No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 review: Osamu Dazai’s melancholy sets up a perfect Isekai with dark humor

AtelierPondarc’s production of No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 has caused a stir in the community since its debut on July 9, 2024. The production team has successfully captured the essence of author Hiroshi Noda and illustrator Takahiro Wakamatsu’s Isekai fantasy manga series in the first episode, earning high praise from viewers.

Despite only covering the first chapter and the first eight pages of chapter 2, the episode effectively established the mood and tone of the series. This was achieved through the intriguing personality of the protagonist, Osamu Dazai aka Sensei, whose intense desire to die adds a dark humor to the narrative. Unlike other Isekai MCs who strive for heroism in a foreign world, Sensei’s unconventional goal adds a unique twist to the story.

Ultimately, what makes humor so crucial in this anime is the way it is used to convey the serious issue of suicide. By infusing the narrative with a comedic tone, suicide becomes a central theme and adds a unique flair to Sensei’s character. This begs the question, can this be considered the ideal dark comedy anime?

No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1: Osamu Dazai’s Dark Humor Steals the Show

Despite being a literary genius, Osamu Dazai’s attempt to commit double suicide with his beloved, Sacchan, by drowning in the “man-eating river”is foiled by the sudden arrival of truck-kun. Instead, he is transported to a world called Zauberberg, where he must take on the role of a hero and defeat the forces of evil that threaten the land.

While it may appear to be a common theme, as seen in many Isekai storylines, the theme in No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 is undeniably unique. Author Hiroshi Noda cleverly mocks traditional Isekai tropes through the portrayal of Osamu Dazai’s suicidal tendencies and the use of “truck-kun.”

Osamu Dazai and his beloved, Sacchan (Image via AtelierPontdarc)

Truck-kun has become a recognizable trope in the Isekai genre, where anime characters are often hit by a truck and reincarnated in another world. This is a trope that Hiroshi Noda also utilizes, but with his own unique twist. Rather than just being a means of transportation, Truck-kun has been given its own identity and purpose – to transport melancholic individuals from Earth to the mystical world of Zauberberg.

Despite being just a means of transportation, it held a significant role in fulfilling a greater mission. However, it was unaware that Osamu Dazai’s sorrow could only be appeased through his own demise. Following its arrival in Zauberberg during episode 1 of No Longer Allowed in Another World, Sensei encounters Annette, an elven guide for the Isekai heroes, who enlightens him about his true purpose.

Annette is aware that Sensei’s appearance in Zauberberg was a result of a mistake made by Truck-kun. This is evident in the darkly comedic scene in episode 1 of No Longer Allowed in Another World, where the literary genius consumes sleeping pills upon realizing his true purpose in Zauberberg.

Annette, as seen in the episode (Image via AtelierPontdarc)

Despite Annette’s demonstration of a detoxification spell that undermines Sensei’s plans, it should be noted that Sensei’s character is heavily influenced by the real-life literary mastermind, Osamu Dazai. Dazai, known for his significant contributions to the literary world, tragically ended his own life in 1948 after multiple unsuccessful attempts.

Although suicide is a weighty subject, the first episode of No Longer Allowed in Another World utilized it as a framework to highlight Sensei’s personality and establish the overall atmosphere of the series. Sensei spends the entire episode searching for a place to end his life, but ultimately discovers that this option is not available to him.

Sensei and Tama in the episode (Image via AtelierPontdarc)

As he journeys through the wilderness, he encounters a Death Tree, which has captured a young girl. Despite her pleas for aid, Sensei is captivated by the sight of the dying girl. This specific moment in episode 1 of No Longer Allowed in Another World carries a darkly comedic tone, enhanced by fan service and the underlying theme of death.

Despite the other Isekai protagonists’ heroic efforts, Sensei only makes a minimal attempt to save the girl, which undermines their actions. He is not a hero, but rather a victim of his own fate, and ultimately becomes trapped by the Death Tree.

The protagonist is filled with joy upon discovering that the Death Tree drains the life force from its victims. He eagerly awaits his demise as the creature saps all of his strength, relishing the experience. However, the Death Tree ultimately destroys itself after absorbing Sensei’s lethal toxin.

Dazai gets revived by Annette in the episode (Image via AtelierPontdarc)

Despite his best efforts, the woeful writer in No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 remains unable to end his suffering. AtelierPontdarc has skillfully depicted the inversion of Isekai conventions in the initial installment, with dark comedy taking center stage.

Eventually, Sensei comes to the realization that Sacchan must have also been brought to this world when they were both struck by the truck-kun. As a result, the talented writer gains a renewed determination to survive, if only for a little while longer in Zauberberg. However, despite this determination, his original ambition remains as strong as ever, foreshadowing great things to come in the upcoming episodes.

No Longer Alive in Another World: Episode 1 – The Acceptable Production of AtelierPontdarc and the Brilliance of the Voice Actors

As stated, AtelierPontdarc covered the first and last eight pages of chapter two in addition to chapter one of Hiroshi Noda’s Isekai manga series in the first episode of No Longer Allowed in Another World. The debut accurately portrayed the original material and enhanced the illustrations with vibrant hues.

Despite showcasing plenty of action in the opening and ending themes, the studio fell short in certain aspects such as the animation of the flying dragon near the church and the Death Tree.

Sensei, as seen in No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 (Image via AtelierPontdarc)

Although there were some shortcomings in the animation quality for the action-based scenes, the exceptional voice acting by Hiroshi Kamiya as Osamu Dazai more than compensates for those moments.

Hiroshi Kamiya, best known for his roles as Levi in Attack on Titan and Saiki in The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, has captured the essence of Osamu Dazai’s character flawlessly. As a literary genius who longs for death above all else, Dazai’s melancholic voice, brought to life by Kamiya, is a perfect match for the character.

Annette and Tama in No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 (Image via AtelierPontdarc)

In addition, Rumi Ookubo delivered an outstanding performance as Annette’s voice actor in episode 1 of No Longer Allowed in Another World. Annette’s graceful and shy voice adds a charming touch to the show.

Additionally, Sayumi Suzushiro’s portrayal of Tama with her high-pitched voice serves as an ideal contrast to Sensei’s somber and despondent tone. As a whole, the voice actors have excellently captured the emotions of the characters, effectively bringing to life the written words from the manga.

Recommendations for the Future

Osamu Dazai sleeps in a coffin (Image via AtelierPontdarc)

The first episode of No Longer Allowed in Another World has effectively established the tone for the rest of the series by introducing the somber main character, Osamu Dazai. The juxtaposition of Sensei’s suicidal tendencies in an Isekai world adds a touch of dark humor to the story.

AtelierPontdarc successfully captures Hiroshi Noda’s distinct storytelling style, which cleverly satirizes numerous Isekai clichés. It is undeniable that the series has started as an exceptional Isekai anime, effectively utilizing dark humor throughout.