Reviews

Delicious in Dungeon (Dungeon Meshi), Vol. 1-14 by Ryoko Kui

doogsley's review

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

i might expand upon this another time, but here are my first thoughts after devouring all fourteen volumes over the span of two unprecedented weeks:

dungeon meshi is a masterclass in worldbuilding; it takes itself very seriously, which leads a rich, meticulous playing field. and it's played *completely* straight btw. the humor/absurdity is sharp and silly. laios is one of the greatest mcs of all time, my god. so complex and lovable. this is a MUST-READ for d&d enthusiasts and biology nerds. you can tell ryoko kui loves art and science and anatomy, and adores these characters and this world. there is a tender amount of care put into the character designs, expressions, outfits, diversity, and individuality of the cast, monsters, and environment. the story itself gave me pause multiple times at its philosophy, consulting a more introspective part of myself. and everything is carefully placed, nothing is accidental, trust the sinuous tapestry weaving beneath the surface.

also, an aside: this adventure held me through the death of my beloved old lady cat. dunmeshi simultaneously uplifted and grounded me through the strongest heartbreak i've had in years. the last few chapters were particularly validating, healing, and cauterizing. i am grateful that this story showed up during these delicate days.

"eating is the sole privilege of the living." 🍳

gemillish's review

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

periparaparasakura's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

craftysilicate's review

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

4.5

alienthetic's review

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

cordelia03's review

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

busfullofcheesecake's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

sydneysavior's review

adventurous funny informative lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

if the entire series was as good as the beginning it could've been 5 stars. unfortunately it had massive falloff disease

emsie98's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

gireads's review

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75