Mayonaka Punch [Episode 1]

Alright, let’s dive into Mayonaka Punch Episode 1. First off, this anime comes from P.A. Works, the studio behind hits like Shirobako and Angel Beats!, so I went in with some expectations—and boy, did it deliver. The episode kicks off with Masaki, a member of the popular NewTuber group Harikiri Sisters, getting publicly ousted during a livestream. Ouch, right? The scene is cringey in the best way—you can feel her panic as the comments flood in, and the animation does a great job of showing that overwhelming, “everyone’s watching” vibe.

What I loved most is how relatable Masaki is. She’s not some perfect protagonist; she’s messy, she’s desperate, and when she tries to start fresh, everything goes wrong. Her failed apology video (we’ve all seen those) and the way she spirals into overthinking the comments—like, who hasn’t stayed up all night scrolling through hate? The visual of the comments turning into a dark cloud over her head? Chef’s kiss. It’s such a clever way to show the pressure of online life.

Then there’s the twist at the end: a vampire named Live crashes her pity party. At first, I was like, “Wait, vampires? In a NewTuber anime?” But it works! Live is this chaotic, energy-drink-chugging vampire who’s obsessed with Masaki’s content. Their dynamic is already gold—Masaki is the stressed-out human, Live is the chaotic gremlin who’s just along for the ride. The flying scene at the end? So fun, and the animation there is gorgeous. P.A. Works always nails those fluid, vibrant moments.

Now, let’s talk about the fan reactions. A lot of people are comparing it to Call of the Night (the vampire vibes, the nighttime setting) and Viral Hit (the content creation drama), but honestly, Mayonaka Punch feels fresh. It’s not just about being a YouTuber—it’s about redemption, finding your voice, and maybe… vampire roommates? The comedy is spot-on too. I laughed out loud at Masaki’s failed attempts to make content and Live’s over-the-top reactions.

Some fans are already shipping Masaki and Live (hello, “yuri Call of the Night” theories!), and I get it—their chemistry is electric. But even if romance isn’t on the table, their partnership is going to be wild. Imagine a vampire helping you make YouTube videos? The possibilities are endless.

The only downside? The ED song. It’s this weird mix of singing and talking, and it just didn’t click for me. But hey, that’s a small nitpick. The OP, though? Total bop. I’ve had it stuck in my head all day.

Overall, Episode 1 is a banger. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and it’s got vampires—what more could you want? P.A. Works is killing it this season, and Mayonaka Punch is shaping up to be one of their best. If you’re into slice-of-life with a supernatural twist, or just love stories about underdogs, this is a must-watch. I’m already counting down the days until Episode 2.

Oh, and quick shoutout to Ai Fairouz for voicing Live—she’s perfect. Her energy matches the character so well. And can we talk about the art style? The colors are so vibrant, especially the nighttime scenes. It’s like watching a neon dream.

In conclusion, Mayonaka Punch Episode 1 is a strong start. It sets up the story, introduces lovable characters, and leaves you wanting more. Whether you’re a fan of P.A. Works, vampire stories, or just need a new anime to binge, this one’s for you. Don’t sleep on it—this show’s going to be huge.

P.S. If you haven’t seen it yet, go watch the flying scene again. It’s chef’s kiss.

P.P.S. Masaki’s character design low-key reminds me of Inugami Korone. Just saying.

P.P.P.S. The line “You can’t spell slaughter without laughter” had me dying. Dark humor at its finest.

Okay, I’ll stop now. Just go watch the episode. Trust me.

Rating: 9/10 (only docking a point for the ED—sorry, not sorry).

Mayonaka Punch Episode 1 is available to stream on platforms like 9anime and Animixplay. Go check it out!

And remember: when life gives you lemons, start a YouTube channel with a vampire. It works for Masaki, right?

Happy watching! 🎥✨