Review of KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World!

Originally, I started writing this review under the assumption that this Konosuba spin-off was essentially a season three. It isn't, but I'm glad I checked. I would've made more of an ass of myself than I already have here. At this point and time, this is definitely my least favorite Konosuba related material to be released. That also includes all of the OVA's and the movie. That isn't to say that it's bad, by any means, just not a very strong Konosuba entry. Here's why I feel this way. I'm going to assume you know what Konosuba is, and have watched all of the previous materialup until this point. Cool? Cool.

Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Bakuen wo! primarily focuses on Megumin. Specifically what was going on in Megumin's life before the events of season one. Makes perfect sense why she would get her own season. She was by far the most popular character in the previous seasons. However, the biggest issue with this idea is that you're giving the spotlight to one character in the main cast. One of the many reasons that made Konosuba so magical in the eyes of so many sweaty, greasy otaku are the character interactions. The chemistry, the character dynamics of the main cast. Kazuma, Aqua, Darkness, and Megumin. You're cutting out three of the four main characters who are just reduced to mere cameos in this new season. Relying "mostly" on Megumin to make the funnies. Shame. Of course, she's not alone. You have other characters like Yun Yun, the other Crimson Demons, brief cameos of the previous main characters, and characters who are just references to previous events and places we're all familiar with. Or I guess in this case, future events. Like The Axis of Evil. I MEAN THE AXIS OF ORDER! Yeah yeah yeah. They're not very funny. Nobody is very funny or interesting this season.
With the exception of a few jokes, the comedic writing is not very strong here. The first-half centers on the village of Crimson Demons, and the second-half is the Axis Cult being weird con artists, fights with demons, and Megumin slowly making her way to Kazuma and the others. It's on the same level of quality as Princess Connect! Re:Dive. That one anime that looks JUST like Konosuba, but isn't. And is also not as funny. This is just like that.

Comedy aside, this is just another Konosuba entry. It looks and smells like Konosuba, but there's a different director? Just found that out as I'm writing this. Hmm, interesting. One positive thing I will mention, this spin-off gave me a greater appreciation for Yun Yun as a character. I admire her ability to put up with Megumin's reckless behavior. She's a sweetheart who deserves a little more respect...and friends. Depending on how you feel about Konosuba, your mileage may vary. For some reason, I just didn't enjoy this spin-off all that much. Kind of a letdown.