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Re:Zerois one of the most popular series in the Isekai genre. From its storyline to its themes, it is a complete treat for viewers. This also extends to its well-written characters.
It is unlike any other isekai series, especially with its world-building. Moreover, the series’ approach to death is reflected in the voice actor’s performance. And there’s more to it.
Yusuke Kobayashi, Subaru’s VA shared his technique in an interview. His ability to outline the character’s death was commended by his colleagues. Interestingly, it ties well with the series’ overarching theme of death.
Re:ZeroVoice actor shares his unique method
From well-written characters to world-building, Re:Zero is a complete treat. Written by Tappei Nagatsuki theIsekai animeoutlines complex themes and ideas. What makes the series different from other isekai series is the depth and profundity of the premise.
It follows the journey of Subaru Natsuki, who is transported to another realm. He helps a half-elf Emilia to become the next queen of the Lugunica Kingdom. She then accompanies him on his journey to help other characters throughout the story. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
The series is considered less of an Isekai and more of amystery anime. This is especially due to the treatment of the themes. It is laden with dark and heavy themes ranging from violence to death.
The enmeshing of mystery with isekai and dark fantasy makes it a wholesome anime. The wholesomeness, however, goes beyond the binary of the storyline. Especially when it comes to the voice actors.
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Subaru’s voice actor Yusuke Kobayashi is one such example. He shared his technique for making Subaru’s death unique in an interview withAnime Corner. He quoted:
I think it really depends on the method of the death. I try to match those situations so that it comes across as realistic. It’s very situational and it’s actually kind of easy for me to act out these deaths because each of the ways that Subaru dies is new and different. So it’s nice that I don’t have to worry about being consistent.
Interestingly, the approach to death in the series is quite subversive. Especially with Subaru’s ability to resuscitate himself. The idea of mortality is challenged in the most brutal way possible.
Subaru’s death is a subversion of the idea of mortality
Subaru’s ability in the anime is a subversion in most aspects. His ability to revive and defeat death allows him to challenge mortality. The Return to Death was bestowed upon him by the Witch of Envy.
While this does sound idealistic, it is horrific. Revisiting death endlessly is a painful ordeal indeed. But what makes this even more terrifying is Subaru’s helplessness regarding the situation.
Death is a reset for Subaru to defy the shackles and conventions of mortality. It does, however, erase other people’s memory of the event. Even as a user of Return to Death, Subaru isn’t exempt from the harsh realities. Especially if it concerns Emilia or those around him.
His expression puts his close ones at stake. The ability to subvert death and the idea of mortality through “reset” comes at the cost of psychological trauma. Since he is the only character who can recollect his memories, it makes it all the more cruel.
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The dark and heavy aspects of Re:Zero may not sit well with most. That, however, doesn’t make it any less spectacular. Especially when it comes to redefining the Isekai genre. All in all, the series is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a blend of these elements.
Re:Zerois available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
