Summary

• Rudeus' character flaws throughout Mushoku Tensei's storyline make him stand out, and add depth to his character as he grows up – both literally and metaphorically.
• Mushoku Tensei pioneers the isekai genre with a unique premise, and is often regarded for making the genre wht it is today.
• Despite controversy surrounding its lead, Mushoku Tensei does an excellent job capturing the "second chance at life" that isekai is so famous for.

In an interview with Anime News Network, the author of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, Rifujin na Magonote, discussed his work, including his opinions about the novel's lead character, Rudeus Greyrat. Despite his controversial nature, Rifujin's arguments in defense of his lead do have merit. The reincarnated boy's characterization, in fact, is part of what makes the novels and the anime more memorable than other isekai that has followed in its footsteps.

Mushoku Tensei is considered the pioneer of the current isekai genre, popularizing the conceit of rebirth into a fantasy realm. While it has many imitators, the tale of Rudeus and his comrades is often considered superior.

In Rifujin's eyes, the reason is simple: Rudeus' character growth, slow as it is, is more important than his power levels.

Rudeus' Character Flaws Make Him Stand Out

Produced by Studio Bind, based on the original web novel created by Rifujin na Magonote

During the interview, a question was posed about the story's beginning, which introduces a troubling pre-reincarnation Rudeus. The interviewer asked the author, "Are there ever times when you think "Maybe that was a little over-the-top," or, "Maybe I should have held back a little?"

Rifujin answered, stating, "I think the balance was right. Because he's a controversial character, his mountain of regrets makes the act of redoing life more meaningful. Of course, I have no issue with criticizing Rudeus at the beginning stage, and it's up to you to decide whether you don't want to see the story because of that."

Elements of Rudeus' original self carry over into his new life, and are often considered problematic enough to make readers swear off Mushoku Tensei. As an unflattering depiction of an overweight, unemployed pervert, he is a far cry from the isekai protagonists of today, who are frequently "average" teenagers who stumble into awesome power, or, at worst, are wronged in some way, giving them an impetus and moral justification to pursue power and revenge at all costs. Rifujin is correct in that Rudeus' story is more meaningful, as his "other world adventure" really does give him a second chance at life.

Mushoku Tensei Captures The Appeal Of Another World

Despite controversy around Rudeus' characterization, Mushoku Tensei boasts a unique, fleshed out fantasy world

While Mushoku Tensei's lead has many flaws, some of which may be dealbreakers for potential fans, it doesn't change the fact that these facets add depth to the story in a way that makes it more memorable. Rudeus' old self may be contemptible, but his fresh start must have helped fuel the novel's early success, with readers also fantasizing about getting second chances of their own. Isekai is always predicated on escaping one's life, but modern takes are preoccupied with hunting for praise and adoration, while Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation instead grapples and explores the idea of "avoiding regrets and past mistakes".

Source: Anime News Network

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