Why does it seem like every Isekai turns into a harem anime? Even ones that don’t focus on relationships seem to fall into it, like Shield Hero or Konosuba.

I’m tired of oblivious, nerdy boy surrounded by hot women.

Is there a single one out there where it’s just about the journey/world/platonic friendships, and not about “oooh the main character fell on top of one of his companions again and his face is now in her boobies/crotch!” levels of ecchiness?

  • PaintedSnail@lemmy.worldEnglish
    81·
    9 months ago

    It might be overplayed, but Re:Zero does fit that bill. There is a romance, but only one, and it doesn’t play off the ecchi comedy tropes. It still is based around an oblivious boy, but it’s used as one of his major character flaws, and he has actual character growth.

    It had a huge following when it was airing (still kinda does) to the point where it got annoying, but don’t let that color your perspective of the show.

    • Kryomaani@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      2·
      9 months ago

      I would agree otherwise as it’s excellent, but Re:Zero is definitely a harem. There’s a designated pairing from the get-go but it doesn’t stop the MC from collecting an army of girls that are more or less infatuated with him.

      • PaintedSnail@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        9 months ago

        Eh, maybe? Personally, I wouldn’t consider a love triangle enough to be a harem, and I don’t see that any of the remaining girls see themselves as a love interest, just platonic. “Harem” as a genre is rather vaguely defined, though, so I won’t blame anyone for seeing it as one.