“Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy” Episode 1 is out! Honestly, I had a lot of fun with “Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy” more than I anticipated. The comedic take of Makoto’s “self-aware” dive into another world is ridiculously entertaining. He knows about it, but it’s his reactions to his “expectations vs reality” that makes it funny. It parodies the Isekai genre in a sweet and complimenting way. The episode is titled, “Failed… Hero.”
Makoto doesn’t get hit by a truck or mysteriously pulled into an Isekai. Instead, he just plainly floats into another void. We also meet the ruler of the realm of night, Tsukuyomi, and discover that Makoto’s parents did a reverse-Isekai to Japan. Makoto’s nerdiness shows as he quickly grasps the fantasy adventure he is about to take. Everything seems okay so far in “Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy” Episode 1, or so we thought.
Unfortunately, the noble goddess instantly rejects him for being ugly. (Uh-oh!) She banishes to the edge of the world. Fortunately, Tsukuyomi appears again to grant him the gift of freedom! Apparently, Makoto will also be fine because he’s crazy powerful in this world. After three days of wandering, Makoto sees it for himself, because he literally kicks through a monster!
This is definitely not the Isekai we or Makoto was expecting. However, it’s old-school quality makes it feel very nostalgic. Makoto makes the best of this as he meets a kind orc named Emma. He learns different sorts of magic from her.
Later, he attempts to play hero as he leaves to attack the monster threatening the village. It’s surprising to see his quick mastery of it! However, it doesn’t last because Makoto accidentally destroys the monster’s home. A fearsome battle ensues with the female dragon Shen! Well, sort of.
Events unfold and Shen becomes interested in Makoto’s mundane life. (It was definitely his failed juicy love life that sold her.) Anyway, it’s our Hero’s first companion in this world! Not exactly how it was supposed to go, but nevertheless a good development.
One reason why I was so excited to see this show is that our protagonist’s voice actor is Natsuki Hanae! As it turns out, he absolutely brings Makoto’s charming, struggling, and basic personality to life. I’m honestly excited to see what our unlucky protagonist will do on his road to becoming an “Isekai hero.” Whether he fails or not, I’m really interested to see how his adventures develops!
All in all, it’s a good “interest-piquing” first episode! It’s obviously a parody of the Isekai genre, but it is also not too dramatic and playfully fun. The comedy part of it is also easily enjoyable. “Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy” Episode 1 has a very engaging story that any anime fan or beginner can enjoy — an epic fantasy Isekai dream!
Episode 2 is titled “Black Spider of Disaster” airs on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 11:00 PM (JST). It will also be available to watch on Crunchyroll and Muse Asia in select regions. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to vote for it as well in our weekly poll! Furthermore, you may read all our other stories on the site.
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy follows Makoto Misumi, an ordinary high school student living a regular life. Suddenly, he is summoned to another world to become a Hero. The goddess, however, insults him and casts him off to the edge of the world! As he wanders the wilderness, Makoto encounters dragons, spiders, orcs, dwarves, and all sorts of non-human tribes. In this fantasy, Makoto tries to make a better world despite the humans and gods having turned their backs on him.
Images via Crunchyroll
©あずみ圭・アルファポリス/月が導く異世界道中製作委員会