Fleeing
from daily problems by means of a truck that transports you to a fantasy world
full of magic and waifus has become the daily bread within the industry, but
not all authors like this phenomenon. Acclaimed mangaka Inio Asano sparked
a deep debate after openly lashing out at the overwhelming success of
reincarnation stories in another world (isekai), expressing his firm
desire for this trend to end as soon as possible.
For the
brilliant creator behind masterpieces such as Oyasumi Punpun and Solanin,
the mass fascination with being reborn in a fantastical universe is nothing
more than an alarming symptom of a distressed society. Asano explained that the
central premise of isekai reflects people who adamantly refuse to face harsh
reality, preferring to place the responsibility for their lives elsewhere.
According to his perspective, the fact that so many people need to consume
fantasies where the protagonist achieves everything effortlessly shows how
unbearable and difficult the real world has become for the masses, which is why
he hopes that this narrative boom will soon go out of fashion.
Asano's
blunt words should not come as a surprise to anyone who knows his career within
the original manga. Unlike stories of fantasy and excessive power,
his career has distinguished itself by portraying melancholy, isolation and the
painful transition to adulthood with absolute rawness. Titles like Dead
Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction demonstrate their ability to explore
the human psyche in everyday and uncomfortable situations. While the market is
still saturated with titles where a hero is reborn invincible, Asano's
reflections remind us that true art must also confront the most bitter corners
of existence.
Considering that the isekai genre has become the favorite refuge of millions of readers to disconnect from the daily routine
