Despite its widespread popularity and praise for its animation and world-building, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is frequently recommended with problematic storytelling that overshadows its technical merits, according to a critical perspective. The anime's central issue lies with its protagonist, Rudeus Greyrat, a reincarnated 34-year-old man who retains his memories and consciousness in the body of a teenager. This premise, while common in the isekai genre, is marred by Rudeus's persistent problematic behavior.
The narrative implies Rudeus is on a journey of self-realization and redemption, aiming to become a better person than he was in his previous life. However, the story consistently fails to deliver on this promise. Instead, Rudeus's actions often escalate, particularly concerning his relationships with much younger characters. A key example cited involves his sexual relationship with Eris, who was 15 when the encounter occurred, while Rudeus was mentally 47 and physically 13. This event is described not as consensual but as grooming, directly contradicting the intended redemption arc.
Further compounding the criticism, the second season reportedly depicts Rudeus struggling with depression after Eris leaves him, only to overcome it by forming a harem. This harem includes a 16-year-old he met when she was 5, and a 50-year-old he met when he was 3. The author is accused of either refusing or neglecting to hold Rudeus accountable for his actions, instead seemingly rewarding him, thus undermining any claim to a redemption narrative.
While Studio Bind's animation is acknowledged as incredible, the world-building is described as top-notch, and the magic system as well-defined, these strengths are seen as insufficient to redeem a poorly written story with fundamentally flawed characters. The author's original fantasy setting is praised, but the execution of the narrative and character development is deemed subpar. As an alternative, the article suggests Reborn as a Vending Machine, noting that while not good, its protagonist is at least not a "sex criminal."