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

Produced by AtelierPondarc, No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 has generated buzz in the community following its premiere on July 9, 2024. The production studio has done an incredible job of portraying the iconic panels from author Hiroshi Noda and illustrator Takahiro Wakamatsu's Isekai fantasy manga series in the first episode.

While the episode covered only the first chapter and the initial eight pages of chapter 2, it effectively set up the mood and tone of the series with the protagonist, Osamu Dazai aka Sensei's interesting personality. Unlike other Isekai MCs who seek heroism in an unknown land, Sensei's intense desire to die lends the narrative its dark humor.

Why humor? Because the serious topic of suicide is given a comedic tone that pervades the narrative, almost becoming its core theme. This approach offers Sensei's character a unique zest that sets him apart. So, the question arises, is this the perfect anime with dark humor?

No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1: Osamu Dazai's dark humor steals the show

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Osamu Dazai, a literary genius, tries to commit double suicide with his beloved, Sacchan, by drowning in the "man-eating river." However, the truck-kun's arrival spoils his plans, transporting him to a world called Zauberberg, where he has to assume the role of a hero and vanquish evil from the land.

Although this theme may seem slightly generic, as it resembles many Isekai plots, No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 demonstrates Hiroshi Noda's ability to mock these Isekai tropes with Osamu Dazai's suicidal nature and the inclusion of "truck-kun."

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

Anime characters getting hit by a truck and being reincarnated in another world has become a common Isekai trope. Hiroshi Noda too doesn't shy away from using this trope but gives the vehicle its own identity, or rather, its "Isekai value." Truck-kun has a job to transport melancholic people from the Earth to Zauberberg.

It's not only a vehicle but an entity with a purpose. Yet, little did it know that Osamu Dazai's melancholy could only be quenched with death. After being transported to Zauberberg in No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1, Sensei meets Annette, an elven guide for the Isekai heroes, who reveals to him his purpose.

Annette realizes that Sensei's arrival in Zauberberg was a mistake made by the Truck-kun. The dark comedy in No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 is on show when the literary genius gobbles up sleeping pills after realizing his purpose in Zauberberg.

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

However, Annette demonstrates a detoxification spell to spoil Sensei's plans. On this note, fans should know that Sensei's character is based on the real-life literary genius, Osamu Dazai, renowned for his massive contribution to the world of literature. He took his own life in 1948, after several failed attempts.

While suicide is a serious topic, No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 used it as a scaffold to showcase Sensei's character and set the overall mood and tone of the show. Throughout the episode, Sensei searches for a place to die, only to find that he cannot.

Sensei and Tama in the episode (Image via AtelierPontdarc)

After venturing into the wild, he confronts a Death Tree that ensnares a girl. While the girl begs for help, Sensei finds the sight of a dying girl beautiful. This scene in No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 evokes dark comedy, especially with concurrent themes of death and fan service.

Sensei tries the barest minimum to save the girl, which ridicules the heroic efforts shown by the other Isekai protagonists. Unlike a hero, he is a victim of his own fate. Eventually, Sensei gets ensnared by the Death Tree.

He is overjoyed to discover that the Death Tree sucks the life force out of its prey. The protagonist revels in delight, awaiting his end as the monster saps all his strength. However, the Death Tree self-destructs after sapping Sensei's "deadly poison."

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

The melancholic writer's misery continues in No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1, as he can't find a way to die. AtelierPontdarc has done an amazing job of portraying the subversion of Isekai tropes in the first episode, with dark humor taking the central stage.

Eventually, Sensei realizes that Sacchan must have also been transported to this world since they were both hit by the truck-kun. As such, the literary genius gets a new resolve to stay alive, just for a little longer in Zauberberg. Yet, despite this resolve, his original desire doesn't perish, and it only promises greatness for the next episodes.

No Longer Alive in Another World episode 1: AtelierPontdarc's acceptable production and the brilliance of the voice actors

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As mentioned, AtelierPontdarc covered chapter one and the first eight pages from chapter two of Hiroshi Noda's Isekai manga series in No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1. The premiere faithfully adapted the source material, elevating the panels with brilliant colors.

However, the studio missed the trick in a few areas, such as the animation of the dragon that flew past the church and the Death Tree. As evident from the opening and ending themes, the anime will focus on plenty of action.

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

Yet, the animation quality for the action-based scenes could have been slightly better. That said, the voice acting by Hiroshi Kamiya as Osamu Dazai makes up for those sub-par moments.

Hiroshi Kamiya, notable for voicing Levi from Attack on Titan, and Saiki in The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, has hit the perfect note for Osamu Dazai. His melancholic voice fits perfectly with the character.

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

Besides him, Rumi Ookubo has done a remarkable job in No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 as Annette's voice actor.

Moreover, Sayumi Suzushiro's high-pitched voice for Tama is the perfect foil for Sensei's melancholic and despair-filled voice. Overall, the voice actors have done a super job conveying the characters' feelings from the manga.

Conclusion

Osamu Dazai sleeps in a coffin (Image via AtelierPontdarc)

No Longer Allowed in Another World episode 1 has perfectly set the stage for the rest of the season with the introduction of the melancholic protagonist, Osamu Dazai. Sensei's suicidal nature, when placed in an Isekai setting, produces dark humor.

AtelierPontdarc has done justice to Hiroshi Noda's unique narrative, which mocks many Isekai tropes with its brilliant writing. Undoubtedly, the series has begun as the perfect Isekai anime, with dark humor playing a major role.