Jidou Hanbaiki ni Umarekawatta Ore wa Meikyuu wo Samayou 2nd Season

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Season 2

Characters

Lammis

MAIN

Hakkon

MAIN

Short

SUPPORTING

Gorth

SUPPORTING

Kerioyl

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Karios

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Hulemy

SUPPORTING

Shiro

SUPPORTING

Shui

SUPPORTING

Filmina

SUPPORTING

Michel

SUPPORTING

Suco

SUPPORTING

Kuma Kaichou

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Mikenne

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Pell

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Heavy

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Aka

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Kikoyu

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Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Season 2: A Next-Level Isekai That Redefines Absurdity and Heart

The isekai genre has long been a playground for wild premises, but few series push the boundaries of creativity and charm as audaciously as Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon. With its second season, which premiered on July 2, 2025, this quirky anime adaptation of Hirukuma’s light novel series continues to carve out a unique niche, blending absurd humor, heartfelt character dynamics, and surprisingly nuanced world-building. This article dives deep into what makes Season 2 a standout evolution of the series, exploring its narrative innovations, character growth, and thematic depth while avoiding any promotional fluff. We’ll also critically assess its strengths and weaknesses, offering a fresh perspective on why this show remains a fascinating anomaly in the crowded isekai landscape.

A Premise That Defies Expectations

For the uninitiated, Reborn as a Vending Machine follows Boxxo, a vending machine otaku who, after a fatal encounter with a falling vending machine, is reincarnated as a sentient vending machine in a fantasy dungeon world. Limited to stock phrases like “Welcome” and “Too bad,” Boxxo can’t move independently or communicate freely, yet he finds ways to impact his surroundings by dispensing items, earning magic points, and unlocking new abilities. His primary companion, Lammis, a kind-hearted hunter with superhuman strength, carries him on her back, forming a partnership that’s as endearing as it is unconventional.

Season 2 picks up where the first season left off, thrusting Boxxo and Lammis into deeper dungeon levels and more complex challenges. The show retains its core absurdity—after all, the protagonist is a vending machine—but it doubles down on its ability to weave this bizarre concept into a cohesive narrative that balances comedy, adventure, and emotional resonance. What sets Season 2 apart is its ambition to expand the scope of the story while staying true to the series’ quirky roots, delivering a mix of episodic hijinks and subtle overarching plotlines that keep viewers engaged.

Narrative Evolution: More Than Just a Gimmick

One of the most striking aspects of Season 2 is how it elevates the premise beyond its initial novelty. While Season 1 leaned heavily on the comedic potential of Boxxo’s limitations, Season 2 introduces new layers to the storytelling. The show explores higher dungeon levels, introducing fresh factions, monsters, and societal dynamics that enrich the world-building. For instance, episodes delve into the economic and cultural roles of vending machines in this fantasy world, with Boxxo’s ability to dispense unique items (from tampons to newspapers) shaping community interactions in unexpected ways. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a clever commentary on utility, innovation, and adaptability in unfamiliar environments.

The narrative structure strikes a balance between episodic adventures and a slow-burn overarching plot. While some episodes focus on standalone challenges—like Boxxo creatively solving problems with items like Diet Coke and Mentos—the season gradually hints at larger mysteries, such as the origins of Boxxo’s reincarnation and the dungeon’s deeper secrets. However, the pacing can feel uneven at times, with some viewers noting that the episodic nature occasionally overshadows the broader story. Critics on platforms like Reddit have pointed out that while the show’s charm lies in its cozy, low-stakes vibe, it sometimes struggles to maintain momentum for those expecting a more plot-driven experience.

Character Dynamics: The Heart of the Series

The relationship between Boxxo and Lammis remains the emotional core of the series, and Season 2 deepens their bond in meaningful ways. Lammis, voiced by Kaede Hondo, is a standout, her earnestness and strength complementing Boxxo’s ingenuity. Their dynamic evolves as Lammis grows more confident in her abilities, while Boxxo, despite his mechanical limitations, becomes a more active participant in their adventures through new abilities like telekinesis and shapeshifting into different vending machine types (e.g., a power washer or clothing dispenser). These upgrades, earned through magic points from sales, add a strategic layer to Boxxo’s role, making him less of a passive observer and more of a problem-solving partner.

Secondary characters like Hulemy and the Menagerie of Fools also get more screen time, adding depth to the ensemble. Hulemy’s intelligence and wit provide a counterbalance to Lammis’s optimism, while the Menagerie’s chaotic energy injects humor and unpredictability. However, some fans have expressed mixed feelings about new characters like Hevee, whose quirks (like a shoe obsession) can feel overly eccentric, occasionally detracting from the main narrative. Still, the show’s ability to make even a vending machine feel human through his internal monologues and subtle acts of heroism is a testament to its strong character writing.

Thematic Depth: Absurdity with Purpose

At its core, Reborn as a Vending Machine is a meditation on finding purpose in limitation. Boxxo’s inability to move or speak freely mirrors real-world struggles of feeling trapped or powerless, yet his determination to help others through small, practical acts—like dispensing food to starving adventurers—carries a universal resonance. Season 2 amplifies this theme by placing Boxxo in situations where his utility is tested against larger threats, such as dungeon bosses or societal conflicts. The show subtly critiques the isekai genre’s obsession with overpowered protagonists by showcasing a hero whose strength lies in resourcefulness and community-building rather than brute force.

The series also pokes fun at isekai and RPG tropes, with Boxxo’s vending machine abilities serving as a parody of over-the-top skills. For example, his ability to vend items like Mentos and cola for explosive effects is both hilarious and surprisingly strategic, grounding his powers in a relatable, real-world context. This self-awareness keeps the show fresh, though some critics argue it doesn’t always capitalize on its satirical potential, occasionally falling back on familiar isekai clichés.

Production Values: A Mixed Bag

Visually, Season 2 maintains the solid but unremarkable animation of Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ. The character designs, particularly Lammis’s expressive features, are a highlight, but the low-budget animation can feel lackluster in action scenes, with some fans on Reddit noting that it pales in comparison to high-budget isekai like Re:Zero or Konosuba. The shift in directorship from Noriaki Akitaya to Takashi Yamamoto brings a slightly different tone, with a greater emphasis on comedic timing, but the overall aesthetic remains consistent with Season 1.

The sound design, however, is a standout. The opening theme, “Mirai Cider” by BRADIO, is an energetic earworm that captures the show’s whimsical spirit, while Aina Aiba’s ending theme, “Boku Dake no Chiheisen,” adds an emotional depth that resonates with Boxxo’s quiet heroism. The voice acting, particularly Jun Fukuyama’s performance as Boxxo, is a masterclass in conveying personality through limited phrases, making every “Welcome” or “Too bad” feel surprisingly expressive.

Critical Reception: A Polarizing Yet Beloved Oddity

Season 2 has sparked a range of reactions, reflecting its niche appeal. On Anime News Network, reviewers like Theron Martin praise the series for its unique take on isekai and strong character dynamics, though they note occasional issues with pacing and fanservice that feel forced. Reddit communities, particularly r/anime and r/Isekai, highlight the show’s cozy, comedic charm, with some users comparing its “fun factor” to Konosuba, while others argue it lacks the depth of top-tier isekai like Mushoku Tensei. IMDb user reviews range from enthusiastic (calling it a “tour de force” for its wit) to dismissive (rating it a 3/10 for its “mid” execution), reflecting the divide between those who embrace its absurdity and those who find it gimmicky.

The show’s biggest strength is its ability to exceed expectations. As one IMDb reviewer noted, “The premise is so absurd… yet somehow, the studio manages to build a surprisingly coherent world around it.” However, critics also point out that the limited source material—only three light novel volumes—poses a challenge, with Season 2 potentially needing to rely on original content, which could risk alienating fans if it strays too far from Hirukuma’s vision.

Why Season 2 Stands Out

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Season 2 is a testament to the power of creative constraints. By embracing its absurd premise, the show delivers a refreshing take on isekai that prioritizes ingenuity and heart over conventional heroics. Its ability to make a vending machine a compelling protagonist is no small feat, and the expanded world-building, deeper character relationships, and clever humor elevate it beyond a mere meme series. While it may not reach the narrative depths of Re:Zero or the comedic heights of Konosuba, it carves out its own space as a delightful, unconventional adventure.

Verdict: Season 2 is a must-watch for fans of quirky isekai and those who appreciate stories that find meaning in the mundane. It’s not without flaws—uneven pacing and budget constraints hold it back from true greatness—but its charm and originality make it a standout. If you’re looking for an anime that dares to be different, Reborn as a Vending Machine Season 2 delivers a next-level experience that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Check it out on Crunchyroll, where it streams with English subtitles and dubs, and see why a vending machine might just be the hero we didn’t know we needed.