English Dub Season Review: Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers Season One

Based on the Japanese light novel series written by Miya Kinojo and illustrated by Katagiri. The story takes place in the Magical Kingdom of Klyrode which is under attack from the Demon Kingdom. Their solution? summon hundreds of heroes from other worlds every year to fight in their war against the Dark One and his army of powerful demons. Banaza is one of those heroes, summoned from the Royal Capital Paluma, but something’s not right—Banaza is only an average merchant. He has no magic, no fighting ability, and his stats are abysmal. Worse yet, a mishap leaves him unable to return home! Rejected as a hero and stranded in another world, abandoned to the far reaches of the kingdom by a cruel king who wants him gone, Banaza’s fate looks pretty bleak. But what will happen once the failed hero candidate finds himself with super-format powers once he hits level two?

The anime series was produced by J.C.Staff and directed by Yoshiaki Iwasaki, with scripts written by Megumi Shimizu, character designs handled by Sōta Suwa, and music composed by Kujira Yumemi. The opening theme is “Lovey-Dovey Love Song with My Husband”, performed by Rie Kugimiya as her character Fenrys / Rhys. In contrast, the ending theme is “Introduction to Utopian Studies”, performed by Dialogue+.

In the world of anime, the genre of isekai has seen countless variations, but now and then, a show tries to do something slightly different. Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers offers a twist on the familiar trope by having its protagonist isekai’d into another world that is remarkably similar to the one he already lives in with enslavement of monsters and animal people being commonplace and our protagonist being wholeheartedly against it. While this might seem like a gimmick to stand out in a crowded genre, the story itself follows a familiar path, making it accessible for fans of the genre.

Regarding the story and plot, it sticks closely to isekai conventions but with a slight twist. The protagonist is summoned to a new world with the usual task of saving it from a demon lord. Initially, he lacks any significant “divine blessing” or cheat, but this changes quickly as he soon becomes overpowered by leveling up rapidly from level 2. After achieving that level, takes him a while to process his situation, but then proceeds to change his appearance and name to “Flio” and tries to fit into his new surroundings which slowly leads to the adventures he has which are very non-traditional but lighthearted with an occasional dose of seriousness when it’s needed.

Character-wise, the series plays it safe. The protagonist is a kind-hearted, basic hero who shuns conflict and values equality—an approach that, while not groundbreaking, is refreshing in its simplicity. The supporting cast, particularly the female characters, are designed to be likable and attractive, but they don’t stray far from typical anime archetypes. However, the interactions between the characters, especially the growing bond between the protagonist and his female companions, offer a sweetness that balances out the otherwise predictable plot.

In terms of animation and music, the series is visually pleasing, with well-designed characters that avoid the generic look often seen in similar shows. The fight scenes, while not particularly exciting, are adequate and don’t detract from the overall experience. The anime’s strengths lie more in its charming and relaxing atmosphere and sometimes wacky characters rather than intense action sequences. The music, including the opening and ending themes, enhances the viewing experience, adding a delightful touch to the proceedings.

Overall, if you have some spare time and are in the mood for a lighthearted isekai with cute moments and a decent amount of fan service, this anime is worth checking out. It may not be groundbreaking or top-tier, but it provides an enjoyable and wholesome experience. For those who appreciate the genre’s more relaxed and charming side, this show could be a delightful watch.