DanMachi Has Unusually Complex Characters For a Harem

In Orario, fearless adventurers band together in search of fame and fortune within the monstrous underground labyrinth known as Dungeon. But while riches and renown are incentive enough for most, Bell Cranel, would-be hero extraordinaire, has bigger plans. He wants to pick up girls. Is it wrong to face the perils of Dungeon alone, in a single-member guild blessed by a failed goddess? Maybe. Is it wrong to dream of playing hero to hapless maidens in Dungeon? Maybe not. After one misguided adventure, Bell quickly discovers that anything can happen in the labyrinth–even chance encounters with beautiful women. The only problem? He’s the one who winds up the damsel in distress!!

From Kitsu

Also known as Is it Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, this anime really isn’t about dating or being a harem, at all. If anything it simulates dungeon crawling RPG’s so well, that it gave me pangs to go and play one, though I haven’t because I was watching this.

I also find the “harem” tag is kinda…not really what this anime is about, at all. While in most harem anime the guy is surrounded by girls but he doesn’t like anyone, so they’re all good, in this one Bell likes Ais since the beginning of the show. She’s the girl he wants to impress, and make her think he’s cool and also date and kiss. In fact, he’s pretty clueless and hasn’t noticed any of the girls like him, his eyes are set and only see Ais.

Bell is a newbie adventurer, as in Level 1, poor and only got inside Hestia’s family because there was literally no one else in that familia, and she was kinda desperate herself :’D In that regard, it is very typical shounen anime, but I find Bell is a total cutie, and really sweet, so he doesn’t scream typical shounen hero. He’s a cute little roll that I just wanna nibble on, and protect, so whenever he faces off against foes far greater than him I’m always rooting for him. Plus he looks really adorable while concentrating and trying hard, okay? x)

This is based on the light novels by the same name, which I haven’t read, and of course, there’s a manga adaptation too, which I haven’t read, but I do feel like this show is super intended as an anime. In fact, the anime adaptation might be where it shines the brightest, as we can see all the flashy moves, the pretty nice animation, accompanied with a good OST. But hey, if you disagree, tell me! Since as said, I haven’t experienced the originals or other adaptations hehe

I think what I really enjoyed the most were both the rpg elements, I’m a total sucker for those, but also the story and the characters. Perhaps I’m wrong but I find none of them are stereotypes or cliches, instead they all have their own darkness, and complexities. Even side characters you might not think much of, have them. So I got pretty surprised by it, in the end I got even more curious for the rest of the characters background to be discovered. I’m expecting some very juicy bits for them, especially for the Gods and Goddesses ;P

I think if you aren’t as into flashy anime, or into RPG elements, but still like good characters, this might be for you. Don’t expect super deep complex plot, that’s not where it’s strengths are at. They’re definitely the characters from than anything else.

You can watch this on Viewster just like I did (highly approved!), or use Because Moe to find where else it’s showing.

Have you watched this yet? Or did you dismiss it as another harem cliche, like I did at first? Did your opinion change after watching, or is this just another harem cliche to you still? Tell me all, I’m curious!