This is actually my very first IMDB review, despite being a lifelong cinephile and anime fan for over 35 years. I felt compelled to write one because the current 6.6 rating doesn't quite reflect the real qualities of Kaiko sareta Ankoku Heishi (30-dai) no Slow na Second Life.
Let's be clear: this anime doesn't take itself too seriously, but its heart is absolutely in the right place. The animation budget is clearly limited, yet the story is told in a way that remains readable, enjoyable, and surprisingly energetic. The pacing is sometimes a bit rushed, but in my opinion that's a strength-it keeps the series from dragging. Too many shows these days (looking at Re:Zero) fall into the trap of stretching character development by overemphasizing suffering and poor decisions. Instead of creating attachment, it alienates viewers. This series avoids that pitfall by moving forward with purpose.
The core theme isn't groundbreaking-far from it-but it's handled with sincerity and without unnecessary artifice: you have the family you choose, and you exist within it through your actions and choices. Several characters are given second chances, and while the outcomes may be predictable, there's a certain charm in that straightforwardness. Sometimes simplicity is exactly what makes a story resonate.
What also works well here is the fantasy world itself. It's refreshing to have a setting where demons aren't "monsters," just different beings, with the only real divide being the ability to use magic. That nuance might be tricky to fully translate outside Japanese culture, but it adds a subtle depth to the lore.
If you enjoy fantasy anime without the overused reincarnation/isekai tropes, and if you're looking for a story that is engaging, sincere, and self-contained in a single season, this one is worth your time. It's far from perfect, but it's more thoughtful than it first appears, with a world and message that linger after the credits roll.
