Nostalgic Anime Revives Old-School Isekai, Highlighting Its Comeback Potential

The premiere of Promise of Wizard brings a refreshing nostalgia reminiscent of classic anime that explored the theme of characters being transported to alternate realms well before the isekai genre gained immense popularity. Viewers may find parallels to the legendary series Twelve Kingdoms, although Promise of Wizard presents a more light-hearted atmosphere compared to the earlier show’s suspenseful beginning.

A notable aspect that distinguishes Promise of Wizard from contemporary isekai narratives is the method by which protagonist Akira Masaki transitions into this magical universe. Instead of the common tropes like the infamous “truck-san”incident, divine interventions, or abrupt awakenings in unfamiliar landscapes, Akira’s journey begins in a rather unique manner — through an elevator. This physical connection adds a layer of intrigue, setting it apart from the illogical conventions typical of modern isekai tales.

Promise of Wizard: A Fantasy Anime That Evokes Nostalgic Pre-Isekai Vibes

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Akira touching a flower in Promise of Wizard

Elevator doors opening in Promise of Wizard

Silhouetted wizards on broomsticks in Promise of Wizard

Though the overall tone diverges from Twelve Kingdoms, there is a subtle nod to the earlier series when a wizard unexpectedly appears beside Akira in the elevator, cryptically addressing her as “Sage”before vanishing. This scene echoes the encounter between Yoko and the enigmatic Keiki from Twelve Kingdoms, who also plays a pivotal role in ushering the protagonist into a new world.

The opening episodes of both series also hint at supernatural occurrences. Yoko’s nightmares in The Twelve Kingdoms resonate with Akira’s experience as she uncovers that the current night matches many of the peculiar signs her grandmother warned her about, which often foreshadow “strange things.”It’s interesting to note that Akira is almost immediately embroiled in a potential conflict in this new realm, echoing Yoko’s numerous brushes with violence and danger.

Incredibly, the series does not linger long in the regular world; instead, the cryptic remarks from Akira’s grandmother, the elusive wizard, and the surrounding conflict effectively weave a tone that harkens back to the unique ambiance found in The Twelve Kingdoms.

Promise of Wizard Steers Clear of Mainstream Isekai Tropes

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While the presence of an elevator might seem like a nostalgic nod to earlier anime, it does not signify a lack of innovation. Recent isekai series, such as I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, also incorporate portals between worlds through various means. In this series, the protagonist Yuya frequently travels between realms using his grandfather’s cottage. However, this story quickly adopts mainstream isekai conventions, including the leveling-up mechanics found in RPGs.

At this stage, in episode one of Promise of Wizard, there are no indicators of the world incorporating any RPG-like attributes, though it may evolve that way as the series progresses. Another example from the genre, My Instant Death Ability is Overpowered, uses a bus for world travel but swiftly devolves into a lethal competition. For fans familiar with the original game that inspired this anime, a different narrative unfolds.

While Promise of Wizard is not an exact replica of The Twelve Kingdoms, it evokes a similar essence found in classic anime. For viewers yearning for a break from traditional isekai tropes, there is hope that this series maintains its unique approach.

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