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This Wonderful Invitation

Isekai Quartet is one of the most ambitious anime crossovers as it brings the core characters from some of the most popular isekais. Its appeal comes from watching characters with radically different personalities, beliefs, and morals either cooperate or clash over everyday situations. These contrasts range from hyper-ambitious figures butting heads with unmotivated slackers to otherworldly beings struggling to adapt to mundane norms. Isekai Quartet 3 continues this formula while expanding the cast, introducing new characters that further complicate the group’s already chaotic dynamic.

Isekai Quartet 3 once again follows the adventures of heroes from some of the most popular isekai series as they try to navigate school life. It keeps things fresh by introducing new characters while giving familiar faces more time to shine. It also raises the big question: can Tanya Degurechaff, Kazuma Satou, Lord Ainz, and Subaru Natsuki keep this school life routine going?

Before going any further, here’s a quick rundown of my familiarity with each series. I’ve watched three seasons of Overlord, every season and the movie of KonoSuba, the first three episodes of Re:Zero, and Season 1 of The Rising of the Shield Hero. For Saga of Tanya the Evil, I’ve seen Season 1, the OVA, and the movie, and I’ve also read the first light novel. The Eminence in Shadow is the only series I have no familiarity with.

Same World, New Adventures

Let’s address the obvious: you should be familiar with at least two of these isekai to follow what’s happening. Watching a few seasons of several shows gives you a better understanding of the dynamics between each character. This context helps you catch running gags; like Aqua’s hostility toward Ainz Ooal Gown or why Tanya Degurechaff gets along so well with Demiurge. These jokes make more sense when you understand their origins or how they fit into the lore. When I started Isekai Quartet, I had finished Season 1 of KonoSuba and Saga of Tanya the Evil, which helped me follow the group dynamics. At the same time, Isekai Quartet introduces viewers to the other titles. It’s how I eventually started Overlord and even tried giving Re:Zero a chance.

The takeaway is that being a fan of at least two isekais makes the jokes sharper, and you may be inspired to explore the other shows.

Hello New Students

The series is an isekai that brings together the core characters from KonoSuba, Overlord, Re:Zero, Saga of Tanya the Evil, and The Rising of the Shield Hero. They are transported to a world modeled after high school life, where they must adapt while searching for a way home. Their clashing quirks shape new friendships among some, while others cause chaos at every turn.

Isekai Quartet 3 begins right where the movie ends, introducing new students from the world of Re:Zero alongside core characters from The Eminence in Shadow. As the students of Class 2 attempt to find a way back to their own world, they learn of a mysterious student among them named Shadow. Nobody knows who they are or how they fit into everything. However, the group believes they might be the key to returning to their own world. Along the way, they have to deal with the class assignments and the challenges of their own personal lives in this world.

Cuteness Being Present

While the season was solid overall, there were a few standout episodes I have to highlight because of how well they were executed.

One of my favorite episodes of the season has to be “Attack! of the Spear Hero.” Motoyasu Kitamura arrives in this world and immediately goes searching for Filo. However, his interactions with most students are hostile, since he calls the women “pigs” and gets beaten up for it. Reinhard van Astrea and Aura Bella Fiora deliver the most brutal and satisfying beatings. Even though I’ve only seen Season 1 of The Rising of the Shield Hero, that was enough to know I can’t stand Motoyasu. He’s an arrogant pedo who treated Naofumi with the most cruelty, so watching various isekai characters kick the living crap out of him is hilarious.

“Lurking! Eminence” and “Search! Shadow and Devil” were also standout episodes as they introduced viewers to The Eminence in Shadow. Lurking! Eminence first introduces us to the characters from the series while showcasing their different personalities and how to work with the others. Search! Shadow and Devil goes a little further by giving us a summary of what The Eminence in Shadow is about and what each of the core chracters are trying to accomplish.

Planning a Music Festival

Isekai Quartet 3 has a lot going for it, as the cast continues to grow and new adventures await the students of Class 2. First, Otto Suwen and Garfiel Tinsel from Re:Zero join the class. Next, viewers are introduced to the core cast of The Eminence in Shadow. Finally, Motoyasu Kitamura quickly makes enemies with nearly everyone at the school. At the same time, other characters get their moments to shine. Lupusregina Beta continues her mischief, while CZ2128 Delta has a stronger presence throughout the season. Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Filo also play a much bigger role across the story. The season also has a good number of callbacks to its source material, including the return of the Winter Shogun from Konosuba.

Once again, the best moments come from personality clashes. Kazuma’s theory that Shadow is just an edgelord trying to look cool consistently annoys Tanya and Demiurge. Aqua’s overconfidence continues to backfire, especially as she repeatedly clashes with Albedo. Then there’s Aura, who desperately wants Garfiel as a pet for her collection. These interactions strengthen the group’s chemistry while providing a steady source of conflict and laughs.

Finally, it’s impossible to overlook how the season ends with a playful nod to Little Shop of Horrors. It serves as the perfect conclusion, as the group engages in an epic concert battle against Audrey III. Once victorious, they begin questioning whether they want to return to their original worlds or remain in this one. The ending leaves the door open for either a series finale or a potential fourth season. Regardless, it closes with the Season 1 opening playing over the credits, accompanied by still images of the group reenacting scenes inspired by classic films.

Don’t Go Home

Isekai Quartet 3’s biggest issue is the lack of prominence given to the characters from The Eminence in Shadow. Compared to last season and the major role the Rising of the Shield Hero cast played, they are almost nonexistent throughout the series, aside from a few episodes, even though part of the story focuses on their purpose in this world. At the same time, the season doesn’t do a great job of sparking interest in The Eminence in Shadow, especially since I hadn’t watched a single episode when writing this review. This isn’t to say the series will be bad, but Isekai Quartet 3 never truly made me curious enough to dive into it.

Another issue is that both the opening and ending themes are far less catchy than those from previous seasons. Season 1 had the strongest opening and closing songs, while Season 2 was decent and still delivered a solid ending theme. Season 3’s themes, however, are easily skippable between episodes. The only exception is the closing to the final epsoide and that is because it’s the opening to Season 1.

Hi, I’m Kazuma

Isekai Quartet 3 once again brings together core characters from some of the biggest isekai series and throws them into a school setting. Personalities continue to clash with hilarious results as the group tries to make the best of this strange world. While it has its shortcomings, it remains an enjoyable comedy for fans of any of the featured franchises.

Disclaimer: I watched the entire season on Crunchyroll, which I pay for myself.

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Isekai Quartet 3

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• New characters are introduced while others have a moment to shine.
• It will introduce you to new isekais beyond the ones you have already seen.
• Having an episode dedicated to Motoyasu Kitamura getting beaten is hilarious.
• Season ends with a bang.

Cons

• The Eminence in Shadow chracters don't get that much screen time.
• Opening and closing song are skipable.