W’z [Episode 1]

W’z Episode 1: A Chaotic Start to GoHands’ Bold Musical Experiment

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a studio famous for its flashy, polarizing style decides to blend house music, teenage angst, and interdimensional handshakes, look no further than W’z Episode 1. Premiering on January 5, 2019, this GoHands production immediately dives into a world of neon lights, thumping beats, and a protagonist desperate to be seen. But as fans on MyAnimeList (MAL) are quick to point out, this first episode is a wild ride—one that’s equal parts confusing, visually striking, and divisive.

The Setup: Yukiya’s Quest for Recognition

The episode introduces us to Yukiya, a 14-year-old DJ who spends his days spinning tracks alone in his room, uploading videos online in the hope of “conveying something to someone.” His life is a loop of longing: he craves recognition but fears the vulnerability that comes with stepping out of his comfort zone. It’s a relatable struggle—who hasn’t posted a creative project online, refreshing the page for likes?—but W’z amps it up with a twist: Yukiya’s music isn’t just for views. It’s a gateway to another world.

When Yukiya crosses a line (we never quite see what, but it involves a risky DJ set), he’s thrust into a surreal realm where his beats become weapons. Cue a fight scene with a mysterious girl wielding a CGI sword—because why not? The episode’s pacing is all over the place, jumping from Yukiya’s mundane bedroom to a chaotic, neon-drenched battlefield without much explanation. As one MAL user put it, “Is there any story so far?”

The Visuals: Love It or Hate It

GoHands is known for its unique art style, and W’z doesn’t disappoint—for better or worse. The animation is a mix of vibrant 2D backgrounds and jarring 3D models, with camera angles that feel like they’re trying too hard to be edgy. Fans of K (another GoHands series) will recognize the studio’s signature use of color and dynamic shots, but others find it “eyerape.” One commenter noted, “The experimental camera angles didn’t come off as uncomfortable to watch this time compared to Hand Shakers, but it still isn’t a pretty show by any stretch (looking at you, CGI sword).”

The CGI is a particular point of contention. While some appreciate the attempt to blend styles, others argue it’s “too realistic and doesn’t have harmony with the art.” Ufotable’s CGI is often praised for its seamless integration, but W’z feels like a step back. As another user joked, “Did they animate at 60FPS and then half the frames went to the dumpster?”

The Music: The Heart of the Show

If there’s one thing W’z nails, it’s the music. Yukiya’s DJ sets are the backbone of the episode, with tracks by FABTONE and GOON TRAX that feel authentic to the house music scene. The beats aren’t just background noise—they drive the plot, turning Yukiya’s passion into a superpower. Fans are split on whether the music is “mediocre and repetitive” or a highlight, but there’s no denying it’s integral to the show’s identity. One user even asked, “Am I the only one who loved the song he played?”

The Hand Shakers Connection: A Sequel No One Asked For?

Here’s the elephant in the room: W’z is a sequel to Hand Shakers, a 2017 series that was… let’s say, not well-received. Many viewers went into W’z blind, only to realize they were watching a continuation of a show they’d tried to forget. “Who on God’s green earth thought this was a good idea?” one MAL user ranted. Others, however, are more forgiving. “I liked Hand Shakers, so I can tell I’ll like this too,” a fan wrote.

The connection is subtle but present. The episode hints at a 10-year time jump, with references to the “dream world” and terminology from Hand Shakers. For new viewers, this can be confusing—“I have not watched any of the animes talked about in this thread,” one user admitted—but the show seems to stand on its own, at least for now. “I wonder if it can be watched independently of HS?” another asked, to which someone replied, “It’s implied that it’s 10 years after Hand Shakers, but the mechanics can be gleaned quickly.”

The Verdict: A Messy but Promising Start

W’z Episode 1 is a lot to take in. It’s messy, visually polarizing, and often confusing, but it’s also bold. The show isn’t afraid to take risks—even if they don’t always pay off. For fans of GoHands’ style, it’s a welcome return to their neon-drenched universe. For others, it’s a reminder of why they hated Hand Shakers.

As one user summed it up: “I have a lot of mixed feelings about this. The animation is visually stunning, but the story is all over the place. I’ll give it a few more episodes, but I’m not holding my breath.”

If you’re into experimental anime, house music, or just want to see what happens when a studio doubles down on its weirdness, W’z Episode 1 is worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to make sense—yet.

Final Thought: In a world where every anime tries to be the next big thing, W’z embraces its chaos. It’s not for everyone, but for those who vibe with its energy, it’s a breath of fresh air. Let’s just hope the story catches up with the visuals in future episodes.

W’z is available to stream on platforms like Bilibili and AnimeKAI. Give it a spin—you might just find your new guilty pleasure. 🎧✨