Dark Gathering [Season 1 Episodes 1-25]

Dark Gathering: A Spooky Yet Entertaining Ride Through the Supernatural

If you’re a fan of horror anime with a dash of comedy and a sprinkle of mystery, Dark Gathering might just be the perfect show for you. Airing from July to December 2023, this 25-episode series by OLM (the studio behind Summertime Render) adapts Kenichi Kondo’s manga into a chilling yet oddly fun experience. The story follows Keitarou Gentouga, a college student with a strong spiritual presence, and Yayoi Houzuki, a child prodigy with a terrifying mission: to hunt down the spirit responsible for her mother’s disappearance.

First Impressions: A Creepy Yet Quirky Start

The first episode sets the tone perfectly—unsettling, eerie, but with enough humor to keep things from getting too heavy. Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit had mixed reactions, but most agreed that the show nails its horror-comedy balance. One user described it as “spooky fun, perfect to watch during the night,” while another praised the “creepy mysterious horror and supernatural elements blended well.”

Yayoi, the pint-sized spirit hunter, steals the spotlight with her unnerving presence. Her dual visions—seeing both the real world and the supernatural—make her a fascinating character. One fan noted, “Yayoi’s backstory is really 🙁 She got dual visions between the real-world and a spirit, a terrifying one at that.” Her determination to drag Keitarou into her ghostly quest adds a layer of tension, especially since he’s already traumatized by past encounters with the supernatural.

The Horror Elements: Hit or Miss?

Horror in anime is tricky—some fans felt Dark Gathering didn’t go far enough, while others loved its approach. A common critique was that the bright color palette and modern aesthetic didn’t quite fit the horror vibe. One viewer complained, “The bright color palette and filters don’t work for me in a horror show.” Yet, others appreciated the contrast, saying it made the creepy moments stand out even more.

The show’s ability to blend horror with comedy was divisive. Some found the jokes distracting, like the user who said, “I don’t like the jokes and bright colors.” But many others enjoyed the levity, with one fan calling it “a perfect blend of creepy stuff and funny moments.”

Characters: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em

Keitarou, the reluctant protagonist, drew mixed reactions. Some found him relatable, while others thought he was too passive. His dynamic with Yayoi, however, is undeniably intriguing. As one Redditor put it, “Little does he know she’s a gifted but hell-bent on finding the spirit behind her mother’s vanishing.”

Eiko, Keitarou’s childhood friend, adds another layer of mystery. Her cheerful demeanor hides something darker, leaving fans guessing. “Eiko is scaring the fuck out of me with that smile,” one user admitted. This unpredictability keeps the audience hooked.

The Verdict: Worth the Watch?

Despite some criticisms, Dark Gathering has a lot going for it. The 25-episode run allows for deeper storytelling, and fans of the manga are excited to see key moments animated. One manga reader teased, “You guys ain’t ready for the future episodes… best of luck, no spoilers, but you’re gonna be getting some wild ride.”

For horror lovers, this show is a must-watch. Even if it doesn’t terrify you, the eerie atmosphere and unique characters make it stand out. As one fan summed it up: “Horror done right. Will keep watching.”

So, if you’re looking for something spooky yet entertaining, Dark Gathering might just be your next obsession. Just don’t watch it alone at midnight—unless you’re into that kind of thrill.