Togainu no Chi [Season 1 Episodes 1-12]

Alright, let’s dive into Togainu no Chi Season 1, a show that’s been making waves (and not always the good kind) among anime fans. First off, let’s get the basics straight: this series, adapted from a BL visual novel by Nitro+CHiRAL, hit screens in October 2010, produced by Aniplex and animated by A-1 Pictures. Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan after a third world war, the story follows Akira, a young man forced into deadly battle games called Igura in the ruined city of Toshima, controlled by the mysterious organization Vischio. The premise sounds gritty and intense—perfect for a dystopian thriller, right? Well, according to fans, it’s a bit more complicated than that.

Let’s start with the positives, because even the harshest critics have to give credit where it’s due. The soundtrack, for one, seems to be a highlight. The opening theme, Rose Hip Bullet by The GazettE, has a catchy, edgy vibe that fits the show’s dark tone. And some viewers mentioned enjoying the music throughout, which is always a plus when the rest of the series might be falling flat. The concept itself is intriguing: a survival game in a lawless city, with contestants fighting for freedom and their lives. It’s a setup that could lead to deep character development and moral dilemmas, which is probably why so many were initially drawn to it.

But here’s where things start to unravel, according to the fan discussions. The biggest complaint? The animation. Oh, the animation. Fans didn’t hold back—words like “pathetic,” “horrible,” and “crapfest” were thrown around left and right. One user even called the last episode “the worst episode of animation in the history of anime.” Ouch. Specific issues included characters’ mouths not moving when they talked, choppy fight scenes, and a general lack of fluidity. It’s like the budget ran out halfway through, and they just… gave up. Imagine watching a battle scene where you hear sword sounds but never actually see the swords clashing—frustrating, right? That’s exactly what happened here.

Then there’s the plot. Many viewers felt it was all over the place. The story starts with Akira being forced into the Igura games, but as the episodes progress, the narrative seems to lose focus. Character motivations are unclear, and key moments feel rushed or underdeveloped. For example, the death of Keisuke, Akira’s friend, was a major point of contention. Some fans thought his death was unnecessary and poorly handled—like, did they just forget about his body? And the ending? Let’s just say it left a lot to be desired. Akira’s quest for revenge against Shiki feels unearned, and the open-ended conclusion left many confused rather than intrigued. One user summed it up perfectly: “Characters didn’t accomplish anything!”

Another big letdown for fans of the original visual novel was the lack of BL content. The anime was tagged as Shounen-Ai, but according to viewers, there was barely any romantic tension between the male characters. Akira and Keisuke’s relationship, which was central to the game, felt watered down. Fans were expecting more emotional depth and connection, but instead, they got… well, not much. It’s like the creators were afraid to commit to the BL elements, leaving everyone feeling unsatisfied.

Let’s talk about the characters. Shiki, the main antagonist, had potential—he’s cool, badass, and mysterious. But by the end, he just comes off as a jerk. His motivations are never fully explained, and his actions feel random. Akira, the protagonist, is supposed to be a skilled fighter, but he spends most of the series defending himself or running away. Where’s the epic showdown we were promised? Even minor characters like Nano were underutilized. Did he die? No one seems to know—his death scene was either missing or so poorly animated that viewers missed it.

Despite all the negatives, there were a few bright spots. Some fans enjoyed the soundtrack enough to give the series a higher rating, and a couple of viewers thought the show was “okay” compared to others. The OST, in particular, received praise—maybe that’s the one thing the creators got right. And let’s not forget the seiyuu (voice actors) who did their best with the material they were given. It’s hard to make a bad script sound good, but they tried.

So, who is this anime for? If you’re a die-hard fan of the original visual novel, you might want to skip it—you’ll only be disappointed. If you’re into dystopian thrillers with great animation and a coherent plot, this isn’t the show for you. But if you’re curious about the concept and don’t mind overlooking major flaws, you might find some enjoyment here. Just don’t go in with high expectations.

In conclusion, Togainu no Chi Season 1 is a prime example of wasted potential. The premise is solid, the soundtrack is great, but the animation, plot, and character development are all lacking. It’s like the creators had a vision but no idea how to execute it. If you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic anime with heart and substance, you’re better off watching something else—maybe Attack on Titan or Tokyo Ghoul. But if you’re in the mood for a train wreck that’s so bad it’s almost good, give this a try. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Overall, the series gets a 4/10 from me. The soundtrack saves it from being a total disaster, but everything else is just… meh. It’s a shame, really—this could have been a great anime. But as it stands, it’s just another forgettable entry in the dystopian genre.

Final verdict: Watch at your own risk. 🎬💥