Why are Isekai Shows Lame?

This may come across as harsh, but I’ve been an anime fan since before it was cool. I still get embarrassed showing this nerdy side of myself because, growing up, you were made fun of for watching anime. Times have changed, though, and now it feels like an entire nation suddenly watches anime—like it’s somehow cool now? I still don’t get it. But one thing I do understand is that the quality of isekai shows has been steadily diminishing. They turned a beloved genre into a cash grab, because who wouldn’t want to watch a story where the protagonist is transported to another world, gains magic, and becomes powerful enough to save everything? And yet, somehow, they keep taking an interesting premise and making it boring, dare I say, even lame.

I recently tried watching a show called “My Gift Lvl 9999 Ultimate Gacha.” Technically it’s not an isekai, since the protagonist doesn’t come from our world, but it still hits all the typical isekai problems. So, for this post, I’m going to talk about why I didn’t finish this anime and what changes could have made it unique and actually good. Honestly, this applies to most isekai anime. So while I’m ranting about this specific show, know that the same issues plague the genre as a whole.

For context, I’ve written about isekai problems before, but in this post I’m focusing on different issues than the ones I covered in “When Power Fantasy Animes Become Weak.”

The Title of the Show

Why in the world do we need a plot summary for the name of a show? What is going on with anime titles? We’ve got things like “I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense,” “Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon,” and “I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level.” No one asked for this. We could simplify these to “Max Defense,” “Vending Machine Reborn,” and “Slime Killer.”

Even “My Gift Lvl 9999 Ultimate Gacha” could easily be shortened to “Gacha Is My Gift.” We already know the protagonist is going to be maxed out, it’s basically a requirement for isekai‑adjacent shows. We don’t need it spelled out in the title. Can anime studios and manga authors please put a little more effort into naming things?

Boring Side Characters

Let me just unload the biggest problem with “My Gift Lvl 9999 Ultimate Gacha.” The side characters are painfully boring. After the first episode, the protagonist, Light, gets a level‑9999 servant named Mei. She could kill him instantly. She seems completely independent from the start. And yet, instead of leaving, she wants to be his servant simply because she’s a maid and “that’s her role.” Then, in the next episode, three years have passed and Light has created a whole town full of high‑level gacha characters—all of whom share one single trait: how much they adore their master. They even get upset if they don’t see him.

That is such lazy writing. Why can’t they have different personalities? Why do they all have to love Light so much? It’s never explained. They’re all willing to go to war for him for no reason other than “he summoned them.”

To fix this, they could have hinted at the end of episode one that Mei is compelled to fixate on Light—trapped in a magical or psychological bond that forces her loyalty, while secretly wanting to escape. That would mirror Light’s own trauma from being betrayed by his former party, but in a darker, more personal way. If they had planted that seed early on, the show would be far more interesting because it would introduce tension, moral ambiguity, and actual character conflict instead of blind devotion. Instead, we get mindless, lustful drones.

Plain Protagonist

I’m not going to go into too much detail here, because I’ve talked about overpowered protagonists before, but I do want to point out one thing: why do they all look the same? Short dark hair, pale skin, generic face. We don’t need to copy Sword Art Online’s Kazuto every single time. There’s room for variety.

Conclusion

Sometimes I wonder why I still watch isekai‑like shows. Why am I still watching anime at all? It feels like since COVID, there hasn’t been a truly good isekai. Maybe the best so far is “Lord of Mysteries,” but even that show jumps around a lot. I could easily be wrong—I might have missed a gem or two—but most of them seem to suffer from the same problems I’ve talked about here.

Please comment with your favorite recently released isekai. I’m genuinely looking for something good.

Lord of Mysteries is the Lovecraftian Steampunk Thriller You Didn’t Know You Needed

 

If you’ve ever craved a story that blends Victorian aesthetics, Lovecraftian horror, steampunk flair, and a meticulously crafted magic system; Lord of Mysteries might just be the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed. I’m about 20% into the first arc of the web novel (currently in the “Clown” sequence), and I’ve also started watching the anime adaptation. Let me tell you: this series is gorgeous, gritty, and gloriously weird.

🎩 What Is Lord of Mysteries?

Originally a Chinese web novel by Cuttlefish That Loves Diving (yes, that’s the author’s pen name), Lord of Mysteries is a sprawling epic that defies genre boundaries. It’s part mystery, part horror, part fantasy, and part philosophical treatise on power, identity, and fate. The story is kinda an isekai where Zhou Mingrui wakes up in Klein Moretti body and stumbles into a world of secret organizations, arcane rituals, and Beyonder potions (each tied to a unique “pathway” that transforms the user in both mind and body).

The Clown pathway, which I’m currently exploring, is as unsettling as it is fascinating. Think psychological instability meets performance art meets supernatural combat. It’s not just about gaining powers—it’s about surviving the transformation without losing your sanity.

🎬 The Anime: A Visual Feast

The anime adaptation is stunning. The art direction leans heavily into gothic and steampunk influences, with intricate costume designs, moody lighting, and a haunting soundtrack that perfectly complements the eerie tone of the story. The animation team clearly respects the source material, and while some pacing choices differ from the novel, the essence of Klein’s journey remains intact.

If you’re a fan of shows like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood or Made in Abyss, you’ll appreciate the balance between world-building and emotional depth. But be warned: this is not a lighthearted romp through magical London. The anime doesn’t shy away from blood, psychological horror, or morally gray characters. It’s mature content, and it earns that label.

🧪 Why I’m Hooked

• Deep Lore: Every sequence (or “pathway”) has its own rules, history, and philosophical implications. It’s like reading a magic system designed by a metaphysicist.
• Slow-Burn Mystery: Klein isn’t just leveling up, he’s unraveling secrets that could shatter reality. The tension builds gradually, and the payoff is worth it.
• Atmosphere: Whether it’s the candlelit séances or the foggy streets of Backlund, the setting oozes mood.
• Character Complexity: Klein is a refreshingly intelligent protagonist. He’s cautious, curious, and constantly adapting. You root for him not just because he’s powerful, but because he’s clever.

⚠️ Content Warning

This series is definitely for more mature audiences. There’s blood, body horror, psychological trauma. If you’re squeamish or prefer lighter fare, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re the kind of viewer who appreciates a story that doesn’t pull punches, then Lord of Mysteries delivers.

Conclusion 

So if you’re looking for something that’s intellectually rich, emotionally gripping, and visually mesmerizing, give Lord of Mysteries a shot. Just don’t drink any mysterious potions without reading the fine print.

Have you started reading or watching it yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts—or theories. There’s so much to unpack.