Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World (2021)

Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World (Re:ゼロから始める異世界生活), often referred to simply as Re:Zero, is a Japanese light novel series written by Tappei Nagatsuki and illustrated by Shin'ichirō Ōtsuka. It began serialization as a web novel on the user-generated website Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2012. As of March 2023, the series includes 39 light novel main works, 6 side story novels, and 11 short story collections published by Media Factory under their MF Bunko J imprint. The story follows Subaru Natsuki, a hikikomori who is suddenly summoned to another world on his way home from the convenience store. He discovers he has the power of Return by Death, which allows him to rewind time upon dying. He must use this ability to protect those he cares about and uncover the secrets of this new world. Re:Zero is praised for its fresh take on the “another world” concept, fleshed-out characters, complex world and lore, and thought-provoking themes. The series has been adapted into multiple manga and anime series, and has received several awards, including the 2015–2016 Newtype Anime Awards and a nomination for Anime of the Year at the 2017 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The series remained active in 2021, with the second half of the anime's second season airing from January to March 2021 and the release of the related game Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World: The Prophecy of the Throne. Furthermore, a collaboration event between Re:Zero and the game Puyo Puyo Quest took place in August 2021.