When Earth has finally succumbed to evil, Kisaragi, a self-declared evil organization, sets its eyes on outer space. Since conquering territories is literally the organization’s job, being Earth’s new ruler has rendered the entire organization jobless. Kisaragi’s leaders dispatch Number Six and a mouthy female android to explore, gather information, and build a base to a new planet similar to Earth. Upon reaching this planet, however, Number Six realizes that this world is already being invaded by the Demon Lord’s army.

In both Combatants Will Be Dispatched! and The Dungeon of Black Company, the protagonist starts at a very high position only to get sent to the bottom again. Both protagonists are willing to go to any lengths in order to achieve their personal goals, even if that means doing morally questionable acts. They also have mastery over words and are able to manipulate others with ease. Both series also share similar humor and set of characters. There’s the shady main character, the overpowered and always hungry dragon-human, and a loli with advanced technological knowledge. Combatants Will Be Dispatched! is definitely a good anime to binge while waiting for the latest update of The Dungeon of Black Company!

One day, the Japanese government discovers a mysterious rift, which is eventually revealed to be a doorway to a parallel world. Faced with the threat of war with the army of that world’s denizens, the Japanese government and that world’s rulers reach a mutual agreement. The Japanese government now aims to spread otaku culture and hopefully extend the market to this fantasy world. In order to do that, they employ Kanou Shinichi, an expert on everything otaku. After getting a perfect score on the company’s preliminary test, the company kidnaps Shinichi and immediately gets him working.

Despite being transferred to another world where dragons, magic, and other races exist, the main characters of both series don't have any time for recreation. Even though they will now be living in a world dreamt of by many, they are tasked to work the moment they set foot into it. It’s not just easy work either. They are employed by a company, who forces them to utilize the knowledge they’ve honed on Earth. The only difference is that Ninomiya is acting to reach the top, while Shinichi has no plans of climbing the corporate ladder.

Staying true to the franchise’s theme, Hataraku Saibou Black (Cells at Work! CODE BLACK) features a bunch of cells found inside a human body. Unlike the other titles in the franchise, CODE BLACK focuses on what happens inside an unhealthy body. Following rookie red blood cell AA2153, we see cells suffering in an environment comparable to a black company.

The biggest similarity between Cells at Work! CODE BLACK is that both anime showcase black companies. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, a black company refers to an exploitative company that coerces its employees to work inhumane amounts of unpaid overtime. They are also notorious for abusing their employees verbally, mentally, and psychologically. Despite having a grim theme, both series still manage to slip humorous scenes even during the most serious of moments, which makes it really fun to watch.

Who would have guessed that managing Hell requires superb problem solving, quick wits, and a calm demeanor. Serving as King Enma’s chief deputy, Hoozuki does more work than his fiery boss. Using his negotiation skills and coolheadedness, he manages to solve all the problems that are thrown at him. From Japanese folklore characters to individuals from Judeo-Christian Hell, Hoozuki has the right words and mindset to deal with anyone and their problems.

Hoozuki and Ninomiya are both experts in lording over demons, monsters, and humans alike. Even though neither character technically holds the top position, they have their means to control everything. In order to do that, of course, some shady operations must be executed. Nevertheless, things almost always end up in their favor at the end. Both series also share the love of featuring ridiculous characters and situations, while also not missing the chance to throw a few dark jokes every now and then.

Seiya Kanie is a typical high school student enjoying his typical high school life. That being said, he also gets to experience the most exciting part of being a high school student–being asked out. When the beautiful Isuzu Sento asks him out, it’s nowhere near what he has expected. With a musket aimed at his head, Kanie gets dragged into an amusement park date. He, later on, learns that this is not just an ordinary theme park. It’s the home of out-of-this-world entities trying to mingle and bring joy to humans. The Amagi Brilliant Park, however, is on the verge of collapse, and it is now on his shoulders to garner enough visitors within the next three months to save it.

While Amagi Brilliant Park isn’t exactly an isekai, the series opens the same way The Dungeon of Black Company does. The protagonist gets kidnapped and dragged into a world filled with magic and fantasy. The moment he gets there, he is asked to work. While Kanie’s working conditions are leagues above Ninomiya’s, his job is just as hard as Ninomiya’s. Just like Ninomiya, Kanie has to use everything and everyone at his disposal in order to accomplish his mission. Even though Amagi Brilliant Park isn’t as grim as The Dungeon of Black Company, it’s basically just like the latter’s kinder sibling.

Any grand operation must start small. Il Palazzo, the head of the ACROSS organization, knows this very well. He sends two of his trusted officers, Excel and Hyatt, to start the big invasion by first conquering the small city of Fukuoka. Despite having extraordinary skills and immortality on their side, Excel and Hyatt find themselves in predicament with City Security workers, normal humans, and robots. Their plans are often hampered, which almost always result in spilling blood, explosions, and gore.

Even though Excel Saga is an anime from decades past, its charm and allure persist to this day. It’s a renowned classic that takes pride in its slapstick comedy. Even though Ninomiya can never match the pain and suffering Excel and Hyatt go through, he can provide the same levels of enthusiasm in accomplishing his mission. Just like Excel and Hyatt, Ninomiya will also go through any length, employ any shady method, and execute anybody in order to achieve his goal. Similarly, Ninomiya’s plans don’t always go as intended. This often results in hilarious consequences topped with outrageous humor.