Download The 8th Son? Are You Kidding Me?
Introduction
“The 8th Son? Are You Kidding Me?” is a fantasy anime that takes viewers on a fantastic journey through worlds filled with magic, bosses, and unexpected challenges. Written by Y.A. Adapted from the light novel series, Isekai revolves around Shingo Ichinomiya, an ordinary salaryman who suddenly finds himself as Wendelin von Benno Baumeister, the eighth child of a poor family. What follows is history, politics, and the challenges of a young man trying to navigate a world so far removed from the life he has known. In this blog, I will discuss the story of “Eighth Child?” Are you kidding me? “A good work in the isekai genre.
Story
The anime starts with Shingo Ichinomiya, a 25-year-old salaryman, who suddenly finds himself in the body of a five-year-old boy named Wendelin who lives in a virtual world. To complicate matters further, Wendelin is the eighth child of a family with little chance of inheritance or advancement. As Wendelin grows up, she discovers that she possesses extraordinary magical abilities that set her apart from her siblings and provide her with a way to escape the terrible fate that awaits her as the youngest child. With magical abilities, Wendelin begins to create a new life for himself, attracting the attention of powerful men and gaining a reputation for excellence. However, gaining popularity comes with its own challenges. For he must navigate dangerous political waters, maintain connections, and protect what he loves.
The story follows Wendelin’s journey from a humble knight’s daughter to a powerful mage with more feelings and responsibilities than she could ever imagine. Along the way, he makes loyal friends, each with unique skills and traits that help him navigate the dangers and opportunities that lie ahead in this new world.
Main Characters
- Wendelin von Benno Baumeister: The protagonist of the series, Wendelin is an ordinary man who finds himself reincarnated in a fantasy world as the youngest son of a noble family. Despite his low status, his exceptional magical abilities and quick thinking allow him to rise through the ranks of society. Wendelin is a kind-hearted and resourceful individual, though often overwhelmed by the unexpected turns his life takes.
- Elize Katharina von Hohenheim: A noblewoman and one of Wendelin’s closest allies, Elize is a healer with a strong sense of duty and compassion. She becomes Wendelin’s wife and supports him in his endeavors, both as a mage and as a noble.
- Erwin von Alnim: Wendelin’s childhood friend and a skilled swordsman, Erwin is loyal and dependable. He serves as Wendelin’s bodyguard and right-hand man, always ready to protect him in battle and offer advice in times of need.
- Ina Sudou: A former adventurer and one of Wendelin’s companions, Ina is an archer with a sharp wit and a pragmatic outlook. She provides a grounded perspective to the group, often balancing out Wendelin’s more idealistic tendencies.
- Louise Yorck von Arnim: Another of Wendelin’s close companions, Louise is a warrior with immense strength and a straightforward personality. Her dedication to Wendelin and her combat prowess make her an invaluable member of his team.
Background Information
- Creator and Studio:
- Creator: “The 8th Son? Are You Kidding Me?” is based on the light novel series written by Y.A., with illustrations by Fuzichoco. The series has also been adapted into a manga, expanding its reach to different audiences.
- Anime Studio: The anime adaptation is produced by Shin-Ei Animation, known for their work on series like “Crayon Shin-chan” and “Doraemon,” in collaboration with SynergySP.
- Source Material: The anime closely follows the plot of the light novels, capturing the essence of Wendelin’s journey and the challenges he faces in a new and unfamiliar world.
- Release Dates:
- Anime Premiere: “The 8th Son? Are You Kidding Me?” premiered in April 2020 and quickly garnered attention for its unique take on the isekai genre.
- Episodes: The series consists of 12 episodes, each filled with adventure, humor, and the trials of navigating a world of magic and nobility.
- Genre:
- Isekai: As an isekai anime, the series explores the concept of being transported to another world, with all the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
- Fantasy: The series is set in a medieval fantasy world, complete with magic, mythical creatures, and a complex social hierarchy.
- Adventure: Wendelin’s journey is filled with adventures, from exploring ancient ruins to engaging in epic battles, making the series an exciting watch.
Theme
- Rising Above the Times: Wendelin’s story is one of overcoming adversity as he transforms a despised nobleman into a strong and powerful man. His journey highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.
- Friendship and Loyalty: The series centers around the friendships Wendelin forms with her teammates. Their loyalty, trust and willingness to help each other in difficult and bad times confirm the value of true friendship in a world full of problems.
- Power and responsibility: As Wendelin’s power increases, so does his responsibility. The series shows how he deals with the challenges of wielding great power, from making difficult decisions to protecting those who rely on him.
- Good Politics and Social Security: Animation delves into the complexities of life, from unstable social structures to the political behavior necessary to sustain them. Wendelin’s rise to fame shows the challenges of navigating this difficult world.
Visual and Animation
- Art style: The art style of the anime captures the reality and fantasy of the world, with details and images that characterize the main characters. The amazing effects are well done, adding a sense of wonder to the show.
- Design: Each character is different and their design reflects their personality and role in the story. Wendelin’s youth contrasts with her inner maturity, while her friends’ portraits emphasize her ability and character.
- Continuity of action: The stage shows are exciting and choreographed, especially the magic ones. The animation perfectly captures the intensity of the battles and emotions, making them popular in the series.
Voice and Music
- Opening and Ending Themes: The opening theme “Jikuu no Mayoi Hito” by Demon Kakka and Arika Takarano sets the tone of the series’ announcement, while the ending theme “Tsukiakari Monologue” by Akino Arai provides a thoughtful ending. and calmer with each episode.
- Background Music: The soundtrack has a unique and atmospheric mix of songs that enhance the mood and emotional moments of the series. Music adds depth to the story, making the world more real.
- Voice Acting: Voice acting gives a powerful human-like performance. Wendelin’s protagonist, Junya Enoch, beautifully conveys her journey from confusion to hope, while her supporting cast add richness to the story.
Review
“The 8th Son? Are You Kidding Me?” presents a new perspective on the isekai genre, with a man who must face the challenges of a new world, but also the challenges of a noble family. The series combines emotion, humor and character development, making it a delight to watch for fans of fantasy and isekai anime.
Wendelin’s journey from noble boy to witch is powerful, and the series does a good job of exploring the challenges that come with his new powers and position. The supporting cast adds depth to the story, each bringing their own strengths and opinions to the table.
