Prison School [Season 1 Episodes 1-12]

Prison School Season 1: A Raunchy Rollercoaster That Divides Fans

Let’s cut to the chase—Prison School isn’t for everyone. If you’re easily offended by over-the-top sexual humor, absurd slapstick, or storylines that make zero sense, hit pause now. But if you’re down for a wild ride that’s equal parts hilarious and cringey, this 2015 anime from J.C.Staff might just be your new guilty pleasure.

First, the basics: Prison School is based on Akira Hiramoto’s manga, and Season 1 (12 episodes, July–September 2015) follows five guys—Kiyoshi, Gakuto, Shingo, Andre, and Joe—who enroll at Hachimitsu Private Academy, a prestigious all-girls school that’s just gone co-ed. Spoiler: The “co-ed” part is a lie. The school’s ruthless Underground Student Council (USC)—led by the icy Mari Kurihara and her enforcers Meiko and Hana—rules with an iron fist. When the boys get caught peeping in the girls’ bath, they’re thrown into the school’s underground prison, where they’re subjected to humiliating punishments: digging holes, wearing dog collars, and enduring the USC’s sadistic games.

Now, let’s talk about what fans are saying. Over on MyAnimeList, opinions are split faster than a watermelon at a summer BBQ. Some love the show’s unapologetic raunchiness. One user called it “the funniest anime I’ve ever seen,” praising its bold humor and the way it leans into its absurdity. Others? Not so much. A common complaint is the adaptation pacing—like, really fast. The manga’s first 82 chapters are crammed into 12 episodes, meaning some episodes cover 6–8 chapters. “They skipped so much character development,” a fan ranted, “the anime feels rushed compared to the manga.”

But let’s be real—Prison School isn’t here for deep storytelling. It’s here to make you laugh until your sides hurt. The animation is vibrant, with J.C.Staff nailing the manga’s exaggerated art style (think: bulging muscles, over-the-top facial expressions). The voice acting? Top-tier. Hiroshi Kamiya (Kiyoshi) and Daisuke Namikawa (Gakuto) deliver lines with perfect comedic timing, turning even the dumbest jokes into gold. And let’s not forget the opening theme—“Ai no Prison” by the male cast—catchy, chaotic, and totally fitting.

The characters are a mixed bag. Kiyoshi is the “normal” one, trying to survive while pining for Chiyo, the only nice girl in the school. Gakuto is obsessed with strategy and his Guan Yu figurine (yes, really). Andre is a pervy giant, Shingo is a smooth talker, and Joe… well, Joe’s just along for the ride. The USC members are equally memorable: Mari is the cold-hearted leader, Meiko is the muscle, and Hana is the sadistic one with a thing for Kiyoshi. Their interactions are what make the show—whether it’s the boys plotting an escape or the USC dishing out punishments, every scene is a battle of wits (and weirdness).

Is it problematic? Oh, definitely. The humor relies heavily on sexual harassment and stereotypes, which can be tough to stomach. But here’s the thing: Prison School doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s a parody of high school tropes, pushing boundaries to see how far it can go. Some fans argue it’s a satire of gender roles, while others think it’s just plain offensive. At the end of the day, it’s all about perspective.

So, who should watch it? If you’re 18+ and love shows like South Park or Family Guy (but with anime flair), give it a shot. If you prefer your anime with complex plots and deep themes, skip it. But if you’re looking for a show that’s unapologetically stupid and hilarious, Prison School Season 1 is worth checking out. Just don’t watch it with your parents—trust me on that.

Final verdict: 7/10. It’s not perfect, but it’s a wild, fun ride that’ll leave you either laughing or cringing (or both). And hey, if nothing else, it’s a conversation starter.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to rewatch that scene where Gakuto uses his Guan Yu figurine to… well, you’ll just have to see. 😉