Suppose a Kid from the Last Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town? Season 1: A Whimsical Power Fantasy That Punches Above Its Weight

Suppose a Kid from the Last Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town? (henceforth LasDan for brevity) is a 2021 anime adaptation of Toshio Satō’s light novel series, animated by Liden Films. With a title that’s practically a synopsis, this fantasy-comedy series follows Lloyd Belladonna, a naive teenager from the monstrously overpowered village of Kunlun, as he ventures to the capital to become a soldier, unaware that his “weakling” status in his hometown makes him a juggernaut in the wider world. Season 1, spanning 12 episodes, aired from January to March 2021 and offers a delightful blend of humor, heart, and trope-subverting charm. This review dives deep into what makes LasDan a standout, analyzing its unique strengths, subtle nuances, and occasional stumbles, while offering a fresh perspective on its place in the crowded fantasy anime landscape.

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A Premise That’s Both Absurd and Brilliant

At its core, LasDan is a fish-out-of-water story with a twist: the fish is a leviathan who thinks he’s a minnow. Lloyd hails from Kunlun, a village nestled beside the “Last Dungeon,” a nightmarish gauntlet of monsters so powerful that even the local flora and fauna could give modern militaries a run for their money. In this environment, Lloyd is considered the weakest link—a perception he internalizes deeply. Driven by childhood tales of heroic soldiers, he sets off for Azami, a “starter town” where novice adventurers hone their skills, hoping to fulfill his dream.

The genius of LasDan lies in its central gag: Lloyd’s obliviousness to his own strength. Raised among superhuman villagers, he assumes his ability to casually obliterate giant insects or punch opponents into the stratosphere is par for the course. This setup, while not entirely novel (shades of One Punch Man or KonoSuba come to mind), is executed with such earnestness and charm that it feels fresh. The show doesn’t just lean on the overpowered protagonist trope; it uses it to explore themes of self-worth, community, and the gap between perception and reality.

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Characters: A Lovable Ensemble with Depth Beneath the Gags

LasDan boasts a colorful cast that elevates its simple premise. Lloyd, voiced by Yumiri Hanamori (Japanese) and Lindsay Seidel (English), is the heart of the series. His wide-eyed innocence and relentless optimism make him instantly likable, but it’s his internal struggle—believing he’s inadequate despite his feats—that adds surprising emotional weight. Moments where Lloyd doubts himself, only to push forward out of loyalty to his friends, are genuinely moving and ground the comedy in something relatable.

The supporting cast is equally compelling, each character embodying a familiar archetype but with enough quirks to stand out:

• Marie (Ai Kayano/Alexis Tipton): A teenage witch and secret princess of Azami, Marie is a delightful mix of snark and vulnerability. Her exasperation with her former mentor, Alka, and her growing affection for Lloyd (partly due to his domestic skills) make her a standout. Her arc, particularly her efforts to prevent a war, adds a layer of political intrigue to the series.
• Alka (Natsumi Hioka/Kristen McGuire): The centuries-old loli village chief of Kunlun, Alka is a chaotic force of nature with a not-so-subtle crush on Lloyd. Her teleportation antics and meddling provide much of the show’s slapstick humor, but her protective streak hints at deeper motivations.
• Selen (Madoka Asahina/Alexis Tipton): The “Cursed Belt Princess,” Selen’s obsessive devotion to Lloyd borders on yandere but is played for laughs with her spider-like wall-crawling and relentless pursuit. Her backstory, involving a magical belt that once choked her, adds a touch of pathos.
• Riho (Minami Tsuda/Krystal LaPorte): A cynical mercenary with a prosthetic arm, Riho’s pragmatic worldview contrasts nicely with Lloyd’s idealism. Her subtle growth, particularly in moments of vulnerability, makes her a fan favorite.

The ensemble dynamic shines through their interactions, with each character’s quirks amplifying the comedy. However, the show flirts with harem tropes, which some viewers might find grating. While Lloyd’s obliviousness mitigates the usual discomfort of harem setups, the constant romantic tension can feel repetitive.

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Animation and Sound: A Vibrant, Comical Canvas

Liden Films delivers a visually appealing package, though it’s not without flaws. The art style is bright and colorful, perfectly capturing the utopian fantasy vibe of Azami’s bustling streets and Kunlun’s wild landscapes. Character designs are detailed enough to be expressive but adhere to familiar tropes (e.g., Marie’s witch aesthetic, Selen’s gothic flair). The animation shines in comedic moments, with exaggerated expressions and Road Runner-esque slapstick—think characters leaving person-shaped holes in walls or Selen scuttling up buildings like a possessed spider. These sequences, reminiscent of 90s Cartoon Network, add a layer of physical comedy that’s rare in modern anime.

Action scenes, while not the focus, are surprisingly competent. Lloyd’s effortless takedowns of monsters and demon lords are animated with enough flair to feel satisfying, though the lack of tension (due to his overwhelming strength) can make these moments feel perfunctory. The show’s budget constraints are occasionally evident in static crowd scenes or recycled backgrounds, but these are minor quibbles.

The soundtrack, composed by Michiru, is serviceable but unmemorable, blending generic fantasy motifs with upbeat comedic tracks. The opening theme, “Suppose It’s the Magic of Courage” by Haruka Yamazaki, is catchy and perfectly encapsulates Lloyd’s earnest spirit. The ending, “I’mpossible?” by Luce Twinkle Wink☆, is a bubbly earworm that suits the show’s lighthearted tone.

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Plot and Themes: More Than Meets the Eye

LasDan is, on the surface, a straightforward comedy, but it weaves in enough narrative progression to keep viewers engaged. The season follows Lloyd’s misadventures in Azami as he navigates military academy trials, magical contests, and a looming conspiracy involving demon lords and a possessed king. The plot isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s more cohesive than many gag-driven anime. Each arc introduces new facets of the world—like the ancient saviors of Kunlun or the political machinations in Azami—while dropping breadcrumbs about a larger threat.

The show’s strength lies in its thematic undercurrents. Lloyd’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about slaying monsters. His persistent self-doubt, despite his godlike abilities, resonates with anyone who’s ever felt inadequate. The series subtly critiques societal expectations, showing how Lloyd’s “weakness” is a product of his environment rather than reality. This emotional core, combined with the humor, makes LasDan more than just a time-killer.

However, the plot isn’t flawless. The final confrontation with the villains feels underwhelming, with the antagonists escaping to set up a potential second season. Some viewers might find the reliance on running gags—like Lloyd’s obliviousness or Selen’s over-the-top affection—repetitive, though the show mitigates this by balancing comedy with character-driven drama.

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Why It Stands Out: A Fresh Take on Familiar Tropes

What sets LasDan apart from other fantasy-comedy anime is its sincerity. Unlike KonoSuba, which revels in irreverence, or The Misfit of Demon King Academy, which leans into bombast, LasDan strikes a balance between humor and heart. Lloyd’s purity and the genuine bonds he forms with his friends give the series an emotional anchor that many gag-driven shows lack. The show also subverts expectations by limiting Lloyd’s involvement in national affairs (a rule enforced by Kunlun’s elders), which keeps the stakes grounded and prevents the story from spiraling into generic “save the world” territory.

The series’ humor, rooted in exaggerated reactions and physical comedy, feels like a love letter to classic cartoons while maintaining an anime sensibility. Moments like Lloyd casually cooking risotto (a notoriously difficult dish) while everyone else panics about his strength are both hilarious and endearing. Yet, the show doesn’t shy away from darker undertones, like Selen’s curse or Marie’s hidden identity, adding just enough depth to keep viewers invested.

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Criticisms: Not Without Its Flaws

LasDan isn’t perfect. The harem elements, while toned down compared to other anime, can feel forced, especially when multiple characters vie for Lloyd’s affection without much justification. The plot, while cohesive, lacks the ambition to break new ground, and the generic fantasy setting doesn’t always stand out in a genre saturated with medieval kingdoms and demon lords. Some viewers might also tire of Lloyd’s obliviousness, which, while central to the comedy, occasionally strains credulity—how can someone this powerful be this clueless?

The animation, while solid for comedy, doesn’t reach the heights of top-tier fantasy series like Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen. The soundtrack, too, fades into the background, missing an opportunity to elevate key moments. Finally, the unresolved ending might frustrate viewers hoping for closure, though it leaves room for a second season that has yet to be confirmed as of July 2025.

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Cultural Impact and Reception

LasDan Season 1 garnered a modest but dedicated following, with a 7/10 rating on sites like Umai Yomu and mixed user reviews on IMDb and Reddit. Fans praise its humor and likable characters, with some calling it a “fun time-killer” ideal for relaxing. Critics, however, note its lack of originality, with one reviewer calling it “generic” but not “bad.” The show’s streaming availability on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and other platforms helped it reach a wide audience, though it never achieved the cultural juggernaut status of heavyweights like Demon Slayer.

On forums like Reddit and Anime-Planet, fans highlight the show’s comedic animation and trope subversions, with some appreciating subtle details like Lloyd’s risotto-making as a “flex” of his understated competence. Others, however, found the world-building lackluster and the characters’ obsession with Lloyd overdone. The series’ light novel and manga roots, with 15 volumes and 12 tankōbon respectively, suggest a rich source material that could fuel future adaptations.

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Should You Watch It?

Suppose a Kid from the Last Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town? Season 1 is a delightful romp for fans of fantasy-comedy who don’t mind a familiar setup delivered with heart. If you enjoy shows like KonoSuba or The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. for their blend of humor and overpowered protagonists, LasDan will scratch that itch. It’s not a game-changer, but its earnest characters, clever gags, and surprising emotional depth make it a worthwhile watch. Just don’t expect a mind-blowing plot or jaw-dropping visuals.

Rating: 8/10

• Pros: Lovable characters, hilarious physical comedy, heartfelt themes of self-worth.
• Cons: Repetitive gags, generic setting, unresolved ending.
• Best For: Fans of lighthearted fantasy, harem comedies, and underdog stories with a twist.

Stream it on Crunchyroll or Prime Video, and let Lloyd’s absurd strength and sweeter-than-risotto charm win you over. Here’s hoping for a Season 2 to tie up those loose ends