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Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Light Novels #1
Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon, Vol. 1
A middle-aged man with only one passion in his life meets a fitting end in a traffic accident. That's where most stories would end, but instead, this is when his story begins when he's reborn as what he admired the most in life--a vending machine! But his new lease on life(?) happens in the worst place possible--what can a vending machine do in a monster-infested dungeon when he can't speak or even move on his own?
232 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2016
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317 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 12, 2018
Maybe I expected too much from this. It was ok, but nothing special. Quite boring actually. Comedy was ok but there was no plot and the economics side was just too simple. The main character is also so generic and sexist that it is not even funny. More like annoying.
If you have nothing better to do then this book is pretty short and light reading.
If you have nothing better to do then this book is pretty short and light reading.
April 30, 2018
When isekai novels started getting popular after SAO, writers could just put a random milquetoast hero into a generic fantasyland and readers would be happy, but as more and more of these stories glutted the market, writers had to come up with interesting gimmicks to catch attention. One technique was to come up with a silly title, like Is It Wrong to Pick Up Girls in the Dungeon, but after a while even that wasn't enough. Now we have entered the age of characters reincarnated as random things. There are spider heroes now, and slimes, but nothing will ever be as ridiculous as this. A vending machine fanatic who's rewarded for a heroic sacrifice (saving a vending machine, naturally) by being reborn as one.
But as silly as that may sound, the book is surprisingly good. A lot of that is because the hero's predicament leaves him severely underpowered, unlike every other isekai protagonist. He not only can't fight, he can't even move.
More importantly, he uses his limited abilities -- dispensing snacks and drinks, a protective force field -- to help people. Early on he ends up with a girl who's strong enough to carry him around, and he decides to devote himself to helping her become awesome. He doesn't upstage her, or try to fix her. He just sits back and offers services so she can improve herself. Compared to the ten thousand Kirito wannabes out there, he's a breath of fresh air.
But as silly as that may sound, the book is surprisingly good. A lot of that is because the hero's predicament leaves him severely underpowered, unlike every other isekai protagonist. He not only can't fight, he can't even move.
More importantly, he uses his limited abilities -- dispensing snacks and drinks, a protective force field -- to help people. Early on he ends up with a girl who's strong enough to carry him around, and he decides to devote himself to helping her become awesome. He doesn't upstage her, or try to fix her. He just sits back and offers services so she can improve herself. Compared to the ten thousand Kirito wannabes out there, he's a breath of fresh air.
March 18, 2023
why the fuck did I read this?
10/10
10/10
October 11, 2024
What did I just read?? The adventures were actually enjoyable and entertaining. However, I reduced the rating because of unnecessary sexist comments about boobs and their size, women’s naked bodies, women in the change room, tomboys being unattractive and panties… Whether or not it’s supposed to come across as ‘funny’ in the context of Japanese culture it disrupted immersion in the story with it’s sexist grossness and ruined what was actually a unique and entertaining story. The homophobia that peeks out several times didn’t go unnoticed either.
November 22, 2019
So the protagonist in this light novel has to be one of the most unique ones I have come across. He's obsessed with Vending Machines, and died at the hands of one, hence his particular set of abilities in his isekai adventures. Where in a lot of isekai novels, the protagonist has game changing powers, or is at least able to do some pretty amazing things, Hirukuma sticks to their guns and the protagonist's only abilities are that he can change what he dispenses and a force field. This means that quite often he has to come up with unique and interesting ways to solve issues that arise, which keeps things very interesting.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked this book up, and had avoided it for quite some time due to the outlandish nature of the protagonist. But as the story continued I got more and more attached, and I was quite impressed with a lot of what the author had put into this book. The characters are interesting and feel very much fleshed out. Even though the female lead's extreme strength is never fully explained, it never feels out of place and never once killed my suspension of disbelief, which is saying something.
As the protagonist is immobile, you can imagine that there's a lot of internal dialogue, and since he can only talk with preprogrammed sayings, conversation is very limited between him and other characters. It took awhile to get used to, and I found it a bit annoying, but it also added to the realism of the protagonist being an actual vending machine, so it wasn't too detrimental to everything. Perhaps he will end up being able to speak later on, perhaps not. We shall see.
In the end, I enjoyed this book. It was fun, light, and very creative in how it handled things. If you are looking for a unique isekai, this would be the book for you, as it is quite different than other light novels in the same genre and is sure to entertain.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked this book up, and had avoided it for quite some time due to the outlandish nature of the protagonist. But as the story continued I got more and more attached, and I was quite impressed with a lot of what the author had put into this book. The characters are interesting and feel very much fleshed out. Even though the female lead's extreme strength is never fully explained, it never feels out of place and never once killed my suspension of disbelief, which is saying something.
As the protagonist is immobile, you can imagine that there's a lot of internal dialogue, and since he can only talk with preprogrammed sayings, conversation is very limited between him and other characters. It took awhile to get used to, and I found it a bit annoying, but it also added to the realism of the protagonist being an actual vending machine, so it wasn't too detrimental to everything. Perhaps he will end up being able to speak later on, perhaps not. We shall see.
In the end, I enjoyed this book. It was fun, light, and very creative in how it handled things. If you are looking for a unique isekai, this would be the book for you, as it is quite different than other light novels in the same genre and is sure to entertain.
August 1, 2023
Content warning: fan service in terms of describing a woman who runs a sex business
A nameless man obsessed with vending machines meets his untimely demise when one falls on him. Luckily (unluckily, depends on your perspective), he’s reincarnated in a fantasy one as the object of his hyperfixation.
The premise is, admittedly, strange, but such a fascinating slice-of-life from the perspective of a literally inactive protagonist. Boxxo is severely limited in what he can do. I cannot reiterate how immobile he is: he is rectangle with no limbs and the only words he can say are the phrases programmed into his interface. Author Hirukuma, however, really makes this work. Boxxo’s interiority is compelling in parts and, most important, the stakes from scene to scene remain small. While his companions are definitely more the decision-makers and those making things move in the background, the story is ultimately about how to reconcile an identity when you literally serve one purpose. As a literal supply depot, however, there is some cleverness, like an adventure with soda that I’ll say less of because it’s better to go in unprepared. The narrative is a little bit of slice-of-life with some RPG elements like leveling up and stats, focused more on character interaction than quest completion.
It’s interesting to read, and I’ll likely be continuing the series.
A nameless man obsessed with vending machines meets his untimely demise when one falls on him. Luckily (unluckily, depends on your perspective), he’s reincarnated in a fantasy one as the object of his hyperfixation.
The premise is, admittedly, strange, but such a fascinating slice-of-life from the perspective of a literally inactive protagonist. Boxxo is severely limited in what he can do. I cannot reiterate how immobile he is: he is rectangle with no limbs and the only words he can say are the phrases programmed into his interface. Author Hirukuma, however, really makes this work. Boxxo’s interiority is compelling in parts and, most important, the stakes from scene to scene remain small. While his companions are definitely more the decision-makers and those making things move in the background, the story is ultimately about how to reconcile an identity when you literally serve one purpose. As a literal supply depot, however, there is some cleverness, like an adventure with soda that I’ll say less of because it’s better to go in unprepared. The narrative is a little bit of slice-of-life with some RPG elements like leveling up and stats, focused more on character interaction than quest completion.
It’s interesting to read, and I’ll likely be continuing the series.
January 15, 2021
Surprisingly good I mean I bought it bc of the title alone. I thought it would be a hell of a lot more silly. it touched on some more adult situations and had a bit of cursing. I kinda thought It'd be more fluffy. I mean it is but it got a little serious towards the end. I hope the author keeps doing the series the last release was in 2018. I just got the 2nd volume yesterday. For a story on a dude turned vending machine it's grounded and makes it believable. this would be a anime I'd jump on. DUDE PLEASE KEEP WRITING THIS ITS THE BEST ISEKAI IDEA I'VE COME ACROSS!! IT'S FREAKIN FUN!!
January 1, 2022
You read that title correctly. This is a reincarnation isekai about someone reincarnated as a literal vending machine. And get this - the author sticks to this premise.
The protagonist is a vending machine, and he can only do what vending machines do. That is, dispense products in exchange for money. There is one exception, an ability called "Force Field" that he uses in self-defense, but that is it. The protagonist, who is named "Boxxo" in his new life, is a literal machine. He cannot move on his own, cannot speak except in a handful of stock phrases such as "Welcome" and "Insert Coins", and can't take any action other than dispensing and restocking products. To my surprise, the author does a lot with this premise.
First, he acknowledges just how ridiculous this premise is. Boxxo reflects on the strangeness of his situation, and that becomes fuel for jokes on a couple of occasions. One such occasion is when he considers whether his new life is a divine reward or punishment. He was a vending machine fanatic in his previous life, and even died trying to prevent vending machine from crashing (it crushed him), so is becoming a vending machine a good thing or a bad thing? Another occasion is during the obligatory hot springs episode, and he remarks that such a situation doesn't do anything for him, because he is a vending machine, and physically can't get aroused.
But the author also shows that this story can be serious.
You see, Boxxo is a living creature, and thus requires sustenance like any other living creature. In his case, his food consists of coins. He "eats" the money people put into him. So, over time, the quantity of silver coins in his new hometown decreases. No one is emptying him of coins, after all. So, there is a whole chapter devoted to this currency shortage that he unwittingly created.
Another serious scenario is when he is recruited to join a raid on a monster lair. No, he doesn't do any fighting. He is a vending machine. He can't even dispense his products by firing them like projectiles. He contributes by providing tasty food, fresh water, first aid supplies, etc. Everything he does is logistics support. He ends up providing a key non-combat assist in the boss fight, as well as guarding the wounded. This, then, signals to hunters that he is a very valuable asset in their line of business, and potentially worth stealing.
This story is mostly an episodic slice-of-life sort of story. There is a legitimate progression of events. Time passes, and one event leads to another, but it is a loose sort of thing.
There is only one thing that I dislike about this story. There is chapter that focuses on Boxxo providing "adult items" for a woman who runs "a business of the night". That, by itself, is not what I dislike. It adds another dimension to the town the story takes place in and to the narrative. It is a serious scene, not given to immature jokes, and it deals with the aftermath of a major story event. It fits with the premise of a living and magical vending machine. What I dislike is what comes after this.
Certain events that follow this are suspiciously similar to the harem antics that take place in other isekai stories. These are not funny. They take time away from the idea of a sapient vending machine's life. In terms of silliness, they are a bridge too far. There is also a point of contradiction.
Because of this woman, Shirley, Boxxo flip-flops between "I cannot be aroused because I am a machine" and "my circuits are overheating". To the author's credit, he does lampshade this. Evidently, Boxxo cannot be aroused because he is a machine, but because he remembers being a human man, he can intellectually appreciate how sexy Shirley is, and thus he "thinks" aroused instead of "feel" aroused. In either case, the whole thing feels pointless.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Reborn as a Vending Machine, Now I Wander the Dungeon. Volume 1" a B+
The protagonist is a vending machine, and he can only do what vending machines do. That is, dispense products in exchange for money. There is one exception, an ability called "Force Field" that he uses in self-defense, but that is it. The protagonist, who is named "Boxxo" in his new life, is a literal machine. He cannot move on his own, cannot speak except in a handful of stock phrases such as "Welcome" and "Insert Coins", and can't take any action other than dispensing and restocking products. To my surprise, the author does a lot with this premise.
First, he acknowledges just how ridiculous this premise is. Boxxo reflects on the strangeness of his situation, and that becomes fuel for jokes on a couple of occasions. One such occasion is when he considers whether his new life is a divine reward or punishment. He was a vending machine fanatic in his previous life, and even died trying to prevent vending machine from crashing (it crushed him), so is becoming a vending machine a good thing or a bad thing? Another occasion is during the obligatory hot springs episode, and he remarks that such a situation doesn't do anything for him, because he is a vending machine, and physically can't get aroused.
But the author also shows that this story can be serious.
You see, Boxxo is a living creature, and thus requires sustenance like any other living creature. In his case, his food consists of coins. He "eats" the money people put into him. So, over time, the quantity of silver coins in his new hometown decreases. No one is emptying him of coins, after all. So, there is a whole chapter devoted to this currency shortage that he unwittingly created.
Another serious scenario is when he is recruited to join a raid on a monster lair. No, he doesn't do any fighting. He is a vending machine. He can't even dispense his products by firing them like projectiles. He contributes by providing tasty food, fresh water, first aid supplies, etc. Everything he does is logistics support. He ends up providing a key non-combat assist in the boss fight, as well as guarding the wounded. This, then, signals to hunters that he is a very valuable asset in their line of business, and potentially worth stealing.
This story is mostly an episodic slice-of-life sort of story. There is a legitimate progression of events. Time passes, and one event leads to another, but it is a loose sort of thing.
There is only one thing that I dislike about this story. There is chapter that focuses on Boxxo providing "adult items" for a woman who runs "a business of the night". That, by itself, is not what I dislike. It adds another dimension to the town the story takes place in and to the narrative. It is a serious scene, not given to immature jokes, and it deals with the aftermath of a major story event. It fits with the premise of a living and magical vending machine. What I dislike is what comes after this.
Certain events that follow this are suspiciously similar to the harem antics that take place in other isekai stories. These are not funny. They take time away from the idea of a sapient vending machine's life. In terms of silliness, they are a bridge too far. There is also a point of contradiction.
Because of this woman, Shirley, Boxxo flip-flops between "I cannot be aroused because I am a machine" and "my circuits are overheating". To the author's credit, he does lampshade this. Evidently, Boxxo cannot be aroused because he is a machine, but because he remembers being a human man, he can intellectually appreciate how sexy Shirley is, and thus he "thinks" aroused instead of "feel" aroused. In either case, the whole thing feels pointless.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Reborn as a Vending Machine, Now I Wander the Dungeon. Volume 1" a B+
August 10, 2019
What a ridiculous premise for an isekai. Reborn as a vending machine, and all I could think was how this can't work. I was wrong, as it works really well. It takes the ridiculousness of the idea, and runs with it. It's funny, a bit informative about what you can find in vending machines in Japan if you've never been (like myself), and endearing. I didn't expect coming away from this and wishing I had the next volumes at my disposal to start reading right away, but I truly wish I could start the next one now. So I'll definitely be acquiring them soon.
May 31, 2018
Once up on a time, there was a vending machine named Boxxo. He wasn't a particularly unique vending machine. He was, however, a rather compassionate vending machine.
Once upon a time there was an adventurer named Lammis. She wasn't a particularly unique adventurer. She was, however, a remarkable and kind-hearted adventurer.
REBORN AS A VENDING MACHINE. . . is the story of Boxxo and Lammis; it's also the weirdest and most arbitrary not-quite-romance epic fantasy of all time.
Swords, sorcery, and talking animals? Dungeons, adventure parties, and thieves of every caliber? Nothing new there. Crisp character dynamics, tactile narrative pacing, and intuitive emotional foreplay? REBORN AS A VENDING MACHINE. . . is a good novel. Notwithstanding the weirdness, it's a warmly written and sensitively plotted book about the needs (and trappings) of characters that are routinely vulnerable in more ways than one. This book hooks readers with its reincarnation kitsch, but keeps readers in the queue due to its sincere and open-minded take on the shifting equilibria of human needs.
Lammis stumbles upon a modern-day vending machine on the outskirts of her village. The vending machine cannot communicate but for a few rote phrases. But hey, it seems to understand her. And hey, it also seems genuinely interested in helping her. Lammis names the metal box, "Boxxo," and thus, a new adventuring duo is born.
Boxxo, it turns out, is fairly brilliant (or, in the least, opportunistic). Chatting up local monster-fighter teams, making friends with regional administrators, and keeping in the loop whenever something odd is afoot, Boxxo has the fortune of being in the right place at the right time, a lot of the time. But the crux of this convenience only tells a small fraction of the story, because Lammis needs Boxxo. The girl holds a magical blessing of supra-human strength. But because of her diminutive size, she usually flails around and doesn't control her ability all too well. That all changes when she straps a heavy vending machine to her back. Comical? Sure. But effective nonetheless.
Also, Lammis needs emotional support. Due to her inconsistent results as an adventurer, it's hard for her to find a permanent spot on a local team. She's an affable girl, but her steadfastness often spins out of control. That all changes when Boxxo reassures Lammis, with a warm meal and a cool drink, that no matter the challenge, he'll be by her side for as long as he can. (Even when he disagrees with her life choices, Boxxo, if anything, is a source of encouragement.)
The author employs short, succinct chapters to push the story with a briskness that complements Boxxo's boundless internal monologue. The book never stalls and there's very little minutiae. And where there is minutiae, it's extraordinarily clever and well apportioned to the narrative.
For example, when Boxxo decides to add new product, he debates the nutritional needs of the people and weighs those needs against what the product offers, sometimes rolling through two or three options before settling on a result. He stocks several cans of oden stew for guards and gatekeepers, because they need something filling. He stocks cup ramen for adventure parties, because ramen is cheap and tasty. He even stocks condoms for when the proprietor of a "business of the night" needs a bit of an assist. Boxxo can do it all, but only after he scrutinizes endlessly, and rationalizes a fulfilling solution. This probably sounds maddening and dorky, but in truth, it's really impressive writing.
Not to say there isn't a "weirdness factor" to all of this. REBORN AS A VENDING MACHINE. . . goes all-in on having the narrator as a reincarnated vending machine. He can't speak. He can't move. He can't do anything that isn't in his programming, or that he cannot purchase aid of through the fantasy-world equivalent of coinage or currency. In fact, readers don't even know the narrator's gender until page 73 (which leaves one wondering how intriguing this title would be if readers never learned Boxxo's original gender).
This novel successfully integrates several storytelling elements that typically require more time to gel: obscure nerd culture, emotionally available characters, fantasy/adventure setting, fluid story dynamics, and so forth. REBORN AS A VENDING MACHINE. . . wields a brand of humor that hedges slightly on the dry side but nevertheless benefits strongly from characters who are sly (Captain Kerioyl, a hunter), intuitive (Hulemy, a magical-item engineer), pragmatic (Director Bear, who is a talking bear), and above all, resilient (Lammis).
Once upon a time there was an adventurer named Lammis. She wasn't a particularly unique adventurer. She was, however, a remarkable and kind-hearted adventurer.
REBORN AS A VENDING MACHINE. . . is the story of Boxxo and Lammis; it's also the weirdest and most arbitrary not-quite-romance epic fantasy of all time.
Swords, sorcery, and talking animals? Dungeons, adventure parties, and thieves of every caliber? Nothing new there. Crisp character dynamics, tactile narrative pacing, and intuitive emotional foreplay? REBORN AS A VENDING MACHINE. . . is a good novel. Notwithstanding the weirdness, it's a warmly written and sensitively plotted book about the needs (and trappings) of characters that are routinely vulnerable in more ways than one. This book hooks readers with its reincarnation kitsch, but keeps readers in the queue due to its sincere and open-minded take on the shifting equilibria of human needs.
Lammis stumbles upon a modern-day vending machine on the outskirts of her village. The vending machine cannot communicate but for a few rote phrases. But hey, it seems to understand her. And hey, it also seems genuinely interested in helping her. Lammis names the metal box, "Boxxo," and thus, a new adventuring duo is born.
Boxxo, it turns out, is fairly brilliant (or, in the least, opportunistic). Chatting up local monster-fighter teams, making friends with regional administrators, and keeping in the loop whenever something odd is afoot, Boxxo has the fortune of being in the right place at the right time, a lot of the time. But the crux of this convenience only tells a small fraction of the story, because Lammis needs Boxxo. The girl holds a magical blessing of supra-human strength. But because of her diminutive size, she usually flails around and doesn't control her ability all too well. That all changes when she straps a heavy vending machine to her back. Comical? Sure. But effective nonetheless.
Also, Lammis needs emotional support. Due to her inconsistent results as an adventurer, it's hard for her to find a permanent spot on a local team. She's an affable girl, but her steadfastness often spins out of control. That all changes when Boxxo reassures Lammis, with a warm meal and a cool drink, that no matter the challenge, he'll be by her side for as long as he can. (Even when he disagrees with her life choices, Boxxo, if anything, is a source of encouragement.)
The author employs short, succinct chapters to push the story with a briskness that complements Boxxo's boundless internal monologue. The book never stalls and there's very little minutiae. And where there is minutiae, it's extraordinarily clever and well apportioned to the narrative.
For example, when Boxxo decides to add new product, he debates the nutritional needs of the people and weighs those needs against what the product offers, sometimes rolling through two or three options before settling on a result. He stocks several cans of oden stew for guards and gatekeepers, because they need something filling. He stocks cup ramen for adventure parties, because ramen is cheap and tasty. He even stocks condoms for when the proprietor of a "business of the night" needs a bit of an assist. Boxxo can do it all, but only after he scrutinizes endlessly, and rationalizes a fulfilling solution. This probably sounds maddening and dorky, but in truth, it's really impressive writing.
Not to say there isn't a "weirdness factor" to all of this. REBORN AS A VENDING MACHINE. . . goes all-in on having the narrator as a reincarnated vending machine. He can't speak. He can't move. He can't do anything that isn't in his programming, or that he cannot purchase aid of through the fantasy-world equivalent of coinage or currency. In fact, readers don't even know the narrator's gender until page 73 (which leaves one wondering how intriguing this title would be if readers never learned Boxxo's original gender).
This novel successfully integrates several storytelling elements that typically require more time to gel: obscure nerd culture, emotionally available characters, fantasy/adventure setting, fluid story dynamics, and so forth. REBORN AS A VENDING MACHINE. . . wields a brand of humor that hedges slightly on the dry side but nevertheless benefits strongly from characters who are sly (Captain Kerioyl, a hunter), intuitive (Hulemy, a magical-item engineer), pragmatic (Director Bear, who is a talking bear), and above all, resilient (Lammis).
March 1, 2020
This particular light novel has been sitting on my shelf for a short while now, and I finally got in the exact mood I needed to be in, in order to tackle reading it. I'd been on the fence for a while, because I go through rapid hot-and-cold switches with my mood on the isekai genre, and I wanted to make sure that I gave this one a fair chance, given how hilariously ridiculous the concept behind it came across. I'm glad that I did, because this was definitely worth the read and I really enjoyed the time spent in this wacky other world with our vending machine protagonist, Boxxo.
I've skim-read some other reviews, and the reviewers I paid the most attention to mention that shortly after the halfway point of the light novel, it does get a little more fanservice-y and absurd, but that it was genuinely a very solid read in spite of this. I'm here to back up that particular claim; the introduction of a character named Shirley does sort of mark the point when the more fanservice moments of the light novel come into play, but it's better to say that this really begins with the chapter titled "Vending Machine For Adults." Even so, the fanservice doesn't feel necessarily overwhelming or detract from the basic points of the plot, probably due to the fact the protagonist is now a vending machine, and he's largely restricted to just narrating some of his various opinions overall.
One thing I observed that I don't think I've seen other reviews mention is the POV narration and its subtle shifts? The prologue is told almost exclusively from the POV of a side character when she is rescued by Lammis and Boxxo, and while most of the remainder of the light novel is narrated by Boxxo himself, the final page-and-a-half of the last chapter is from yet another side character's POV, and the epilogue isn't following one set person's POV at all but details the discussion between a group of characters observing the events that have unfolded. The switch from the initial POV in the prologue to actually getting Boxxo's narration in the first chapter threw me off at first, but I adjusted fairly quickly and was prepared by the time the POV switched again.
I also agree with the reviewers who stated that this is a nice change of pace for something out of the isekai genre, given how limited Boxxo is as a protagonist, and the fact he's largely reduced to passive interaction with the world and people around him. It has a familiar but different dynamic, which really is refreshing and made this a much more enjoyable read, in my opinion. Definitely give it a try if you don't mind a little absurdity and think you might be interested!
I've skim-read some other reviews, and the reviewers I paid the most attention to mention that shortly after the halfway point of the light novel, it does get a little more fanservice-y and absurd, but that it was genuinely a very solid read in spite of this. I'm here to back up that particular claim; the introduction of a character named Shirley does sort of mark the point when the more fanservice moments of the light novel come into play, but it's better to say that this really begins with the chapter titled "Vending Machine For Adults." Even so, the fanservice doesn't feel necessarily overwhelming or detract from the basic points of the plot, probably due to the fact the protagonist is now a vending machine, and he's largely restricted to just narrating some of his various opinions overall.
One thing I observed that I don't think I've seen other reviews mention is the POV narration and its subtle shifts? The prologue is told almost exclusively from the POV of a side character when she is rescued by Lammis and Boxxo, and while most of the remainder of the light novel is narrated by Boxxo himself, the final page-and-a-half of the last chapter is from yet another side character's POV, and the epilogue isn't following one set person's POV at all but details the discussion between a group of characters observing the events that have unfolded. The switch from the initial POV in the prologue to actually getting Boxxo's narration in the first chapter threw me off at first, but I adjusted fairly quickly and was prepared by the time the POV switched again.
I also agree with the reviewers who stated that this is a nice change of pace for something out of the isekai genre, given how limited Boxxo is as a protagonist, and the fact he's largely reduced to passive interaction with the world and people around him. It has a familiar but different dynamic, which really is refreshing and made this a much more enjoyable read, in my opinion. Definitely give it a try if you don't mind a little absurdity and think you might be interested!
July 5, 2021
So if you're not familiar with Japanese media, there's this little genre called isekai. Basically the premise is that some average Joe somehow ends up in a video-game inspired fantasy world where he acquires unbeatable powers, an entourage of pretty girls, and otherwise has an awesome life. (Okay they're not all like that, but most are.) In an attempt to make this story seem fresh in a saturated market, authors have begun putting different spins on it. The protagonist is turned into a slime, or a spider. And so we've come to this; an isekai novel where the protagonist is turned into a vending machine.
Let's get this out of the way right off; this book is better than it has any right to be. I bought it purely for the absurdity of the premise. I assumed it would be some bargain-bin light novel with copious amounts of fanservice that would be goofy enough to be moderately enjoyable. Well, I was sort of right. Most of the entertainment value here comes from the premise, but the book as a whole isn't half bad.
Boxxo-as he comes to be called-is an ordinary working stiff until his life is cut short and he is reincarnated in a medieval-esque fantasy world as a magical vending machine that can say canned phrases, project a force field, and sell any product that he's ever bought from a vending machine (fortunately, since he's a vending machine fanatic, that list is extensive.) He quickly meets a young adventurer girl named Lammis who just so happens to be strong enough to carry him around, and so the saga begins!
The novel starts off serialized but eventually settles into an episodic format regarding Boxxo's misadventures. I have to say, I never thought about how useful a vending machine would be in a fantasy setting. These people are in constant amazement over Boxxo and the various goodies he provides, specifically the food he dispenses. (This book made me hungry quite a few times.) Boxxo gets little in the way of character development, but we see enough of him to get a good idea of the kind of person he is. The side characters are a bit easier to invest in, as is typical in the isekai genre. But, like I said, the thing carrying this book is the fact that he's a vending machine. I just can't stress that enough. He goes on raids, he has conversations, he even attends business meetings and everyone keeps a straight face the entire time! It's just funny, dang it!
Reborn as Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon is far from the best book I've ever read, but it managed to stay fun enough to hold my attention. The plot is suitably absurd and the characters are likable enough to keep the show going even when the whole 'vending machine ' thing wears thin.
Not that it ever does.
Let's get this out of the way right off; this book is better than it has any right to be. I bought it purely for the absurdity of the premise. I assumed it would be some bargain-bin light novel with copious amounts of fanservice that would be goofy enough to be moderately enjoyable. Well, I was sort of right. Most of the entertainment value here comes from the premise, but the book as a whole isn't half bad.
Boxxo-as he comes to be called-is an ordinary working stiff until his life is cut short and he is reincarnated in a medieval-esque fantasy world as a magical vending machine that can say canned phrases, project a force field, and sell any product that he's ever bought from a vending machine (fortunately, since he's a vending machine fanatic, that list is extensive.) He quickly meets a young adventurer girl named Lammis who just so happens to be strong enough to carry him around, and so the saga begins!
The novel starts off serialized but eventually settles into an episodic format regarding Boxxo's misadventures. I have to say, I never thought about how useful a vending machine would be in a fantasy setting. These people are in constant amazement over Boxxo and the various goodies he provides, specifically the food he dispenses. (This book made me hungry quite a few times.) Boxxo gets little in the way of character development, but we see enough of him to get a good idea of the kind of person he is. The side characters are a bit easier to invest in, as is typical in the isekai genre. But, like I said, the thing carrying this book is the fact that he's a vending machine. I just can't stress that enough. He goes on raids, he has conversations, he even attends business meetings and everyone keeps a straight face the entire time! It's just funny, dang it!
Reborn as Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon is far from the best book I've ever read, but it managed to stay fun enough to hold my attention. The plot is suitably absurd and the characters are likable enough to keep the show going even when the whole 'vending machine ' thing wears thin.
Not that it ever does.
May 4, 2018
I ordered this off Amazon as a joke, because I saw it meme'd on a Facebook page, but it's genuinely one of the best indie novels I've read this year. This book is translated from the original Japanese into English, and the translation work is pretty good, and conveys emotion and warmth well. Note that this is not a manga, but in fact an actual novel series.
The main character, despite being an actual vending machine (yes, seriously) in a fantasy setting, is relatable and witty, and endlessly human. Even the villain characters are fleshed-out and have personalities that make up for their villainy. The premise is that a man dies and is reborn as a vending machine... Well, you can guess from the title. He meets an clumsy, but hyperstrong young adventurer called Lannis who is overpowered in terms of strength, but lacks dexterity. I quite like the hero characters in this book - they are all flawed, unlike characters from videogames or anime, and their shortcomings are used to find their main goal. For example, Lannis absolutely sucks at working at an inn, because she keeps breaking plates, but later one finds herself being impressive at construction because she can carry loads that take ten men to carry (WHILE carrying this sentient vending machine around). The vending machine - christened Boxxo by Lannis - will sell items that the human soul inside had previously bought in his human life, including foods, drinks, towels, and condoms.
I give this book a hearty recommend for anyone who loves fantasy, only because the nonsensical premise will lure you in with a "what on Earth" but will leave you feeling satisfied like a cup-a-soup from a vending machine.
The main character, despite being an actual vending machine (yes, seriously) in a fantasy setting, is relatable and witty, and endlessly human. Even the villain characters are fleshed-out and have personalities that make up for their villainy. The premise is that a man dies and is reborn as a vending machine... Well, you can guess from the title. He meets an clumsy, but hyperstrong young adventurer called Lannis who is overpowered in terms of strength, but lacks dexterity. I quite like the hero characters in this book - they are all flawed, unlike characters from videogames or anime, and their shortcomings are used to find their main goal. For example, Lannis absolutely sucks at working at an inn, because she keeps breaking plates, but later one finds herself being impressive at construction because she can carry loads that take ten men to carry (WHILE carrying this sentient vending machine around). The vending machine - christened Boxxo by Lannis - will sell items that the human soul inside had previously bought in his human life, including foods, drinks, towels, and condoms.
I give this book a hearty recommend for anyone who loves fantasy, only because the nonsensical premise will lure you in with a "what on Earth" but will leave you feeling satisfied like a cup-a-soup from a vending machine.
August 16, 2018
This exist. I’m not entirely shocked there is a series of book about an rpg world with a sentient vending machine. If you ever seen Coffee Samurai and His Sword then you know this could have been a lot weirder. I don’t want to spoil anything but My favorite parts about this life novel is it’s slice of life segments. Due to the fact Boxxo can’t move on his own, it makes sense he can’t do any bizarre fight scenes like the coffee samurai but I would say Boxxo is far from defenseless. However your reading a book about a sentient vending machine and I don’t know about you but I would be extremely upset if a good chunk of this book wasn’t filled weirdly sweet moments of a vending machine just being a vending machine. It’s weird and the vending machine seems to have a harem but I doubt your surprised. My only criticism would probably be how Boxxo the human died. That’s not technically a spoiler since reborn is in the title. It’s not a big complaint but as over the top and glorious as it was I wish it was different. I wished that they made it dark and kept everything else the same. It’s really not a real issue with the story but I’m pretty sure most picked this book up for how weird the premise was just imagine how confused you would be if you thought that this was going to be edgy and series for like less than five minutes. It does hint about some sad and series things but for the most part it’s a fun read. I’m definitely picking up part two and I hope you want to give part one a try.
May 8, 2018
How could you not buy this? It is peak light novel kitsch, while still being a fun, light story.
In the real world, a vending machine otaku gets flattened by a vending machine that falls from a truck. Since this is isekai, the "other world" genre, he gets reborn in another world...as a vending machine. Yes, an immobile chunk of metal that can sell convenience goods both hot and cold for money. he can't talk, except for a few prerecorded phrases like "Thank you" and "Welcome," and he has 0 in all stats across the board.
However, he meets a cute adventurer with super strength, and discovers he has an infinite stock of goods he can sell for money which he redeems for new abilities. He's now the mythical cornucopia, but also has to deal with the issues of being a magical item people want...and trying to communicate "look out behind you" to his bouncy little partner.
You'd expect this to be parody, as isekai is an incredibly cliched genre that has people reincarnating as spiders, slimes, goblins, and more in other worlds to save the day. Ironically though it plays its central conceit straight, and manages to make it entertaining to boot. It's light, fluffy kitsch which shows how ridiculous light novels can be, but manages to be fun in the same way. I give it five stars for just existing, but people shouldn't expect this to be a funny parody of the genre; it's about as straight isekai as it gets.
In the real world, a vending machine otaku gets flattened by a vending machine that falls from a truck. Since this is isekai, the "other world" genre, he gets reborn in another world...as a vending machine. Yes, an immobile chunk of metal that can sell convenience goods both hot and cold for money. he can't talk, except for a few prerecorded phrases like "Thank you" and "Welcome," and he has 0 in all stats across the board.
However, he meets a cute adventurer with super strength, and discovers he has an infinite stock of goods he can sell for money which he redeems for new abilities. He's now the mythical cornucopia, but also has to deal with the issues of being a magical item people want...and trying to communicate "look out behind you" to his bouncy little partner.
You'd expect this to be parody, as isekai is an incredibly cliched genre that has people reincarnating as spiders, slimes, goblins, and more in other worlds to save the day. Ironically though it plays its central conceit straight, and manages to make it entertaining to boot. It's light, fluffy kitsch which shows how ridiculous light novels can be, but manages to be fun in the same way. I give it five stars for just existing, but people shouldn't expect this to be a funny parody of the genre; it's about as straight isekai as it gets.
December 19, 2018
This book is very dumb. Of course, it has every intention of being dumb, so it's hard to hold that against it.
The "reborn in another world" or "isekai" genre of popular fiction has become dominant in the last five years or so in Japan. With that ubiquity comes satire. While this title doesn't intend to mock the genre in its entirety, it asks the question of what would happen if you were reborn as something totally useless, instead of as a legendary hero, as is typically the case.
To the author's credit, he manages to get a lot of comedy out of analyzing what a human soul trapped inside a magic vending machine would think about. You have to give him points for the unique approach; it's not a story that has been told before.
At its worst, the book seems like a storyboard of anime scenes and archetypes that the audience is already familiar with. At its best, however, it takes a humorous approach to the economics of an absurd reality, relying on some RPG tropes but not doing so to an oppressive degree. It can be genuinely funny to hear a story narrated entirely from the perspective of a vending machine.
I, like most readers, picked this title up simply for the absurdity of its title. Somehow, the book itself lives up to the title as well as anyone could expect.
The "reborn in another world" or "isekai" genre of popular fiction has become dominant in the last five years or so in Japan. With that ubiquity comes satire. While this title doesn't intend to mock the genre in its entirety, it asks the question of what would happen if you were reborn as something totally useless, instead of as a legendary hero, as is typically the case.
To the author's credit, he manages to get a lot of comedy out of analyzing what a human soul trapped inside a magic vending machine would think about. You have to give him points for the unique approach; it's not a story that has been told before.
At its worst, the book seems like a storyboard of anime scenes and archetypes that the audience is already familiar with. At its best, however, it takes a humorous approach to the economics of an absurd reality, relying on some RPG tropes but not doing so to an oppressive degree. It can be genuinely funny to hear a story narrated entirely from the perspective of a vending machine.
I, like most readers, picked this title up simply for the absurdity of its title. Somehow, the book itself lives up to the title as well as anyone could expect.
January 17, 2021
After a vending machine fanatic dies, he wakes up in a magical world reincarnated as a sentient vending machine.
3.5 stars This is the first light novel (Japanese YA book with manga illustrations) that I've read and it was definitely entertaining. Boxxo (as he is named) can't move and can only communicate with a few stock phrases such as "Welcome!" and "Please come again." He is lucky enough to be rescued from a lonely area by Lammis, a sweet girl who has the gift of Might which allows her to lug Boxxo back to a town. The residents enjoy trying out new items they've never been exposed to such as milk tea and coffee milk (and eventually, condoms). The relationship between Boxxo and Lammis is sweet, there are touches of humor that make the book fun, and it's a weird enough variation on isekai (portal worlds) to keep you interested. I probably won't read the sequel but I enjoyed this as I read it.
3.5 stars This is the first light novel (Japanese YA book with manga illustrations) that I've read and it was definitely entertaining. Boxxo (as he is named) can't move and can only communicate with a few stock phrases such as "Welcome!" and "Please come again." He is lucky enough to be rescued from a lonely area by Lammis, a sweet girl who has the gift of Might which allows her to lug Boxxo back to a town. The residents enjoy trying out new items they've never been exposed to such as milk tea and coffee milk (and eventually, condoms). The relationship between Boxxo and Lammis is sweet, there are touches of humor that make the book fun, and it's a weird enough variation on isekai (portal worlds) to keep you interested. I probably won't read the sequel but I enjoyed this as I read it.
April 16, 2020
3.5
I absolutely love the concept here. A vending machine in a fantasy world able to access a range of features and abilities! What's not to like?
It's a pretty fun book. The plot flows well, the world is compelling and the characters are mostly interesting, if perhaps a little stereotypical.
On the other hand, dialogue and descriptions are often weirdly stilted. Not sure if that's bad translation or just tropes of the genre I'm not used to? Also, I think this book might have been improved by removing the homophobia and constant sexism. Did we really need detailed size comparisons on every character's breasts?
Still, I'm hooked now and will definitely be reading the next in the series. i can't wait to see what upgrades Boxxo picks out next!
I absolutely love the concept here. A vending machine in a fantasy world able to access a range of features and abilities! What's not to like?
It's a pretty fun book. The plot flows well, the world is compelling and the characters are mostly interesting, if perhaps a little stereotypical.
On the other hand, dialogue and descriptions are often weirdly stilted. Not sure if that's bad translation or just tropes of the genre I'm not used to? Also, I think this book might have been improved by removing the homophobia and constant sexism. Did we really need detailed size comparisons on every character's breasts?
Still, I'm hooked now and will definitely be reading the next in the series. i can't wait to see what upgrades Boxxo picks out next!
September 22, 2021
Writing: 3.5/5 stars
Overall plot: 4/5 stars
Biggest Con:
- Coincidence is a big part of plot progress it seems
Biggest Pro:
- It’s a silly, easy-to-read book that can act as a palate cleanser between more serious reads
The main character is literally a vending machine, so that should tell you to just laugh with the story and not take it too seriously. Taking that into account, it’s a quick and easy read that has you casually hooked from start to finish. There are quite a few coincidences to move the plot around in the beginning, but I didn’t mind too much. It’s a fun book, don’t think so hard on it.
Overall plot: 4/5 stars
Biggest Con:
- Coincidence is a big part of plot progress it seems
Biggest Pro:
- It’s a silly, easy-to-read book that can act as a palate cleanser between more serious reads
The main character is literally a vending machine, so that should tell you to just laugh with the story and not take it too seriously. Taking that into account, it’s a quick and easy read that has you casually hooked from start to finish. There are quite a few coincidences to move the plot around in the beginning, but I didn’t mind too much. It’s a fun book, don’t think so hard on it.
November 7, 2018
Surprisingly enjoyable! This is a ridiculous, escapist , very silly book and the author knows it. He wrote it as a form of escapist therapy after watching his father fall from a ladder, die and subsequently they lost the family business.
The hero of 'Reincarnated As A Vending Machine' is an otaku salaryman who finds himself in a Dungeons and Dragons world as a magical vending machine. There he is saved by a pretty teen-aged, super-strong girl wearing armored lederhosen. You can see where this is going...
The plot is thin, the jokes are corny -and if you're a 12 year old boy this is probably the funniest book ever. Despite that, it all works. Maybe it's the good natured aspect of the hero and the story. Maybe it's the introduction to the bewilderingly extensive world of Japanese vending machines ( did you know you can buy oxygen tanks from a vending machine in Japan?).
It's cool how the hero makes a fulfilling life for himself as a stationary, almost mute object and figures out how to overcome his overwhelming limitations.
I had an interesting conversation about this book at the bus station waiting for my airport bus. There a young woman in a wheelchair asked me about this book -as the anime cover isn't the sort of thing one often sees middle aged Professors reading. I explained the plot and story to her and she said," oh.its kind of like my world. My world is filled with limitations and barriers and I always have to figure out how to overcome stupid stuff like the coffee machine being too high to reach. " That gave me a long pause for thought.
A very fast and easy read. I will definitely buy the next volume.
The hero of 'Reincarnated As A Vending Machine' is an otaku salaryman who finds himself in a Dungeons and Dragons world as a magical vending machine. There he is saved by a pretty teen-aged, super-strong girl wearing armored lederhosen. You can see where this is going...
The plot is thin, the jokes are corny -and if you're a 12 year old boy this is probably the funniest book ever. Despite that, it all works. Maybe it's the good natured aspect of the hero and the story. Maybe it's the introduction to the bewilderingly extensive world of Japanese vending machines ( did you know you can buy oxygen tanks from a vending machine in Japan?).
It's cool how the hero makes a fulfilling life for himself as a stationary, almost mute object and figures out how to overcome his overwhelming limitations.
I had an interesting conversation about this book at the bus station waiting for my airport bus. There a young woman in a wheelchair asked me about this book -as the anime cover isn't the sort of thing one often sees middle aged Professors reading. I explained the plot and story to her and she said," oh.its kind of like my world. My world is filled with limitations and barriers and I always have to figure out how to overcome stupid stuff like the coffee machine being too high to reach. " That gave me a long pause for thought.
A very fast and easy read. I will definitely buy the next volume.
January 22, 2021
"There is some surprising complexity in this isekai." That was the line my wife blurted after she asked me was it good. It's honestly a fun romp I would recommend to anyone as being both silly and wholesome. It maintains a unique flavour while "conforming" to several tropes.
It has some surprising nuance in places for all the silliness of the premise and tropes of the genre.
I would strongly recommend this book to genre fans, but I would also say there is something special here.
It has some surprising nuance in places for all the silliness of the premise and tropes of the genre.
I would strongly recommend this book to genre fans, but I would also say there is something special here.
February 7, 2021
This one is surprisingly charming, and fun to read! However, the story does eventually plateau and felt a bit flat towards the middle almost all the way to the end. Not great, but not bad either. Nevertheless, I guarantee you've never read a book where the protagonist was a vending machine. This is definitely a series I see myself continuing, if for nothing else than to see where Boxxo goes from here.
October 13, 2025
The new Crunchyroll manga app has allowed me to enter into the more inane corners of the Japanese psyche. Man gets turned into a vending machine? I’m in.
Honestly, as a fan on DnD and Solo Leveling, this title definitely has some crossover elements. It’s almost like a Rick and Morty premise where it’s like how can we take the insane concept but treat it very seriously. I’ll read the next volume for sure.
Honestly, as a fan on DnD and Solo Leveling, this title definitely has some crossover elements. It’s almost like a Rick and Morty premise where it’s like how can we take the insane concept but treat it very seriously. I’ll read the next volume for sure.
April 29, 2018
Go, go, vending machine!
Interesting story; the main must use 'his' knowledge of vending machines to survive. 'He' is a intellectual character, which is a nice contrast to overpowered mains which have flooded the genre.
Comedic in nature, but mainly slice of life style take on the sent to another world fantasy stories.
Interesting story; the main must use 'his' knowledge of vending machines to survive. 'He' is a intellectual character, which is a nice contrast to overpowered mains which have flooded the genre.
Comedic in nature, but mainly slice of life style take on the sent to another world fantasy stories.
July 16, 2018
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, but it was way better than I thought it would be! I like the isekai genre quite a lot, but it has been getting a bit stale lately. This novel pokes fun at the genre and is strangely well written? I laughed so much and can't wait to read the next one. Money well spent. :D
October 13, 2018
Fun. Different. Unique.
Boxxo is reincarnated as a vending machine and meets Lammis. She takes him with her into town. He begins his new life and adventures and learns about the. World and his new body.
I found it fun because it's all internal pov with boxxo as the main character with the limitations of first person. It works very well.
I enjoyed it.
Boxxo is reincarnated as a vending machine and meets Lammis. She takes him with her into town. He begins his new life and adventures and learns about the. World and his new body.
I found it fun because it's all internal pov with boxxo as the main character with the limitations of first person. It works very well.
I enjoyed it.
March 4, 2019
The first half was amusing enough and an interesting premise. The second half gets a little gratuitous after the introduction of Shirley and most of the novelty of the concept is starting to wear thin. I won't be bothering with the subsequent books.
November 10, 2018
7.5/10
In moments totally hillarious with Japanese humour, with many manga and fantasy references, well worth a read if You like this kind of things.
In moments totally hillarious with Japanese humour, with many manga and fantasy references, well worth a read if You like this kind of things.
March 27, 2019
I thought this book was pretty great/fun for what it is. And the writing/translation is not terrible.
October 20, 2019
Good, it was better than expected.
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