High School! Kimengumi (2026) [Season 1 Episode 2]

High School! Kimengumi (2026) Season 1 Episode 2: A Chaotic Blend of Nostalgia and New Hijinks

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re here for a laugh, Episode 2 of High School! Kimengumi delivers—even if it stumbles a bit along the way. The 2026 reboot of Studio Seven (wait, did we mix up the studio? More on that later) dives headfirst into the chaos of Ichio High, where our favorite misfits from the original 1980s series are now navigating high school life with all the subtlety of a bowling ball through a glass window.

First off, the setup: everyone’s merged into Ichio High, including the iconic Kimengumi crew and their rivals, Ichido. The episode kicks off with a bowling outing that quickly spirals into the show’s signature slapstick. Yui, our resident “prize” of the week, gets roped into a ridiculous bet, and the gang’s antics—think over-the-top reactions and physical comedy—hit that sweet spot of dumb fun. As one fan put it, “Even in high school, life is not a breeze with these ‘fancy’ guys!” Truer words never spoken.

The best part? The nods to classic anime. The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and City Hunter references had me cackling—they’re so random, so out of left field, that they work. It’s like the writers are winking at long-time fans while still keeping things accessible for new viewers. And let’s be real: who doesn’t love a good pop culture deep cut?

But let’s address the elephant in the room: the animation. Fans are split here. Some say it’s “getting worse than the original’s,” and… yeah, it’s not Studio Pierrot-level (wait, hold up—initial reports said Studio Pierrot, but now it’s Studio Seven? Maybe a mix-up, but either way, the animation’s definitely “economical”). Shots feel rushed, some gags lack setup, and it’s clear corners were cut. One viewer summed it up: “The gags follow one another weirdly but most importantly, there’s a real lack of shots to set up a lot of the jokes.” Fair criticism.

Then there’s the character focus. If you’re a die-hard Kimengumi fan, you might be disappointed. Rei steals the spotlight, while the rest of the crew takes a backseat. New characters pop up left and right, and the original groups (except for a green-haired cameo) are MIA. A newbie to the series noted, “It surprises me how few screentime the Kimengumi… have in this episode.” Valid—if you’re here for the original crew, this might feel like a bait-and-switch.

But here’s the thing: this show isn’t trying to be a masterpiece. It’s a silly, fast-paced comedy that just wants to make you grin. The 5.76 rating on MyAnimeList? Pfft. As one fan argued, “I don’t get the 5.76 if you are here to laugh…” If you’re not in the mood for chaotic, low-stakes humor, this isn’t for you. But if you’re down to turn off your brain and giggle at dumb jokes, you’ll have a blast.

Let’s talk about the vibe. The episode feels like hanging out with your chaotic friend group—messy, unpredictable, but never boring. The bowling scene? Pure chaos. Yui being a “prize”? Absurd. The random references? Genius. It’s the kind of show where you don’t need to overthink—just go with the flow.

Sure, it’s not perfect. The animation’s rough, the character focus is off, and some gags fall flat. But for every misstep, there’s a moment that makes you snort-laugh (looking at you, JoJo reference). And let’s be honest—finding these episodes is half the battle. As one fan lamented, “these eps are usually really hard to find.” So if you can track it down, why not give it a shot?

In the end, Episode 2 is a mixed bag. It’s funny, nostalgic, and full of heart—but it’s also rough around the edges. If you’re a fan of the original, you’ll probably have fun spotting references and seeing your old faves. If you’re new? It’s a wild introduction to the world of Kimengumi. Just don’t go in expecting polished animation or deep storytelling. This is a show for when you want to unwind, laugh at stupid jokes, and remember that high school (even anime high school) is just one big, messy adventure.

So grab some snacks, turn off your critical eye, and dive in. You might just find yourself quoting the bowling scene for weeks. And hey—if you hate it? As one fan said, “just watch/read something else.” No harm, no foul. But if you’re here to laugh? You’re in the right place.

Final Verdict: 7/10. Chaotic, nostalgic, and imperfectly funny. Worth a watch if you’re in the mood for dumb fun. 🎳✨