filimaua13 said:I loved all these shows mentioned. Comparing them is useless cos they all do their own thing differently, and do it well.
Re Zero is a character study and criticism on the otaku mentality and the escapism of the isekai genre. Subaru is a beautifully written character with human flaws and ongoing struggles. Where instead of enabling the same trope of a bland self insert protagonist gaining power and waifu that are supposed to cater to the otaku audience... the world constantly shits on Subaru's half assed attempts to be "the op harem protagonist" forcing him to make genuine attempts to change himself and become an active person in society. The world and narrative doesn't give Subaru or us any false hope either. Just because he pulls his head in and actively tries.. doesn't mean the world is gonna be any kinder. He still fails, but he learns to live with it and stand back up again. He accepts his shortcomings and gathers people to his side. He isn't gonna get any major powerups or become a super powerful person cos thats not what this story is. He's just a regular human from earth in a world of magic, witches, beasts and other creatures. In fact, him being weak makes him even more terrifying and badass. It makes the small successes he does get more satisfying.
Steins Gate is kinda more a love letter FOR the otaku audience. Considering the character tropes and setting of Akihabara, which is legit the central kingdom of otaku. Its also a more personal story about saving your loved ones and overcoming fate itself to do it. The time travel mechanics are also explored deeply in a grounded way. Its still time travel a completely fictional concept.. but the way they go about exploring the psuedo-science of the worldlines and Reading Steiner helps makes it feel more believable.
Summertime Rendering is legit a good time. Thats all. Its well crafted and an entertaining watch. The characters aren't really that complex, but they don't have to be. This is a plot focused narrative. Its a murder mystery and cat and mouse game between and a supernatural entity on this small island.
Shinpei isn't trying to be another Subaru and Okabe. He's his own person. He's more calculating, and remains as calm and rational as a human can. I did like that he gave in to the possibility of it being a time loop quicker than other protagonists. It was a breath of fresh air. His choices were all well thought out and he put up a good fight against the shadows. Both parties adapted which made it a more thrilling ride than most. It isn't gonna go into the past and complex characteristics of Shinpei or the other characters cos thats not what this is. We're only given whats necessary to know for the main plot at hand. Which is the fight against the shadows. That's it.