Amidst monsters and mayhem, Delicious in Dungeon offers a fresh take on the adventure genre. From its visuals to storyline, it’s anything but a bog-standard series. This holds true with the compelling storyline and light-hearted themes. What’s interesting is that the manga doesn’t try hard to be extraordinary. Even the author vouches for this in terms of the characters.
In an interview, Ryoko Kui revealed the ordinary nature of the protagonist. While most readers speculate their theories regarding his behaviour, it is quite opposite. In her revelation she also highlights the importance of food as an underlying theme in the series.
Ryoko Kui opens up about Laios’ character
Delicious in Dungeon may instantly remind readers of Dungeons and Dragons due to the obvious name. It, however, isn’t the case with this series because of its fresh storyline. This doesn’t negate the influences of the game franchise on Ryoko Kui’s series. The mangaka excels in fusing fantasy and adventure with a blend of strangeness. And there’s more to it than meets the eye.
The series debunks the idea of normalcy in many aspects. It does so through the protagonist’s fascination with monsters. This is viewed as an annoyance and is a running gag in the anime as well.
In a similar vein, Senshi’s character is constructed brilliantly. His wisdom and knowledge is pivotal in navigating the party, especially Laios. The blonde hero, however, is ridden with assumptions by the fanbase.
Most of the assumptions by the fans point to the hero being autistic despite any confirmation. Ryoko Kui, the mangaka, debunked this myth in an interview. She quoted:
So my understanding is Laios is a really normal person; there’s nothing special, and everyone can relate [to a person like him]. I also relate to him, so I don’t think I’m writing anything special [regarding Laios]. That’s why I think people can relate to or appreciate him. Some people might say Laios is a little bit autistic, but Shuro has his own difficulties.
Amidst the chaos and adventure, the series offers some heart-rending moments. This extends to the medium of food in bringing the community together. Food is a major theme of the series and Ryoko Kui challenges the way we perceive and consume food.
Food and community are intermingled in Delicious in Dungeon
From Exorcism Sorbet to Scorpion Hotpot, the series has some strange delicacies. It is a paradox in more ways than one. Especially with the bizarre ingredients used in the dishes. One wouldn’t bat an eye considering how visually appealing the food looks. Be it sorbet or stews, the manga has a unique way of bringing the community together through the medium of food.
The perception of normalcy associated with food is subverted. This is especially true with the choice of ingredients. Ryoko Kui brings a sense of strangeness and fuses it in her series. From Laois’ openness to Marcille’s disgust, food brings out a spectrum of emotions.
It is also evident in the practice of normalizing monster meat. The medium of food replicates reality in most aspects. Especially with most cultures where food practices are looked down. The series habituates the viewers and readers in its move of debunking the ideas of normalcy and strangeness.
All in all, the series is a visual treat for all viewers and readers. From its storytelling to themes, it is a respite from the cliche adventure tropes. What makes it worth watching is the spectrum of characters. The series sets itself apart from other fantasy anime through the use of RPG references. To sum it all, the series takes the cake with its alluring visuals of food.
Delicious in Dungeon is available for streaming on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
