Lafanpan and Morlock Get Moments in Handyman Saitou in Another World 4

In the Handyman Saitou in Another World manga, it can often seem like Saitou and Raelza get the most “screen” time, but the fourth volume switches the spotlight to Morlock and Lafanpan. We get much more insight into both characters, which feels quite refreshing. After all, Morlock’s forgetfulness sometimes makes him feel like a gag character, while Lafanpan sometimes ends up overshadowed by stronger personalities.

Editor’s Note: There are spoilers for volume 3 of the Handyman Saitou in Another World manga below.

Much of the previous volume involved Saitou, Raelza, and Lafanpan’s quest to help restore Morlock. Due to circumstances, he was caught in a place between life and death. On top of that, a Demon Lord that seems to withstand anything the party threw at it is ahead of them. Because of a gift of power from a demon dog, designed to help protect its child, we get to see Morlock in his prime. His own power and the demon dog’s combine to grant him this enhanced power and vitality. So much so that his youth is restored, as well as his memory.

It’s an incredible combination. Especially since Handyman Saitou in Another World manga volumes leading up to this have been building up the lore around him. By this point in the series, we’re aware of exactly what Morlock might have been capable of in his prime. Now, we’re actually getting to see it. It’s quite a sight. 

However, it’s not just about seeing Morlock at his most powerful in Handyman Saitou in Another World. The moments here, when the group is facing a desperate situation, means we’re also seeing him at his best in terms of morality and devotion. Morlock is at his most human and best. We see his love for Raelza, his adopted daughter, and the trust he has for Saitou. We see the consideration for the group and the lengths he’s willing to go to in order to protect them. Then there’s the sacrifice he’s willing to make for the sake of others. It shows the depth he’s always had.

As for Lafanpan, her moment in the Handyman Saitou in Another World manga really gives her a chance to relax. We get to enjoy her company, while she enjoys Saitou’s. Given her curse that sees her shrink if she isn’t constantly earning and offering gold, to see her free of concerns for a bit is a joy. It’s like she deserves that chance to have fun and relax. Plus, it also means we get to see more of Saitou’s genuine and kind personality, which is always a plus.

Even though much of Handyman Saitou in Another World volume 4 is dedicated to finishing up a storyline from the previous entry in the manga series, it also means a chance to really connect with Morlock and Lafanpan in new ways. It’s appreciated, given how sometimes these two members of the party might be overlooked or more often seen as comic relief. 

Volume 4 of Handyman Saitou in Another World is available now, and Yen Press will release the fifth volume of the manga on August 20, 2024. The anime is streaming on Crunchyroll.