Re:Zero

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Re:Zero ∁EStarting Life in Another World is a Japanese light novel series about Subaru Natsuki, who is transported to a fantasy world and discovers he has the ability to return from death, but at a terrible psychological cost.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Re:Zero

Format

anime_manga

Release Year

2012

Current Status

Unknown

Country of Origin

Japan

Creator

Tappei Nagatsuki (Original Author)

Publisher

Media Factory (Light Novel), Crunchyroll (Anime)

Original Work

anime_manga

Genre

isekai, fantasy, psychological, time loop, magic, romance, dark, light novel, anime, suffering

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Re:Zero.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

A fantasy world filled with magic, demi-humans, and dangerous beasts.

Rules of the World: Magic is based on mana and elemental affinities. The Witch of Envy is a feared figure. The protagonist, Subaru, possesses 'Return by Death', allowing him to restart from a 'save point' after dying.

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Psychological trauma, Perseverance, Self-worth, Consequences, Love and obsession, Mental health

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Re:Zero's global influence.

Creation

2012 - Web novel begins publication

Evolution

From web novel to multimedia franchise with global recognition

Key Milestones

2012: Web novel serialization begins,2014: Light novel publication starts,2016: First anime season airs, massive popularity,2017-2019: Continued light novel and manga publications,2020: Second anime season airs,2021-2022: Multiple game releases and collaborations,2023: Continued anime production and light novel series

Legacy

Redefined isekai genre with psychological complexity and consequences

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Re:Zero.

Subaru Natsuki

“I'll definitely save you. I'll save everyone!”

A Japanese teenager transported to a fantasy world with the ability to return from deathView Profile

Emilia

“Thank you for believing in me when I couldn't believe in myself.”

A half-elf candidate for the throne of Lugunica, kind-hearted but burdened by prejudiceView Profile

Rem

“Starting life in another world from zero... that's not so bad.”

A demon maid working at Roswaal's mansion, deeply devoted to SubaruView Profile

Ram

“Ram is always right, and Barusu is always wrong.”

Rem's twin sister, a demon maid with a sharp tongue and powerful magicView Profile

Beatrice

“Betty has been waiting for you for 400 years, I suppose.”

The librarian spirit who guards the Forbidden Library and becomes Subaru's contracted spiritView Profile

Roswaal L. Mathers

“I will do anything to achieve my goal, even if it means sacrificing everything.”

The eccentric margrave who supports Emilia's candidacy while pursuing his own agendaView Profile

Explore all Re:Zero characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Return by Death?▼

Subaru's ability to rewind time to a specific point after he dies, retaining his memories while the world resets.

Who is Emilia?▼

A half-elf candidate for the royal selection whom Subaru swears to protect. She faces discrimination due to her resemblance to the Witch of Envy.

Who is Rem?▼

A demon maid who serves at the Roswaal mansion. Initially suspicious of Subaru, she eventually develops deep, unconditional love for him.

Why is Re:Zero so popular?▼

It deconstructs the typical "isekai" power fantasy by showing the psychological toll of dying repeatedly and the protagonist's struggle to grow as a person.

Is the anime finished?▼

The anime is ongoing, with Season 3 announced. The light novel source material is also still being published.