The Best Plot in Fantasy Fiction: Musoku Tensei

I’ve become jaded by the fantasy genre. When I first discovered it as an elementary schooler reading Harry Potter, I was mesmerized by the genre’s world of creative characters and magical abilities. However, after years of devouring fantasy novels, TV shows, games, manga, and anime, that same mystique of the genre had faded. The plot became predictable, the worldbuilding excessive, and the once colorful cast of characters coated in monotonous tropes. While several elements of the fantasy genre continue to fascinate me, many authors fail to consider why these elements exist in the first place. I thought I could never experience the same joy of unraveling a fantastical world again–that was until I watched Mushoku Tensei.

I started the series with low expectations because it was an isekai, but I was quickly amazed as Mushoku Tensei set the standard for what isekai should be. It crafts its world carefully, and each of its tropes subverts expectations through deliberate character design. In Mushoku Tensei, every spell was enrapturing; magic actually felt magical! That said, what sets Mushoku Tensei apart from its fantasy brethren is its complex plot. This article will contain spoilers for both parts of Mushoku Tensei season 1, so watch it now if I haven’t already convinced you to.

Mushoku Tensei’s plot doesn’t achieve complexity by juggling several components. Rather, its world is full of complicated problems with equally complicated solutions. For example, when Paul confesses to cheating on Zenith with Lilia, he creates a rift in the family. Paul’s sordid actions completely reframe his identity to Rudeus and permanently convolute the Greyrat family dynamic. Rudeus has to mollify Zenith to salvage the only people he has in life. There is no simple solution like slaying a monster or saving a princess. The damage is done. No matter how Rudeus handled the situation, he would have had to compromise on some front.

Most conflict in Mushoku Tensei is just as complicated but doesn’t directly obstruct the protagonist. Rudeus could easily ignore many of the issues he encounters throughout the series but opts to go the extra mile for the people around him. His altruism makes him a significantly compelling character and enables the plot to be constructed this way. For instance, when Rudeus begins adventuring with Ruijerd, he takes the time to understand Ruijerd as a person. Rudeus’ efforts reveal that the Superd’s tragic history is the result of a curse that indelibly marred their reputation. In addition to accepting Ruijerd, he mends the Superd’s reputation by spreading Ruijerd’s accomplishments. Yet again, Rudeus goes above and beyond to discover the best solution to a complex problem. There is no panacea for prejudice against the Superd, but that’s fine. Most problems in life don’t have an easy fix.

Overall, Mushoku Tensei’s ingenious plot writing makes it one of my favorite pieces of fiction. It reinvigorated my love for fantasy, and I’m excited to see where it takes Rudeus next in season 2.