This week, we have another new isekai manga based on a popular light novel series, this time focusing on the fun found in farming. After Hiraku dies of a serious illness, God brings him back to life, gives his health and youth back, and sends him to a fantasy world of his choice. In order to enjoy his second shot, God bestows upon him the almighty farming tool! Watch as Hiraku digs, chops, and ploughs in another world in this laidback farming fantasy!
As previously covered in our post on By The Grace Of The Gods, the isekai genre (accidental travel to another world) has been seeing a rise in popularity in recent years. Like that series, Farming Life in Another World also takes a more light-hearted approach to the genre with an earnest hero in Hiraku making the most of a new lease on life.. From this opening volume, it is clear this is not going to be a dramatic series. We instead get one with a more chilled atmosphere which is content to focus on the activity at hand rather than world building or establishing some kind of threat. This opening volume takes an episodic approach that gives the series a more slice-of-life feel than others of its ilk.
Even with the fantasy elements which become more prevalent as the story progresses, the series never lets it overwhelm the slice-of-life feel it is going for. Whilst magical creatures to such as vampires, angels and elves start to appear in Hiraku’s life, there isn’t an abundance of tropes you’d expect from the genre such as call-backs to video games. The main focus remains of Hiraku’s life on his farm and how it is slowly becoming a central hub to a bigger community. This also leaves the opportunity open for the characters to make a strong opening impression, with God in particular standing out as a comedic highlight as he realises he hasn’t quite thought through certain factors when it comes to granting Hiraku’s request.
This is another fun entry un the isekai genre that manages to keep it fresh through the slice-of-life elements. An ideal read for anyone looking for something a bit more laidback in their fantasy manga!
Farming Life In Another World Volume 1 is out now from One Peace Books (9781642730852, p/b, £10.99)
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