The upcoming TV anime adaptation of Yū Shimizu and Makoto Aogiri’s manga series, Otherworldly Munchkin: Let’s Speedrun the Dungeon with Only 1 HP, has revealed new information, including the main cast, additional staff, and a premiere date set for October. A promotional video and key visual have also been released, giving fans a first look at the anime.
What’s the Story?
Otherworldly Munchkin: Let’s Speedrun the Dungeon with Only 1 HP (Isekai Munchkin: HP 1 no Mama de Saikyō Saisoku Danjon Kōryaku) is an isekai fantasy manga series written by Yuu Shimizu and illustrated by Makoto Aogiri. The story follows Yukito Kirihara, a 16-year-old who is fiercely protective of his 14-year-old sister, Sana. One day, an ogre appears outside their window, targeting Sana. When Yukito leaps to save her, he is killed.
A mysterious woman offers him reincarnation, providing him with a character sheet in a mysterious book. Discovering Sana’s presence there as well, Yukito embarks on a quest to find and save her, despite being reincarnated with only 1 HP.
The Anime Adaptation
Production
The anime adaptation is being produced by Durandal, with Mamoru Yokota (known for his work as animation supervisor on Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc) directing. This marks Durandal’s first foray into anime production, making it a highly anticipated project for the newly-launched studio. The series is adapted from the manga, which has been serialized on Kodansha’s Suiyobi no Sirius manga service since February 2019. As of November 2024, the manga has been compiled into eleven tankōbon volumes. Kodansha USA has licensed the manga for digital release in English.
Staff
Alongside director Mamoru Yokota, the anime boasts a talented team of staff members:
- Original Creators: Yū Shimizu (Story), Makoto Aogiri (Arts)
- Director: Mamoru Yokota
- Animation Production: Durandal
Cast
The main cast for the anime has been revealed:
- Kazuki Ura
- Kana Yūki
- Yui Ishikawa
- Kaori Maeda
Premiere
The anime is scheduled to premiere in October.
Manga Origins
Otherworldly Munchkin: Let’s Speedrun the Dungeon with Only 1 HP began as a manga series written by Yū Shimizu and illustrated by Makoto Aogiri. It launched on Kodansha’s Niconico-based Suiyōbi no Sirius manga service on February 5, 2019. The manga is licensed by Kodansha USA for digital-only English publication.
What is a “Munchkin?”
The title “Otherworldly Munchkin” refers to a specific type of player in tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs). A “munchkin” is a player who focuses on maximizing their character’s power and advantages, often exploiting loopholes in the rules to gain an edge. In the context of the story, Yukito becomes a “munchkin” in order to navigate the harsh realities of the other world and find his sister.
Author’s Comments
Illustrator Makoto Aogiri shared their excitement about the anime adaptation: “I had always dreamed that it would be wonderful if Otherworldly Munchkin became an anime. I was so surprised to hear from the editor of the manga that it had been decided to make an anime, and I still clearly remember the exchange that day when I repeatedly said ‘For real?’ I can’t stop getting excited just imagining how Yukito and his mates will move, talk with each other and go forward in the scenes that I have depicted in the manga! There will be a lot of new information to be announced in the future, and I hope to enjoy the anime together with you all!”
Director Yokota also commented, “I’m Yokota Mamoru, director of Munchkin… I thought, ‘I’ll spend the rest of my life working on a production that will leave my name behind,’ so I have no choice but to give Munchkin my all! Everyone around the world!”
Where to Find More
Stay tuned for more updates!
