Mono [Season 1 Episodes 1-3]

Mono Season 1: Episodes 1-3 Review – The New Slice-of-Life Gem That’s Got Fans Obsessed

If you’ve been scrolling through anime forums lately, you’ve probably seen the hype around Mono. This spring 2025 slice-of-life series, centered on a high school photography club, has exploded onto the scene, and for good reason. From its charming characters to its stunning visuals, Mono is quickly becoming the go-to show for anyone craving that warm, fuzzy feeling after a long day. Let’s dive into why fans are losing their minds over the first three episodes.

The Premise: Cute Girls, Cameras, and Chaos

Mono follows Satsuki Amamiya, a high school sophomore who joins the Photography Club after being inspired by her upperclassman, Makinohara. But when Makinohara graduates, Satsuki finds herself as the club’s new leader, alongside her friend An Kiriyama and the quirky manga artist Haruno. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of club life, from chaotic road trips to late-night photo shoots.

The first three episodes set the tone perfectly. Episode 1 introduces us to Satsuki’s obsession with Makinohara (she’s taken over 30,000 photos of her!) and her decision to keep the club alive. Episode 2 dives into Haruno’s wild idea to visit “manga pilgrimage sites” (real-life locations from popular manga), leading to a hilarious car ride where Haruno—who can barely drive—takes the wheel. By Episode 3, the trio is experimenting with a 360-degree camera, capturing everything from city skylines to a stray cat that steals the show.

What Fans Are Saying

Over on MyAnimeList, the discussion is fiery. Let’s break down the top takes:

• “Cute Girls Doing Cute Things (CGDCT) at Its Finest”: Fans are comparing Mono to beloved series like Yuru Camp and Tamayura. “This gives the vibes like Yuru Camp, and the animation is very good,” one user gushed. Another added, “Adorable, goofy, browsthetic—what more could you ask for in a CGDCT show?” The thick, expressive art style and bouncy animation have won over even the pickiest viewers.

• “The Animation Is Peak”: Studio Soigne, a new player in the anime scene, is getting rave reviews for its debut work. “This instantly went to my list of best anime premieres of all time,” a fan declared. “The animation is so bouncy, like jumping on a trampoline for five hours!” The backgrounds, especially the night shots of the city, are being called “stunning” and “a highlight of the show.”

• “Haruno Is a Legend”: Haruno, the chaotic manga artist, is a fan favorite. “I love Haruno’s character—she’s so wild!” one user laughed. Her reckless driving and obsession with “photo-ception” (taking photos of people taking photos) have made her the show’s comedic backbone. Even her cat, Taishou, has a cult following.

• “Is It Yuri? Maybe… But Who Cares?”: Some fans are debating the romantic undertones between Satsuki and An. “Joining the already stacked list of lesbian duos this season,” one user joked. Another noted, “An’s creepy feelings for Satsuki were off-putting,” but most agree the chemistry is part of the charm.

• “The Cat Steals the Show”: That stray cat in Episode 1? It’s a star. “They even got a cat into the first episode! Cute stuff,” a fan wrote. Another added, “The cat is the real MVP here—10/10 would watch a spin-off about it.”

Criticisms? Minor, But Noticeable

Not everyone is sold. A few fans found Satsuki’s obsession with Makinohara “creepy” and felt the plot was “all over the place.” “I felt tired by the end of the first episode,” one user admitted. But these complaints are overshadowed by the positive feedback. Most agree that the show’s heart—its focus on friendship and creativity—shines through.

Why Mono Is a Must-Watch

For 20-somethings, Mono hits different. It’s nostalgic (who hasn’t had a weird obsession in high school?), relatable (road trips with friends = chaos), and visually stunning. The photography theme adds a unique twist—you’ll find yourself wanting to grab a camera and explore your own city after watching.

Plus, the OST is a bop. Fans are calling it “insane” and comparing it to K-On! “The music makes every scene feel alive,” one user said.

Final Verdict

Mono Season 1 Episodes 1-3 are a perfect blend of humor, heart, and eye candy. Whether you’re a CGDCT fanatic or just looking for a feel-good show, this one’s for you. As one fan put it, “This is my most anticipated anime of the season, and it did not disappoint.”

So grab your camera, gather your friends, and dive into Mono—you won’t regret it.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A promising start to what could be the next big slice-of-life hit.

Mono Season 1 is streaming now. Catch it while it’s hot!