Mikata ga Yowasugite Hojo Mahou [12 episodes]

Alright, let’s dive into the world of Mikata ga Yowasugite Hojo Mahou (The Banished Court Magician Aims to Become the Strongest) for a quick, no-nonsense take. First off, if you’re into fantasy anime where the underdog gets a shot at redemption, this one might scratch that itch—but don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel.

The story follows Alec Huguette, a court magician who gets unceremoniously fired by the Crown Prince for being “useless” at offensive magic. Ouch. But here’s the twist: Alec’s not actually weak—he’s a support magic prodigy who just got stuck in the wrong job. After his dismissal, he reunites with his old academy friends, forming the adventurer party “Lasting Period.” Together, they aim to prove Alec’s worth and, you guessed it, become the strongest.

Now, let’s talk about the good stuff. The party dynamic is surprisingly solid. Ornest, the tank with a heart of gold, and Krasia, the fiery mage, feel like real friends who’ve got Alec’s back. Their banter is lighthearted, and there’s no forced harem vibe—thank goodness. The animation? It’s not Studio Ghibli-level, but the fight scenes are smooth enough, especially when Alec’s support magic shines. The guild master, Leviel, is also a standout—total DILF energy with a side of badassery.

But let’s be real: this show is generic. Like, really generic. The “fired from the hero’s party” trope is so overdone at this point, it’s practically a meme. Alec’s backstory is a bit eye-roll worthy too—he ignored his teacher’s warnings to join the court, wasted four years, and now mopes about it. Some fans are even calling him the “Worst MC of the Year” for his constant self-pity. Dude, get over it—you’ve got friends who believe in you!

The pacing is another issue. The first two episodes feel like setup on autopilot, and the plot armor is thicker than a dragon’s scales. You know Alec’s going to win every fight because… well, he’s the main character. The magic system is basic—lightning bolts, shields, enhancements—nothing we haven’t seen a million times before. And don’t get me started on the worldbuilding; it’s as shallow as a puddle. The sakura trees are pretty, but they don’t make up for the lack of depth.

Character-wise, Alec is a mixed bag. He’s got potential, but his insecurity is grating. One minute he’s doubting himself, the next he’s pulling off epic support moves—pick a lane, buddy! Ornest, on the other hand, steals the show. He’s charismatic, strong, and voiced by Masaaki Mizunaka, who nails the “cool older brother” vibe. Krasia is also fun—she’s fierce but loyal, though her design is a bit generic (looking at you, red hair and a temper).

The fanbase is split. Some love the party’s chemistry and the “junk food” appeal—you watch it for the vibes, not the plot. Others are tired of the trope overload and Alec’s whininess. One comment summed it up perfectly: “Obviously this show is as generic as they come, but I do really like Alec’s relationship with his party.” That’s the crux of it—if you can overlook the clichés, there’s a fun, low-stakes adventure here.

Is it worth watching? If you’re a casual fantasy fan who doesn’t mind predictable plots and enjoys seeing friends stick together, yes. But if you’re looking for something fresh or thought-provoking, skip it. This is the kind of show you put on when you’re folding laundry—entertaining enough, but you won’t lose sleep over it.

Final verdict: 6/10. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a solid time-killer with heart. Just don’t go in expecting the next Fullmetal Alchemist. And hey, if nothing else, Ornest’s abs alone are worth a watch.

Now, go grab some popcorn and enjoy the ride—Alec’s journey to redemption is just getting started. 🎬✨