Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest [Season 1]

Alright, let’s dive into Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest Season 1. First off, if you’re a die-hard Fairy Tail fan like me, you probably screamed when this sequel was announced. The original series wrapped up in 2019, so getting to follow Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza, and the rest of the guild on a new adventure felt like reuniting with old friends. But let’s be real—this season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and not all of them are good.

Starting with the basics: the anime is a sequel to Hiro Mashima’s beloved Fairy Tail, continuing the story of Natsu and his guildmates as they tackle the “100 Years Quest,” a mission that’s been unfinished for a century. The manga started in 2018, and the anime finally hit screens in July 2024. Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—animation. Fans have been split on this. Some say the old studios (like A-1 Pictures) did a better job, while others think the current studios (JC Staff and ACGT) have their moments.

From what I’ve seen, the animation quality is inconsistent. One minute you’re watching a firework of a fight scene—like Natsu vs. Mercphobia, which some fans argue is better animated than any fight in previous seasons—and the next, you’re cringing at a scene that looks rushed. A lot of this comes down to production issues. JC Staff was swamped with other projects, so they outsourced some episodes to ACGT, who aren’t exactly known for top-tier work. But hey, even ACGT has their highlights, right?

Pacing is another hot topic. Some fans complain it’s too slow, but wait—wait a second. The anime is cramming 90 manga chapters into 25 episodes. That’s fast. Like, really fast. So when someone says “slow,” they might mean the animation feels sluggish, not the story. Or maybe they’re confused? Either way, it’s a common point of debate.

Character designs have also changed. Yurika Sako, who worked on Edens Zero, is now the chief animation director, and she’s matching the art style of the manga (which is drawn by Atsuo Ueda, not Mashima). Some fans miss the old look, but others dig the new vibe. It’s all subjective.

Now, the good stuff: nostalgia. Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest is a love letter to long-time fans. The medieval OST is back, and seeing Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza, Happy, Wendy, and Charles together again is like hanging out with old friends. The humor is there, the heartfelt moments hit hard, and the action—when it’s good—is really good.

But let’s not sugarcoat it. There are flaws. The animation can be hit-or-miss, and some fight scenes feel wasted. For example, Natsu vs. Aldoron, a big manga moment, didn’t get the epic treatment fans hoped for. Instead, a less important fight (like Gray vs. a tree guy) got more love. Ouch. Fans are crossing their fingers for a studio change in Season 2, but let’s be real—with half the manga already adapted, it’s unlikely. Still, a girl can dream.

So, who is this anime for? If you’re a die-hard Fairy Tail fan, you’ll probably watch it no matter what. The nostalgia alone is worth it. If you’re new to the series, maybe start with the original Fairy Tail first—this sequel assumes you know the characters and their history.

In the end, Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest Season 1 is a mixed bag. It has its highs (epic fights, nostalgic feels) and lows (inconsistent animation, rushed moments). But for fans who’ve been waiting years to see their favorite guild back in action, it’s a must-watch. Just go in with an open mind, and maybe lower your expectations a tiny bit.

Will there be a Season 2? The manga is still ongoing, and Mashima says it’ll last longer than expected. So fingers crossed. And if there is a Season 2, maybe we’ll get a studio change? A girl can hope. Until then, let’s enjoy the chaos that is Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest.

P.S. If you’re debating whether to watch it, just do it. The good moments far outweigh the bad, and at the end of the day, it’s Fairy Tail. And Fairy Tail is all about friendship, fire, and never giving up. What’s not to love?