Handyman Saitou in Another World Manga Shows a Dungeon’s Dangers

The Handyman Saitou in Another World manga isn’t one that shies away from dangerous situations. In the third and fourth volumes, we see life-threatening confrontations, after all. But there are also often heartfelt or lighter moments between characters too. Even when in the famous labyrinth all the adventurers are exploring. With volume 5 of the manga, we’re thrust right back to a proper adventure in the dungeon, and it serves as a harsh reminder of how dangerous the location can be even to people familiar with it.

Editor’s Note: There will be minor spoilers for some plot beats in volume 5 of the Handyman Saitou in Another World manga. 

First, I love how volume five of Handyman Saitou in Another World starts, because it feels like Kazutomo Ichitomo realized, “Right, we haven’t been here in a while. Let’s drop some lore.” It reintroduces the former demon lord labyrinth now managed by the government. This means we go over how it works. It’s a good refresher, plus we’re getting new information about the location. So there are the three “entrances” when someone gets inside, designed for different difficulty levels. It also establishes how there are paid collectors who will go in and retrieve fallen folks’ bodies to bring them back outside where they could potentially be revived, while setting up the notion that some people actually manage businesses inside the dungeon proper. 

It’s a fun reminder of the worldbuilding Ichitomo does throughout the Handyman Saitou in Another World manga. We’re constantly reminded of how things work in a practical way. (Delicious in Dungeonis another series like that!) These asides come up while propelling the story forward. So we’ll learn how things work, about locations, and about notable figures or organizations while our regular tale goes on.

Speaking of the actual story, volume 5 of Handyman Saitou in Another World sets up an opportunity to learn more about characters and relationships with this new adventure. After hearing about a Dullahan in golden armor plaguing the area, Saitou’s party gets separated. Raelza ends up alone, with Saitou, Lafanpan, and Morlock deciding to search for her. This ties into the other elements broached earlier in the manga, about adventurers getting separated or killed in a dungeon. It brings up the question of what do you do if you do find yourself pulled apart? Do you risk everyone’s safety for someone who could be dead? 

This plot device means we get a chance to really see and appreciate how Saitou and Raelza feel about each other. In Saitou’s case, it is his determination to push forward and find her. He’s driven to reunite with Raelza. Conversely, Raelza finds herself in a situation that exposes how she feels about Saitou. So we’re getting more definitive proof about who they are to each other. It’s again handled in a great way that keeps it from feeling like it’s a bunch of exposition dumped on us. Ichitomo is showing us through actions and examples throughout, instead of using a few sentences to set things up.

More importantly, volume 5 of Handyman Saitou in Another World continues to stay true to the ambiance and feel of the manga. It feels like we’re witnessing parts of the party’s lives. Nothing is forced. It doesn’t come across as contrived. It isn’t like we’re seeing major crusades put together. It’s a natural chronicle of the lives of ordinary adventurers, and I love how these stories flow together.

Volume 5 of Handyman Saitou in Another World is available now, and Yen Press will release volume six on February 18, 2025.