Early Reins

Early Reins: A Wild West Adventure with a Twist

If you’re into action-packed anime with a historical twist, Early Reins might just be the hidden gem you’ve been sleeping on. Directed by Yûji Asada and animated by OLM, this OVA (Original Video Animation) is a short but thrilling ride set in the American Old West, right after the Civil War. The story follows Margaret Hart, a young woman with dreams of becoming a sheriff, who finds herself in the middle of a train hijacking. Alongside five other women, she takes on a group of bandits in a fight that’s as much about survival as it is about proving their strength.

A Fresh Take on the Wild West

One thing that stands out about Early Reins is its setting. The Wild West isn’t a common backdrop in anime, and fans seem to appreciate the novelty. As one MyAnimeList user put it: “I liked the western setting, not to mention that girls & guns is always a winning combo.” The blend of historical elements with fast-paced action gives the anime a unique flavor, even if it’s just a single-episode OVA.

The animation, while not groundbreaking for its time, holds up well enough to keep the action engaging. The character designs are distinct, and the fight scenes—though occasionally inconsistent in realism—deliver the kind of excitement you’d expect from a showdown in the Old West.

Girls with Guns: A Winning Formula

The central theme of Early Reins revolves around a group of women standing up against male bandits, and this dynamic has resonated with viewers. Comments like “Bad guys against brave women in the Wild West setting. Quite enjoyable show.” highlight how refreshing it is to see female characters take charge in a genre often dominated by male protagonists.

Margaret Hart, the lead, is a compelling character—determined, quick-witted, and unafraid to get her hands dirty. Some fans pointed out that she “got over killing pretty fast,” which might feel a bit rushed, but given the OVA’s short runtime, it’s understandable that character development had to be condensed.

Mixed Reactions to the Plot

While many viewers found Early Reins enjoyable, opinions on the story itself are divided. Some praised its simplicity and pacing, calling it “quick, and different,” while others felt it was “pure mediocrity.” One critique focused on historical inaccuracies, particularly regarding the portrayal of Civil War veterans: “They decided to use the ‘soldier with nowhere to go’ cliche… but that doesn’t make sense here.”

The plot twist at the end also sparked mixed reactions. Some found it predictable (“I also saw that twist coming”), while others were pleasantly surprised (“I was not expecting that plot twist at the end”). Regardless, the twist adds a layer of intrigue that leaves viewers wondering what could have been if the anime had been expanded into a full series.

Sound and Dub: Hit or Miss?

The sound design and English dub received some criticism, with one fan noting, “The sound quality though was pretty poor.” Another pointed out inconsistencies in the dub script, particularly with the colonel’s dialogue. However, these flaws didn’t ruin the experience for most, as the action and setting carried the show.

Final Verdict: Worth a Watch?

Early Reins may not be a masterpiece, but it’s far from forgettable. As one fan aptly summarized: “It wasn’t a masterpiece, but it certainly wasn’t horrible. I wouldn’t mind if it was more than one episode long.”

If you’re a fan of historical action, strong female leads, or just looking for something short and entertaining, this OVA is worth checking out. It’s a fun, self-contained story that leaves you wishing there was more to explore in its world.

So, grab some popcorn, saddle up, and give Early Reins a shot—you might just find yourself rooting for Margaret and her crew by the end of the ride.

Rating: 7/10 – A solid, if flawed, Wild West adventure that leaves you wanting more.

What did you think of Early Reins? Drop your thoughts in the comments!