>>279596256
I don't view the earlier material as more serious, but Kanzaka having not found a unique voice and interesting style of comedy. His later works would feature serious topics, like both Gourry's and Naga's depressing backstories, as well as the bullshit involving Luke and Millena.
I think the first season of Slayers is incredibly dated. I can't in good faith convince someone to start there when introducing them to the series. Even Slayers Perfect is a hard sell despite featuring Naga because of its nonsensical plot. I prefer Slayers after it found its footing and Kanzaka found his voice, which is the part of the light novels adapted by Next and Book of Spells, as well as Slayers Return.
