Introduction & Hook
If you’re an isekai anime fan who’s ever thought, “I want an overpowered lead, demons, magic, intrigue, and maybe a hint of romance,” then The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World might already be on your radar. But does it live up to that promise? In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes this series stand out (or falter), and why it deserves your streaming queue.
With a blend of exorcism arts, reincarnation, political schemes, and mystical battles, this anime straddles familiar territory—but sometimes familiarity is comforting. In a sea of isekai, can this one shine? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Background & Production Details
Before we get into plot and impressions, here’s the essential info every anime fan loves to know.
- Original Source: The series is based on a light novel written by Kiichi Kosuzu. It was first serialized online on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in December 2018.
- Publishers & Volumes: The novel has been published by Futabasha (under M Novels and later Monster Bunko imprints). At present, there are 5 volumes under the original imprint, and more under the later edition.
- Manga Adaptation: The manga version, illustrated by Toshinori Okazaki, began in May 2020 and is also published by Futabasha.
- Anime Adaptation: The TV anime was produced by Studio Blanc, directed by Ryōsuke Shibuya with chief direction by Nobuyoshi Nagayama, and with scripts by Tōko Machida.
- Broadcast & Streaming: It aired from January 7, 2023, to April 1, 2023, for a total of 13 episodes. The series was broadcast on AT-X, Tokyo MX, BS11, among others, and licensed by Crunchyroll for streaming outside Asia.
- Music & Theme Songs: The opening theme is “Reconnection” by Angela, and the ending themes are performed by Azumi Waki, Nene Hieda, and Akari Kitō.
This is a fairly recent isekai adaptation, with modern production values and a lot riding on execution more than novelty.
🧙♂️ Premise & Story Overview (With Caution to Spoilers)
Premise / Setup
In his original life, Haruyoshi Kugano was a supremely powerful exorcist. But betrayal by a trusted disciple leads to his demise. At the brink of death, he casts a reincarnation spell, intending to be reborn — but fate twists things: he awakens in another world (a fantasy medieval-type realm), not back in his homeland. In this new life, he is reborn as Seika Lamprogue, the third adopted son in a noble family. However, in this world, “magic” operates differently — and Seika’s old exorcist powers don’t neatly map to local elemental magic.
Seika’s original desire is simple: a quiet life, away from politics and power struggles. But his curiosity, innate sense of justice, and sheer strength gradually draw him into conflict—he can’t help but protect those around him. He teams up with Yifa, his loyal servant with the potential to use spirit magic, and Amyu, a mysterious young mage student whose powers exceed expectations.
From demon invasions to academy politics, assassination plots to prophesies of a Demon King, the story escalates quickly. Seika’s past-life identity, secrets surrounding his soul, and the looming tension between human and demon kind all feed into the stakes. In the final episode of Season 1, Seika rescues Amyu from imprisonment, reveals to her that she is the Hero (albeit one not free from danger), and prepares to leave the academy behind with his companions to begin their journey as adventurers.
Character Highlights & Dynamics
- Seika Lamprogue / Haruyoshi Kugano
The reincarnated protagonist. He retains his exorcist techniques, sealed spirits, talismans, jutsu, and curses. Because local magic doesn’t align with his powers, he often appears “magic-less” at first, underestimating. His strength is tempered by intelligence, patience, and a desire to avoid attention. But he has to navigate nobles, demons, and prophecy. - Yifa
Seika’s childhood companion and personal servant. She has latent spirit magic ability, often hidden or undeveloped, and she is fiercely loyal to Seika. Her arc involves growth in magic and carving her own path. - Amyu
A powerful magic student whose abilities exceed expectations. She resembles a disciple Seika had in his original life, adding mystery and tension. Her role becomes central to the bigger story. - Fiona
The Holy Princess with foresight. She plays political games, knowing more than she lets on. She is also entangled in Seika’s secret and has her own agenda. - Grey & Luft
Seika’s adoptive brothers. Grey antagonizes him (often cynically), while Luft is kinder. Their relationships affect Seika’s social standing and conflicts at the academy. - Demons, Allies & Enemies
The show also features a pantheon of demon lords (Zor, Muderev, Lo-Ni, Pyrslaria, Gull-Ganis) and demon servants, who are drawn into war stakes, shifting alliances, and dramatic confrontations.
✅ What Works (Strengths)
1. Refreshingly Different Power System
What separates Strongest Exorcist from many isekai is how Seika’s powers don’t map neatly onto local magic. Instead of being instantly OP in a new world, he has to hide, adapt, and interface his exorcist arts with the world’s elements. This tension makes each fight more intriguing. Many reviews praise this difference.
2. Strong Protagonist with Mystery
Seika is no bland “overpowered” blank-slate lead. He has a past life, regrets, ambitions, and moral restraints. He wants to avoid drama—but fate drags him in. That internal conflict makes his actions richer.
3. Balanced Pacing & Emotional Beats
While the show dives into action, battles, and politics, it also gives breathing room to relationships—friendship, loyalty, mentorship. We see Seika teach Yifa, interact with classmates, and maneuver palace intrigues. These slower moments build emotional weight for the confrontations.
4. Character Chemistry & Supporting Cast
Yifa’s bond with Seika, Amyu’s mysteriousness, Fiona’s political tension, and even the adoptive brothers add layers to the drama. Secondary characters aren’t throwaways—many have motives and development arcs.
5. Strong Visuals, Demon Design & Battles
The animation, especially in demon battle scenes, is competent and often delivers. The demon lords, monster designs, spirit sequences, and special effects bring flair to climactic showdowns. Many viewers cite “legitimately terrifying summons” in the demons of the series.
⚠️ What Falls Short (Weaknesses / Criticisms)
1. Familiar Tropes & Predictability
At its heart, this is still an isekai story with many genre staples: reincarnation, overpowered MC, prophecy, demons vs humans, love interests galore. For seasoned fans, certain plot beats can feel predictable. One critic summed it up as “recycled tropes.”
2. Uneven Side Plot Focus
Some episodes emphasize side plots or political intrigue that distract from the momentum. In between big battles, pacing sometimes drags, and a few arcs feel padded.
3. Lack of Novelty in Romance
Romantic tension exists (e.g., Yifa’s feelings, Fiona’s complex bond), but romance never becomes the main attraction. Some viewers feel the romantic elements are underplayed or inconsistent.
4. Mixed Reviews & Polarized Reactions
While many praise the series, others view it less favorably. One YouTube review titled “flakey mess” criticized the show for compensating lack of plot with meaningless fights. Some reviews also point to weak exposition or underdeveloped worldbuilding.
5. No Confirmed Second Season (Yet)
Despite a strong ending in Season 1, there is no official announcement yet for a Season 2. That leaves viewers in suspense. (More on this below.)
📊 Ratings, Reviews & Commercial Success
Reception & Ratings
- IMDb lists the anime with 8.7/10 for Season 1. IMDb
- On IMDb’s review section, it is described as having mixed reviews, with praise for its entertaining plot and charismatic protagonist. IMDb
- Commonsense Media gave a more cautious rating: grading it as “13+” due to fantasy violence, mild nudity, and use of “damn/hell” in language. Common Sense Media
- Many fan reviews (Reddit, Facebook) emphasize that the show “stood out among recent releases,” or that it was “entertaining throughout.” Reddit
- A Medium review described it as “not revolutionary, but refreshingly fun and engaging.” Medium
- AllAnimeMags’s verdict: “predictable yet enjoyable isekai.” allanimemags.com
So while the series doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it generally receives positive reception from viewers who value pacing, characters, and solid action.
Commercial / Circulation Success
- As of December 2022 (before the anime), the light novel series had reached 1 million copies in circulation. Wikipedia
- There is limited public data on anime-specific revenue (streaming deals, merchandise, Blu-ray sales, etc.). No official statement I found enumerated anime profits.
- Demand metrics: According to Parrot Analytics, the show’s demand data is monitored, showing interest in global markets. tv.parrotanalytics.com
Though we don’t have precise revenue numbers, the fact that the novel series hit a million in circulation prior to the anime is promising. Strong audience demand post-airing would further drive merchandise, licensing, and future seasons.
🕰️ What About Season 2 / Future Prospects?
Is there a second season?
As of now, no official announcement for Season 2 has been made. Many anime communities and fans hope for it—Reddit threads show interest and speculation. Reddit
The ending of Season 1 is structured to continue. It doesn’t close all the story arcs; instead, it sets up Seika, Amyu, Yifa, and Fiona traveling as adventurers, teasing more conflicts ahead.
Given the positive reception and the commercial potential, a Season 2 seems plausible—especially if the producers see solid streaming numbers and merchandise demand. But until there’s an official announcement, it’s speculative.
When might Season 2 come?
If it follows common anime patterns, a renewal might be announced within 1–2 years post-season. So, possibly in late 2024 or 2025. But that depends on licensing, production schedules, and source material availability.
🎯 Why You Should Watch (Persuasion & Pitch)
- A Strong Balance of Action, Intrigue & Character Growth
Unlike pure fight-fests, the series weaves in politics, betrayal, prophecy, and relationships. You’ll want to see how Seika maneuvers through both open demons and closed-door conspiracies. - Freshness in the Power System
Seika’s exorcist arts, sealed spirits, curses, talismans, and jutsu provide a magical flavor distinct from elemental “fireball/ice shard” tropes. Watching him adapt to a new world’s magical rules brings unpredictability. - Complex Secrets & Worldbuilding Unraveled Over Time
Each episode unpeels a layer: Why was Seika reborn here? What is Amyu’s full role? What hidden alliances do Fiona and Gray have? It invites speculation and theories. - Emotional Stakes & Relationships
The bond between Seika and Yifa, the enigma of Amyu, and the political webs involving Fiona make the viewers care—not just about battles, but about people. - Solid Animation & Demon Designs
For fans of dark fantasy, the demons, powers, spiritual symbolism, and battle sequences deliver. The visuals support impact rather than overshadow the story. - A Satisfying Yet Open-Ended Season
Season 1 achieves a sense of closure for its arcs, while leaving threads open that will make you want to tune in for Season 2. - Not Overly Long / Accessible Binge
With only 13 episodes, it’s a manageable commitment. You can experience the whole arc, get invested, and hope for more.
If you’re into shows like Mushoku Tensei, The Rising of the Shield Hero, Re: Zero, or other darkish isekai with layered storytelling, The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World deserves your attention.
🧠 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Below are some common questions that potential viewers might ask.
Q1: Is The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World worth watching?
A: Yes—if you enjoy isekai with a protagonist who isn’t simply omnipotent from the start, and you appreciate mixtures of magic, politics, and relational drama. The show shines in how Seika adapts exorcist techniques to a new world, and the story maintains momentum without relying solely on constant action.
Q2: How many episodes does Season 1 have?
A: 13 episodes, aired from January to April 2023.
Q3: Where can I watch it?
A: Outside Asia, Crunchyroll holds streaming rights.
Q4: What is the anime’s rating/score?
A: IMDb scores it at 8.7/10. IMDb Additional reviews are mixed to positive, with praise for the lead character, pacing, and action, and criticism for trope reliance.
Q5: Will there be a Season 2?
A: As of now, no official confirmation has been made. But the story’s ending strongly hints at continuation (as characters set out on adventures). Fans remain hopeful. Reddit
Q6: How does this anime compare to other isekai?
A: Compared to many isekai, this series emphasizes adaptation over instant dominance. The internal logic of melding exorcist arts and elemental magic, plus political intrigue, gives it a slightly more grounded touch. However, it still shares many genre conventions: reincarnation, prophecy, harem undertones, and battles against demon lords.
Q7: Are there any content warnings (violence, nudity, etc.)?
A: Yes. Commonsense Media rates it 13+ for fantasy violence, some blood, monster/demon battles, and mild partial nudity (e.g., glimpses of a woman’s lower back). Language includes “damn” and “hell.” Common Sense Media
Q8: How many light novel volumes exist?
A: At the time of writing, there are five main volumes (under the original M Novels imprint), plus additional volumes under Monster Bunko reprints.
Q9: Does the anime cover the entire light novel story?
A: No—Season 1 covers only part of the story. Many plot threads remain open. A second season (if produced) would likely adapt further volumes.
Q10: What type of audience will enjoy this anime the most?
A: Fans who like fantasy + supernatural elements, strategic battles, mysteries behind characters, and a hero whose power comes with constraints and adaptation rather than simple overpowered dominance.
🧭 Final Thoughts & Recommendation
The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World is not a perfect anime—and it does tread some familiar isekai ground—but it also brings enough fresh ideas, interesting character dynamics, and solid pacing to earn a place in your watchlist.
If you’re looking for:
- A protagonist who is competent but not an instantaneous god-tier
- Intrigue, demon politics, prophecy
- Balancing action scenes with slower emotional and political beats
- A short 13-episode series to binge
… then this is a strong pick.
Yes, the possibility of no confirmed Season 2 yet is a drawback. But the positive reception, streaming momentum, and open-ended finale suggest that a continuation is possible—if fans make enough noise.
So give it a try. Watch the first few episodes with an open mind. Let Seika’s secrets unfold, enjoy the magical battles, and you might just find yourself hooked, theorizing, and longing for the next season.