[Good Isekai Summer 2018] Like Log Horizon? Watch This!

11:00 AM September 26, 2018

Anime Recommendations [Article Category]
Comedy Anime, Fantasy Anime, Isekai Anime [Genres]
Log Horizon, Overlord, Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu (How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord)Log Horizon, [Anime Title]

Honey’s Anime Pickup,

Mark Sammut

Isekai-Maou-to-Shoukan-Shoujo-no-Dorei-Majutsu-dvd-225x350 [Good Isekai Summer 2018] Like Log Horizon? Watch This!

With Sword Art Online proving to be a crossover hit, a seemingly never-ending stream of isekai anime started to flood the market. One of the earliest examples of this trend, Log Horizon differentiated itself by focusing on a protagonist who is more of a tactician than a typical shounen hero. Prioritizing character and world building above mindless action, the anime’s protagonist might be overpowered within the game’s universe, but he is actually a social piranha who is only pretending to be confident. Log Horizon amassed a massive following due to working as both a power fantasy and a relatable drama about an otaku pushed out of their comfort zone.

Liked Log Horizon? Watch Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu (How Not to Summon a Demon Lord)

Episodes: 11+
Aired: July 2018 – Ongoing

While Sword Art Online merely flirts with this genre, Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu is a full-blown ecchi isekai anime starring the superpowered Demon King and a varied collection of girls. On the surface, Diablo appears nearly infallible, but he is actually Sakamoto Takuma, an otaku who has barely ever talked to a normal person and has no idea why he is suddenly stuck in an MMORPG. After being summoned by two girls to do their bidding, Diablo's overwhelming power turns the tables and they end up becoming his slaves. Obviously, they are just the first of many.

Major Similarities Between Log Horizon and Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu (How Not to Summon a Demon Lord)

1. Brain Over Brawn

Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu is far more lighthearted than Log Horizon, but the protagonists are cut from the same cloth. Putting aside anime which deconstruct the genre like Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-, isekai series generally serve as power fantasies for male viewers and tend to revolve around a preposterously perfect main character. Even though Shiroe lacks physical prowess, the protagonist's brain is the only organ he needs to overwhelm his opponents. While a more conventional character, Sakamoto still uses his wits to get out of most situations, as he is only pretending to be the super impressive Demon King.

2. A (Not So) Grand Adventure

A factor that set Log Horizon apart from other similar anime was its willingness to focus on the more mundane aspects of everyday life in a magical MMORPG. How Not to Summon a Demon Lord follows a similar formula, as the majority of the episodes deal with Sakamoto's attempts to understand how this world functions. In gaming lingo, both anime push side-quests to the forefront, while the central plot plods along at a glacial pace. Blending fantasy and real-life elements, Log Horizon and Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu show there is more to MMORPGs then just killing slimes and skeletons.

Liked Log Horizon? Watch Overlord III

Episodes: 11+
Aired: July 2013 – Ongoing

Developed by Madhouse and on its third season, Overlord is the anime to beat when it comes to isekai. Momonga has dedicated the last couple of years to a virtual reality game called Yggdrasil, but the servers are about to be shut down for good. As a celebration of their time together, Momonga meets with his fellow guild members for one last hurrah before going offline; however, Momonga is unable to return to his own reality! Seemingly stuck in a world similar to Yggdrasil, Momonga is left with no choice but pretending to be his character, who is a powerful dark wizard and the master of the Ainz Ooal Gown guild. As Overlord is currently in its third season and tells a continuous storyline, we recommend watching the previous two releases.

Major Similarities Between Log Horizon and Overlord III

1. The Thinking Man’s Anime

Shiroe can hardly be described as clueless, but Log Horizon's protagonist is not really accustomed to being the center of attention and he is only now learning to grow into his role as a hero. As the rest of the guild members did not get trapped in Yggdrasil, Overlord's main character is very much on his own, and Momonga spends the first two seasons trying to figure out the rules which govern this alien universe. While Overlord allows its protagonist to occasionally get involved in a fight, both characters focus more on the big picture. Momonga and Shiroe are strategists who work behind the scenes.

2. Comedy Gold

At times, Overlord can be downright hilarious. On the surface, Momonga comes off as a conniving and clever ruler who is always ten steps ahead, but this perception is far from accurate. Log Horizon never allows its audience to forget that the cast consists of normal human beings who are merely pretending to be soldiers or healers, and this charade presents plenty of opportunities for comedic hijinks. Momonga is almost a parody of overpowered protagonists, as most of his greatest stunts and intricate plans are caused by accident.

Final Thoughts

Isekai anime are not going away anytime soon, but these type of shows make the trend worth noticing. At this point in time, Log Horizon seems destined to be left without a third season; thankfully, Overlord and Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu are decent substitutes!

If you have any thoughts on any other shows that are similar to Log Horizon, please leave a comment below with your suggestions! In the future, don’t forget to check Honey’s Anime for more articles offering great recommendations.

Writer

Author: Mark Sammut

Born and raised on a small island in the Mediterranean, my life goal is to experience as many different ways of life as possible. Since time and money are in short supply, anime and film provide the best opportunity to experience far away cultures and worlds. When I'm not watching the latest episode of Gintama, or wondering what series to watch next, you can find me in the corner of the closest coffee shop; writing away on my aging laptop.

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