High School! Kimengumi [Season 1 Episode 1]

Alright, let’s dive into the first episode of High School! Kimengumi (2026), the long-awaited remake of Motoei Shinzawa’s classic 1980s gag manga. For those who grew up with the original anime, this reboot is a blast from the past—though it’s clear the creators wanted to spice things up for a new generation. Let’s break down what worked, what didn’t, and why this show might just be your new guilty pleasure.

First off, the production value is surprisingly high. The animation is crisp, with bright, eye-catching colors that pop on screen. The character designs stay true to the manga’s iconic “funny faces” but with a modern twist—think sharper lines and more expressive eyes. The voice acting? Chef’s kiss. New seiyuu like Kousuke Toriumi (as Don Harumage) bring fresh energy to the roles, and fans of the original will be relieved to hear that the characters’ personalities shine through without feeling forced. The opening theme by BREIMEN feat. TOMOO is a total bop, blending retro beats with a modern edge that’ll have you humming along by the second listen.

Now, the plot. The first episode introduces us to the Kimengumi Funny-Face Club: Rei Ichidou, Gou Reietsu, Kiyoshi Shusse, Jin Daima, and Dai Monohoshi—five misfit high schoolers who live for chaos. The episode wastes no time jumping into their antics: a failed attempt to impress the school’s “cutest girl,” Yui, a ridiculous classroom prank involving a rubber chicken, and a showdown with the school’s strict vice principal. It’s all over the place, but that’s the point. This is gag humor at its purest—fast-paced, absurd, and unapologetically silly.

But here’s the catch: some jokes land, others… not so much. One fan commented, “This felt like gag manga on crack. Brother, you need to let the jokes breathe a bit.” And they’re right. The episode crams so many gags into its 7.5-minute runtime that it’s hard to keep up. A running bit about the characters’ “ugly faces” gets old quick, and a Mad Max-inspired chase scene feels out of place. On the flip side, the modern references—like a nod to online gaming and social media—are clever and relatable, especially for younger viewers.

What really stands out, though, is the nostalgia factor. Longtime fans will spot callbacks to the original series, from the club’s signature poses to the way Rei constantly tries (and fails) to be cool. One reviewer noted, “It’s great that they kept the same basic storyline while adding a modern touch. The different characters are easily recognizable, and their core identity is the same as in the original 80s series.” It’s a balancing act that works—new viewers won’t feel lost, and old fans will get that warm, fuzzy feeling of revisiting an old friend.

Of course, no anime is without its flaws. The biggest issue right now? Accessibility. As several fans pointed out, the show hasn’t been licensed in many regions, meaning subs are hard to come by. One user even resorted to using AI to create subtitles from German and French translations—talk about dedication! If you’re willing to hunt, you can find fan-made subs online, but it’s a hassle. Here’s hoping a streaming service picks it up soon.

Another complaint? The pacing. Some jokes feel rushed, and the episode ends abruptly, leaving you wanting more. But hey, that’s the nature of short-form anime—each episode is a quick burst of fun, designed to leave you craving the next installment.

So, should you watch High School! Kimengumi Season 1 Episode 1? If you love slapstick humor, retro vibes, and don’t mind a few rough edges, absolutely. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a solid start to what could be a hilarious series. The characters are endearing, the animation is top-notch, and the nostalgia is real. Just be prepared to laugh, cringe, and maybe even sing along to the opening theme.

In short: Magnificent? Maybe not. Fun? Definitely. Give it a shot—you might just find yourself joining the Kimengumi fan club.

P.S. If you’re struggling with subs, keep an eye on fan forums—someone’s bound to save the day soon!