Onmyo Kaiten Re:Birth Verse Episode 1 Review: A Fresh Spin on Fantasy and Adventure
Onmyo Kaiten Re:Birth Verse Episode 1 has made its debut, presenting a fresh interpretation of the concept of “Return by Death,” which fans of anime might recognize from Subaru’s journey in other series. Produced by David Production, this original anime offers a blend of fantasy, adventure, and intriguing character dynamics that captivates viewers from the outset. Throughout the episode, the narrative unfolds in a way that might leave some audiences scratching their heads, but it promises to develop further as the series progresses.
The episode kicks off with the main character, Takeru, in an unfamiliar realm, escaping from monstrous creatures. Right from the promotional materials, the character designs caught my eye, and it was evident that the visual style was distinctly David Production’s. Takeru’s introduction leads us to the female protagonist through a lens of fan service, where we see him attempting to confess his feelings. However, his moment is interrupted by some unsavory characters, revealing that this isn’t the first time he’s experienced this scenario—this marks the 1999th time he has dreamt of this world.
As the plot thickens, Takeru’s bewilderment seems somewhat misplaced. Despite having gone through this dream sequence countless times, he appears completely lost when confronted by the ruffians. This moment serves to highlight his nonchalance regarding his situation, but I felt it lacked a bit of coherence. While he references his family’s motto about not accepting defeat, the earlier scene where he was knocked unconscious undercuts this declaration. It raises questions about his character development and the authenticity of his claims.
Following the confrontation, Takeru’s character is further fleshed out when he chooses to sacrifice his life to save a small creature resembling a hamster, which he has encountered in his dreams. This moment struck me as peculiar because, after 1999 visits to this world, one would expect him to have learned the creature’s name. However, this aspect may be better understood as the series progresses, especially in relation to characters like Tsukimiya, with whom he shares a deeper connection.
The transition to the other world is marked by a classic isekai trope—a truck that inadvertently transports him. Upon awakening, Takeru is greeted by Tsukimiya, who, to his surprise, has no recollection of him. While this revelation is not shocking to the audience, it certainly throws Takeru for a loop. A humorous moment ensues involving the hamster-like creature, leading to Takeru receiving a slap and being ejected from a play that has just begun. At this point, Takeru’s exuberance seems a bit over-the-top for someone who has faced challenges in his previous dream encounters. It raises the question of whether his experiences in dreams differ significantly from his current reality.
As the episode progresses, Takeru quickly realizes he has traveled back in time. We are introduced to one of the central conflicts of the series, which revolves around a menacing black mist and the onmyoji—spiritual practitioners alongside their shinigami. Takeru’s encounter with a massive beast becomes a pivotal moment as he inadvertently taps into his mysterious powers, declaring that he will not flee from the creature. During this segment, we also meet Yura and Atsunaga, the first onmyoji, who heroically come to Takeru’s rescue.
The action sequences, characterized by a mecha-style aesthetic, are engaging and visually appealing, though my personal preference leans away from mecha-themed narratives. Nevertheless, the CGI quality is commendable, and the battles are executed with enough flair to keep viewers entertained. However, Takeru’s bravado—his insistence on confronting the monster—felt misplaced. It seemed almost as if he was overly confident due to his role as the main character, disregarding the reality of his situation. Even as a fan of shonen tropes, I found this level of confidence bordering on unrealistic.
Fortunately, Takeru is saved by the onmyoji, but he still expresses frustration over the situation, reiterating his family’s motto of never losing. This lack of humility is a trait that may need addressing as the character develops. It would be refreshing to see Takeru mature and learn to approach challenges with greater caution rather than diving headfirst into danger.
In a pivotal moment, Takeru instinctively channels his magical powers to combat the black mist and defeat the monster. This leaves viewers questioning why Yura and Atsunaga need to coordinate their efforts against one shikigami while Takeru seems capable of handling the challenge solo. The nature of shikigami and Takeru’s unique ability to manage the black mist becomes a fascinating aspect to explore as the series unfolds.
The episode concludes with a dramatic twist as Takeru is violently propelled back in time, raising the question of whether his previous 1999 journeys were truly dreams or time-travel experiences. This connection between his past encounters and the present adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, particularly regarding potential consequences for Takeru’s character and the overarching plot.
Overall, Episode 1 of Onmyo Kaiten Re:Birth Verse is now available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The episode sets the stage for an engaging story filled with adventure, character development, and the exploration of time travel. As Takeru navigates this new world and its challenges, viewers are left eager to see how his character evolves and what mysteries will unfold in future episodes. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed anime or intricate fantasy narratives, this series promises to deliver both excitement and depth as it continues to develop.
