How I Attended an All Guys Mixer [Season 1 Episode 1]

Review: “How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer” – Episode 1 – A Hilariously Unexpected Twist

Introduction
The first episode of How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer (Fall 2024) kicks off with a premise that’s as absurd as it is entertaining. College student Tokiwa, along with his friends, gets roped into a mixer by his classmate Suo, only to discover that the “girls” they’re meeting are actually three ridiculously handsome men. The twist? These men are cross-dressing bartenders, and Suo is one of them. What follows is a chaotic, laugh-out-loud introduction to a series that blends comedy, romance, and a dash of gender-bending confusion.

The Premise and First Impressions

Produced by Ashi Productions and based on the manga by Nana Aokawa, How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer wastes no time throwing its audience into the deep end. The episode’s humor hinges on the sheer absurdity of the situation—Tokiwa and his friends’ reactions range from stunned silence to outright panic, while the cross-dressing trio (including Suo) seem to be having the time of their lives.

Fans on MyAnimeList had mixed but mostly positive reactions:
– “I laughed for 23 minutes straight. This might just be the cure for depression.”
– “The joke got old fast, but the chemistry between the characters kept me hooked.”
– “Suo is an SSR-tier prince. How is this even fair?”

The episode’s strength lies in its ability to balance over-the-top comedy with moments of genuine charm. The “King’s Game” segment, where the group plays a drinking game to break the ice, is a highlight—awkward, hilarious, and oddly endearing.

Characters and Dynamics

The cast is introduced swiftly, with each character bringing their own flavor to the chaos:
– Tokiwa: The straight man (literally and figuratively) of the group, whose reactions are priceless.
– Suo: The enigmatic classmate who orchestrates the mixer. Her dual identity as a cross-dressing bartender adds an intriguing layer to her character.
– The Cross-Dressing Trio: Asagi, Kohaku, and Fuji—each with distinct personalities that shine even in the first episode.

One fan noted:
“Asagi is pure sunshine, Tokiwa is the designated victim, and Suo is the ultimate troll. This dynamic is gold.”

The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and the episode does a great job of setting up future interactions.

Themes and Tone

At its core, the episode explores themes of identity and perception. The cross-dressing element isn’t just played for laughs—it subtly challenges Tokiwa’s (and the audience’s) preconceptions about gender and attraction.

Some viewers questioned the longevity of the premise:
“How can they stretch this joke for 12 episodes? Will it just be the same gag over and over?”
But others defended it:
“It’s not just about the cross-dressing—it’s about how these characters navigate relationships. There’s potential here.”

The tone is lighthearted, but there’s an underlying sweetness to the interactions, especially between Tokiwa and Suo.

Visuals and Sound

The animation by Ashi Productions is crisp, with expressive character designs that enhance the comedy. The cross-dressing trio’s transformations are particularly well-done—they’re convincingly attractive as men, which adds to the absurdity.

The opening and ending themes received praise for matching the show’s vibe, though opinions on the music itself were split:
“The OP is catchy, but not my usual taste.”
“The ED is a bop—perfect for the show’s energy.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 1 of How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer is a strong start. It’s funny, fast-paced, and packed with personality. While some viewers worry about the premise wearing thin, the characters and their dynamics suggest there’s more to explore beyond the initial gag.

As one fan put it:
“This might not be a masterpiece, but it’s the kind of show that makes you smile. Sometimes, that’s enough.”

If you’re looking for a light, feel-good comedy with a twist, this one’s worth a shot.

Rating: 8/10 – A promising debut with room to grow.

What did you think of the episode? Let me know in the comments!