The anime I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability has solidified its place in the reincarnation genre, earning comparisons to the legendary Dragon Ball series. With its climactic final battle, the show has doubled down on why it deserves this recognition, paying tribute to iconic shonen moments while delivering a narrative packed with action and strategy. As fans eagerly await a second season, the first season’s closing episodes reinforce the anime’s status as a must-watch.
A Nod to Dragon Ball’s Classic Moments
From the outset, I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince has drawn parallels to Dragon Ball, with its protagonist, Lloyd de Saloum, echoing Goku’s heroic feats. In earlier episodes, Lloyd demonstrates his ability to save his friends at the last moment, often facing overwhelmingly strong foes. Like Goku, Lloyd quickly learns and adapts his enemies’ techniques after mere seconds of observation, using these skills to his advantage in intense battles.
In the final showdown, the anime takes inspiration from Dragon Ball Z’s legendary Namek saga. Just as Earth’s fighters relied on suppressing their chi to survive against Frieza and his minions, Lloyd uses a similar tactic to defeat his opponent, Guisarme. Unable to sense Lloyd’s magical energy, Guisarme is at a disadvantage, allowing Lloyd to turn the tide of battle—much like Goku’s strategy in his fight with Frieza.
Ultra Instinct and the Death Ball: Familiar Techniques, Fresh Execution
Perhaps the most striking homage to Dragon Ball comes through the introduction of techniques reminiscent of Goku’s Ultra Instinct and Frieza’s Death Ball. During his fight with Guisarme, Lloyd demonstrates an ability similar to Ultra Instinct by mimicking his opponent’s teleportation technique, Shadow Wolf. He quickly crafts his own spell, Silver Wolf, which allows him to react reflexively and mirror Guisarme’s movements, creating the illusion of teleporting alongside his foe.
The battle further intensifies when both Lloyd and Guisarme summon their own versions of the iconic Death Ball, known in this series as the Mortal Dark Sphere. The energy sphere, down to its size and the way it is hurled, is a clear nod to Frieza’s devastating attack in Dragon Ball Z, adding a layer of familiarity to the fight that will thrill fans of the original series.
A Shonen Fusion: Combining the Best of the Genre
Beyond its clear Dragon Ball influences, I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince borrows elements from other beloved shonen anime. Lloyd’s use of techniques like Naruto’s Shadow Clones and the power-bequeathing trope from Hunter x Hunter enriches the final battle, blending the styles of various iconic series. The frenetic action, marked by rapid punches and explosive auras, mimics the high-paced combat style that made Dragon Ball Z famous.
Despite these callbacks, the anime manages to maintain its own identity. It skillfully incorporates these techniques without falling into the trap of mere imitation, crafting an epic battle that feels both familiar and fresh. The result is a thrilling spectacle that balances homage with originality, appealing to both reincarnation and classic shonen fans alike.
Bridging the Gap Between Genres
Reincarnation and isekai series have often struggled to attract fans of traditional shonen anime, but I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince has made a concerted effort to bridge that divide. By drawing heavily from Dragon Ball and other iconic shonen shows, the anime creates a sense of nostalgia while introducing exciting new elements that breathe life into the genre.
As the first season draws to a close, it’s clear that I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince has successfully captured the attention of a broad audience. With a second season on the horizon, fans can look forward to even more thrilling battles, clever strategies, and familiar nods to the shonen classics that defined anime for a generation.