Mushoku Tensei pulls you in from the very first volume with its incredible world-building and storytelling. The way it handles sexuality may not appeal to everyone some find it excessive, others find it uncomfortable. But in my opinion, it is presented exactly as it should be. Even though Rudeus reincarnates into another world, the author never hesitates to remind us through humor and wit that at his core, he is still the same person.

SPOILERS + CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

From what I’ve read so far, here are my thoughts: Rudeus has always been a character striving to improve himself, constantly trying not to repeat the mistakes of his past life. Maybe he never became as perfect as he wished, but if he had been flawless, it would have felt absurd. What makes him compelling is that he recognizes his shortcomings, rarely glorifies himself, and often even underestimates his own worth.

Eris, in particular, has fantastic character development. Comparing who she was before becoming Rudeus’ student to the person who chose to leave him in order to grow stronger, we can all see just how much she has progressed. Sylphy, on the other hand, initially seemed like a girl dependent on Rudeus, but after being separated from him by Paul’s decision and the Displacement Incident, she learned how to stand on her own two feet. When she finally reunited with Rudeus, she carried with her a newfound confidence.

As for Roxy, I don’t have too much to say, but after being the teacher of Rudeus, her ego significantly softened, and she became more grounded. She always carried a sense of sweet, harmless jealousy, but it was endearing rather than negative.

Of course, I could spend all day talking about every character’s development, but I think highlighting the most important aspects is enough. Isekai has become one of my favorite genres or rather, even if it isn’t officially considered a genre, to me, it feels as big as one.

JOURNEY

A large part of Rudeus’ childhood spent traveling, but I never once felt bored while reading. The diversity of each continent’s people, the variety of nations, and the way these differences were portrayed were simply amazing. It made me feel as though I was there, journeying alongside them. During this journey, especially in the events that happened to him, Rudeus’ travel companions (well, I mean his wives :D) were always by his side. Eris, Sylphy, Roxy; they all supported him in different ways and through different experiences. Now, saying it like this might make it seem like Rudeus was constantly depressed, but he actually cared more about his companions than himself, especially during the Displacement Arc. When he reunited with his father, you can really see the unbreakable bond between the two. Paul might not have been the perfect husband, but considering that Rudeus was a reincarnated person, I think he was a great father.

After these events, when they reached to Fittoa Region and Eris left him thinking she wasn’t ready to be by his side and needing to become stronger. Rudeus, as we know, fell into a depression. You could call it a bit of a “male mindset” thing. The path leading to him reuniting with Sylphy may have felt unbearable to some, but I think every arc has its depth.

Anyway, I won’t go on too long. When he finally reunites with Sylphy, and later rescues his mother alongside Roxy and his father, it’s Roxy who saves him from this spiral after he loses his father. In short, throughout his journey, Rudeus was never truly alone. He never put himself first, but he had many companions who were there for him (Rujerd, of course, holds a very special place and Zanoba is a real bro). I’m currently halfway through volume 15 ( i will edit this review after 16 i think), and as I progress, I’d like to talk about it in even more detail.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you haven’t watched or read it yet, I’d at least recommend giving it a chance. Especially if you’re looking for solid world-building, it’s hard to find a masterpiece like Mushoku Tensei. That said, as I mentioned, we’re all human everyone doesn’t think the same way.