him that it does, it's that he believes that he is incapable of change. That deep inside, no matter how much he tries, how much he tries to play hero, he'll always be the pathetic NEET that wasn't able to function in society properly and would never amount to anything. That's why hearing Rem say she loves him despite all of his flaws and weaknessses and that "he can start from zero" inspires him to get his shit together and actually start to change.

[@dashieldmasta177]

This. Boxing Subaru, and the series as a whole, really, into this corner of only existing as commentary and subversion misses the qualities that let it stand on its own outside of that context. But I suppose that gets more views so I dunno

[@SeaCow1g]

@ Banzai Bot Fuckin' beautiful. I still think this video was pretty good but you hit the nail on the head. He has an inferiority complex with his father. He wants to be special, needs to be special, even feels as if he has no right NOT to be special because he is his father's son. He hates himself because he feels like he will never live up to the expectations that he has imposed upon himself. He also has terrible coping mechanisms; when he fails he doesn't know how to deal with it so he lies about his shame or jokes about it. He suffers from anxiety attacks around people because he is so afraid of being judged by others the way he judges himself. But in a way, he also kind of WANTS them to judge him openly, to confirm his deepest darkest fears because that would relieve him of the paralyzing anxiety that grips him day to day. He loves his parents, and they love him, but they can't give him the self confidence he needs because he is their son; they HAVE to love him. What makes Rem falling in love with Subaru so transformative is that it affirms for him that he CAN be worthy of being loved. That he doesn't have to be a hero like his father. He can be a hero in his own way, and be loved and respected just as fervently for it. The fact that Rem refuses to let Subaru give in to his worst instincts and run away, opting instead to guide him to chase his own dreams, even if it means she'll be a side-piece in his harem does have a ring of isekai power-fantasy to it. But the overall message is good: Good things come to those who work for it and don't give up, even crazy fantasies.

[@FightinCow]

Banzai Bot agree with this a lot, I think the new episode reinforces this a lot too, he didn’t live up to the standard he set for himself because of how great his father was and after not meeting that standard he began to collapse and was ashamed of himself for it.

[@thesuperMasterSword]

@@SeaCow1g Well holy heckapoodle, are we sure I wasn't reincarnated to Japan and then time travelled or something? 'Cause that sounds just like me, except having different reasons for the high expectations and different coping mechanisms, although probably equally bad.

[@Shizu_Kare]

The one thing I disagree with in this video is saying that Emilia's actions in the show are purely out of transactional interest and that her having good intentions is falsely construed by Subaru. Pretty much all interactions Emilia has in the beginning episodes where these "transactions" take place are thought of retroactively. Particularly when they help the girl who's lost find her parents and in turn get information from the guy selling appas. Emilia was not thinking ahead in that situation whatsoever, she did not have the information to construe that there was anything to realistically benefit from helping the little girl. it was out of the goodness of her heart no matter how she tries to deny it. This did, however, contribute to Subaru feeling entitled to be loved by Emilia for the reasons you mentioned and how he wasn't willing to change or acknowledge the person themselves.

[@robertpendli340]

His point doesn't directly say Emilia is transactional. His point is that Subaru refuses to take her at her word, and thinks she must be fond of him, when in reality she wants to help people in general because she is a literal pure-hearted child

[@sirpunchnut1231]

@@robertpendli340 She does love Subaru though.

[@robertpendli340]

@@sirpunchnut1231 She didn't yet though, and she doesn't really until most of the way through arc 4 (what the anime is currently adapting)

[@Shizu_Kare]

I get the point that Subaru generally doesn't take Emilia at her word like he should. However at least to me, at 9:47 there is a strong implication that we are supposed to take Emilia at her word that she strictly helps people for her own selfish motivations, and this is not true. Most of the way Subaru thinks of Emilia is delusional in the first half on season 1, but I would say this impression of her from the early episodes is actually correct. It is not the same as later when Subaru mistakes this kindness of hers to be unconditional love for him, which it certainly is not. But that doesn't change that she genuinely wants to help others and is just using personal interest as a cover for that. This is the one time in season 1 where Subaru is right to not take Emilia at her word. I worded this better earlier and accidentally deleted it before it sent, but in general I get his overall point but part of the argument, whether it was an over-generalization or somewhat of a joke, I think is incorrectly interpreting Emilia's character.

[@bruhguy2356]

Robert Pendli He didn’t think it was because she was fond of him. He literally says in the first episode that she’s really nice and acts like that with everyone. He refused to take her at her word because its what anyone in his position would do, cause she was obviously lying. Rewatch the scene and think , would you believe she’s doing it out of a transactional interest? Even after what she did, said and offered?

[@phantomix5693]

Childhood is when you relate to Subaru. Adulthood is when your brain trembles.

[@ivangood7121]

your brain doesn't tremble you're just lazy

[@nighthawk4502]

Ivan good no. No No NO NO NO NO!!! HOW SLOTHFUL YOU ARE!!! Myyyyyyyyyy braaaaaaiinnnn tremblesss!!!!! YES!!!

[@lmao2302]

Sounds like you need to talk to a doctor.

[@Izual001]

Cocain is also when my brain trembles.

[@kumarobeats4723]

Subaru psychological trauma fan: Or Archbishop represent sloth enjoyer: MY BRAIN TREMBLES

[@iandakariann]

The revive effect also puts a focus on the need to change by eliminating the concept of inevitability. The way the characters act towards Subaru changes. The opportunities change. The problems change with each cycle. But literally only one variable changes:Subaru. Everyone else starts the same and every event starts prescripted. Only Subaru changes. And thus the difference between a person treating you like a nice stranger, spitting on your face, or being willing to fight with you and trust you is how he interacts with them. When he does not change he becomes friendless and everything he wants us ruined. When he changes he has friends, allies, relationships, and becomes a member of society. He gets what he desires not because of where he is be but because of how he acts. So is horror. But also hope. You can't stay as you are. You can't change the world to make it fit you because you just won't fit there either. But you CAN change yourself. And you will still be you. Subaru is still Subaru even when he's acting different. There is hope for you. It won't be easy. But it can be done. Though if you do please treat your maid waifu better.

[@vivvy_0]

Nope. Mostly it is, you have to adapt and be the way others want you to be. when you can life that life it is easy. but when you feel you have to hide or else you get punished, this life is hell. rather be in solutide but your true self, then being a puppet for others needs

[@android19willpwn]

@@vivvy_0 To an extent? Yeah. If you obsessively "my way or the high way" in every interaction, the only person you'll ever please is yourself, and thus you will be the only one who wants to be around you. Creating and maintaining relationships means compromising. Doing things for the benefit of others rather than yourself, understanding and accommodating the desires of other people. it's not a matter of absolutes, though. The idea that any form of compromise means giving up on anything you want is both unhealthy and inaccurate. Unless the only thing you want is to hurt other people, in which case... yeah that's a raw deal. Try to find another hobby, I guess.

[@Birthday888]

@@vivvy_0 There's a healthy balance that needs to be struck, definitely. But completely cutting yourself off from human relationships in order to be "your true self" is a self-contradictory ideal. What does it matter if you're your "true self" if nobody is around to see and interact with it? Humans are social creatures in the end after all.

[@Artymo318]

And, even though Subaru was a complete idiot, he didn't change solely his behavior to adapt the needs of the people around him (if that were true, then Rem wouldn't have fallen in love with him). Subaru does change, deep in his heart he changes to become the hero Rem knows he can be and a knight worthy of Emilia's love, which leads him to the happy ending of season 1. Other example would be episode 4 of the second season. In the end, the show tells us that superficial change means nothing if you only act through it (acting heroic is what Subaru does half of the show), but actual change, real change driven by self awareness of what kind of idiot one is, that's the real starter of happy endings.

[@iandakariann]

@@vivvy_0 Subaru is still Subaru. He's not a new person. He's just better. When I play a game I will play a certain way as I am new. I will then fail and suck and lose. From there I have a choice. I can learn what I'm failing at and change to be a better player, still me but with a style that actually works, or I can demand that how I play RIGHT NOW should work, that the system is wrong for forcing me to play "different". I've seen people pick that second option. They regress fail complain about tree broken game, lose, rage at anyone giving advice, then either give up and leave or stay and turn hostile isolated and loathsome of the people they SWEAR are cheating or playing the"wrong way". Demanding that everyone change and cater to your style of "life" is no different. Refusing to change, to be better, so that you can be"unique" (so unique they not only have a term for people like you but now there's an entire genre of show that caters to that demographic) you are free to do so. But if your life is looking like Subaru's early cycles especially after his fight with Emilia then perhaps finding a way to be "you but better" canbe an option.

[@kenrenkerish3177]

"It's Explanation Point with a P" Me over here having a mental breakdown having assumed it was Exclamation Point this whole time

[@scoob6505]

Holy shit same

[@upg5147]

Are you serious? When he said that I just thought it was a joke. I'm really impressed

[@ylhajee]

The logo of an exclamation point led us astray...

[@TheBaegislash]

Sightwords has failed many a student's reading comprehension

[@jukesdtj656]

I thought it was pretty obvious that the pun of his channels name was *Explanation* Point because he does videos explaining things rather than *Exclamation* Point, and his logo just made the pun clearer.

[@P99s-s]

Oh hey he didn’t die Edit: ok he just killed me with this video instead...sent help

[@Atlan03]

+1 for help please...

[@goddamnarshia]

One of the most painful things i ever watched was that one episode where subaru simped for emilia in front of a whole ass room of knights , not because i related to subaru (thank fucking god), but because at that moment i was relating to everyone else in that room who had to witness subaru delivering that cringie ass speech with such confidence, SPECIALLY emilia who was being directly put on spotlight by this simp. And in any other isekai , the protag would either not be viewed as cringie by anyone other than the actual real life non incel viewer, or they would rewind time if they had subaru's powers. And for once i hate the fact that rezero isn't a typical isekai and at the same time like how it opens up interesting opportunities on how one can redeem themself after such a huge fuckup

[@kairo3201]

For all intents and purposes that scene was, painful. It was painful to see how a person could act so low and was painful on how I could relate to such a person.

[@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124]

That scene made me cringe as well. I believe the other word is second-hand embarassment? I dunno but it was really weird.

[@goddamnarshia]

@@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124 its basically the same feeling you get while watching your friend embarrassing himself. Its not you having to deal with the consequences of his actions, but its hard watching someone you care for be embarrassed or humiliated

[@dikto4139]

I cringed so hard that I had to stop watching for two months

[@gobblin3306]

I first watched the show 8n 2016 then again last month, (oh God have a changed as a person) in 2016 I was rooting for Subaru and saying jullius was an asshole, now in 2020 with the hindsight of 4 more years of experience and an actual human relationship under my belt I was physically repulsed by myself rooting for this nob of a human being, and screaming internally as I remembered how I reacted to those scenes.

[@nutmatical1042]

"our biggest fears is being alone, unloved, unwanted, forgotten, misunderstood, unappreciated and powerless" that line fucking hit me home

[@nerbdoi2740]

I really appreciate the nod to aces and aros! So often we are ignored for the sake of convenience and it's nice to be acknowledged.

[@MischieviousJirachi]

What

[@Lol-qy2zj]

Mischievious Jirachi wym “what” 💀

[@MischieviousJirachi]

@@Lol-qy2zj What are aces and aros

[@ravenfrancis1476]

@@MischieviousJirachi Aces are asexuals, people who don't experience sexual attraction. Aros are aromantics, which is the same thing but for generally romantic attraction instead.

[@MischieviousJirachi]

Thanks 💯

[@CrusesFear]

Finally! Finally someone expresses something I've said so often. The core reason so many people liked or enjoyed Re:Zero but hated Subaru with a passion was, simply put, that it reminded them of themselves, either past, present, or both. We hate being confronted with how a lack of effort and social graces are a real problem, and not the "world treating us unfairly."

[@MH3Raiser]

Seriously cannot agree more. I actually loved Subaru because seeing someone as cringry, funnily not funny and generally annoying as I am become a hero is far more fulfilling than watching chad-mgee become a hero. I honestly believe that, with enough self awareness and dedication to being better, I could be more like what Subaru becomes rather than who he started as.

[@CrusesFear]

@@MH3Raiser Absolutely. I found genius what a smart deconstruction of the isekai protagonist and schtick Subaru and Re:Zero is.

[@nullakjg767]

He said in the video people who like and cheer for subura are more likely to be delusional incels. lol

[@controllerfreak78]

I've personally never struggled with Subaru's problems, and hated his character for it. But it was the good kind of hatred, the kind the authors intentionally provoked and which made me want to see Subaru improve as a person. I can't empathize with his hero fantasy, his objectification of women clearly more capable than him, or his failure to listen to literally anything people around him say throughout most of the series, but those aspects of his character are so well-written and believable that I loved hating him and loved seeing him grow

[@CrusesFear]

@@controllerfreak78 Indeed. Precisely why Explanation Point's title of "Incel hero" fits so damn well. We don't even need to be like Subaru to understand the problem he faces, just to have the common empathy that most humans should have to understand it and see how he slowly, paiiiiinfully works through them thorought the show. It's one of the reasons I liked the show so much. Particularly since I both know, and see, people like this, more often than not in the anime community. So I was amazed back in season 1 with what a harsh and even cruel criticism Re:Zero is to the fan who acts and believes the same things Subaru does. The fan that tends to conform a good chunk of this sort of anime's fanbase.

[@thrandompug2254]

I found Re:Zero like, the second after I finished going through the changing yourself thing that he did, and I could identify almost every behavior that he did when he was shitty in myself, which was kinda crazy to think about. Now I have friends and all it took was for me to not be cringey in public, which truly was a lot harder to do than it sounds, but now I am well adjusted enough to have real, close, intimate friendships and relationships even with people who don't fervently share my passions, which personally I think is extremely important, to be able to make friends outside of a very narrow niche of people who find everything you find interesting, interesting, I was basically one bad video away from becoming a nazi a couple of years ago, and now I am a well adjusted member of my community who most people in my age group know and at least tolerate, it is a great feeling, and while it is work, it is worth it to do and it is really fulfilling

[@baconsir1159]

Did you happen to play Town of Salem, like, 20 minutes ago?

[@thrandompug2254]

@@baconsir1159 I woke up 20 minutes ago

[@baconsir1159]

@@thrandompug2254 Must be some other random pug then

[@tidbit2190]

Congratulations! Self-reflection and self-improvement are rare, epic-tier skills that far too many people don't bother grinding out the xp for. That's a major achievement!

[@noneedtoknowmyname9666]

Idk bro but im happy for you 😁😃

[@aussiepuppet5250]

Okay but can we just acknowledge how he was literally brought to another world by Lugnica's closest equivalent to magic Hitler?

[@desouj03]

'Literally Satan' tm

[@gramernazy7436]

**SPOILER INCOMING** Not entirely true. Satella isn't Hitler. The Envy factor is the evil bit. Satella is actually a lot like Emilia.

[@danielantony1882]

@@aohige She's worse than Satan, but not as simple.

[@danielantony1882]

@@gramernazy7436 Nice joke XD I'll believe Echidna more XD

[@gramernazy7436]

**SPOILER INCOMING** @@danielantony1882 You know Echidna doesn't always tell the truth, and that the only 2 we know she dislikes are Satella (not the envy factor) and Emilia.

[@mythun6735]

The episode of Re:Zero that came out today touches on this a lot. Not sure if that's a coincidence or not.

[@JacesSanctum]

It probably is, it takes a while to produce these videos, and he didn't give any indication in this video that he's a reader of the source material.

[@Arrakiz666]

Not so much a coincidence as a case of media-literate person figuring out the work's deal.

[@ivangood7121]

I wonder if it was a hitchhikers guide to the galaxy reference that he only now realized "oh yea guess my world is gone" because it's a topic so heavy that brain just refuses to think about it

[@Youthinasiaa]

the topic of the episode and video were a coincidence but im assuming him posting on the same day as the new re zero episode wasn't as people will be searching re zero

[@ExplanationPointAnime]

@@Youthinasiaa Both were a coincidence.

[@heysiri3327]

I'm 3 years late but still gonna say this. First, Emilia *is* just a really good person, and those "transactional interactions" between them was Emilia being embarrassed for being a good person instead of looking for her insignia. Puck even calls her insincere in that interaction, showing that she is a hopelessly good person. Second, Subaru is a kind, good dude who just wanted to help Emilia. The issue was that he was too obsessed, disregarding others and Emilia herself, paralleling Petelguese (note: his name is pronounced like the star Betelgeuse but with a P. It's actually one of the three biggest mysteries in Re:Zero why Petelguese's name is spelled differently from the star according to the author). What needed to change was his obsession with Emilia, mindset about it all being a game, and disregard of others' intentions, not really anything about himself. Third, when he did finally change, he wasn't fully fixed. His self-worth was still at rock-bottom. He believed that the only thing he could offer to those he cared about was his life, or rather his death, and he forced himself to believe that those he cared about didn't care about him in order to be able to die for them without guilt. However, despite believing himself worthless, he also believed himself the only one able to solve all of the problems, that he would eventually be successful if he died enough. This third point is addressed by season 2, but his self-worth and confidence issues still remain. What was fixed was his respect for the autonomy of himself and others.

[@ConvincingPeople]

"Cringing himself straight to the offline meeting" is such an exceptional euphemism.

[@nef36]

This is why everyone says Rem is best girl. She's the only one who fills the core of the isekai fantasy, and I think it's smart how the author has Subaru stubbornly pursue Emilia anyways, driving the message you discussed in the video home.

[@android19willpwn]

it's also probably why Rem is kept absent for most of the series, in addition to the narrative utility of removing one of Subaru's greatest emotional and physical supports. Staying with the isekai fantasy maid would be easy and comforting, but it wouldn't help him grow.

[@estelle6528]

That's why the story where runs with her from his problems represents Sloth

[@Birthday888]

@@android19willpwn I saw a comment in another video describe how Rem and Emilia support Subaru in different ways. Emilia is the reason Subaru will keep throwing himself into the brink again and again, no matter how much it hurts, while Rem is the reason he'll never break down and give up permanently as he endeavors to live up to the hero that Rem sees him as.

[@kap1618]

I get that but the fact that she is perfectly okay being Subaru's rebound kind of feels a bit sickening. Like I respect Subaru more if he tried to at least tell Rem to find someone else who will lover her instead of just keeping her on the back burner.

[@brendalee1215]

It's because we get a lot more from Rem as character than Emilia because of screen time

[@kid14346]

This is the take down of everything I hate about Iseikai in a single nicely wrapped up video.

[@upg5147]

@UCIgU6wkHEm4mm_KBsykM_jw This video explains why this guy hates isekai and or shows the flaws in isekai is what he's saying

[@lmaAsian]

The thing that annoys me the most about isekai is the wasted potential of its premise. The place the protagonist is being transported to can be a completely foreign world that doesnt adhere to the rules and conventions of any pre-established setting, allowing for unique and creative stories that cannot be told in any other genre. But despite having this freedom, isekai authors vehemently cling to these generic RPG fantasy worlds with typical loser-becomes-OP-and-gets-all-the-girls power fantasy drivel. While it may technically not fit the definition of an isekai, I feel SAO is to blame for starting this unwelcome trend of incel wish fulfillment stories. Worst part is, I dont see this trend going away any time soon. We are only going to get more and more of these neckbeard fantasy anime because its whats profitable. Anime studios will continue to adapt trash as long as japanese otaku are willing to lap it up. The only bright side it that it has brought us a few good titles like Re:Zero, Konosuba, Bookworm, and Villainess isekai that, while not straying all that far from the formula themselves, might as well be diamonds in a sea of garbage.

[@phir9255]

I'm actually surprised so may people hate isekai

[@upg5147]

@@lmaAsian SAO is 100% the spark for this fire. I agree with everything you said. We have gotten some great work out of this trend but it's done with, I'm ready to leave this fantasy and gaming idea for something, anything different.

[@upg5147]

@@phir9255 Can you expand on this?

[@annayudin290]

Personally, I don't think Subaru is an incel. He's just a shut in. Maybe if he had tried again, but in the right way he could have made some good friendships and possibly even a romantic relationship. He was too busy either wallowing in self hate or escaping with anime or Manga to try to make genuine relationships. He wouldn't even try to fix things with his parents, the people who are the closest to him.. which shows a lot about his mental state. Subaru is a good guy, his true heart shows many times throughout the series.. it's not all about sex for Subaru, even though it's part of it, I'm sure. He geninuely wants people to love him, romantic or not and thats why he repeatedly saves them. You can see this with his interactions with Ram, Otto, Petra and the other villagers. I love Re:zero because i got to see someone, just like me, grow through the suffering that life can deal out. That's the best thing.. it reminds me not to shut the people, who are closest, to me out.. and even though I can't restart like he does.. I think we can always fight to fix things. Subaru and the rest of the cast, help give me the courage to do so.

[@twelfthsjustice7562]

This is what I needed. I need moar Re: Zero analysis. It is such a fantastic show in so many regards that it really needs more attention than it gets. It is a beautiful deconstruction of the genre and it makes my heart go doki doki when Subaru's hearts stops the doki doki. Thanks Explination Point!

[@bananagod5530]

Its sad that many people just blind hated it for being too "Mainstream" or "Overrated".

[@ivandimitrov7994]

You are way off dude. The reason why Subaru clings to Emilia is much simpler than that. She was simply the first girl to do something good for him and appreciate him in one of the first lives, but then he stupidly continued to act as if all that happened when those realities were deleted (or those version of Subaru are dead). He just refuses to let go off that girl that was nice to him despite the fact that only he remembers it.

[@sethbudrik8906]

Something very similar to this happened to me. Not the Isekei part, but the belief that things would get better if I was in a different environment. When I was 13 years old, I, a small, scrawny white boy with autism (although I wasn't diagnosed at the time because my father was an ass) in a predominantly African-American neighborhood was bullied. A lot. I was considered to lame and very annoying. I had no friends and my step mother was awful and my dad never gave me the time of day. I hated my life and was constantly depressed. Only playing videogames and reading Harry Potter and Percy Jackson allowed me to escape from this, along with the Sunday visits to my Grandfather's house. Any friends I thought I had usually ended up being one-sided relationships with me desperately believing that someone gave a shit about me. Often I was grounded for the smallest of things, making my life worse. Life between 9-13 sucked. But I always hoped and prayed that one day my mother would regain custody of me and give me the love I deserved and bring to me a more "white" neighborhood where I wouldn't be bullied as much and would be considered "cool". I honestly believed that I would be considered cool in a different environment and wouldn't be bullied and would easily get a girlfriend. When I was 13, I got my wish. My mother regained custody of me and my little sister and we moved to a more traditional Midwestern neighborhood. I was excited. I was CONVINCED everything would go right for me. I don't think I even need to say it wasn't. Within one year, I got expelled/relocated from three schools, had plenty of fights with my stepfather (technically my mom hadn't married him yet, but they were engaged and we're about to), and still had no friends. I was just as lonely as ever. I did gain friends, but they only hanged out with me at first because their moms told them to. Around this time I was diagnosed with Asperger's/Autism, so I was dealing with that knowledge as well. I continued to be an angsty little shit for about three years, never really realizing that my issues were typically my own fault and always making excuses for them and crying into my pillow going "why me?" After one practically bad day, I asked my self "why me?" For the first time, I actually thought about what happened and what I did wrong and came to the conclusion that *I* was the reason why I was always miserable. I may have autism, but that is no excuse for what was happening. I decided the and there to change. It wasn't easy. I became very aware of how awkward I truly was and the highschool program I was in helped showed me what I was doing wrong. I started actually paying attention to what other people were saying and what I was doing wrong and why people gave me wired looks. I changed. Near the end of Highschool, I was somewhat popular (in a nerdy way), and even dated a girl out of state for over a year. I am in college now and have friends there as well. However, I still make mistakes in social situations and still sometimes feel low and helpless, tho it is a bit more rare now. But I am always improving and working on my issues and flaws. It's frustrating constantly improving oneself as as soon as I feel like I fixed one issue, another rears its ugly head, or worse, turns out I haven't gotten as far as I thought I have. Self confidence is something I still struggle with to this day, especially with women. I know I am not alone in those issues, but that doesn't mean it's not something to work on. I am getting better tho. In short, I thought I wasn't the problem, but my environment was, only to be brutally told it was actually me all along. Hell, even upon reflection, half of my problems when I was a preteen were either overly exaggerated or completely my own fault. I wasn't even bullied that much, it felt like I was because of how much it a little shit I was and that I had a huge victim mentality. The phrase "you're perfect just the way you are" was told to me and I absolutely bought that to a cancerous degree. In reality, we should always strive to be the best versions of ourselves that we can, as lame as that sounds. It's harder to improve yourself, and you never really stop, but it's a lot better to recognize what flaws we have and improve upon them then to just stagnant and get worse.)

[@fyofyoriosity2350]

OML I WAS ABOUT TO COMMENT!!! Not anywhere close to as extreme as for you, but I'm falling both on the Autism spectrum (Aspie) and have ADHD, so holy hecc was I annoying to everyone. I also did that thing where I was trying to "understand how to human" and copy parts of people, not sure if you had that too? And I hated myself so much, but didn't know what else I could try to actually make it better. I was convinced that I hurt my friends because of how I was, because that was actually true, but my reaction was to nope out and try to cut off my friend. WHICH HURT HER MORE AAARGHHHHH whatever I did I always felt stuck between a rock and a hard place, I was a mistake no matter what I did or didn't do. Even the big bad s word wasn't an option, because that way I would again cause trouble that I didn't want to cause. But my only thoughts were "Welp guess I'll have to live with being a disturbance either way then", only thinking of being miserable either way, instead of trying to be happy and productive. It never occurred to me that needed to learn to be more chill. I even ended in a not-so-good relationship because of that, with a guy that tried to convince me of all the fears I had. Like that my one friend was just exploiting me. He kept telling me that all my friends were useless terrible humans, and because of that I should always stay with him. He always told me how stupid they were and how he hated them, angrily texted me whenever I visited them, but each time he met them he was super polite and friendly??? And I was just SO confused. Looking back now, I'm so grateful for all the people who had the actual patience to sit down with me and, that sounds stupid but, step by step trying to explain to me why something worked how it did. Getting out of that relationship and into Uni was one of the best things that could have happened to me. I learned so much. And I realise I still got waaaay to go, there's a lot left into where I have to pour more effort into. But I also realised I'm not the only one. Maybe it's a bit extreme for me, like my flatmate tried to explain to me why socialising isn't supposed to be a draining exhausting task that you can cross off like a checklist xD But every single human has to struggle with themselves, and keep learning, not just me. So we should all help each other help ourselves just a bit. I might not be as far on the learning curve as you yet, but I'm getting there~

[@sethbudrik8906]

@@fyofyoriosity2350 You've come a long way. Sure, there is more to go, there always is, but just keep trying to improve and be thankful for the people in your life who put up with your stupid shit and have no problem calling you out on it. I have no idea how old you are, but the biggest bit of advice I can give as a person in their mid-twenties with Autism to a teenager dealing with Autism and a peice of advice I needed as well is too listen to people. And what I mean by that is actually digest what people are saying and respond appropriately instead of just standing there waiting for your turn to randomly talk about how Pokemon is amazing. Try to keep the topic relevant, and it is okay if you go off topic a bit, as long the flow is natural. I myself may not have ADHD, but my sister does, as well as half the kids I know that also have Autism (seriously, most people who I know that have Autism have ADHD as well. I am on of the few that doesn't, apparently), but I do strict structure can work. I honestly have to yell at my sister and friends a lot to make sure they stay on task. But regardless, I appreciate you telling me you're story, and I always enjoy hearing about other's experiences as well as I am considering being a Special Education teacher one day. )

[@melaniey.5596]

Preach bro! This is your story! Thank you for sharing a piece of you, it’s really inspiring. That’s the harshest thing isn’t it? Despite supposedly knowing better, we keep making the same mistakes. I suppose that the only consolation is that we recognize it and can strive to continue being better.

[@ernesto154]

You did well staying strong so long

[@Mercure250]

"I may have autism, but that is no excuse for what was happening." You need to be careful, though, because you can fall in the other extreme and decide to completely ignore the obstacles autism brings, and thinking you can become like everybody else. Went there. Not fun. My process of growing up actually went the opposite direction : I had to stop blaming myself for so many things. I had to accept that having autism means that I have limits, and that it's ok. That doesn't mean I've stopped trying to become a better person; on the contrary, being more honest with myself about my limits helped me a lot and I feel much more balanced as a person. The fact I opened a lot more and talked to people about my issues also helped a bunch. Being in a better state of mind means you can better work on yourself, and it does contribute to the process of becoming a better person; taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It's like the oxygen mask analogy : You need to take a breath for yourself first so that you can properly help someone else.

[@perro692]

I think one of the reasons some fans get so mad a subaru for choosing emilia over rem is because at face value rem is the "isekai promise" of a cute girl who will love you no matter what, and she kinda is, but this also fails to see that she doesn't love subaru no matter what (well kinda, but) the reason she didn't want to run away with him is because that wouldn't be the subaru she loves, the only reason she likes him is because he earnestly helped her and made her feel better for the sake of doing a good thing, he wasn't pursuing rem romantically or looking for emotional compensation from her, you could argue he was doing it to get recognition from emilia, but he was also honetly wanting to save the kids and rem, rem loves subaru because she saw him at his best and he still loves him at his worse but she wouldn't let him indulge on that because she doesn't want him as a tool for easy emotional gratification like he wants emilia to be

[@thescrapsmith446]

"former incel" good job king you made it

[@billyherrington5112]

If he stop being incel he never was truecel

[@YourLocalCopiumDealer]

Is it me or did he sound terribly condescending? Like an ex-smoker looking down on smokers? "If I can, anyone can bs." Completely ignoring the individual reasons that get people into a mess like that in the first place. I'm no incel, only an ex-smoker. That type of arrogant generalization just pisses me off.

[@ultrascarlet5275]

@@billyherrington5112 why would anyone want to be a "truecell", anyway.

[@billyherrington5112]

@@ultrascarlet5275 truecell isn't something you choose to be.

[@demonslayereren3970]

@@ultrascarlet5275 Feelin like a victim cult

[@clara1291]

The funny thing about this is that Subaru (unlike most isekai protagonists, but like most real people) actually has some endearing character traits that would make him nice and fun to be around if only he could get rid of his toxic attitudes.

[@lmaAsian]

Yeah honestly for all the flak we (rightfully) give him, Subaru really isnt that bad terms of isekai MCs. Its just that ReZero as a story is written to highlight the the flaws of the otaku hero character so he gets disproportionately hated even though other MCs would just be as insufferable if not more so if they were in his position. At the very least, I think he would make for a decent person to hang out with due to his boisterous personality, unlike most protagonists who are just boring, quiet, unremarkable self-inserts. Just dont be an attractive girl who activates his white knight instincts...

[@danthespaceman9747]

And yet he develops beyond histoxic traits! and you know what? You're completly right, he is, at his core a Great person!

[@reigncarlotabuzo7774]

@@lmaAsian doesn't matter cause Subaru will be the kind of guy that would save you no matter what as long as he likes you as a person Most people think Subaru is going through all the suffering right now is because he fell in love with Emilia but that is not the case, The story would have still went through the same way even if there was no love involve

[@AnimeFriedChicken]

The script for this was so tight, but ultimately it was the Scrub's janitor's story arc that swept me off my feet. Great video.

[@QuinSkew]

Still a bad analysis but a lot of people will defend this video without considering the mindset of the protaganist or how they think as a person and merely induce platitudes and cliches they themselves exhibited and call it a day.

[@blarg2429]

@@QuinSkew "induce platitudes" I'm not generally one to make fun of people for seeming to use fancier words than they know how to (because that's my own speech pattern), but oof. That really is the thing you just did.

[@QuinSkew]

@@blarg2429 Nice job not countering what I said by merely stating my ability to use big words somehow makes me a fool. People tend to review things without trying to understand a character. If you can't understand a character and see their strengths and flaws then it might be that the issue pertains with you.

[@blarg2429]

@@QuinSkew Okay, shoot. What specific things are actually wrong here, and why? You said "thing bad" and pretended you were saying something more. It's not that you used big words, it's that you used words in a way that I felt implied you didn't understand them.

[@Kalossupremacy3356]

Alright I disagree a bit, like subaru had some really bad points in season one (to the point that I found it hard to pick up the series). I don’t believe he is an incel, cause he doesn’t give a shit about himself. His main reason for helping people, is to both help them and to be valued or needed (not really to be loved). Hell he doesn’t even consider the achievements under his name something to be proud about, to the extent that others are concerned about that.

[@gigajawbreaker3252]

The breakdown of an incel mindset probably shouldn't have hurt as much as it did :'( The truth can be painful

[@Braxmegaman]

Hey man, assuming I read the subtext of your comment correctly, and you do see yourself in his explanation... I just wanted to say that it's never too late to change. It can feel impossible, like you're broken somehow, but that simply isn't true. No one, including yourself, is truly incapable of growth. I'm not going to say that it's easy -- true introspection is difficult, and often painful. But the thing is, its a goal that is much closer than you think. You don't have to become a completely different person --you just have to strive to be the best version of *you*. I hope none of this came across as patronizing -- I truly hope you can find the strength to take that first step. Good luck, man. I know you have what it takes in you -- I just hope that you can come to recognize it in yourself.

[@Foozie3moons]

Life is nothing but change. And change is hard. Self improvement is essentially the same thing. Read “Can’t hurt me” by David Goggins. Really helped me get through some shit I’ve been going through and helped me change my mindset.

[@aa9945]

Wanted to tell you that I hope you can be happy. Whether that means changing yourself to get the validation and companionship of others or realizing what you already have is okay for you, I hope you're happy. Changing is really difficult but as someone who is currently pushing themselves to change it can also feel extremely rewarding. If you want to change yourself, go for it. Me and the 95+ people who seem to relate to or agree with your comment are all supporting you. Love ya

[@andresvalera1430]

True, it's easier to put qualities we don't like into a box, label it and say "it's an insult" than to look into why we are who we are

[@arminthegreat3729]

yea this hurt way to much, I don’t really know why. I have friends, I have had romantic relationships, I don’t really see many of these qualities In myself, but this hurts a lot for some reason.

[@xkaspergaming5668]

What if i tell you....Emilia did care about him and that wasnt him imagining it

[@d_d1721]

People who feels lonely and depressed just need a little of philosophy in their lifes.... This comment is half serious, half joke.

[@tiagotakuceoofredacted8802]

No...It's the both of them, together *BY THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP*

[@donbenjamin6459]

Still a good coment. Long live to seneca xd

[@hollowhusk5166]

Until they stumble upon nihilism and lose all will to live

[@brendalee1215]

Then you get hachiman

[@intothekey]

Probably half explains why I love religion philosophy and politics so much.

[@ElysianLys]

You know you've hit rock bottom when you need to open up an incognito window to google "where to make friends near me" so your browser won't remember your shame, and that is the EXACT position I found myself in when this video showed up in my notifications. Irony at its finest. Fuck, dude, I'm not sure any of us are *really* okay nowadays.

[@MiyaoMeow588]

Hmmmm. Iunno, this video kinda misses the mark in some ways. When Emilia insists that her good deeds are for her own self-interest, she only says that so people don't think they have to owe her for it. Emilia *is* actually a kind and compassionate person at heart and she did help Subaru purely to help him, and that deeply moves Subaru enough for him to imprint himself on her and seek out validation from her, which is why he's so desperate to help her out any chance he gets. The problem is that Subaru extrapolates deep meaning from a random act of kindness that Emilia probably didn't think much of. And also, "incel" is kind of a strong word that doesn't apply to Subaru all that well, because it implies his entire behavior stems from wanting companionship, when that's only a moderate reason for his behavior. Episode 18 and most recently 29 (Ep 4 of S2, which only came out a few hours ago so unless you made this video in an hour, I can't imagine you've seen it yet) clearly spell out why he is the way he is and why he behaves the way he does.

[@Arrakiz666]

Just because he was right, doesn't mean his assumptions were justified.

[@williamwray2522]

And even then you site scenes from after Subaru has tried to grow

[@bruhguy2356]

William Wray You pretty much just ignored what he said

[@xcelentei]

(Essay Incoming) I agree, Critics like Mother's Basement and EP are quick to jump on how Re:zero interacts with its audience because that's the most externally influential part of the show, but there's a lot of details in the writing and plot that they overlook in favor of the Subaru-as-Subversion narrative. From the start of the show, Subaru is never portrayed as irredeemable. Stupid, yes. Desperate, yes. But he makes a very strong choice in the first episode that even though he may get killed, he wants to save Emilia because she is in immediate danger, and his self-worth is so low that he feels it's worth it to risk his life for someone he sees as genuinely kind. He could have run away and lived off the 20 crowns, and we see the results of these opt-out decisions in lots of the author's IF stories, but the end result of those is that Subaru never pushes himself to grow by helping others. Subaru gets a lot of hand-outs in the show for plot reasons, but people always overlook that from the character's perspective, Subaru fighting to protect a stranger (and a half-elf no less,) is a genuinely heroic action that gets him seriously wounded and earns him his job in the mansion. The metanarrative may be a critique of incels and their entitlement, but the narrative which portrays Subaru as improving, reflecting, and being rewarded for his work is just as if not more important than the metanarrative of shitting on the straw man. Subaru's a good person and character, and he doesn't start being good or likable after episode 18. He spends the whole series gaining and losing rapport with the characters and audience, but he ultimately gains more every step of the way. I wish critics would stop harping on how bad Subaru's starting point is, as if we'll somehow think they condone his bad qualities if they don't attack him vehemently.

[@jessip8654]

He tells multiple women they should "smile" because they'd "look prettier if they did." He repeatedly views women as sex objects first and people second, such as when he first meets the twins. He repeatedly steps into women's business and tries to "save" them even as they repeatedly say they don't need nor want his help. Things only improve for him when he starts viewing them as autonomous people with lives and goals outside of himself. If he's not full incel he's at least toeing the line really hard.

[@holywaterbottle3175]

"You are not really trying to improve, you are only going through the motions"

[@NateSheltry-Music]

I feel like this video represents the message of Re:Zero in a negative, "you are a worthless piece of shit who needs to become something else" way. Also these problems are not really incel specific even though they are indeed common to incels. In fact Re:Zero teaches these lessons in harsh and subtle ways. First, no relationship works when you put someone on a pedestal, you will either not acknowledge them as human themselves or will desire your own pedestal making any relationship a shallow shell. He gets shattered when he realizes that his altruistic deeds do not mean that people will automatically like him. He then has to deal with the fact that he was in part doing them so he'd be liked not just for the sake of helping people. Second, you can be loved for who you are, but to be loved is not to stay in your comfort zone with no progression, love is effort. Rem exemplifies this perfectly when she says she would like to start a life with him but she knows that is not who he is, and that if she allowed him to run now, he would never stop running. Rem loves subaru not for who he is in that moment but for who she has seen him to truly be. When someone loves you or you love someone you want them to be them best selves, and not always for your sake but because they themselves will be happier. The truth this show teaches is that who you are is not the loner who you are painted out to be or who you believe yourself to be. You are choosing to be that but there is another choice, and like any change their will be growing pains. In Subaru's case, as seen in season 2 he regressed into that stage partially due to him seeing himself as a failure in his life, to not living up to his Dad's example, and to putting too many expectations onto himself. At the end of season 2 though, they really hammer home that Subaru is holding back any connection he has with everyone because he only thinks his life has value if he is saving others. As you pointed out to truly love and to be loved you must love yourself and to ask yourself if you love yourself is to look deep into your mind and heart.

[@mellamojeff458]

damn bro we get it, you hate past yourself which isnt gonna provide positives and completely missed on the "analysis"

[@animationfan4644]

What a coincidence. You post a video focused (kinda) on Subaru, when a new episode that's important for his past and characterization also just released today.

[@aleeef090]

Coincidence...i thought not. Until he said so himself

[@fearjunkie]

God, this video cuts deep. For context, I'm Autistic and struggle to do the stuff required for people to live independently. But I finally decided that I was done just doing the same routine of absolutely nothing day after day- I got a therapist, I got a social worker who would help me make personal progress, I volunteered at a Goodwill, and most importantly, I was on-track to get into a state-run, no-cost career institute that would teach me job skills and how to live on my own by putting me in a dorm. And then COVID happened.

[@squirrel670]

I hope you're doing better

[@FFKonoko]

Reminder that incel wasn't originally a derogatory term, and was in fact a term a group chose to use for themselves. It just became one due to said group containing so many truly awful and entitled people with deep-rooted issues. And then outright hatred and heinous views.

[@lmaAsian]

I feel incel as a term should be used to describe a frame of mind rather than as a physical descriptor, similar to how boomer is used nowadays

[@Arrakiz666]

@@lmaAsian That's certainly what it is now, but it used to describe broadly people who can't get laid, for whatever reason. Some people to this day believe that's all that it means, even if the meaning of the term changed dramatically.

[@jessip8654]

Fun fact the person who originally came up with the term "incel" was a gay woman, to describe how hard it was to find other lesbians in the 90's. Boy did its meaning change.

[@idkidc7513]

The fact that people need to named themselves after a false ideal of neglected intimacy is enough to not classify it as a personal tag

[@Vladislav888]

@@Arrakiz666 >Some people to this day believe that's all that it means, even if the meaning of the term changed dramatically How so? I always thought it's very simple binary descriptor: you want to get laid, but you can't for whatever reason, so you're an incel. The way one identifies himself is irrelevant, it's like identifying oneself as 200 cm tall or 180 when an actual height is 180. You're still 180.

[@ExaltedRequiem]

I know you play Magic, but the companion bit with Lurrus actually killed me.

[@princessthyemis]

That card sounds amazing!

[@Xenobears]

princessthyemis it can be. Even after the companion rule nerf, it’s good in a deck that’s heavy with Dead Weights and other cheap debuff enchants.

[@PhoenixLance13]

Companions were such a great mechanic and I will die on that hill

[@halfpintrr]

I felt the same way oooof

[@herbertwalter8693]

@@PhoenixLance13 they could at least unban the one that copies instands and sorcery spells as part of the 99 in edh

[@KaimanBitAi]

If only Ram could’ve shown this video to Rem before Subaru ended up in her world, and BECAME her world.

[@THECOLONEL50]

Who is the Rem you speak of?

[@twelfthsjustice7562]

Still would have and should have chosen Emilia.

[@bruhguy2356]

Read the webnovel fam. Arc 4 is basically the redemption arc

[@Foozie3moons]

Is Rem some sort of sewing technique? I don’t remember that from the show.

[@bruhguy2356]

Tum Tum It redeems subaru. Not sure why rem needs to be redeemed

[@chrishansen1842]

Exclamation Point is ba- **video is about Re:Zero** **backs up because I have seen it** Unfortunate but glad you're back all the same

[@controllerfreak78]

Now is the best time to get into it since season 2 just started. Get on that pain train!

[@chrishansen1842]

@@controllerfreak78 I wanna but kind of worried. I might though it looks interesting enough I'm just somewhat sceptical of it's story

[@Taikiji]

@@chrishansen1842 It's a great anime, not like other Isekai. Go into it blind, watch the first two episodes. You'll know if you like it or not.

[@chrishansen1842]

@@Taikiji kk. Thanks to the both of you for the reccomendation I'll get started and let you know how it goes I look forward to it. 👍

[@fAKSDFKamsdf]

@@chrishansen1842 I'm leaving a comment cause I wanna hear your thoughts on it afterwards

[@dans6046]

Another fantastic video! Honestly man, I always look forward to your uploads, you're one of the best video essayists around I was definitely in the second category when I first watched it a few months ago, missing the deeper implications entirely. So while I can wish I had gotten this message years ago when it actually applied, I doubt it would have got across.

[@jamesslastname]

4:21 Akane in a fedora is something I didn't know I needed, but now that I know it exists, I can't live without it.

[@nef36]

What anime?

[@ExplanationPointAnime]

@@nef36 Psycho Pass

[@nef36]

@@ExplanationPointAnime Ty

[@Pslyse]

I hope you don't mean to say that someone who is not in a relationship and is depressed in part due to this fact is automatically an incel/ a shitty person who is 100% at fault for everything wrong in their life, because that's a hell of an accusation, and that sounds like what you're saying.

[@tescobakery1927]

You are correct but I don't think that was the point he was trying to convey

[@petrkisselev5085]

Nice video... but I personally think that while some of our shortcomings and their consequences (like loneliness) are our own fault, life is too complicated to throw everything under the rag of "you are sole responsible for your own misery". It is just as absurd as blaming the world around you for all that troubles you. Life is full of events and happenstance that shape us and our lot in life, sometimes despite our best efforts. Some people have a hard time getting back on their feet after loosing their job or your kid may end up making friends with the wrong kind of people. The point I want to hammer down is the following: if you're supposed to do everything on your own to better yourself, what's even the point of reaching out for companionship ?

[@CapnJigglypuff]

The aromantic and asexual pride flags? Validation?? From my favorite talking punctuation mark???

[@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124]

Timestamp?

[@CapnJigglypuff]

@@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124 3:02 The purple one is asexual, the green one is aromantic

[@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124]

@@CapnJigglypuff Thank you. Are you aromantic/asexual?

[@CapnJigglypuff]

@@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124 both

[@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124]

@@CapnJigglypuff Is it possible for someone to be aromantic AND heterosexual at the same time or is that contradictory?

[@miemiea]

this is a nice video analyzing re:zero and subaru as a person, but part of this sounds like you're saying fantasies where you're loved for who you are without changing anything appeal specifically to people who have something wrong with their behavior who want something they haven't earned because they don't make themselves better(like incels, who typically neglect to take care of themselves so much that it's difficult to stand but are also typically unkind people past the surface too), when that could appeal to literally anyone who's faced intolerance for just being different or perceived as "lower quality"(read: not fully functioning or are neurodivergent)by society in general, bad OR good.

[@profeseurchemical]

this

[@linafinnow6887]

I have stumbled through life not exactly as an incel, but as a deeply miserable person who had no real belief that life could get better unless some kind of magical thing happened and my problems evaporated and I became a superhero or something? It was never about wanting other people in my life, but wanting to not be so scared and unhappy 220% of the time. So take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt, because it might not apply to your situation. I have a massive tolerance for social isolation compared to most people. Whenever I heard people talking about needing to change to win other people's approval, my mind used to immediately jump to needing to, you know, figure out how to look and talk like everyone else and sandblast all your own interests and personality away. Sounded super gross. But the thing is, the kinds of people who will be fooled by superficial shit like copying someone's personality and dressing up like a pop star aren't the kinds of companions you'd actually want. Trust me, you can't beat the original. You will always be a pale imitation if it's not coming from a genuine place. The changes that ARE important are how you see yourself. If you don't like yourself, or like the world around you, or like something about LIFE ITSELF, you will be a chore to be around. You will drag everybody else down just a little, and only be tolerated by those who also suck the fun out of life. I know when you're depressed and always have been happiness just isn't a thing that exists anymore, and you can't just decide to be happy. But happiness is a neurological muscle. You can train it. You can teach yourself to enjoy the taste of your Cheetos for real instead of just knocking them back. You can train yourself to feel like standing tall when you see yourself in the mirror, not shrinking away from all the things you think are intolerable. When you like yourself enough that every little perceived rejection in the grocery store checkout isn't sending you into a spiral, you won't lash out at people or disregard them or find yourself flailing around in incoherent anger. You will be able to be honest about the parts of yourself that frustrate you, and then you can change from a genuine place. A place where every change makes you proud as hell. Figure out how to like yourself before you ask anyone else to do it. Not only will you not be waiting for someone to come fix all your problems--way more Princess Peach than Mario, my dudes--you will have developed a life skill. Maybe you even learn some real confidence and get to make other people's lives better just cause you smiled at them and gave them a high five. And maybe don't hate on yourselves too much for being miserable and having a couple of coping mechanisms to drown out the pain either. Enjoy your goofy isekais and waifus and even the terrible mobile games. Just don't let them control you, or numb you out to the point you stop fighting.

[@namoma4922]

Seing subaru from the incel angle is interesting and your observation of how the animators materialized it in subtle way sounds convincing enough, however while it's a very intentional framing from the creators(or one that is convincing enough) it's one narrative among other itentional ones: Subaru is an otaku, and one who lives by his sekai fantasies.He is also not the most insighful person, although he is surprisingly good at observing nd quick thinking when he wants to.His incell flaws really come to light in the election arc, however i do think the animators grossed the trait up: reading the manga version of him whiteknighting emilia both in front of the knight and then later when he recovers, you can see that the anime did amp up his grosser traits while the manga show us his more conlicted, less arrogant side(for instance his ranting comes across as more of a embarassment bravado than a blinf pride spectacle).I didn't read the ln so i don't know which interpratation is more true but that's irrelevant for the discussion. Even when his "incellness" is laid bare for all to see, the reason that him getting his shit together, correcting his mistakes felt powerful for me was that it was not him developing a new clean personality but rather weeding out the most toxic part: Indeed in the first and secon arc, while the election inform us t was partly fueled by his obscessiveness that was never truly hidden, his actions and even his desire were mostly heroic: Trying hard to save someone who is a genuignly kind person, as well as getting to understand two sympathetic thieves, voluntarily putting himself in a servant position rather than trying to ride on one good deed, working hard to earn the mansion and village's trust,and forgiving rem who repeatidly wronged him because he understood there was more to it than what he saw:Those actions were all fueled partly by obscessiveness and desperate want to feel loved but at the same time the most far gone incells wouldn't go to such great length for something they would feel is owed to them: His redemption work because his flaws, while deep had not yet eroded the valuable parts. But still great video and congrats on going through this cycle yourself

[@raveelemental4928]

Damn that's a brick to the head when you put it like that. I gotta start watching the series. As for my perspective, it's not so much as I don't acknowledge my flaws, it's more like course correcting after a lifetime of lack of self-direction and confidence is fucking hard. But hey, growing pains are worth it after all, just gotta take the steps to actually grow, however slow the process might be.

[@ReedFlute]

Straight up. Hardcore related to everything you said on a personal level. And you're completely right. I was the "Incel" type, the forever alone. Hell I've deleted so much off of my FB and other social medias about how lonely I was that I'm extremely embarrassed about now. After soul searching and realizing exactly what you said. That my own personality (Which was VERY close to being the M'lady type) made me less of an option to others and that was my cause of my loneliness. After a few years of self reflection and work I'm now married with a 2yo. I'm nowhere near perfect but I was able to change to the point where Women (Which is my preference of partner) were more attracted and willing to give me a chance. Straight up. You're exactly right. Change is scary but necessary when you see and recognize your faults in your personality and lifestyle. (PS. I've been subbed since your breakdown of Sword Art Online abridged and normal love your videos!)

[@eonstar]

7:36 Looking at the latest episode of Re:Zero I'm not sure this aged that well :p. He's been like that since he was a kid, going to another world didn't cause him to act all that different than he had done in Japan.

[@jacksonbarrington2234]

Eeeey, your alive again! Keep up the great content my dude.

[@RyuSpike]

Surprised there wasn't much mention about Season 2's parents episode. That one takes a deep dive into the source of his depression and how his desperation to be recognized basically led to his own self destruction. To which this anime is basically Subaru going through the universe's most intense therapy session. Also, this is probably why I love Re:Zero so much. It goes back to the root of the "to another world" concept being part of the Hero's Journey, and that the goal for such a story is meant to change the character. At the journey's end and they return to the normal world, they are suppose to be different from the person they were when they left. By the anime's end, Subaru should be a better version of himself. If not, I will riot.

[@depressedpacito7024]

Real talk, I used to be like this too. This video really hit home for who I was a few years ago, my mental health is still bad but the escapism has been enough to keep me entertained, though with more positive media in my life I ended up changing my life, noticing I was unhealthy (and still am but its a work in progress) I was able to work on myself enough where I am able to be active, I am comfortable with my appearance and have even done better hygiene routines, spent more on products to make myself look/smell/feel better. I got involved with my mental health and was diagnosed as autistic which helped me and my family work on me as a person which made a positive change as well. Your analysis is 100% correct, RE:Zero as an anime has recurring themes about self reflection and changes to your negative aspects. Showing ways to be wanted and desired by people, to learn to be selfless and not always think of yourself but also think of others in a healthy and non controlling way. 10/10 would recommend this video to anyone who has personal delusions about their life and how love is found. I've been in and out of relationships for years now and I noticed that as I got better with my mental health the people I interacted with seemed to like being around me more often, the little things you do to work on yourself will pay off in the end, i'm a living example. To anyone who see's this comment I hope you're doing well in life and you can move forward from any negatives.

[@zoidsfan12]

This video hits me. I'm not even an incel, I just have a lot of demons. Change is fucking terrifying. One quote that has stuck with me even though I haven't headed the advice is "You can't love someone until you learn to love yourself". It's kind of a hard pill to swallow that just lamenting how shit your life is won't solve anything. You have to actually change something. Sometimes I hate being extroverted though. It means that when at social gatherings I'm completely fine and everyone loves talking to me. But while alone all those demons can haunt me again, it's why it was such a shock when I told my mom how many times I had skirted with wanting to off myself. I look completely fine when interacting with someone else but alone I'm a wreck. I wonder if there is an opposite to a hikikomori, someone that rarely goes home and spends all their time conversing with others. It's a genetic thing though with my want to always be talking to someone. My grandfather and my uncle have the same trait. We can literally talk to anyone about anything. And if you uncork the bottle and let us start talking we will talk your ear off for hours on end. Most times when trying to leave my grandparents because the 3 of us can't stop talking to different family members, just getting out the door and off the porch to the car takes an hour.

[@olafgurke4699]

My reply might be a bit late, but I hope it finds you well. Or at least, better than before. I understand you. Change truly is terrifying. And that quote is something I took by heart as well. Unfortunately, like our boy Subaru, I hate myself, so I have all but given up on love. However, unlike you, I'm an introvert. Kind of a NEET like Subaru since I finished my job training, which shattered my already low self-esteem completely. That said, I can share the feeling of facing the demons when being alone. And while I don't have the energy to interact with other people much like you, I have become proficient in distracting myself differently. I hope you have become better, defended your position against the demons, if you haven't defeated them already.

[@zoidsfan12]

@@olafgurke4699 reading my original comment and this makes me realize how much I changed in the last year. I have gotten to a lot better place. I became a Buddhist, I became a Sumo wrestler, and I finally kicked my weed addiction that had held me down for 5 years. Yesterday my hard drive died and I lost everything on my computer. After the emotions faded one though came to mind. Life just made a hard decision for me. I knew that I would probably have to sacrifice my leisure time if I wanted to become a good enough sumo wrestler to compete in tournaments, in this case I feel as though life took gaming off the table for me. I think that's the biggest change I've made, I have started learning to roll with the punches and not get completely taken out emotionally when things happen. Godspeed homie.

[@olafgurke4699]

​@@zoidsfan12 Damn, ngl, that is pretty metal. For what it's worth, I am proud of you and what you have achieved, and I wish you the best for your future endeavours (and tournaments). Or in the words of Space Jesus, "you are strong and wise and I'm very proud of you". :)

[@thesandwich5321]

Hey, ExPlanation point. You are enough as you are now. Keep it up. The people who love your content REALLY love it, and always look forward to it. Visual humour is my jam and you nail it.

[@aukora129]

As someone who could almost certainly be described as an "incel", Re:Zero was a wake up call but not in the way you described here. To me it helped me realize that I want to change for the better while staying "me", but if I do what I can and nothing changes, there's no reason to be sour about it. I accept that there is a good chance I wont find happiness this way, and that's perfectly fine because I will be just as happy playing games with my friends.

[@rozieredz]

Just taking a moment to warm-and-fuzzy appreciate the aro/ace shoutout at 3:09. I've spent the evening rewatching my favorite videos of your content and though I enjoy your videos, sometimes the relentless assumption that sex and romance are ubiquitously sought after, particularly moments of so-called "fan service" and even the marked absence of such scenes, becomes so soul-crushing as to make me feel like a distant alien looking into human civilization and wondering which of us went wrong.

[@cpo9504]

No one... Literally no one... ( ! Barges in the room) "re:zero is about incels!". I love this channel

[@ExplanationPointAnime]

Me: I need to make a new video. It's been a while and the Tower of God one really fell apart. Re:Zero: I'm a popular show that has a new season coming out soon. Me: YouSonOfABitchI'mIn.jpg

[@cassondraarnett1248]

@@usakenvi Can you tell me what went wrong with it? I haven't watched the anime, (I fear I shouldn't) and I read the webcomic a while ago which I enjoyed; so I would like to hear your reason for not liking it.

[@QuinSkew]

@@cassondraarnett1248 Dude is probably gonna call the main male character a simp because a girl was there when he literally had no memories of who he was. Imagine being in a coma waking up then making a friend whom says they have to go away to someplace else so you follow because they were the only one you knew.

[@weirdyfish]

Always happy to see you upload

[@TheKrigeron]

I don't understand which lens you need to view a teen going through such hell and torture and breaking mentally and see and see a loathsome incel. Subaru did nothing wrong except cringy and out of line. I can only feel sorry for him.

[@SC-yj7fc]

Jesus Christ. Great points about the acknowledgment of personal flaws and change being the path to solve the problems ones faces in life, and not just lack of affection and companionship. But I could barely sit through a minute of the anime analysis before it gave me an actual headache. I really like how this makes me feel. I am rolling my eyes, scoffing, and agreeing with a small part of it.

[@ClearAsCrystal823]

As someone who waffles between "I Don't Need a Relationship to be a Complete Person" and "Forever Alone!" I can relate to the resistance to the idea that you need to work on yourself, despite being at least somewhat aware of my character flaws; I am emotionally detached, critical, chronically avoid conflict and act as peacemaker if only to avoid anxiety, and shut people out rather than let them see my weaknesses and insecurities. I drove away my last boyfriend with cold indifference, in part because I was dating him so that I was not alone and so that I had a "good" excuse to reject a work friend. That work friend is now married to a close friend of mine but has admitted (as recently as last year) that he still has lingering feelings towards me, and while I will always rebuff him (because I don't return those feelings whatsoever) instead of giving me assurance that I am "likeable" it has largely made me think "he knows me, and knows what I'm like; how could he still want me?" On the flip side, I have matured enough and have enough awareness to know that I should put distance between us not only because it would hurt my friend A Lot to betray her, but also because I think that what he still wants is actually the idea of a relationship with me; that my tsundere exterior would melt and inside would be a sweet waifu, and the reality is that I am not a cute anime girl; I'm the annoying villain with the noblewoman's laugh. At least for now.

[@lordilluminati5836]

no offence, but your problem sounds like it's a lot smaller than the one talked about in the video: you just *feel* unlikeable but if you have friends and could get two guys to develop feelings for you then you clearly *are* likeable, all those people liked you! with incels it's different, they trully *are* unlikeable and nobody will like them if they don't change.

[@ClearAsCrystal823]

patricio torre I do agree my problem’s not the same as incels’ but I can still relate to some of the mindset. And I can say that the support of my friends and family keeps me from falling into it entirely.

[@Gamerfalcon]

Hell yeahhhh! More Explanation Point!

[@yaoiotakuchan7]

I appreciate that your avatar is wearing a mask

[@redsteelish]

Great video man! In times like these it's good to see one of my favorite content creators talk about one of my favorite anime! Keep the good work :)

[@casualtake1497]

what ? Since when subaru was a incel, he is juat a NEET, big differences

[@alfredhigglestein2828]

I really enjoyed this video, and it was interesting hearing you talk about something that popped into my head a while ago. Where is the line between being your self and striving for self improvement? Do we choose to be able to live with and accept ourselves to be happy or should be seek to become better people and in that journey to become a better person are we rejecting who we are and feeding our self hatred. I think this video kinda helped with explaining that. While learning to love ourselves is important we must also recognise our flaws, we can't love ourselves if we disregard the bad parts. So by improving or achieving self betterment, we are expressing that love to ourselves. Our journey to become a better person is being yourself since becoming a better 'you' is becoming 'you'. Thanks again for the great vid

[@toadstooldarling9937]

3:05 Just wanna say as an aroace that I really apprechiate this, inclusivity is such a simple yet meaningful thing. Proud to be a fan of you and your channel!

[@shonenbag6478]

Eeeyyy another great video from Exclamation Point

[@jessecrowell7706]

4:22 I see that Worm reference you glorious bastard. I like it.

[@shiki780]

We are so very small, after all.

[@_Sloppyham]

Man I’ve been waiting for a new vid for months...totally worth it

[@Tyler-zx7xn]

He’s back!

[@ivangood7121]

Nice video. Hope next one will be sooner.

[@wilsondesmond8022]

"It assumes that someone, specifically a cute girl, brought him here for a reason" But that's exactly what happened tho

[@WokeandProud]

@Honey Dew Look up Satella and tell me she isn't cute lol.

[@chongwillson972]

@Honey Dew a pretty women brought him(who looks like emila) there because she loves him...

[@StealthGamer37]

I really relate to this issue, but not in the same way. I am currently friendless, companionless, unemployed, and deeply depressed. With the 2 years I’ve been like this, I’ve had a lot of self-reflection, but... self-reflection can only take you so far. Sure, if you can accept that you have flaws and work to fix them, you can become a better person and escape your personal pit. The real problem comes when you know you have problems, but either you don’t know what they are or you just don’t know how to fix them. I know that I’m a knowitall. I know that I’ve never been a good friend to those around me. I know that I’ve pictured this romantic ideal without knowing what it takes to be in a real relationship. But I don’t know how to fix that about myself. How do I stop my competitive need to be smart born from a past of being deemed lesser than everyone around me? How do I become a better friend if I have none? And how do I learn what it takes to be in a relationship if I’ve never been in one? All the other bad things about me: my weight issues, my laziness, my lack of any sort of physical ability, the fact that I can’t bring myself to come out and be who I am outside of the anonymity of the internet, and my deep rooted depression; I know how to fix them, but it’s hard. I got a job, but going from no job to 40 hours a week is so mentally exhausting that I can’t ever make it past two months of work without being unable to continue. I made friends at my job, but losing the job and being terrible at starting conversations or conversing over text in general distanced me from them. I try to work out, but I lose the motivation and my apathy draws me back down every time, dooming me to failure. I try to diet well, but I’m a slave to my cravings, failing to control myself. And I literally can’t come out to my family or even admit it out loud because my father literally said he would kick me out on the street if I crossdressed, let alone came out as a trans lesbian. This all just fuels my depression even more. My problem isn’t seeing the road to improvement and not taking it, and it’s not being too self-absorbed to see that I need to improve in the first place. The truth is, I’m a failure, I know it, but I either can’t see the road to improvement or I can’t bring myself to put my foot on the gas due to apathy or fear. All I really need is a hand, someone to help me take the first step and to walk with me while I improve myself, but I have no-one in my life except for my parents, and I can’t trust them to help. Sure, I could take my car, drive to a new city and try to work myself up from being homeless, but - 1 - there’s a deadly plague right now, and - 2 - that’s fucking terrifying. So, please, if you have any wisdom for that, I’d be ecstatic to hear it.

[@Dumbassfeature]

This is very late, but i really relate to a lot of things you said. Taking the first step is so hard, and im hopeful that seeing a therapist is going to help me with that...is that a viable option for you? I’m in an outpatient program thats supposed to help with employment, social skills, housing, and whatnot so im really betting on it.

[@Rysto32]

The main theme of Re: Zero is that Subaru has all of the tools that he needs to improve his life; he just has to learn how to use them properly*. Return by Death emphasizes this beautifully by forcing him to relive critical moments over and over until he has learned not to be such a fuckup. And generally the key moment that allows him to succeed where he previously failed is where he reaches and works with other people, rather than trying to do everything alone. * This is really just a rephrasing of what you said: the problem isn't the environment that Subaru is in, but Subaru himself.

[@NatsuDragn33I]

I love your content so much! You explain things in such detail, and make me notice things I never really noticed prior. I knew that the show was trying to show how me how if I can relate to Subaru, the thing to do is change. But I never knew so much of the story actually REVOLVED around that purpose- I just thought it was really nice character/world building/plot twists/etc. Thank you for doing what you do, Explanation Point. Also I noticed your pun when I saw your very first video, and it was the final nail in the coffin that made me subscribe- your work is in-depth, your editing skills and style are actually unique (from what I've seen), and you're also witty. I'd love to see a Tower of God video, but I suggest you READ it instead of watch it. The webcomic starts out rough, but the show skips over a lot of important stuff due to its break-neck pacing.

[@Wildclaw07]

Hey y'all, actual criminologist and incel expert(ish) here who wrote her dissertation on incels. One of the biggest problems a lot of incels have online is this sense of entitlement, that they 'deserve' to have a girlfriend/partner despite not putting much effort into getting one, then making excuses and putting the onus on the women/society for not recognising their greatness. I think isekai anime in particular appeals to this entitlement found in a lot of incels because the main character's lives are just so, like... Easy? They just kind of get everything without even trying (*glares pointedly at Kirito*) and even if they're being outwardly creepy or shitty they still get literally all of the women who exist in the cast (even if they look, like 13). Konosuba really hams up this point since it's a parody anime, with Kazuma being a purposely terrible person to most of the girls in the show yet they still stick around him (not that they're much better lol). This way, incels can continue to blame women/the society they're in for their lack of sex - as you said, in these fantasy worlds, both the society and the women are completely different (and obviously unrealistic) so it allows them to just keep blaming everything on factors outside of their control. Also, toxic geek masculinity. That is all.

[@Arrakiz666]

Solid 7/10 Ted Talk.

[@bruhguy2356]

Isekai anime is popular because its escapism. Which is something desperately sought after in Japan, and cute stuff is sought after a ton there. Its mainly because of their culture and work ethics that their citizens just need something to watch and relax when they get home from work. I think you’ve overcomplicated this whole thing.

[@carolinetsui3405]

is your dissertation available online anywhere and may we read it???

[@bruhguy2356]

Honestly the only reason why incel is used the way it is now is cause calling someone a virgin didn’t have the same punch anymore

[@mahdinner]

Truly the musings of a learned mind, everyone.

[@Lithimlin]

Man what a time to release this considereng the information from the newest episode xD A week earlier would've been better but such is life.

[@hellraiser217]

Welcome to the NHK's manga hit so much harder being honest. There are friends of mine who I've seen fall into similar holes. I've seen this shit play out and it hit remarkably close to home. I don't regret watching it but how close much of it hit to reality was well... Depressing.

[@phir9255]

It didn't hit me with anything that would change me but for some reason it made me feel intense nostalgia

[@Dragiare]

Bro! I've been looking for your channel since Feb! Great vid to come back to.

[@thecookiemeister5374]

man i came into this kinda pissed, i was like "dude, subaru's a great person by the end of it. why are you calling him a basement dwelling nightmare?" and then you got into it and i realised i read it wrong. you got me brotha, i have been baited and im fine with that. good vid, take my sub.

[@patrickripleyiii134]

I don't think he was a "bad" person per se just very misguided and sad

[@micah-jonathancole2063]

First off, absolutely well done analysis. I loved this show and it was one if the first shows that started to change they way I act around others and how I viewed myself. You described my feelings around the show spot on and gave me words for what I was going through. Second off to anyone who has seen the show and is a shut in, there is hope. I started listening to Jordan peterson and he discusses all of these things. But you have two roads ahead of you, one leads to glory, and the other to solitary confinement. You hold everything you need to become a glorious being if you act

[@H1storyGuyVODS]

As a former forever alone I really LOVE this show. Looking back there are so many times when I should have woken up but it hit me really recently that I'm running out of time to have a life. My little brother the real bro that was always there for me even in my forever alone phase is getting married and wants me to be his best man. It all just hit me right there that I was still in our folks home paying off college. I started working out investing applying for a better position at work and talking more to that one cute girl at work. It can hurt like a bitch sweating my fat ass off or not getting that better position. So when I see this stupid car getting the shit kicked out of him but FINALLY making progress. Feels great man.

[@Lucira]

Man, everyone is getting deep and philosophical about the show and how thet saw themselves inside them and shit. I just liked because I thought it was cool lmao.

[@AlwaysAmethyst3884]

While I love your videos EP this one was...a bit hurtful in certain ways. You do only have your experiences to go off of, but there are some who have tried change (doing a 180 degree shift) and it not make much of a difference. I agree change is necessary for these things but unfortunately it is not always that simple.

[@CommanderChris66]

You just gave me a reason to watch Re: Zero Thank you for giving me another anime to add to my list ^.^ I love deconstructions of genres as much as I love song remakes.

[@hyperreality753]

Too much overinterpretation. Briefly put from the very beginning not only does Subaru fall for Emilia but Emilia is constantly giving cues that she's also interested in him. She tries to pass off that she's only interested in Subaru for information and not because she cares about his well-being but ultimatley Subaru sees past this, and it's clear that this is not Subaru misunderstanding or constructing a false belief which would justify his pursuit of her (as if he would need this or that this wasn't a justified pursuit anyways, desirable pussy is always a justified pursuit to a man) because of the way the scene is directed: Cut BG, dramatic pause, sincere delivery. It's also clear from Emilias own delivery she's trying to pass off only one motivation but does a bad job of hiding it. She finds his dedication odd given her being in relation to surrounding social mores and tests Subaru for loyalty but he never fails, plus she starts to see some of herself in him which is there to indicate her growing affection. Granted Emilias cues aren't as clearly indicative of sexual interest as Subarus but considering that the entire show is a love story between the two it's much more likely that this what Tappei was going for. The message to Otaku (not even just Otaku, applicable to all heterosexual men) is more appropriately framed as finding the woman you want more than anything is the best way to motivate yourself towards the change in life you desire. Giving additional credence to this is the second seasons parent episode, where the Subaru dad constructs number one concern for his son is whether or not he's found a girl he likes, essentially saying he's confident everything will work out as long as Subaru finds her in contrast to what Subaru thought his fathers expectations were of him. That said you can invert the perception of Re:Zero as a criticism of Otaku and say that Subarus goofy Otakuness is part of what allows him to convince Emilia that he's somebody worth pursuing from the very beginning - certainly his conception about what's happening to him is part of the causal chain of the outcome - although that realization is a bit underwhelming because Subaru isn't even a good representation of your average Otaku, he's like the top 1% of Otaku, way too extroverted and socially competent. Re:Zero is popular because it's an extremely compelling sort about finding love with a bias toward the male perspective. The Otakuness of it is subordinate to this central throughline and doesn't matter that much. Consider that even if Subaru wasn't an Otaku this story still works in its entirely only needing minor changes.

[@Flariom]

Holy shigamynickels, i have never though of re zero that way. Maybe im the stupid guy just cheering subaru on that you mentioned in your video. Thanks for mindfuffling me just after i watched ep4 of S2, glad i subed to your channel

[@Raziel312]

Thank-you for the revelation on how to change my lonely life! Now I just have to take what I've learned and put into practice.. during a pandemic.. that will likely last years.. where everyone is avoiding everyone else like the plague because THERE IS a plague happening... God damn it...

[@xavierfaust9417]

Same

[@SaKura-il8op]

I mean... a pandemic is a perfect opportunity for a makeover. Also you can meet people over the internet.

[@runegartmann1255]

This guy is the most underrated KZbinr I have ever fucking seen his video analysis are both fun and interesting. Unlike most content creators he doesn’t waste time but gets to his point as efficiently as possible but still manages to slip in a couple of amazing jokes. His content and editing style is unique and fresh at least I think so I don’t expect that he is going to see this comment but if you do keep on doing what you love since this is awesome

[@BOS_C.O.]

Good timing especially after today's episode T_T

[@roquesotocastaneda3600]

Wow you really nailed this one! Especially with the way you explain the POV of Subaru, it was decidedly insightful!

[@danger2236]

jeez, seems a bit contraversial, but this video actually helped me understand why lots of people like isekai, i couldn't understand it before because i couldn't understand what conditions watchers of the genre place themselves at

[@starlight5973]

I just watch for unique world tbh. Traditional fantasy is better but isekai is really big and my best shot at seeing fantasy anime.

[@drakeford4860]

I would be careful not to lump all Isekai into one ball. Many are exactly what is described here. Some, like _Konosuba,_ _Cautious Hero,_ and (I would argue) _Smartphone_ are pretty blatant genre parody that can be enjoyed simply for the comedy value. Then there's a few like Log Horizon, which can actually be pretty in-depth studies of characters and/or ideas. I always try to remember that a story is not just its premise.

[@gunswinger3110]

It gets pretty tiring to watch most isekai anime simply because of how similar they are. There are some that are totally aware of themselves and just crank it up 11, those are fun to watch like cautious hero, slime, milfsekai and konosuba

[@danger2236]

well, you can say that most science fiction has similar themes (cosmic horror, technology etc.) and so can be said about most genres, including isekai, and im just making a guess that regular watchers of sed genre are looking on another perspective of sed themes

[@yanstein8464]

@@starlight5973 dude, most isekai (except youjo senki and a few other shows) is just basic dragon quest-esque rpg fantasy world copypasted from one show to another, how is it unique

It's so satisfying to watch pictures keep laying on top of each other as he speaks.

[@megajimmyfive]

Subaru is actually an alpha male and does things the opposite of an incel: Rejects a girl, chad move, makes him voluntarily celibate Wants to earn a girl instead of being given one, works hard to prove his worth and value Doesn't actually think Emilia owes him, actually feels like he owes her Overcomes any problem through tenacity and willpower Never leaves anyone behind, no matter how much harder it makes his life The real reason so many people hated Subaru was not because he is an incel, but because he is the opposite of one. He does things that go above and beyond the call of duty and constantly strives for improvement, without ever giving in to his despair and giving up, believing even after dozens of deaths, that he owes everyone else and not vice versa.

[@ADashFGC]

He's not a incel he's a simp/white knight

[@WokeandProud]

@@ADashFGC He's not that either lol he's in love with one of the only people who showed him unconditional kindness in a cruel world filled with superpowered assholes.

[@WokeandProud]

Yep 110% agreed Subaru is right up there with Touma Kamijou as one of my all time favorite anime characters exactly because of what you stated.

[@jackerrocker2235]

​@@WokeandProud Touma is kinda like Reinhard instead of Subaru tho, his nice guy is off the chart.

[@WokeandProud]

@@jackerrocker2235 Uh Subaru is actually pretty freaking nice too he forgave and fell in love with a girl that tortured and murdered him (yes it's canon that he's in love with Rem) I don't think you can get much nicer then that.

[@heytherenewton9302]

this is a FANTASTIC breakdown of the archetype. i'm studying psych in college and i would unironically send this to a professor to use in class 👍

[@cicron10]

While I like the idea of the video, you're seriously projecting your past self onto Subaru and whoever rejected you before on Emilia.