What's the Best World-Building Fantasy Series You’ve Read?

Perhaps no series has captured the essence of world-building better than That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime (Tensura) by Satoshi Tajiri. While it may not be the Lord Of The Rings or the One Piece, this manga series has more than enough depth to justify its existence in the fantasy genre.

Introduction to Tensura

That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, or Tensura, is a fantastical series that offers a unique take on the fantasy genre. The story follows Mikami Satoru, a 37-year-old Japanese man who, after a tragic death, reincarnates as a slime. Unexpectedly, Mikami finds himself in a new world, the Cardinal World, where he begins to build a nation from the ground up.

The series, while initially absurd and easy to dismiss, quickly immerses the reader into its intricate lore, offering a rich tapestry of world-building that spans politics, economics, and cultural diversity.

World-Building: A Nation Built From Scratch

What sets Tensura apart is the depth of its world-building. Unlike many fantasy series that focus on exploration and adventures, Tensura takes a unique approach. The protagonist actively builds a nation, which provides a platform for the development of a complex political and social structure.

The world-building is not limited to one continent or one region; instead, it spans a vast universe with different dimensions and a cosmology that is nothing short of phenomenally intricate. The series introduces readers to the Star King Dragon Veldanava, the Creator, and the origins of various creatures and races, leading to an elaborate universe filled with diverse lifeforms.

Magical and Skill Systems

Tensura offers a rich arsenal of magical and skill systems, which are central to its world-building. The different types of magic include Elemental Magic, Holy Magic, Spirit Magic, and Summoning Magic, each with its own unique properties and drawbacks. The series also introduces a complex system of skills, ranging from common skills to ultimate skills, adding another layer of depth to the world.

The interplay between these systems and how they shape the society and culture of the Cardinal World is what makes Tensura a standout in the fantasy genre. The series explores the balance between magic and skills, and how they influence the political and social structures of the world.

Story Structure and Pacing

While the world-building in Tensura is undeniably impressive, the story structure and pacing can be somewhat of a drawback. The series centers around a straightforward conflict between good and evil, which, while engaging, is not as complex as the world-building suggests. The main characters, while well-drawn, do not add significant depth to the narrative.

Moreover, the series tends to delve into technical aspects of magic and skills more often than necessary, which can slow down the overall pace of the story. For some viewers, this pacing can feel tedious, but for others, it offers a more in-depth understanding of the lore.

Personal Reflection and Recommendation

In my opinion, Tensura is a complete set of painting tools that, unfortunately, the writer has only managed to draw a simple stickman. It is a series that requires patience and a willingness to explore a unique and complex world. However, for those who enjoy a meticulously crafted fantasy world, Tensura is an invaluable resource.

While the execution of the story may not be perfect, the world-building and the rich lore are well worth the investment of time. If you are fascinated by complex political systems, diverse cultures, and intricate magical systems, then Tensura is definitely worth a read or watch.

Overall, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime is a testament to the potential of fantasy series in terms of world-building. It is a must-read for fans of the genre looking for a detailed and immersive experience.