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Uncle From Another World, also known as, Isekai Ojisan, unravels the distinctive tropes of Isekai adventures by providing an awkward, grumpy Otaku character to take the lead. Where most Isekai heroes might succeed, Ojisan cannot seem to gain momentum (or comprehend the situation), leading him down a series of comical paths along his journey back home, while fans laugh at his progress on Netflix.
10 The Orc Factor
Generally speaking, the Isekai hero is a handsome fellow with a particularly magnetizing charm about him, however, he is not without his fair share of enemies either. Usually starting as the outcast, the typical Isekai icon soon makes allies along his journey, (generally including a love interest too.)
In Ojisan’s case, however, his features are so unfortunate that he is regularly mistaken for an orc (which are not admired, to put things mildly!) After being sold into slavery for just three coins, Ojisan is subject to severe Fantastic Racism seemingly in every town he travels to, instantly antagonized based on his looks alone.
9 Mundane Appropriation
Not all heroes who return from “another world” do so with their powers intact, but Ojisan is one of the lucky ones, having maintained access to his magic after waking from the coma. Some might have used these superhuman capabilities to make a difference in the world, but Ojisan has other priorities!
Magic is apparently the best alternative to special effects and, together with Takafumi, Ojisan begins to make his name for himself as a YouTube content creator. His mystical capabilities are also quite useful for long-distance deliveries, air conditioning, and cashing in on the perks of being an attractive woman.
8 The Anti-Hero Mentality
In stark contrast to Kirito from Sword Art Online, Ojisan does not give off any Knight-in-shining-armour vibes, quite the opposite in fact! This hero is on his own mission, and while he may help some people along the way, he also causes damage and destruction in many cases, often showing no remorse.
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Even though Ojisan appears to be relatively invincible, his heroic deeds are frequently overshadowed by his prickly personality and unappealing visage. This regularly causes the victims that Ojisan had saved to either hunt him down or flee in terror, as opposed to portraying any gratuitous gestures.
7 Splintered Sequencing
Most video games (particularly those with RPG characteristics) give the player an element of freedom, however, there is a sequence of tasks that is highly suggested if one wishes to succeed. A typical quest will have several, usually non-optional, steps to complete before facing the big boss, and the same rules generally apply to Isekai tropes.
Ojisan clearly has issues with following instructions, not to mention an attention span that is incapable of seeing the RPG plot through to the end. Not only does Ojisan ignore Mabel’s Frost Blade and slay the dragon with his own weapon, but he also convinces the beautiful maiden to return to her life of solitude, if she so pleases. Ojisan is the Shrek of the Anime universe, in more ways than one!
6 There’s No Place Like Home
An inhospitable seventeen years in Granbahamal did not inspire any sentimental attachments to this mystical realm from Ojisan; and who could blame him? However, it seems that Ojisan’s eagerness for returning the reality would have occurred regardless of the hostile circumstances; unless he managed to stumble across a SEGA console in Granbahamal that is!
Unlike some Isekai Anime, there is no doubt regarding where Ojisan would rather be; no drawcard causing him to question if he really wants to return home. Despite his possible prospects with the ladies, or the potential of becoming a celebrated hero, Ojisan desires nothing more than to be reunited with his precious SEGA Saturn and check who’s winning the Console Wars.
5 The Unnoticed Harem
Both Takafumi and Ojisan are oblivious to the effect they have on certain ladies, ironically noticing the other’s blatant love-interest, but not their own. Despite his orc-ish appearance, Ojisan still ends up with a Harem of powerful allies consisting of a mystic priestess, elf swordswoman, and an ice-powered maiden, however, he seems to miss the potential for romance on all three counts.
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Ojisan’s elven companion epitomizes the stereotypical Tsundere character, and, even though Yousuke appears to be aware of this trope, he is still unable to make the connection regarding the Elf’s intentions. Ojisan clearly has a one-track mind, that takes no provocative detours whatsoever!
4 Flashback Storytelling
In most Isekai Anime, the whole point of the story is to allow viewers to tag along on these otherworldly adventures, subsequently transporting them to another realm right along with the main character. However, Uncle From Another World essentially begins at the end, and the audience is fully aware that Ojisan makes it out alive.
The only time fans get a glimpse of Granbahamal is during Ojisan’s flashbacks, whereby the audience is painfully aware of the disconnected timeline due to Ojisan’s use of a magical “television” screen to tell his tale. The disjointed sensation is further emphasized by the shifting styles, as the dark and dreary present (Japan) is also in stark contrast to the bright and exciting Granbahamal, while also interchanging between Anime and 16-bit graphics.
3 The Fragmented Fellowship
Although the general population of Granbahamal castigates Ojisan, he does meet a few characters along the way that show great potential as allies, however, the disgruntled man makes no attempt at nurturing any of these relationships, and goes to great lengths to avoid the vivacious Elf.
In most Isekai adventures, a small group of friends will reluctantly form who come to depend on each other more as the story unfolds, and, if they do eventually split up, it is usually not willingly. These bonds are essentially what keeps everyone alive, however, Ojisan is adamant that he can do it all alone and is hesitant to team up with anyone.
2 Futuristic Wisdom
In many Isekai narratives whereby the character in question is transported both in time and space, their advanced intellect proves to be quite advantageous. Having “Futuristic” wisdom often gives them the upper hand and inspires respect and awe from their new society, such as with Myne’s case in Ascendance of a Bookworm.
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Ojisan displayed his scientific understanding by creating an endlessly pouring water jug, using reverse water electrolysis to produce the effect. However, the drought-stricken community did not celebrate his achievements but opted to rather burn him at the stake as a witch, and destroy his “magical” artifact in the process.
1 Quest To Save the World
Although it is undeniable that Ojisan is in an eternal state of “survival mode” while trapped in Granbahamal, there appears to be no apparent end-of-the-world disaster to spur his adventures on (so far). While viewers get to witness a few of Ojisan’s missions, the feeling of an overwhelming and imminent threat is generally lacking. It is as of Ojisan is trapped in a loop of insignificant side-quests, without a noteworthy opponent to face.
The Ojissan Isekai story mode gives off more of a slice-of-life impression than that of a death-defying action adventure, which pokes fun at the stereotypical trope in a similar fashion to Isekai Quartet. Ojisan suffered an undeniable amount of trauma in Granbahamal, but no need to take this seriously because the world is not in danger (and in this case, apparently never was!)
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