Kumo desu ga, nani ka? is a show with a peculiar premise and an engaging approach to storytelling, which however has many problems. These are mostly glaring productions issues translated into: a not so shy mix of 2D art with CGI; ugly, inconsistent character designs in several scenes throughout the show; weird camera angles and approximation; forgettable soundtrack (except for the OP and ED which are great customized pieces); a confusing storyline, occasionally so even for the keen eye; problems with meeting deadlines while the show aired etc. A quick glance and you will see that this one of those "better read the manga instead" anime.
And yet, I hereby come to recommend the story itself, for despite the adaption having severe downsides, it still managed to entertain me and earn my interest, and so I plan on continuing the story in the manga. The concept of this show is rather curious, and I mean less so for the fact that the protagonist reincarnates into a spider, and more about how unexpectedly real this premise turns out to be. Kumoko is the embodiment of chaotic neutral, and it shows. This is one of the few isekai works that I've seen which really explores the consequences of the actions of a playful but indifferent Player who is inserted into a very live medieval fantasy world.
The mix between comedy and silliness in the main character's parts can refresh your humor, while the actual story is subtly being weaved in the background, but not independently from her actions. We watch as mystery and conflicts unfold in the most troublesome ways while Kumoko ungracefully tries to live her generic isekai fantasy life — but ultimately, she will face palpable results of her carelessness, which may or may not cost something out of her or the others around her. In my opinion, this is the trait that makes this show a compelling and somewhat unique isekai.
And while this is not part of the scope of this review, it is worth mentioning that Kumoko is not the only character to be isekai'd after her death; others will appear and navigate through the same world as her in their own way, making you curious about this uncommon relevance given to the past life of these characters, compared to other stories off the genre.
Furthermore, as we progress through the plot, it becomes more and more obvious that doom is imminent due to the implicit, parallel lines forming between the various characters, and the expectations for inevitable shock and rupture between all of them becomes real. Note that this show has more than one story focus, switching to some other characters besides our MC, and this is not irrelevant, as you can gather information from different sources to understand the whole picture. Yes, this kind of story has potential to be convoluted and disappointing if the ending is not carefully planned and developed, but while we don't know how it will be executed, it is a fun ride nonetheless.
Still, don't be under the wrong impression; that this is a heavy and way too serious show or that it's pretentious or trying to bite more than it can chew. On the contrary, it has plenty of light-hearted and fun scenes, and Kumoko herself isn't known for taking things too seriously — unless it's a battle for survival, because then you'll watch her working at full force to save her arachnid ass in this not-so-kind world. Certainly, being reincarnated as a spider is not all fun and games.
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