Re :Zero, the hell of time loops
Re:Zero began life as Light Novels, illustrated light novels aimed at young teenagers. Published by Media Factory, now Kadokawa, these novels, written by Tappei Nagatsuki, tell the story of Subaru Natsuki, a simple secondary school student who finds himself in a parallel universe where his adventures start again each time he dies.
Living in another world from scratch
This is the title of the Re: Zero series, which in English is called "Re: Zero - Starting Life in Another World". And that's exactly what happens to our hero, Subaru Natsuki, one day as he walks out of a supermarket. Without any explanation, he is transported to a parallel universe, where he is attacked by thieves, then saved by Satella, a half-elf. But as he tries to help Satella find her badge, they are killed by other thieves.
And now Subaru wakes up at his point of departure in this parallel universe. Armed with his knowledge of the events to come, he's going to be able to change the course of events... after several violent deaths. He even ends up learning Satella's real name, which is actually Emilia.
A long adventure
The series is divided into eight story arcs. The first, summarised below, is entitled "A tumultuous first day". This arc features a classic time-loop plot: the character understands the loop and uses it to solve problems, save someone...
Things get much more interesting in the second story arc, entitled "The Chaotic Week". Subaru is hired as a butler for Roswaal M. Mathers, who is supporting Emilia in her bid for the royal election. He works with the twins Ram and Rem, the servants... and then wakes up at his starting point in the arc, in the manor house bedroom. Problem: he can't remember being killed. So Subaru has to use time loops to investigate his own murder. This is how he begins to discover all the magical and supernatural aspects of the world in which he lives, while having to bear the increasingly heavy burden of his traumatic deaths.
From light novel to manga to anime
The first volumes of the series came out in 2012, as illustrated novels. It wasn't long, in 2014, before the adaptation started to come out, published by Media Factory. The manga consists of four series, drawn alternately by Daichi Matsue, Makoto Fugetsu and Haruno Atori. From the third series onwards, Square Enix took over the publishing reins.
In 2015, producer Kadokawa launched the Re:Zero animated series, under the direction of Masaharu Watanabe, with animation by studio White Fox. The series is notable for its music: in most scenes, the music is more reminiscent of a television drama than a typical Japanese animation series. This was Watanabe's artistic wish, and to achieve it he hired composer Kenichiro Suehiro, a specialist in TV series and a great admirer of Hans Zimmer and Ennie Morricone.
And video games
Naturally, a number of video games have been released in connection with the Re:Zero series, the first of which completes the title with 'Death or Kiss'. In this game, launched in 2017 on PS4 and PSVita in Japan, a different version of the story is presented. Players can choose between the characters of Emilia, Rem, Ram, Felt, Beatrice, Crush, Priscilla and Anastasia.
It was not until 2021 that an English version of the game was released, entitled "Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World: The Prophecy of the Throne". This tactical adventure game is available on Playstation and Nintendo Switch. Here players can control the character of Subaru (and he's the only one, by the way). He must explore the world of the Kingdom of Lugunica, and take part in battles with his allies. But to prepare for each battle he has to gather information, allowing him to choose between several opinions, which influence the number of his allies and their behaviour.
While you're waiting for more adventures, check out our geek shop for a whole collection of goodies, particularly figurines from the RE ZERO universe. The figurines representing the characters Rem and Ram are particularly popular, with their numerous costumes.