Summer 2023 Anime Guide: Reviews, First Impressions, and What to Watch
- Dec 7, 2025
- 6 min read
As the Spring 2023 anime season wraps up, fans are already diving headfirst into a brand-new wave of series debuting for the Summer 2023 anime lineup. This season brings an exciting mix of long-awaited sequels, new isekai releases, fantasy adventures, magic-school dramas, and even a few wild experimental titles. Some shows are still airing, while others have premiered with strong opening episodes that set the tone for what’s ahead.
In this article, I break down my first impressions, reviews, and excitement ratings for the Summer 2023 anime I’ve watched so far. Whether you're looking for recommendations, deciding which shows to binge, or researching what’s trending in the anime community, this guide highlights the must-watch series and the ones you may want to skip.
Mushoku Tensei II: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu
Excitement Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Fantasy, Isekai, Drama
The return of Mushoku Tensei is easily one of the biggest highlights of the Summer 2023 anime season. As one of the most influential and well-executed isekai series of the past decade, the second season continues to explore the emotional and magical journey of its uniquely complex protagonist.
Summary
Mushoku Tensei follows a reclusive man who sacrifices himself in his old life, only to be reborn as an infant in a richly detailed fantasy world. Gifted with prodigious magical talent and guided occasionally by a mysterious divine entity, he grows up battling trauma, forging relationships, and facing mortal danger at every turn.
Expanded Opinion:
This anime continues to shine due to its layered storytelling. Unlike many isekai anime where protagonists become instantly invincible, Mushoku Tensei grounds its power scaling with emotional vulnerability and real danger. Every spell feels earned. Every challenge introduces meaningful character growth.
The animation is fluid, the world-building is vibrant, and the pacing is deliberate without feeling slow. For those searching for a high-quality fantasy anime in Summer 2023, this is a must-watch. The emotional depth, action sequences, and immersive character development make this season one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Jitsu wa Ore, Saikyou deshita?
Excitement Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Isekai
Summary
This series follows a protagonist reincarnated with an absurdly high level—1002—but due to faulty magic tools, the world believes he is a mere level 2 weakling. His wealthy parents abandon him, and he ends up being raised by a demon and a kind family who sees him for who he truly is.
Expanded Opinion
While the premise has potential, the series leans heavily on a familiar trope: the overpowered protagonist who everyone thinks is weak. We’ve seen variations of this across multiple isekai anime 2023 titles, making it feel somewhat predictable.
Still, the comedy lands at times, the animation is clean enough for weekly viewing, and it’s a casual show you can watch without deep emotional investment. For fans who enjoy lighthearted power-fantasy isekai, this may scratch the itch—but it isn’t a standout this season.
Nanatsu no Maken ga Shihai Suru
Excitement Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Genre: Fantasy, School, Magic, Action
Summary
In a world where young mages attend a dangerous academy with a disturbingly high mortality rate, the protagonist joins a cast of intriguing students—including a girl whose hair turns white whenever she uses magic. The academy is mysterious, fierce, and unpredictable.
Expanded Opinion
This anime blends magic-school themes with darker undertones. Think Harry Potter meets The Executioner and Her Way of Life. While magic-academy settings are common, this series excels in atmosphere, tension, and character intrigue.
The high death rate adds a sense of stakes rare in school-based anime. The protagonist does not appear overpowered, which helps keep the narrative grounded. The world feels alive, mysterious, and just dangerous enough to hold interest.
Even though magic-school anime is an oversaturated genre, this entry manages to stay compelling through its characters, pacing, and visual style.
Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto
Excitement Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Action, Zombie
Summary
Burned out from corporate life and drowning in soul-crushing monotony, the protagonist’s life takes an unexpected turn when a zombie apocalypse breaks out. Rather than despair, he embraces the chaos by creating a bucket list of 100 things he wants to do before becoming a zombie.
Expanded Opinion
This is easily one of the most unique anime of Summer 2023. The vibrant animation, especially the colorful zombie sequences, turns horror into something visually stunning. The contrast between soul-killing office work and the sudden “freedom” of the apocalypse is surprisingly relatable.
While graphic at times, the show masterfully balances comedy, action, and emotional undertones. It’s refreshing, energetic, and a perfect watch for viewers looking for something outside the usual fantasy-isekai cycle.
Even as someone terrified of zombies, I found myself drawn to the humor, visuals, and originality.
Eiyuu Kyoushitsu
Excitement Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Genre: Fantasy, School, Comedy
First Episode Summary
After a legendary hero and the demon king perish together, the hero reincarnates and enrolls in a school designed to train future heroes. Hoping to make friends and enjoy a normal life, he instead discovers that the dean expects him to awaken his former heroic power.
Expanded Opinion
While charming at times, this anime suffers from familiarity. The reincarnated hero trope, the magic school dynamics, the comedic misunderstandings—none of it is new territory. Still, the show has heart, and the protagonist’s enthusiasm is infectious.
It’s a light, enjoyable watch, but not a groundbreaking addition to the Summer 2023 anime releases.
Jidou Hanbaiki ni Umarekawatta Ore wa Meikyuu wo Samayou
Excitement Rating: ⭐☆☆☆☆
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Isekai
Summary
A man dies by colliding with a vending machine and is reincarnated as... a vending machine in a fantasy world. He gains the ability to change his inventory and accept local currency, eventually joining an adventurer on her journey.
Expanded Opinion
Not all experimental concepts succeed—and this one falls flat. While inanimate-object protagonists have worked before, reincarnating as a vending machine feels like a forced gimmick. The narrative suffers from lack of mobility, personality, and depth.
It genuinely feels like product placement disguised as an anime. I strongly recommend skipping this one.
Seija Musou: Salaryman, Isekai de Ikinokoru Tame ni Ayumu Michi
Excitement Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Genre: Fantasy, Isekai, Healing
Summary
After an untimely death, the protagonist reincarnates with a mission to master healing magic. Guided to a guild, he begins his journey as a timid but determined healer.
Expanded Opinion
This series stands out by avoiding typical OP-healer tropes. Instead of being unstoppable or vengeful, the protagonist is humble and relatable. The show mixes humor and lighthearted storytelling with moments of genuine growth.
It’s a refreshing take on the healer-focused isekai subgenre and worth adding to a casual watchlist.
Okashi na Tensei
Excitement Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Genre: Fantasy, Food, Isekai
Summary
After dying during a culinary disaster, a master pastry chef reincarnates into a fantasy world as a noble’s child. Blessed with magic and still obsessed with desserts, he dreams of creating mouthwatering sweets in a world that has never tasted anything like them.
Expanded Opinion
This anime blends fantasy cooking with wholesome comedy. It feels like an isekai-lite version of Food Wars!—minus the excessive fanservice. The humor works well, especially the early scene of him being dressed up by his family.
The charm, world-building, and culinary focus make it a delightful addition to the Summer 2023 anime lineup.
BONUS PICKS
Suicide Squad ISEKAI
Excitement Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Harley Quinn and the Joker transported into a magical fantasy world? Yes, please. The trailer alone is chaotic brilliance. Combining DC insanity with orcs, magic, and medieval landscapes opens endless storytelling potential. Whether a movie or series, this has the potential to be one of the most memorable crossovers in anime history.
Delicious in Dungeon
Excitement Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Imagine a dungeon-crawling fantasy anime where adventurers survive by cooking the monsters they defeat. Part Food Wars!, part Dungeons & Dragons, this series is equal parts comedy, adventure, and culinary artistry. The dishes look absurdly appetizing, and the humor blends perfectly with the danger of dungeon exploration.
I fully plan to binge this the moment it drops.
Final Thoughts: The Best Summer 2023 Anime So Far
The Summer 2023 anime season is shaping up to be one of the most diverse in recent years. From emotional isekai journeys to chaotic zombie comedies and innovative fantasy concepts, there’s genuinely something for every type of anime fan.
Top Recommendations This Season
⭐ Mushoku Tensei II
⭐ Zom 100
⭐ Delicious in Dungeon
⭐ Suicide Squad Isekai
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