Isekai anime have become a staple of modern anime seasons, with each new entry attempting to stand out among the countless others. The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World follows a familiar formula: an overpowered protagonist, a magical world, and plenty of action-packed encounters. However, this series puts a slight twist on the genre by focusing on spiritual power rather than traditional magic. Does it do enough to distinguish itself from the sea of isekai titles, or is it just another power fantasy?
Anime March Madness: Anime #2
- Full Genre List: Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Isekai
- Key Themes: Reincarnation, Betrayal, Overpowered Protagonist, Found Family
- Type: Series
- Episodes: 13
- Total Watch Time: 5 Hours
- Age Restriction: PG-13
- Trigger Warnings: Violence, Death, Slavery Themes
- Release Date: 2023
- Animation Studio: Studio Blanc
- English Dub: Yes
- Source: Digital Novel
- Kanji: 最強陰陽師の異世界転生記
- Alternative Title: Saikyou Onmyouji no Isekai Tenseiki
- Average Rating Across Platforms: 6.8/10
- Where to Stream: Crunchyroll
- Does the Story Continue in the Source Material? Yes
- Official Website: saikyo-onmyouji.jp
- Official Hashtags: #最強陰陽師の異世界転生記
What is Strongest Exorcist in Another World About?
The anime follows a powerful exorcist who, after being betrayed and killed in his past life, is reincarnated in a world filled with magic. Instead of embracing the world’s magic system, he continues using his exorcism techniques from his previous life. Determined to keep a low profile, he avoids flaunting his strength—but naturally, trouble always finds him.
Why Strongest Exorcist in Another World?
I decided to join Rockweaver over on Kitsu in watching Saikyou Onmyouji no Isekai Tenseiki. Although it wasn’t originally on my list of 31 anime for this challenge, I wanted to show my appreciation for his participation despite his own busy schedule and unique approach to the event.
How far did I get in my first watch-through?
I initially started watching this anime as it aired weekly but fell behind and ended up placing it on my on-hold list. According to my screenshots, I had reached episode five, with my last viewing session being on 22 August 2024. Now, I’m finally giving it a proper watch-through to see if it holds my attention.
My Thoughts on Strongest Exorcist in Another World
First Impressions
The incantations are ridiculously long. The protagonist tries his best to remain inconspicuous, yet somehow, he constantly finds himself in situations that draw attention. He goes to great lengths to shift the perception of being “the strongest” onto his friend, the so-called hero. Also, my husband calls this “the origami anime,” which gave me a good laugh.
Is This Just Another Isekai?
Absolutely. This anime follows the standard isekai formula:
- The protagonist gets reincarnated into a new world.
- He insists he just wants to be “normal.”
- He inevitably attracts a “harem” of female companions who help him fight.
Sometimes, this formula works well. Here, however, it feels like a cut-and-paste job with little innovation. While I appreciate the explanation of the protagonist’s powers and the world-building, they don’t do enough to elevate the story beyond its generic framework.
The Plot
The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World is a textbook isekai, but that doesn’t mean it’s without merit. While it follows the genre’s familiar blueprint, it has a unique hook in its exorcist-turned-magic-user protagonist. The blend of spiritual energy and traditional magic, alongside the protagonist’s struggle to remain under the radar, adds a layer of intrigue that sets it apart—if only slightly.
- Strengths: Entertaining premise, well-paced storytelling, intriguing power system, and moments of stunning animation.
- Weaknesses: Over-reliance on genre tropes, inconsistent animation quality, and some underdeveloped characters.
Main Character (MC)
The MC’s past-life death is reminiscent of Utsuro’s backstory in Gintama—the strongest man, taken down by his own students. In his new life, he resembles the protagonist from The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World. His goal? To manipulate others to craft his ideal life while avoiding recognition as “the strongest.”
For some reason, his previous life’s spiritual power is different from the magic in this world. He can’t use the conventional magic system, so he simulates it using spiritual energy. Why? There’s no real explanation. But it doesn’t matter because, in the end, everything conveniently goes “according to plan.”
Supporting Cast
I don’t have much to say about the supporting characters. While they are given “backstories,” these often feel shallow and are typically resolved within a single episode. Their pasts offer little emotional resonance or depth, failing to distinguish them from their respective tropes or roles in the story.
On a personal note, I’ve grown weary of isekai narratives where the protagonist’s circle of companions is exclusively female. While I don’t mind the inclusion of female friends, it would be refreshing to see a male companion or two in the mix. To be fair, this might be more a reflection of my own preferences than a particular flaw of the series itself.
Art & Music
The art and music are fine but unremarkable. The animation feels flat—not terrible, just uninspired. However, at times it becomes really detailed and pretty – it made me wonder if I was watching the same anime. It serves its purpose but does nothing to elevate the overall experience.
Hooked By
I was drawn in by the novelty of an exorcist determined to hide his immense power using old-school techniques. I rather enjoyed that his overpoweredness was the problem throughout the series. Even though he was handling every threat and problem with his ability, it was often that very strength that caused the problems. The lengthy incantations and the idea of not flaunting one’s abilities despite being capable of overwhelming feats initially piqued my curiosity. Even the light-hearted moments—like my husband’s humorous labelling of it as “the origami anime”—lent the experience a quirky, if familiar, charm.
Overall Verdict
The Reincarnation Of The Strongest Exorcist In Another World is, at its core, a predictable yet enjoyable isekai. It explores some ideas that hint at originality (especially in its treatment of magic versus spiritual energy and the MC’s deliberate low-key approach) but ultimately reverts to well-worn tropes and plot conveniences.
The pacing is smooth, making it an easy watch, and the world-building is compelling enough to keep viewers engaged. While it doesn’t break new ground, it delivers on what it promises: an enjoyable, well-executed fantasy adventure with a protagonist who’s always three steps ahead.
- Bingeability: With only 13 episodes wrapped up in a neat 5-hour package, it’s an easy binge for when you’re in the mood for a light, fun watch.
- Recommendation: If you’re a fan of the isekai genre and can appreciate a narrative that doesn’t stray too far from the formula—even if it means encountering a few clichés along the way—then this series is definitely worth your time.
In sum, while it isn’t revolutionary, there’s a certain charm in its competent world-building and the way it plays with familiar expectations. If nothing else, it’s a fun, low-stakes adventure when you just want to kick back with the digital equivalent of comfort food.
Have you watched The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World?
My rating: 6/10
Date watched and completed: 2 March 2025
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