With its recent first season, Dungeon Meshi, or Delicious in Dungeon has become a buzzing topic in the anime and manga industry. Created by Ryōko Kui, this unique series has left fans craving more — both in terms of its culinary adventures and its complex character relationships. However, when it comes to writing the story, Kui-sensei restrains herself from overtly depending on fans’ feedback.
In a world where creators are often overwhelmed by fan expectations, Ryōko Kui’s approach stands as an example of the power of authorial intent. Delicious in Dungeon is her world, and she invites readers to explore it on her terms, making it all the more compelling.
Ryōko Kui’s Approach to Storytelling in Delicious in Dungeon
One of the most heated debates among Delicious in Dungeon fans revolves around the potential relationship between Marcille, the party’s elf mage, and Falin, Laios’ sister. These two’s relationship has become one of the favorite ships among the fans. However, it seems like Kui-sensei didn’t expect this reaction beforehand.
While many manga creators are influenced by fan feedback, Ryōko Kui takes a different approach to Delicious in Dungeon‘s story. During her Anime Expo 2024 interview via Anime News Network, Kui shared her thoughts on balancing her artistic vision with fan expectations. When asked about the fan reactions to Marcille and Falin’s relationship, Kui revealed that she prefers to leave the interpretation up to her readers, quoting,
When I draw my manga, I try to develop it differently than the fans’ expectations. If I care too much about how the fans will react, I think the story might become less fun or interesting. So, I try not to think too much about how readers will react. In general, I’ll just leave the reader’s imagination, like how they react or how they conceive my manga.
This ambiguous stance allows her story to remain open-ended and leaves room for readers to bring their own interpretations to the table. In a time when fan communities frequently want creators to satisfy their theories or desires, this approach is refreshing. Kui’s choice to put her vision first guarantees that her story will always be unique and unexpected.
Similarly, she didn’t intend to provide fanservice in terms of Senshi’s character, as she didn’t expect fans to find him se*ually appealing. However, she did intend to make his confidence and nonchalant personality an appeal. Fans seem drawn to his rugged charm and the contrast between his culinary skills and his warrior-like demeanor.
What is Delicious in Dungeon About?
At its core, Delicious in Dungeon is a fantasy series that follows a group of adventurers as they navigate a dangerous dungeon. However, it is the emphasis on food that distinguishes Delicious in Dungeon from other fantasy manga. There’s a new dish in every chapter that’s made with different dungeon monsters. The manga has an extra level of sophistication because of Kui’s attention to detail, which extends to the preparation of the monsters and the morality of consuming living beings.
In addition to being a culinary fantasy and survival manual, it’s also a story about how sharing a meal, even in the midst of a threat, strengthens relationships between people. Moreover, Ryōko Kui’s refusal to cater to fan demands ensures that Delicious in Dungeon remains an authentic, unpredictable adventure.
By staying true to her vision, Kui protects the integrity of her story, allowing it to evolve naturally rather than being shaped by external pressures. Her focus on maintaining the “fun” of the story, whether through wild culinary experiments or heartfelt character moments — keeps the manga fresh and engaging.
Delicious in Dungeon is currently available to watch on Netflix.
