Summary
The Twelve Kingdoms revolutionized the isekai genre with its unique storytelling style and sense of foreboding, setting it apart from modern-day series. Main character Yoko’s process of getting “isekai’d” is much more traumatic, as she goes through random encounters that get progressively worse before fully immersing herself in the new world. Unlike the new isekai protagonists, Yoko does not have any prior knowledge or special powers, making her first foray into the new world overwhelming and unstructured.
Before Isekai has taken the anime world by storm, there are many series that tell the stories of normal, everyday people caught up in magical realms. One of the more fascinating and even terrifying examples that too many people have forgotten is Twelve kingdomsa 2002-2003 anime adapted from a series of nine fantasy novels and two short story collections by author Fuyumi Ono and illustrator Akihiro Yamada.
Not only did The Twelve Kingdoms revolutionize the isekai genre before it was established enough to be considered a staple of the genre, but its storytelling method remains completely different from the usual tone and formula of modern popular series, will cleanse the palette of anyone who watches too much isekai.
The immediate difference between the Twelve Kingdoms and modern-day isekai is the overall sense of foreboding that protagonist Yoko experiences throughout the first episode, which is further exacerbated by the fact that both worlds slowly began to blend together. In most current series, the actual event of the hero being “isekai’d” to another world is quite sudden – as illustrated by the infamous “isekai truck” line. Many times, the hero trivializes their complicated situation or is overjoyed that they finally get to become an isekai themselves. This couldn’t be more different from what Yoko experienced.
Yoko’s process of getting “Isekai’d” was much more traumatic
To her horror, Yoko is instead haunted by random encounters that become increasingly more extreme before she is finally fully immersed in the new world. This setup naturally prolongs her suffering and thus heightens the audience’s suspense as they also become frightened when the hero receives the isekai. Yoko’s overall anxiety and initial rejection of her fate are even more nuanced than the series’ ever-present sense of foreshadowing when compared to the genre today. Even though her real life is falling apart, Yoko doesn’t give up on it right away. Instead, she sticks to what she knows even as her situation gets worse, which is a much more realistic and understandable response.
Additionally, Yoko’s first foray into the new world is far more overwhelming and less structured than what new isekai protagonists enjoy. Usually, isekai heroes receive some kind of cheat or special power that distinguishes them from others in their new world. Occasionally, they have the pleasure of receiving a complete summary of their situation from a god who resurrected them out of pity, a mage who summoned them, or some other helpful character. Instead, Yoko loses her guide at the beginning of her adventure and is thrown into the worst situations imaginable, leaving her unable to begin the process of adjusting to her new life until many episodes later. there.
Furthermore, Yoko had nothing that could compare to her current predicament. Many modern-day isekai take place in worlds based on RPG games, where the hero is familiar with basic concepts, but Yoko doesn’t have any useful knowledge like this. The irony is that Yoko is joined by two others from her original normal life, however, she couldn’t be more alone in this new world. In spite of Twelve kingdoms Unlike a typical isekai, it still offers the same type of escapist story that genre enthusiasts crave, but with a scary twist that makes it a must-watch even compared compared to modern series.
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