The official website for the anime “I Shall Survive Using Potions!” based on FUNA’s light novel series has just unveiled an exciting second promotional video and key visual. The video gives us a sneak peek of the ending theme song titled “Love is a Potion,” performed by the cast members Haruki Iwata and Moeka Koizumi, known together as Harmoe.
The upcoming anime series is set to premiere in October as part of the “Animazing!!!” programming block on ABC TV and TV Ashi’s 24-affiliate network, along with BS Fuji. The excitement began early for lucky fans at Anime Expo on July 3, where the world premiere of the first episode was screened.
In the isekai world where magic and mystical creatures are as common as memes and viral challenges, I Shall Survive Using Potions! sees our protagonist finds themselves transported to another world. The isekai genre has given such bangers like Re:Zero, Konasuba, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime and many more, but Will I Shall Survive Using Potions! live up to those standards?
Other Adaptations
I Shall Survive Using Potions, written by FUNA, was originally serialized on the novel posting website Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2015. After gaining popularity, Kodansha acquired the series and started publishing it in print in 2017, featuring illustrations by Sukima. So far, nine volumes have been released as of March 2023.
A manga adaptation, illustrated by Hibiki Kokonoe, was serialized on the Niconico-based Suiyōbi no Sirius platform from 2017 to 2022. Kodansha compiled the chapters into nine volumes.
Following the manga’s success, a sequel titled “I Shall Survive Using Potions! Continuation,” illustrated by Futsū Onshin, began serialization on the same platform in 2022, and its chapters have been collected into a single volume as of 2023.
As if that wasn’t enough enchantment, a spin-off manga titled “I Shall Survive Using Potions! Hanano and Lotte’s Journey,” with Sukima’s illustrations, began its serialization on Suiyōbi no Sirius in 2023, adding even more magic to this on-going series.
The Plot and Cast
When the Earth’s supervisor accidentally causes Kaoru Nagase to lose her physical body, she offers to reincarnate Kaoru into a less culturally advanced world to make up for her mistake, but Kaoru refuses to accept her fate in such a manner.
Determined not to settle for less, Kaoru demands the ultimate power: the ability to whip up potions with any desired effect, anytime she wants. She also asks for a magical Item Box, the gift of every language, and even the body of her fifteen-year-old self. With these abilities, Kaoru must learn to live in this new world.
The cast includes Rin Kusumi voicing Kaoru, Tomoyo Takayanagi voicing Francette, Moeka Koizumi voicing Emile, Haruki Iwata voicing Belle, Natsuki Kitagawa voicing Layette, and finally, Nao Toyama voicing Celestine.
Worth a Watch?
I Shall Survive Using Potions! offers a unique blend of slice-of-life calmness and magical elements, but be prepared for the potion aspect to take a back seat in the beginning. The story progresses slowly, with a pattern of tackling situations, creating potions, and moving on.
However, as events unfold, the story transcends its initial focus, similar to how “Sword Art Online” and “Attack On Titan” change beyond their starting points. The art style is colourful and joyful, but the initial cover design might not match the story’s depth, potentially misleading readers. But that’s okay because it only gets better.
Overall, it’s a slow burn but an engaging read, and fans of the isekai genre will likely find it worth continuing the journey with Kaoru in future volumes, and also in the anime series.
