Crunchyroll recently made an exciting announcement that left anime enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. The Anime Awards 2023 winners were finally revealed, showcasing the best anime shows of the year. However, amidst the excitement and thrill, viewers who regularly watch seasonal shows were left with a significant question. Where was Mushoku Tensei?
Let’s start with the results of the Anime Awards that took place one year earlier, when Mushoku Tensei was undoubtedly one of the most visually appealing new anime series of the year, starting its run in January 2021. Its outstanding animation and gripping storyline quickly garnered a massive fan base. With such an impressive reputation, many believed that the series would sweep the Anime Awards 2022.
However, despite its dedicated fan following, Mushoku Tensei didn’t perform as well as many had hoped. Even with the aid of a new studio solely devoted to animating the series, it failed to win any awards. Instead, the Best Fantasy award went to “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 2,” leaving many disappointed.
With high hopes for the Anime Awards 2023, Mushoku Tensei was once again in the spotlight. However, to the disappointment of its fans, the series was only nominated in the Best Fantasy Anime category. Although it was up against some fierce competition like Made in Abyss, Ranking of Kings, Overlord IV, and Case Study of Vanitas, the coveted title was won by Demon Slayer.
Anime YouTubers Reaction
Even some of the most prominent anime YouTubers were left scratching their heads over the outcome of the Best Fantasy Anime category at the awards. Two of the biggest names in the community, Mothers Basement and Chibi Reviews, were particularly outspoken in their disappointment over the result, both expressing their confusion over Demon Slayer’s win.
Mothers Basement, in particular, shared a popular meme featuring the series’ protagonist, Tanjiro, looking at his phone with a disgusted expression. This image perfectly encapsulated the sentiment of many Mushoku Tensei fans.
Chibi Reviews, too, was not entirely convinced that Demon Slayer deserved the award in this category. As a respected commentator in the community, his opinion carries a great deal of weight with anime fans across the globe.
Why Mushoku Tensei Is Always Left Behind In Crunchyroll Anime Awards?
There are a multitude of reasons why fans of Mushoku Tensei may feel that the isekai series is unlikely to come out on top in the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. One of the main factors at play is the nomination process itself. Crunchyroll reaches out to numerous anime influencers and experts (called Judges), asking them to suggest the best anime in each category. Unfortunately, despite being one of the most buzzed-about new shows, Mushoku Tensei often finds itself overlooked during this stage. It’s possible that the series’ constant focus on the main character’s pervy behaviour is contributing to this lack of recognition from the judges.
Even if Mushoku Tensei manages to secure a few nominations, it faces a significant challenge in going up against the likes of Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan. Ultimately, the popularity of an anime can be a decisive factor in the awards. The more viewers a series has, the more fans there are who will vote for it.
Despite any disappointment that may come from the Anime Awards results, fans of Mushoku Tensei remain optimistic about the show’s future prospects. The series boasts breathtaking animation and a captivating storyline, showcasing the immense talent behind it. As such, it will continue to be a beloved favorite among isekai fans. Mushoku Tensei season 2 is set to air in 2023.
