For better or for worse, anime fans know there is no stopping the isekai anime wave, especially as more series continue adding to the already-lengthy list of titles in the genre. Perhaps it's the relatability of an underdog flourishing in a fantasy world that resonates with the audience's heart, or maybe it's the escapist fantasy of being freed from their own world's problems. Loads new isekai anime premiered in spring of 2022, so it's time to reflect on the best of the best.
Needless to say, the amount of isekai anime continues to increase. Let's look back at best isekai anime of 2022.
The Rising of the Shield Hero (Season 2)
The first season of The Rising of the Shield Hero faced a lot of controversy for its inclusion of a false rape accusation as well as Naofumi's relationship with his companions. However, this hasn't stop the series from gaining a huge and loyal following.
The Rising of the Shield Hero follows Naofumi Iwatani as he builds his team after being betrayed, abandoned and forsaken. Throughout his journey, Naofumi went against all odds and arguably rose above the other heroes. He figured out multiple ways to get stronger, even managing to defend his new world from heroes of another world. Naofumi's adventures continue in Spring 2022 as Crunchyroll confirmed it'll be simulcasting the isekai anime's second season.
Skeleton Knight in Another World
Skeleton Knight in Another World follows the story of a gamer named Arc who, like most isekai protagonists, gets transported to a fantasy world. His new body is the same as his game avatar, a skeleton that wears oversized armor. Arc attempts to lie low and avoid being mistaken as a monster, but his moral compass makes turning a blind eye toward evil difficult.
Based on the light novel series of the same name, Skeleton Knight in Another World premiered on April 7 in Japan. Crunchyroll acquired its distribution rights outside of Asia and started streaming the new isekai anime once it aired.
Ascendance of a Bookworm (Season 3)
Deferring from the typical action-adventure path most isekai titles tread, Ascendance of a Bookworm features a book-loving protagonist in the form of young Myne. Myne's previous self was a bibliophile college student who died after being crushed by a pile of books. She gets reincarnated into the body of a young and frail girl, but her biggest problem is the lack of books in her new world.
First airing in 2019, Ascendance of a Bookworm's first season consists of 14 episodes while the 12-episode Season 2 was released just a few months later. After almost two years of waiting, fans of the isekai anime series finally got to witness Myne's new adventures on April 12.
Ya Boy Kongming!
Ya Boy Kongming! is a reverse isekai anime that follows the titular renowned general and tactician during the Three Kingdoms period. When he is about to meet his end, Kongming wishes to be reborn in a peaceful world. The next thing he knows, he's suddenly living 1800 years in the future. He wanders the streets of modern-day Tokyo, where he befriends the young musician Eiko Tsukumi and uses his vast knowledge of war to help her fulfill her dream of becoming a star.
This comedy anime is being picked up by P.A. Works, the same studio that adapted the highly-praised The Aquatope on White Sand, and will be aired from April to June 2022. The manga version of Ya Boy Kongming! is also available for purchase in Kodansha USA.
Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs
Based on the light novel series of the same name, Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs follows the story of an office worker who has been transported into an otome game. Males in this game have no societal power and are married off for political or financial gains. The protagonist, with all his memories intact, uses his knowledge to avoid his possible marriage.
Anime studio ENGI is responsible for the isekai anime adaptation of Trapped in a Dating Sim, which aired in April 2022. The light novels are also available for purchase via Seven Seas Entertainment.