Mayonaka Punch

[SPOILER FREE REVIEW]

Looks like I will be the first one here to review 'Mayonaka Punch' (2024). Since this anime only has 3 episodes out, this review is subject to updates as more of the show gets released. First, I will talk about what I enjoy about the show.

I am particularly fond of the distinct and cute character designs, energetic voice acting, bright saturated colours, and the high octane opening. The animation is surprisingly good, as the characters look expressive and fluid as they move. The background art is all nicely detailed as well, making it all the more immersive. The chemistry between the cast are ... great, and dialogue seems well written and realistic. The main character is unique in personality as well, they don't feel like a blank slate or self-insert at all, rather a fully fleshed out character. The basic premise is well done and the show carries a sense of realism about both internet comments and the process of going viral. The whole show is very stylish and feels high budget. It does a good job at feeding you new information slowly rather than dumping it all with boring exposition, something I appreciate. A few good jokes. And there is a good level of tension and stakes established, making the plot more engaging. Now, what did I dislike?

The first episode is a little confusing, as they don't explain the Harikiri Sisters and their relationship well before jumping right into (without spoiling) their conflict, the starting motive of which we are still left in the dark about 3 episodes in. While they expand on this relationship later, I do wish they took a few minutes establishing that relationship first and showing what led to this conflict to make the show flow better.
I am not big on the ED, which is unique but too dragged out pace wise for my liking, which is a very very minor point and doesn't factor into my rating since this preference is so subjective.
The biggest flaw is that the show lacks in humour, so while it lands a decent joke or two, you have gaps where nothing funny or important occurs. This is likely what holds the show back from getting a higher rating. Since I don't wish to spoil, I'll just say that activities characters do have much room for jokes to be inserted that are beyond the most basic character archetype jokes. More creative humour and more humorous scenarios would make this go a long way. Entrances of characters are done so casually and boringly that they don't feel special - definitely could have done more with those to give them weight.

Overall, I do enjoy this show so far. It has lots of potential in character exploration and development, and it may pick up in plot as the episodes continue. I expect there to be memorable emotional scenes down the line. While the first episode could have been done smoother in setting up the story, and humour more tight, 'Mayonaka Punch' has an undeniable sense of style and high energy with their amusing characters. I will recommend this anime, with the addendum that with only 3 episodes out so far it more or may not deliver on its potential. Thank you for reading, please feel free to comment your thoughts or reach out to discuss.

7/10

The story is unique and packaged so well. I've watched it from episodes 1 to 4.

This series is so good, especially episode 4 which made me shed tears. The story of friendship between humans and vampires is packaged so neatly. 😭👍

From episode 4 we will find out many important lessons about friendship, and how we behave to maintain these friendships.

In friendship, there will definitely be conflicts, but don't use that conflict as a reason to end your friendship.

We don't know how long we will live, so always maintain relationships with your friends. ')

You will definitely be comfortable and like this series, especially episode 4.

My review is mainly about the main character, Masaki. Contains spoilers for ep 4.

For starters, this character is flawed. The show begins with the premise that Masaki gets kicked out of her original group, and we soon get a glimpse of why does that happen through her personality. Borderline, she is an attention seeker that is not self conscious of her actions and those around her. Currently we don't know what happened in her old group for the situation to deteriorate that much, but her nasty personality definitely played a part.

In her new group, she begins by treating the members as mere tools to ... gather views. This fact in itself is not outrageous, if you think that she will have to essentially die at her goal. But the only one standing to benefit are Masaki and Live, the other members are kinda dragged along (only the original members). In episode 4, she truly begins to show her selfish and nosy side. First, she goes into somebody's room uninvited (not the first time it happened) and begin looking around, with no sense of privacy whatsoever. Then when she grabbed onto something that could bring in the views, she deadass demanded Fu to sing for her, even after several rejections. Finally, with no regards whatsoever to what might have happened to Fu in the past, she begins to dig around behind Fu's back and further invades the privacy of Fu. If Fu didn't notice her scheming, I will bet it would have been one of those scenes where the daughter is suddenly reunited with her purposely estranged mother, who she did not want to see. Just so happens that in the show their interests were somehow aligned, but my basic principles were touched watching this show in several occasions. When I put myself in Fu's shoes, I would most definitely be bothered by these actions.

Everything else:
Pretty great. Really loved the song at the end of episode 4. The animation is unique and lively as well.