Introduction
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Japanese: 俺がスライムだったら、どんな風にやりたいか, Hepburn: Ore ga Suraimu dattara, Donō ni Yaritai ka) is a Japanese fantasy light novel series written by Fuse and illustrated by Mitz Vah. The series began serialization in 2014 and has since expanded into manga, anime television series, and multiple spin‑off works. It follows the story of Satoru Mikami, a corporate employee who is killed in an ambush and is reincarnated in a fantasy world as a slime, a creature typically perceived as weak but capable of acquiring unique abilities through consumption of other beings. The narrative examines themes of transformation, community building, and the redefinition of power.
Publication History
Light Novel
The original light novel series was first published by Media Works under the Dengeki Bunko imprint on February 26, 2014. The story was released as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, a popular Japanese user‑generated fiction platform, where it gained popularity prior to its print publication. Fuse released the first volume on February 26, 2014, and a total of 24 volumes were published through October 29, 2023. The series is licensed internationally by J-Novel Club, which has released the English translation under its imprint.
Manga Adaptations
Several manga adaptations have been created to broaden the series' audience. The first manga, titled That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Manga), was illustrated by Mitz Vah and began serialization on the Comic Gardo website in 2015. It has been compiled into 30 tankōbon volumes as of 2023. A second manga, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The True, illustrated by Shiro Taka, focuses on side stories and was serialized from 2018 to 2021. Additional spin‑off manga such as That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The Hero and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The Dragon have also been published.
Other Media
The series has been adapted into several other formats, including an anime television series (see section Adaptations), audio dramas, a visual novel, and various merchandise. The franchise’s expansion into multiple media demonstrates its commercial success and cultural resonance.
Plot
World Setting
The story is set in a fantasy world that resembles a high‑fantasy setting with a mix of medieval technology and magical elements. The world is inhabited by humans, various humanoid races such as elves and dwarves, mythical creatures such as dragons, demons, and numerous other entities. Magic operates through the use of "spells" and "powers," often harnessed by individuals known as mages, while the existence of "gods" and "devils" indicates a complex cosmology.
Main Narrative Arc
At the beginning, Satoru Mikami, a 31‑year‑old corporate worker, is murdered by a thief in a subway station. He wakes up in the fantasy world as a slime, a creature that lacks a traditional form and is generally considered harmless. The slime, which retains Mikami’s memories, meets a young orc named Shion who becomes its first friend and companion. The slime obtains a new ability called "Consume," allowing it to absorb other creatures and acquire their abilities. Using this power, the slime, now named Shio (the nickname given by Shion), grows in strength, intellect, and shape, eventually becoming a unique being capable of influencing its surroundings.
Over the course of the series, Shio establishes the "Great Continent" community, a city built on the island of "Temeria." Through diplomatic skill and strategic expansion, Shio creates an alliance among various races, forms a corporation, and develops technology that merges with magic. The narrative examines Shio’s journey from a simple creature to a ruler who strives to protect his homeland from external threats, such as demonic invasions and political rivals.
Key Subplots
- Shio’s relationship with the goblin princess Shiro and their subsequent marriage, which reinforces alliances.
- The development of a guild of heroes that includes a powerful demonic king turned ally, showcasing themes of redemption.
- The introduction of a sentient dragon named Shu who joins Shio’s court, adding a layer of complexity to the political landscape.
- The exploration of the "Ninja of the Underworld," a character from the original world, who provides comic relief while contributing to strategic operations.
Characters
Main Protagonist
Shio (originally Satoru Mikami) – A human reincarnated as a slime, retaining all his memories and knowledge. As a slime, he acquires the ability to consume other creatures and integrate their abilities. He evolves into a unique entity with a combination of human intellect, magical prowess, and leadership qualities. Shio’s development is central to the series’ exploration of identity and power.
Primary Supporting Characters
- Shiro – An orc princess who becomes Shio’s close companion. She provides combat support and emotional grounding for Shio. Her leadership qualities complement Shio’s strategic mind.
- Shu – A dragon who serves as a royal advisor and military commander. Shu’s ancient wisdom and fire‑breathing abilities provide crucial support in battles.
- Rai – A mage from a distant kingdom, recruited to assist with research and development. Rai’s knowledge of magical theory expands Shio’s technological base.
Antagonists and Rivals
The series features a range of antagonistic forces, from demonic overlords to rival human lords. One notable antagonist is Lava King, a demon who seeks to conquer the continent. Another is Wolfe, a human warlord whose expansionist policies threaten regional stability. These adversaries test Shio’s leadership and diplomatic skills.
Media
Light Novel
The light novel series remains the source material for all subsequent adaptations. Each volume contains multiple chapters, with the narrative structure alternating between Shio’s personal growth and world‑building efforts.
Manga
Adaptations of the light novel into manga have retained the core storyline while adding visual detail. The first manga series, illustrated by Mitz Vah, is faithful to the light novel, presenting a detailed depiction of character interactions and combat sequences. The second manga series focuses on side stories, offering insights into the lives of secondary characters such as Shiro’s relatives.
Anime Television Series
The anime adaptation was produced by studio Feel and directed by Takashi Yamazaki. It premiered in Japan on the MBS network on October 7, 2018, and concluded its first season on December 23, 2018. The series consisted of 12 episodes, covering the initial arc of the light novel. A second season, titled That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The Second, aired from January 9, 2020, to March 28, 2020, with 12 episodes covering the next arc. A third season, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The Third, began airing on October 5, 2021, and finished on December 21, 2021. A 2022 OVA was released in 2023 to commemorate the series’ tenth anniversary.
Other Adaptations
- Audio Drama – A series of audio dramas featuring original voice actors from the anime were released by Crunchyroll and J-Novel Club.
- Visual Novel – A fan‑made visual novel titled Slime Kingdom was developed by the community, featuring branching storylines based on player decisions.
- Video Games – A mobile role‑playing game titled Slime Chronicles was launched in 2021, integrating gameplay mechanics inspired by the series.
Merchandise
Official merchandise includes figurines, apparel, and collectibles produced by companies such as Good Smile Company and Kotobukiya. The franchise has also collaborated with brands such as Uniqlo for special edition clothing lines.
Adaptations
Anime Production Details
The anime adaptation was produced by Studio Feel, a studio known for its work on other fantasy series. The production team included director Takashi Yamazaki, series composition writer Fumihiko Suzuki, and character designer Ryuusuke Yamazaki. Music for the series was composed by Yoshihiko Kuroda. Voice casting featured Tomokazu Seki as Shio, Saori Hayami as Shiro, and others. The series was licensed by Crunchyroll for international streaming and by Sentai Filmworks for home video releases.
Anime Reception
The anime was well-received by audiences for its blend of action, comedy, and world‑building. Critics highlighted the unique premise of a slime protagonist and praised the visual style and animation quality. The first season’s soundtrack was noted for its orchestral arrangement, while the third season was recognized for its improved animation fidelity.
Localization and Distribution
English subtitles were provided by Crunchyroll, while Sentai Filmworks provided an English dub featuring a cast of American voice actors. The anime's release on multiple platforms increased its global reach, with viewership statistics indicating significant interest in the Western markets.
Reception
Commercial Performance
The light novel series has achieved strong sales figures, with over 3 million copies in circulation by 2023. The anime series has also performed well, with licensing agreements in multiple regions and a substantial fan base on social media platforms such as Twitter and TikTok. Merchandise sales have contributed significantly to the franchise’s revenue, indicating a robust market presence.
Critical Analysis
Scholars and critics have examined the series from various perspectives, including its subversion of traditional fantasy tropes, representation of gender roles, and exploration of sociopolitical themes. The concept of a non-humanoid protagonist navigating human societies offers a fresh lens for discussing identity and belonging. The series also presents an amalgamation of Western fantasy elements with Japanese storytelling techniques, contributing to its cross-cultural appeal.
Fan Community
Active fan communities form on platforms such as Reddit, Discord, and fan fiction websites. Users produce original content ranging from fan art to extended narratives, expanding the universe beyond the official canon. Fan conventions and online events have emerged, featuring cosplay of characters and panel discussions about the series’ themes.
Themes
Transformation and Identity
The central narrative explores the concept of transformation, both physical and psychological. Shio’s journey from a human to a slime - and eventually a leader - serves as an allegory for personal growth and the fluid nature of identity. The series examines how memory, experience, and agency interact in shaping selfhood.
Community Building and Diplomacy
Shio’s establishment of an inclusive community, the Great Continent, showcases the importance of cooperation across diverse groups. The series presents diplomacy as a strategic tool, emphasizing negotiation and alliance over confrontation. This theme reflects contemporary discussions about multiculturalism and governance.
Power and Ethics
The series addresses the acquisition and use of power, questioning whether power can be used ethically when wielded by a being of non-human nature. Shio’s use of the Consume ability raises ethical questions about predation, consent, and the limits of assimilation. The narrative encourages reflection on moral responsibility and the consequences of technological advancement.
Cultural Impact
Influence on Other Works
Subsequent light novels, manga, and anime have cited That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime as an influence, particularly in the sub‑genre of "isekai" (world‑hopping). The series’ success helped cement the popularity of non-traditional protagonists in fantasy storytelling.
Merchandising and Fan Culture
The franchise’s merchandise range includes high‑end figurines and collaborative apparel. The series has become a staple in the otaku subculture, with its characters frequently featured in fan conventions, cosplays, and digital fan art. The character designs have been praised for their accessibility and charm, contributing to the series’ broad appeal.
Academic Discussion
University courses in Japanese literature and media studies have incorporated the series into curricula exploring contemporary light novel culture. Journals have published analytical pieces examining its narrative structure, world-building, and representation of gender dynamics. These studies underscore the series’ significance beyond entertainment.
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