Minor Spoilers
I would have never thought a series relatively inoffensive could be this hated. As far as isekais go, this is an interesting spin on old tropes and one of the best show to root for the main character.
Criticisms
Let's get this out of the way, If you know of this show you've likely heard a specific comparison made with a similar anime.
*cough coughIn all honesty however, the two shows share it's similarities only in the story structure and deviates in every way possible from that point.
First off we should expect some reflections of influence from Mushoku Tensei as it is the Father of Isekais nevertheless, the two still differ wildly in their Main characters.
One of the main flaws and character points for Rudy is his perversion and immaturity, this all works in the story and not to debate fictional morality but why deal with this conflict at all?
Assassination Isekai works because of it's main character. Unlike most Isekai protagonists this guy isn't a bum in his previous life. The whole point of the first episode not mentioning him isekaing is to develop him as a character. This gets you invested into his personality before being reincarnated and proves his traits and skills. This is what makes this show good
***For those who've already seen the series and have a specific complaint
Characters 8/10
What is the first problem that comes up when you have a middle aged dude reincarnated into a child's body...
The Mushoku Problem™
But this show handles it in the most tasteful way I've ever seen. Light spoilers but Lugh does not grope any of his female friends. He does not hit on them and in fact actively ignores them when they hit on him. He does show signs of affection and it's well explained in the show that it is as a result of his new body and his body working against his mind.
Additionally, this show is the only show where I felt sad I could not see more of his life before reincarnation. They actually developed a plot prior to the isekai with characters and action.
Alls this to say, the main guy is likeable. Very likeable.
The girls are alright. Not to say they're bad but it's clear Lugh is the main focus.
Story 7/10
There is a set formula it seems to follow, however, it takes noticeable deviations in places you wouldn't expect.
Coming into this series as a cynical viewer, a scene would come up where I expect this character to do one thing and more times than not I end up looking afool and Lugh has more character depth than expected.
Visuals 6/10
This is one area where it is drastically inferior to Mushoku tensei and it's hard to deny.
There's CGI. And well anime never seems to mesh well with CGI and it is painfully obvious in many shots where either the shot has a prominent CGI object or is entirely composed of CGI characters
What makes this even more upsetting is the genuinly beautiful characters that come out of this show when drawn, like look at Lugh.
Goddam he's so cute
Music 8/10
This surprised me too. But while mediocre in most parts, when the soundtrack has to hit. It definitely hits.
Blending into the background when necessary is not a bad thing for an OST especially when it has stand out moments that heighten the emotions in any scene.
Enjoyment 9/10
I'll be the first to admit I'm biased but who doesn't love seeing both a capable and good main character? Lugh caries the show with his charisma and character.
The show suffers a little from the OPM effect where the audience is worried up until the MC comes but what happens if he doesn't? or he's too late.? Unexpected twists I didn't expect this story to take but made it all the more enjoyable.
Would I recommend to an isekai fan? Definitely! Especially those who saw Mushoku tensei and felt a bit icky.
But to a general anime fan this is a bit out there. Not the best isekai to start off with and understanding the general tropes and what this series improves on, improves the viewing experience dramatically.
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