In the summer of 2023, Studio Gokumi and Studio AXsiZ collaborated to present an extraordinary Isekai anime for this season. Titled “Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon,” this anime delves into a peculiar story where our protagonist is reincarnated into a different world, taking the form of a vending machine.
After having viewed the initial episode and read a few manga chapters, we offer you a synopsis of the anime, a brief analysis of episode 1, and address the pressing question of whether “Reborn as a Vending Machine” is worth your time.
A brief introduction to the Reborn as a Vending Machine Anime
“Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon” is a light novel series from Japan, authored by Hirukuma and illustrated by Itsuwa Kato. Initially, the series was self-published as a web novel on the platform Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2016. Later that same year, it was acquired and officially published by Kadokawa Shoten.
In August 2021, a manga adaptation by Kunieda began its serialization in the shōnen manga magazine Dengeki Daioh, published by ASCII Media Works. Both the light novel and manga have been licensed in English by Yen Press. Furthermore, an anime television series adaptation produced by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ premiered in July 2023.
Reborn as a Vending Machine Anime – Plot synopsis
- In a twist of fate, a vending machine enthusiast meets an ironic demise by being crushed under a vending machine. To his astonishment, he awakens in a different world as a vending machine.
- Transported to a forest inhabited by frogmen and various monsters, this newly-reincarnated vending machine, named Boxxo, must rely on coins to restock its limited inventory, maintain power, and acquire new abilities. Fortunately, a young woman discovers the sentient machine and recognizes its consciousness.
She carries Boxxo to a human settlement, where the peculiar contraption gradually starts to leave its mark on the world. Despite its inability to speak or move, relying solely on pre-recorded vending machine phrases for communication, Boxxo manages to forge alliances and gain supporters throughout its journey.
Reborn as a Vending Machine Anime – Episode 1 discussion
In the first episode of the “Reborn as a Vending Machine” anime, we are introduced to the story of the main character. As a devoted fan of vending machines, the protagonist encounters a fateful incident while riding uphill.
Witnessing a vending machine falling off a transport truck, he valiantly attempts to save it but tragically loses his own life in the process. Soon after, he awakens to the realization that he has been reincarnated as the very vending machine he adored, now named Boxxo.
However, this newfound existence as a vending machine presents its own set of challenges. Despite the protagonist’s joy at being reborn as his favorite object, he is confronted with the fact that he is immobile.
- This becomes a problem when he encounters goblins who attack him, leaving him defenseless. Moreover, he discovers that he needs to consume points to sustain himself and must generate sales to acquire more points.
- Additionally, the inability to communicate effectively weighs heavily on him, as he can only articulate pre-programmed vending machine phrases.
Luckily, a Hunter emerges, fatigued from her solitary expedition in the forest. Nevertheless, her weariness quickly dissipates as she utilizes the vending machine to acquire an abundance of nourishment and beverages. Delighted with her discovery, she brings Boxxo along to her community, where he immediately becomes a beloved figure. Boxxo now dedicates his time to enticing patrons to Hunter’s family inn and attending to the night-duty guards stationed atop the wall.
Reborn as a Vending Machine Anime – Should you watch it?
The Reborn as a Vending Machine anime stands out as one of the most peculiar isekai series in recent memory. Its distinctiveness lies in its undeniable quirkiness, a quality the show wholeheartedly embraces. The characters exhibit liveliness and a sense of depth, yet the narrative itself falls short. Instead of offering a remarkable storyline, it relies on amusing antics to maintain your interest.
Nevertheless, for avid isekai enthusiasts who can overlook this drawback, Reborn as a Vending Machine undeniably offers an experience worth having.