Ragna Crimson [Season 1]

Ragna Crimson Season 1: A Dragon-Slaying Saga That Divides Fans (But Slaps Hard When It Hits)

Let’s cut straight to the chase: Ragna Crimson isn’t here to hold your hand. This dark fantasy anime, based on Daiki Kobayashi’s manga, drops you into a world where dragons rule with iron claws and fire breath, and humanity’s only hope is a ragtag group of hunters—and one very unlikely alliance. Ragna, a revenge-fueled teen whose village was incinerated by these scaly tyrants, teams up with Crimson, a mysterious dragon with his own vendetta against his kind. Together, they’re out to take down the six Dragon Monarchs, starting with Ultimatia, the icy ruler of the Wing Bloodline. If that sounds edgy? Yeah, it is. But for fans who live for high-stakes battles and “I will fight you on this” tier lists, it’s a wild ride.

First off, let’s talk about the fights—because that’s where this show shines. Fans on MyAnimeList are obsessed with Ragna’s showdowns, and for good reason. Take his battle with Ultimatia in Episode 7: when Ragna breaks free from her time-freezing magic and charges at her, screaming, “You won’t get away!”? Chills. One user even called it “top 5 best anime battles of all time” (and got into a heated debate with someone who roasted the animation quality—fair, some scenes look like they were drawn in MS Paint, but the hype? Unmatched). Another standout is Ragna vs. Woltekamui, where our hero goes full beast mode and proves he’s not just a kid with a grudge. Even Crimson gets his moment to flex: when he calls Ultimatia a “mere mortal,” you can almost hear the fanbase losing their minds (shoutout to the user who compared it to Karma’s iconic line in Assassination Classroom—spot-on).

But it’s not all punchy one-liners and dragon guts. The show dives into some heavy stuff, like loss and loyalty. Ragna’s motivation—avenging his sister Leonica—hits hard, even if the anime skips over her later (manga readers, don’t @ me—we know she’s low-key a big deal in the source material). And then there’s the mystery of the traitor in the saints’ ranks. Fans are theorizing left and right: is it Hakuren, the guy with Gilzea’s claw? Ruoxi, the sole survivor of a cult infight? Or someone totally out of left field? As one user put it, “Kobayashi is giving us sneaky hints… but he’s probably trolling us.” Either way, it adds a layer of tension that keeps you glued to the screen.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the animation. Some episodes look like they were rushed (looking at you, Episode 12), but when it counts—like the final scene of Episode 2, where Crimson sits on a throne of dragon bones—chef’s kiss. It’s dark, it’s gritty, and it perfectly captures the show’s “no happy endings” vibe. And let’s not forget the characters: Starlia, the badass hunter with a soft spot for Ragna, has a fan club all her own (one user gushed, “Every moment Starlia appears… I love her”). Even Crimson, with his cryptic one-liners (“We will kill all six dragon lineages”), has a weird charisma that makes you root for him—even if you’re not sure if he’s a hero or a villain.

But here’s the thing: Ragna Crimson isn’t for everyone. If you hate edgy protagonists or plot holes (looking at you, Ragna forgetting Leonica), this might not be your jam. But for those who live for “badass underdog takes on the world” stories? It’s a must-watch. The final episode leaves you hanging—will Ragna and Crimson take down the remaining five Monarchs? Is Leonica really alive?—and fans are already begging for a Season 2 (even though the anime’s listed as “finished/canceled” on some sites—fingers crossed for a revival).

At the end of the day, Ragna Crimson is like a messy, over-the-top action movie: it’s not perfect, but it’s fun as hell. Whether you’re here for the fights, the drama, or just to argue with strangers online about “top 5 anime battles,” this show delivers. So grab your sword, ignore the haters, and dive in—just don’t forget to thank James (the only other fan one user knows) for the recommendation.

Final Verdict: 7/10. The animation’s hit-or-miss, but the hype? Through the roof. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy with a side of chaos, this is your new obsession. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to read the manga to find out what happens to Leonica. Don’t spoil it!