The hit seriesSolo Levelinghas achieved such lofty status and a widespread following within anime and isekai fandoms that it would only naturally generate some pushback. While its most vocal detractors tend to loudly criticize its weaknesses, one anime took a creative approach – and in doing so, provided a work that both satirizes and complements the mega-hit anime, while also telling a compelling story of its own.
Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powersfollows Banaza, an ordinary merchant who finds himself inexplicably transported to the Kingdom of Klyrode. In this alternate universe, it’s customary to summon worthy young men from across the multiverse to serve as champions against various threats—in this case, the Dark Army. While Banaza possesses the heart of a hero, he’s merely an average human. When the people discover his ineptitude to be their champion, he’s unceremoniously dismissed for a new “hero candidate” and exiled to the forest, a place of supposedly natural peace and harmony, to live out the rest of his days.
Chillin' In Another World’s Approach To The Unbeatable Master Is A Refreshing Break From The Traditional Isekai Plot
This Isekai Shows That More Can Be Done With the Overpowered Hero Trope
This is where the story takes a refreshing turn.In a clever twiston theSolo Levelingstrongman theme, much like the double-dungeon Sung Jinwoo encounters early on, the forest proves far more dangerous than Banaza expected. He is immediately faced with multiple life-threatening challenges that would overwhelm any average human like him. However, in amanner reminiscent of Jinwoo, Banaza’s deep understanding of the world’s power system allows him not only to level up but to do so at an astonishing pace.
Within minutes, he unlocks powers and abilities that would normally take years — if not decades — for others to master. Yet his rapid progression isn’t due to some hidden manipulation by all-powerful beings, but rather because the power system mirrors the one he used every day as a merchant in his original world. In this case,his “ordinary” knowledge becomes his greatest strength.
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After failing to use his abilities to return to his home world, Banaza decides to make the most of his life in Klyrode by using his powers to fight the threat he was originally brought there to vanquish. However, just like Jinwoo, Banaza discovers that leveling up is not all it’s cracked up to be. There’s more to the powers that threaten Klyrode’s existence, and some of that may be connected to the dark secrets behind its need to invite outside heroes to its rescue. Indeed, as the saying goes – and Banaza learns the humorously enlightening way – with great power comes great responsibility.
The Series Proves The Hidden Flexibility Of The Isekai Genre
The Genre May Be Oversaturated But It Still Offers Diversity
Beyond its narrative, what makesChillin' In Another Worlda compelling Isekai story isits creative blend of diverse themes and storytelling styles, resulting in a dynamic and multi-layered story. On one hand, the story leveragesthe classic isekai premiseof a “fish out of water” protagonist navigating an unfamiliar world, often against their will. This is expertly combined with theSolo Leveling"zero-to-hero" trope. Additionally, the narrative seamlessly weaves in a romance subplot, a buddy story, and intricate political drama. Rather than conflicting with one another, these disparate storylines complement and enrich the overall narrative.
Chillin’ In Another Worldalso doesn’t miss a chance totake a few humorous pokes atSolo Leveling. Unlike Jinwoo, whose personality undergoes a significant transformation from timid and insecure to confident yet aloof and ruthless against monsters, Banaza remains remarkably consistent throughout. Notably, while Jinwoo struggles to overcome the trauma of being betrayed and abandoned by his team in the double dungeon, Banaza takes being summoned from his world and subsequently abandoned in stride.
It is precisely Banaza’s affable, easy-going, and inclusive nature that forms the foundation of his success and sanity in Klyrode. In fact,embracing a carefree attitude— or simply “chillin' out” — is a valuable lesson Banaza could teach Jinwoo. From the effortless way Banaza levels up to his humorous and nonchalant use of his newfound abilities,Chillin’ In Another Worldserves as a fittingisekaicounterpoint to the intense world and brooding protagonist ofSolo Leveling.
