I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too (nicknamed Iseleve) is an isekai light novel by Miku, illustrated by Rein Kuwashima, that began in 2018. The season 1 anime aired in 2023, and season 2 is set to air in January 2027.
Overview
Yūya Tenjō is a bullied middle schooler whose only kind relative is his grandfather. When his grandfather dies, Yūya inherits the house and discovers a portal to another world called Argena. There he gains overwhelming power, which pulls him into fights against demons, gods and other threats.
What sets Iseleve apart from a typical isekai is in its title: that power carries over into real life. Per Yen Press's synopsis, after leveling up Yūya settles into a new school, makes friends quickly, becomes popular for his looks and athleticism, and starts learning magic. The story began as a web novel on Kakuyomu and was then published by Fujimi Shobo.
The series has several side branches. Girls Side by Ryō Kotohira follows Princess Lexia's journey to match Yūya, and The Story of Kaori Hōjō follows Kaori meeting a magical girl named Noah. On the anime side, a special aired on March 31, 2026 ahead of season 2.
Highlights
Fast pace, a strong hero early
Yūya levels up quickly in Argena, and that power changes his real life too. Good for readers who like isekai without padding.
A 13-episode anime in 2023
TMS Entertainment produced it and Millepensee animated it. Shingo Tanabe directed, and Shin Itagaki was chief director and wrote scripts.
Season 2 has a date
Announced at AnimeJapan on March 28, 2026, with Shin Itagaki returning as director, expected in January 2027.
Official English releases
Yen Press publishes the light novel and manga in English. Crunchyroll streams the anime with an English dub.
The cast returns
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Yūya), Akari Kito (Kaori) and Kaori Maeda (Lexia) return. Marina Inoue, Kenta Miyake and Shigeru Chiba are new.
Characters
Yūya Tenjō
ProtagonistA bullied student whose life changes with power from another world. Voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka.
Kaori Hōjō
ClassmateYūya's classmate and the chairman's daughter. She has her own spin-off. Voiced by Akari Kito.
Lexia von Arselia
Princess of ArseliaA princess of the kingdom of Arselia. The Girls Side spin-off follows her journey. Voiced by Kaori Maeda.
Reigar
Lexia's half-brotherLexia's half-brother, who plots a coup in the kingdom.
Ōma
Dragon serving YūyaA dragon who serves Yūya. Called the Genesis Dragon for season 2, voiced by Shigeru Chiba.
Where to start
Watch season 1, 13 episodes, before season 2 airs in January 2027. If you like it, keep going with the light novel or the English manga from Yen Press for what the anime has not covered. The special that aired on March 31, 2026 is an extra bridge piece.
Is it for you?
It's for you if
- Readers who like isekai with a strong hero and a fast pace
- Anyone who wants a story split between another world and real life
- Fans waiting for season 2 who want to rewatch season 1
It may not suit you if
- Readers who want a slow-paced, everyday-life isekai
- Anyone who dislikes an overpowered hero from early on
- Anyone who needs a finished ending since the series is ongoing
Timeline
- Dec 20, 2018Volume 1 of the Fujimi Fantasia Bunko light novel released, based on the Kakuyomu web novel.
- Dec 2019Kazuomi Minatogawa's manga began on Dengeki PlayStation Comic Web.
- Apr 2023Anime season 1 aired from April 7 to June 30, 2023, for 13 episodes.
- Mar 28, 2026Season 2 was announced at AnimeJapan 2026.
- Mar 31, 2026The anime special aired.
- Jan 2027Season 2 is expected to premiere.
Quick answers
When does Iseleve season 2 air?
It is expected in January 2027, per Wikipedia and the official anime site that OtaHub's profile cites. An exact date, time and international platform have not been announced.
How many episodes was season 1 and when did it air?
13 episodes, from April 7 to June 30, 2023 on Tokyo MX and other networks. Crunchyroll streams it with an English dub.
How much source material is there?
Per Wikipedia, the light novel has 21 volumes as of September 2026. The manga has seven volumes as of December 2025, and Yen Press licenses the English edition.
Who directs the anime?
Shingo Tanabe directed season 1, with Shin Itagaki as chief director and scriptwriter. For season 2 Itagaki directs and Hiromi Kimura designs the characters.
Sources for this overview: Wikipedia: I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too · Anime Corner: Iseleve season 2 announced · Yen Press: Iseleve Vol. 2 (audiobook)
Overview
I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too is a light novel by Miku with illustrations by Rein Kuwashima, published by Kadokawa under its Fantasia Bunko label. The hero Tenjō Yūya is bullied from childhood, finds a gate to another world one day, gains overwhelming power and levels up fast, and that power changes his real life.
OtaHub's take
The anime is made by Millepensee. Season 1 has 13 episodes. According to the official anime site, season 2 premieres in January 2027 on TOKYO MX, BS11 and other stations, directed by Shin Itagaki, and follows Yūya as he prepares for a duel with the Sword Saint in the kingdom of Regal. The specific date and time and the international streaming platform have not been announced.
Verdict
it suits viewers who like isekai with a strong hero and a fast pace. Watch season 1 before season 2 premieres.
