The Ultimate Guide to Embarking on an Epic Journey in That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

The anime series for That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime has been highly popular since its premiere in 2018. However, it's important to know that the franchise originally began as a web novel, which then evolved into a series of light novels that were first published in 2013. These light novels were later adapted into a manga, and eventually transformed into an anime. This can be quite overwhelming for a new fan who wants to start exploring the series. So, here's a helpful guide to help new fans determine where to begin with That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime.

It should be noted that the light novels, manga, and anime for Slime each follow different storylines. Among these, the light novels are the most progressed in terms of storytelling. However, it's important to understand that while there may be certain variations between the adaptations, these differences are generally insignificant. Overall, all three versions primarily present the same narrative, just through different mediums. Therefore, any of the three options can be a suitable starting point for a newbie to the franchise.

Out of the three options, the anime is the easiest to access. With the third season of Slime on the horizon, it's an especially great choice for new fans. Ultimately, the decision of which version to choose will depend on personal preference. To help fans make an informed decision, here's a breakdown of each iteration of the series.

That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime's Light Novels Came First

For those who may not be familiar with the concept, light novels are books that typically have a shorter length and contain illustrations throughout the story. When Fuse, the creator of the series, gained popularity with their web novel, Micro Magazine, a publisher, obtained the rights to publish the story. Although the web novel concluded, the light novel series has continued and is expected to release at least two more volumes. Currently, there are 20 volumes of the light novels available, with 16 of them having been translated and published in the United States by Yen Press since 2017. Furthermore, there are two databooks/side stories and three spinoffs that were released in 2021, but none of these additional works have been translated yet.

That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime's Manga Drove Popularity

The popular light novel series was chosen to be adapted into a manga by Kodansha and was first serialized in their Monthly Shonen Sirius magazine. Illustrated by the talented Taiki Kawakami, the manga was launched in Japan in 2015 and made its way to the United States in 2017. So far, it has been published in 23 volumes, with 22 of them already translated and available to readers in the US. Because the manga format incorporates less text compared to a novel, the translation process is quicker, resulting in a shorter waiting time between the release of each manga volume as opposed to the light novel volumes.

The series is still ongoing, with a track record of more than 100 chapters. In addition to the main manga, there are several spinoff mangas focusing on different characters and side stories. Almost all of them have been released in English, except for one that may be too new to have been translated yet. For those who can't get enough of Slime, turning to the manga is the perfect solution due to the vast amount of content available.

That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime's Anime Hit It Big

The Slime anime is a faithful adaptation of the manga, closely following its storyline. Produced by the studio Eight Bit, the series first aired in 2018. It consists of a 24-episode first season, along with 5 special episodes that were initially released on DVD. These special episodes feature original anime content, including a three-part school storyline written by Fuse himself. Following the success of the first two seasons, a third season is currently in the works and is expected to have the same number of episodes. Fans can anticipate its release in Spring 2024. Moreover, an anime movie titled "That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime: Scarlet Bond" premiered on November 25, 2022, in Japan and subsequently in the US on January 20, 2023.

Aside from the main anime, the 12-episode gag series Slime Diaries has also been adapted into an animated format, although it is not considered part of the main series. All episodes of That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime, Slime Diaries, and the movie can be streamed on Crunchyroll, while the first season is also available on Hulu.

Which Version of That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime is Best?

When it comes to deciding which version of the story is superior, opinions vary among fans. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and preferred medium. The light novels present the original narrative, adding depth to certain characters and their motives through the art of prose. On the other hand, the manga is translated into English more quickly, making it a suitable choice for those eager to discover what happens next. The anime is easily accessible in the US, perhaps even more so than obtaining the light novels or manga volumes. However, the drawback lies in the lengthy gaps between seasons, necessitating patience from viewers who wish to avoid spoilers.

Engaging with Slime in any way, it remains an epic fantasy series focused on the creation of a monster nation and the fight against those who threaten Rimuru's subjects. The protagonist, Rimuru Tempest, adds a unique charm to the series, and this character is consistent throughout all three mediums. To begin exploring That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime, simply select one version and immerse yourself.