Otherside Picnic [Season 1]

Otherside Picnic Season 1: Yuri, Guns, and Ghosts—The Perfect Combo?

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re scrolling through your anime queue looking for something that feels fresh but still hits all the right notes, Otherside Picnic Season 1 might just be your next obsession. Based on Iori Miyazawa’s light novels (inspired by the classic sci-fi book Roadside Picnic), this 2021 series from LIDENFILMS and FelixFilm throws two university students into a mysterious parallel world where urban legends come to life—and fans can’t stop talking about it.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. The story follows Sorawo Kamikoshi, a quiet student who stumbles into the “Otherside,” a spooky dimension filled with supernatural weirdness. She meets Toriko Nishina, a bold girl searching for her missing friend, and together they navigate this eerie realm, armed with guns and a whole lot of curiosity. It’s like if Stranger Things and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. had a yuri-themed baby—dark, atmospheric, and full of unexpected twists.

Now, let’s talk about what fans are actually saying. Over on MyAnimeList, the hype is real, and it’s all about that unbeatable combo: “☑ cute girls ☑ yuri ☑ guns ☑ isekai,” as one user put it. Another fan summed it up perfectly: “Yuri S.T.A.L.K.E.R., huh? Shut up and take my money, please?” And honestly, who can blame them? The Otherside’s haunting skies and creepy creatures (think: glitchy ghosts and distorted landscapes) give off major Girls’ Last Tour vibes, but with more action and a side of sapphic tension.

But wait—let’s address the elephant in the room: the yuri. Some fans were worried after reading the manga, which downplays romantic vibes (“Read the manga, there isn’t really any Yuri,” one commenter sighed). But fear not! The light novels (and the anime, from what we’ve seen) lean into Sorawo and Toriko’s chemistry hard. “In the LN it’s pretty clear from the get-go that Sorawo has a thing for Toriko,” another user clarified. So if you’re here for that slow-burn, will-they-won’t-they energy, you’re in luck.

What really sets Otherside Picnic apart, though, is its mix of genres. It’s not just a yuri show—it’s a sci-fi adventure with heart. The Otherside isn’t just a playground for monsters; it’s a place that messes with your mind. Fans love how the series balances jump scares with deeper questions about fear, friendship, and what it means to be human. “I came for guns + yuri,” one fan admitted, “and now Iori Miyazawa’s one of my favorite writers.”

The animation? Stunning. The way the Otherside’s sky shifts from neon pink to inky black? Chef’s kiss. And let’s not forget the soundtrack—CHiCO with HoneyWorks’ OP “Minikui Ikimono” (Ugly Creature) is a bop that perfectly captures the show’s eerie yet hopeful tone.

Sure, it’s not perfect. Some fans wished there was more action (“Less shooting and more exploration of the human psyche,” as one S.T.A.L.K.E.R. fan noted), but that’s part of its charm. This isn’t a mindless monster-slaying fest—it’s a slow, creepy crawl through a world that feels both familiar and alien.

At the end of the day, Otherside Picnic Season 1 is a love letter to sci-fi fans, yuri enthusiasts, and anyone who’s ever wanted to explore the unknown with a friend (or maybe more than a friend). It’s got heart, it’s got scares, and it’s got two girls who’d risk everything for each other. As one fan put it: “The best combo ever.”

So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and dive into the Otherside. Just don’t forget to bring a gun—and maybe a crush. You’ll need both.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A must-watch for anyone who loves their anime with a side of mystery, monsters, and mutual pining.

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P.S. If you’re new to the series, start with the light novels—they’re even more immersive!