“Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken” (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) started as a web novel and has since been officially published as a light novel series. The original web novel, written by Fuse, was first published on the Shousetsuka ni Narou platform in 2013, where it quickly gained popularity. The light novel adaptation, illustrated by Mitz Vah, began its official release in 2014 and is still ongoing.
Plot Overview (Light Novel):
The premise of the light novel is the same as the web novel. It follows Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old office worker, who is reincarnated into a fantasy world as a slime named Rimuru Tempest after being killed in a random attack. Instead of being the weak, low-level monster that slimes usually are, Rimuru gains unique abilities such as Devour, which allows him to absorb anything and gain its powers, as well as Great Sage, a super-intelligent skill that aids him in his journey.
Rimuru gradually grows in power and forms a society of monsters and other creatures, seeking peace and understanding between different species, while facing various threats and challenges in the world. The light novel is known for its world-building, humor, and character development, especially as Rimuru transitions from a powerless slime to one of the most powerful beings in the world.
Key Details:
- Author: Fuse
- Illustrator: Mitz Vah
- Publisher: Micro Magazine (Japan)
- Serialization: The light novel began in 2014 under the GC Novels imprint and continues to this day.
- Volumes: As of 2024, the light novel series has over 20 volumes published, with new volumes being released regularly.
Themes & Style:
- Power Fantasy: A central theme of the light novel is Rimuru’s rise to power, overcoming obstacles and gaining abilities through Devour.
- Leadership & Community: The series highlights the creation of Rimuru’s peaceful society, focusing on governance, cooperation, and diplomacy.
- Fantasy Adventure: The series explores a vast fantasy world, filled with magic, different races, and conflicts.
- Comedy & Humor: The series often blends serious moments with humor, making it enjoyable for a wide range of readers.
Adaptations:
- Manga: A manga adaptation, illustrated by Taiki Kawakami, began serialization in 2015 and has been very popular. It is available in English through Yen Press.
- Anime: The light novel has been adapted into a highly successful anime series produced by 8bit. The first season aired in 2018, and subsequent seasons were released in 2021 and 2024.
- Spin-offs and Side Stories: The series also has various spin-offs and side stories, such as “The Slime Diaries: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime”, which focuses on the daily life of Rimuru and his friends.
Reception:
The light novel has been well-received for its creative approach to the reincarnation genre, its strong world-building, and Rimuru’s development as a protagonist. It has gained a large fanbase worldwide, both in Japan and internationally, helped by the success of the manga and anime adaptations.
If you want to read the light novel, it is available in English through Yen Press, which has translated the main series into English.
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