Editor of Reincarnated as a Slime Explains Why the Anime Resonates with Fans

As a dedicated fan who has been following this series since its inception, I can confidently say that That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is not just a manga or anime; it’s an emotional rollercoaster that transcends the boundaries of entertainment. The story’s unique blend of fantasy, humor, and deep emotional connections has made it a standout in the world of popular media.


In circulation, there are more than 40 million copies of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, making it one of the most acclaimed manga series. This franchise has numerous spin-offs in the form of mangas, light novels, animated series, original video animations (OVAs), and even an animated film. It originates from the light novel series penned by Fuse and illustrated by Mitz Vah.

In a recent chat with ComicBook, Riichiro Umetsu, the editor involved in the original series, shares why the franchise has such a wide appeal. He attributes this to the heartfelt aspect of the story that audiences can relate to. The plot follows the journey of Satoru Mikami, a man transformed into a slime after being reincarnated in a magical realm following his untimely death as a salaryman.

The editor further disclosed additional insights about the significant impact the manga series has had on other forms of media. Umetsu explained, “Transforming from an anime to a manga introduces movement, voices, sound effects, and music. Consequently, the emotional depth experienced while viewing is considerably richer compared to reading.” Initially, the narrative originated as mere words in the novel, and later, artwork was incorporated into the manga.

Besides holding the view that the anime version enhances its appeal to viewers, Umetsu points out that the light novel and its manga adaptation were incredibly successful in 2018 – with the light novel being the fifth best-seller of the year, and the manga ranking ninth. Moreover, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime made history as the first manga series derived from a light novel to surpass sales of 20 million copies.

The anime, “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime,” has not only been popular but also recognized with numerous prizes and honors. In 2019 alone, Rimuru Tempest claimed the title of ‘Best Protagonist’ at the 3rd Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Additionally, it was nominated for the prestigious ‘Best Anime Series’ award at the IGN Awards that same year. Fast forward to 2024, we see Rimuru ascend to the position of Demon Lord in the third season which premiered in April. Keep an eye out for future developments on “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime”!

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2024-08-23 09:22