Well, MAPPA is one of the most renowned and popular studios right now. The studio has produced hit after hit, so anything that is now produced by them is considered to be a huge phenomenon. The stories are known for loud titles that dominate the conversation, but tucked behind the studio’s blockbuster hits are a few isekai projects that never got the spotlight they deserved. These shows and films bring new flavors, experiments, and satire to the genre, yet many of the audiences or the fans have either missed them or misunderstood what they were trying to do. So, keeping that in mind, here are three underrated MAPPA isekai worth watching.
3. KonoSuba: The Movie
Yes, people, it’s not a MAPPA original, but the studio animated KonoSuba: Legend of Crimson and gave the beloved series one of its most polished and energetic outings that none of us expected. The movie keeps the humor of our beloved dysfunctional team dynamic and nurtures the satirical charm that made KonoSuba a favorite for all of us. But it only elevates because of MAPPA’s animation flair. The film expands on Megumin’s backstory while delivering some of the funniest sequences in the franchise. Yet many fans either simply skip it or forget that MAPPA handled the animation at all, making it a hidden gem both within the studio’s catalogue and the isekai genre.
2. The Dungeon of Black Company
It is a very straightforward concept for all of us, as most isekai heroes gain magical powers, swords, or divine blessings. But in this one, we get to see a brutally unfair job. The Dungeon of Black Company flips the usual formula by dropping a greedy salaryman into a fantasy world where the real villain isn’t a demon king but corporate exploitation. Instead of fighting his way to glory, the protagonist schemes and hustles his way through a labor system designed to crush him. It’s a very sharp, satirical, and funny work by showing how everyday skills can be just as powerful as any spellbook. Because it focuses more on workplace absurdity than epic battles, it stayed underrated despite having one of the most unique tones in modern isekai storytelling.
1. Zenshu
For those who don’t know, Zenshu is one of MAPPA’s most surprising original works, mainly because many of us walked in expecting a behind-the-scenes story about the industry. What we got instead was a heartfelt blend of isekai elements and creative imagination. The series celebrates storytelling, childhood passions, and the joy of creating something purely out of love. Because of that mismatch between expectation and reality, Zenshu slipped under the radar. It is very refreshing and took on the genre by creating something that is wholesome and thoughtful.
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