Anime Review – The Unwanted Undead Adventurer (2024) Episodes 1-3

Renett Faina is an adventurer who has been an adventurer for about 10 years. Even though he is an experienced adventurer he is not a good one. One day when exploring a dungeon, he discovers a path that is not present on a map he decides to explore as he can sell the information to the guild for a lot of money.

However, when exploring this new area of the dungeon he sees a dragon and then proceeds to be killed by said dragon. Renett then wakes up as a skeleton, he has become undead. Keeping all of his memories he now lives his life as a member of the undead with one goal in mind to try and become as close to human as possible and become the highest-ranking adventurer across the land.

What makes The Unwanted Undead Adventurer good is our main lead. Renett Faina voiced by Ryouta Suzuki is a great lead and Ryouta Suzuki brings a ton of layers to the character. Seeing Renett struggle to regain aspects of his humanity is entertaining. But while it is entertaining it is slow. By the end of episode 3, we are finally reaching a big action set piece and a potential turning point in the narrative. Which is a shame as I like the lead and I want to see him achieve his goals.

Shockingly the side characters are also great. During episode 2 we are introduced to Rina Rupaage who is truly a likeable and kind character. She is a beacon of light in a cruel world, and I hope we get more of her soon. I think the animation is very solid and there is great attention to detail. For example, Rina Rupaage wears a pink attire but while in the dungeon it has this blueish tint to it due to the lighting. There is some 3D work as well that I feel is well handled and there is a slime-like creature that is stunning.

It is just a shame that even after 3 episodes the overarching story does not feel truly cemented. The only plot thread that is left unresolved is how is Renett not simply dead and I do not know how long that will keep my intrigue for. The Unwanted Undead Adventurer is a fun fantasy show but it could be so much more which is what frustrates me the most. There is so much good in this show but I’m wondering what is meant to keep me going for 12 episodes. It is worth a watch though but maybe wait till all the episodes have aired just to binge it.

★★★

Airing now on Crunchyroll | Ryouta Suzuki, Mikako Komatsu, Sayumi Suzushiro | Dir: Noriaki Akitaya | Studio: Connect

About the Author

Robert Ewing

Author

Rob is a freelance film critic and writer who specialises in Anime and Asian cinema. I have adored film since a young age, having watched films that were far too old for me, such as RoboCop, Die Hard, and Hot Tub Time Machine, to discovering the heights of foreign cinema through films like Headhunters and Battle Royale. Growing up with such a diverse catalogue of films that I cherished sparked my desire to discuss them. This passion eventually led me to become a reviewer. Dissecting films, speaking to filmmakers I admire, and showcasing the best of Asian and anime cinema is how I live my best and truest life.

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