Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World

Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World (Re：ゼロから始める異世界生活, Ri:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu) is a Japanese light novel series written by Tappei Nagatsuki and illustrated by Shinichirou Otsuka. The series was initially serialized on the website Shōsetsuka ni Narō from 2012 onwards. Eleven volumes have been published by Media Factory since January 25, 2014, under their MF Bunko J imprint, where they have currently sold more than two million copies.

The series' first three arcs have been adapted into separate manga series, where all three and the novels have been licensed in North America by Yen Press. The first, by Daichi Matsue, was published by Media Factory between June 2014 and March 2015. The second, by Makoto Fugetsu, has been published by Square Enix since October 2014. Matsue launched the third adaptation, also published by Media Factory, in May 2015. Additionally, Media Factory published an anthology manga in June 2016.

An anime adaptation by White Fox aired from on April 4 to September 19, 2016, starting with an hour-long special. It has been licensed by Anime Limited in the United Kingdom, eventually selling more than 60,000 copies on home video. The light novels have been praised for its fresh take on the "another world" concept, but have been criticized for awkward dialogue and redundancy. However, the anime series has been praised by critics for its "culturally complex world" and for the actions of its characters. The series received awards at the 2015–2016 Newtype Anime Awards, the 2017 Sugoi Japan Awards, and was nominated for Anime of the Year at The Anime Awards 2016.

In August 2016, game developer 5pb. announced plans for a visual novel based on the series.

Plot
When Subaru Natsuki leaves the convenience store, the last thing he expects is to be wrenched from his everyday life and dropped into a fantasy world. Things aren't looking good for the bewildered teenager; however, not long after his arrival, he is attacked by some thugs. Armed with only a bag of groceries and a now useless cell phone, he is quickly beaten to a pulp. Fortunately, a mysterious beauty named Satella, in hot pursuit after the one who stole her insignia, happens upon Subaru and saves him. In order to thank the honest and kindhearted girl, Subaru offers to help in her search, and later that night, he even finds the whereabouts of that which she seeks. But unbeknownst to them, a much darker force stalks the pair from the shadows, and just minutes after locating the insignia, Subaru and Satella are brutally murdered.

However, Subaru immediately reawakens to a familiar scene—confronted by the same group of thugs, meeting Satella all over again—the enigma deepens as history inexplicably repeats itself.