There’s been an influx in isekai titles getting anime adaptations recently. Many with good premises and some with middling premises. When this title was informed of getting an adaptation, I was skeptical at first as to it being another meddling isekai title. But as they say don’t judge a book by its cover, I decided to give it a shot as I was genuinely intrigued, but pessimistic, by the short synopsis. Fast forward to when this review airs, boy was it worth it to watch. One of the hidden gems of 2023 Winter I might say, one that deserves a proper review. Hence, this is my review of Benriya Saitou-san, Isekai ni Iku.

Having his life flashed by him courtesy of Truck-kun, Saitou was transported into another world. As a handyman, he joined a makeshift party consisting of a forgetful great wizard grandpa named Morlock, a materialistic fairy named Lafanpan, and a brute woman as a knight named Raelza. Though his everyday activities are more or less the same, he feels a lot more fulfilling to be a handyman in another world as his contributions are being appreciated a lot more than back in his original world. Adventuring dungeons along with his party and meeting other party members, he has now grown accustomed to an adventurer's life.

As an isekai title, the connoisseur would say that world building is an important aspect to the story. Delving into the world itself, I might say that the fantasy world presented here is not that advanced. See, there is still a barren wasteland and emptiness with only one big dungeon for all the adventurers alongside a main city. Another generic medieval isekai world I might say. This gives off a primitive feel to the story and accentuates survivalism as a must.

So the world may be lackluster, but I can promise you that the plot wasn’t. Though as a manga adaptation, one part of the episode could feel disjointed but I guess that it is the nature of the manga in itself. But when the story gets going, it isn’t afraid of showing its fangs. Boy was the story fun to watch. One moment it’s all serious but the next one you’re dying of laughter for how whacky the comedy reveals itself. And it is consistent throughout every episode. It’s borderline sadistic to have a serious moment be wrecked by a deadpan humor, in a good way that is. Though the plot is mainly episodic, there are story arcs as a way to delve into the story a bit more. Overall, the story was the strongest point in this anime, not being afraid to be brutal yet still spins on a comedic twist.

Now onto the characters. Saitou, as the MC, knows how to think on a bigger scale and applies that knowledge to better support his party. Be it helping Morlock memorizing his spell chants, supporting Raelza when in battle by giving instructions, or even carrying Lafanpan around. He’s thoughtful and not in any way debilitating to watch, a good mark in the book of how to become a good MC. The other party members had also shed light on their backgrounds. How Morlock became a great wizard, how Lafanpan became accustomed to being a fairy, and how Raelza came to be from her childhood. The party feels alive and fun with a good chemistry that was formulated within by the help of Saitou. The side characters are also no slouch too, I find it charming that the side characters had been given a dedicated screen time of their activities and antiques. Even the villain has in this story has a really well thought out background, making you sympathize somewhat with them.

The visuals presented are competent enough. Though not mind boggling, I do find it a treat to watch be it on a slow scene or when the action comes through. Character design was well done and the action animation was great and up to spec of how a good action scene should be animated. The barrenness of the world was also accentuated really well, you really get the feel of a survivalist world where mobs and demons still roam within.

The scoring and soundtrack was well done. I find it a bit hard to point out a particular amazing track throughout the airing but I also find it a bit hard to point out a particular “bad” track, so it’s all good and doesn’t get in the way. OP and ED was fine but I’d mostly skip it, though the last episode’s ending was a treat to watch where everyone danced together in unison.

Voice acting was great I must say. It was refreshing to see Kimura Ryohei-san being back as an MC and not in his deep voice. Ai Fairouz did a spectacular job portraying Raelza, her ups and downs moment was really well executed. Choo-san did a surprising job as Morlock, as an old coot he sounded exactly what I’d imagined but when Morlock was back to his younger self his voice also changed to be more spirited and youthful, color me impressed. And Toyama Nao-san as Lafanpan was sweet and energetic as always, you’ll know why she’s casted as Lafanpan when you’re on episode 12 :). The other ensemble cast was also quite the great line-up, starting from Matsuoka Yoshitsugu-san, Saito Chiwa-san, to even Serizawa Yuu-san as side characters. The studio definitely aimed to get a good quality out of this adaptation.

Overall, it’s one of the better isekai I've watched. Fun yet isn’t afraid to be ruthless at times with a mix of deadpan humor in it. There’s never a dull moment in any episode. Here’s to hope for another season.