Yuusha no Kuzu [Season 1 Episode 1]

Scum of the Brave: Episode 1 Dives Into a Demon-Infested Tokyo—But Is It Worth the Hype?

Let’s cut to the chase: Yuusha no Kuzu (Scum of the Brave) isn’t your typical “hero saves the world” anime. From the moment the first episode kicks off, it’s clear this series is here to mess with expectations—and fans are already losing their minds over it.

Set in a gritty, neon-drenched futuristic Tokyo where demons run the criminal underworld, the premiere wastes no time throwing viewers into chaos. The city feels alive in the worst way possible: rain-slicked streets glow with flickering signs in both Japanese and demon script, and every alleyway hides a threat. Studio OLM (yes, the same folks behind Pokémon and Inazuma Eleven) brings this dark world to life with stunning detail—think Blade Runner meets Devilman Crybaby, but with a grittier, more grounded edge. The animation is sharp, especially during the action scenes, where demon fights are messy, brutal, and surprisingly visceral. No flashy magic here—just raw, desperate survival.

The protagonist, whose name we don’t even get fully in the first episode (fans are calling him “Kuzu” for now), is far from a hero. He’s a low-level thug scraping by in the demon-controlled district, making bad choices and trying not to get killed. When he stumbles on a demon smuggling ring, he’s forced into a situation way over his head—and that’s where the episode really shines. Kuzu isn’t brave; he’s just… there. He panics, he runs, he makes stupid mistakes. And honestly? It’s refreshing. As one MyAnimeList user put it: “Finally, a ‘hero’ who acts like a real person when faced with demons. No ‘I must protect the world’ speech—just ‘I need to get out of here before I die.’”

But let’s talk about the demons. They’re not just generic monsters—they’re part of the city’s fabric. Some run nightclubs, others are cops (corrupt, obviously), and one even owns a ramen shop (yes, really). The world-building here is subtle but effective: a demon’s horns mark their rank, their eyes glow different colors based on their power, and humans who collaborate with them are called “scum” (hence the title). It’s a society where lines between good and evil are blurred—something fans are already dissecting. “The demon ramen guy was my favorite,” another user wrote. “He’s just trying to make a living, but he’s still a demon. Does that make him bad? The show doesn’t tell you—you have to decide.”

The pacing is tight, with the first half setting up the world and the second half ramping up the tension. The ending leaves a huge cliffhanger (no spoilers, but let’s just say Kuzu’s life gets a lot worse), and fans are already theorizing about what’s next. Will he team up with the mysterious demon girl who saves him? Is there a bigger conspiracy behind the smuggling ring? And most importantly—when will we get more ramen demon screen time?

Of course, not everyone is sold. Some fans think the episode is too slow, or that Kuzu is too unlikable. “I get that he’s supposed to be a loser, but he’s just… boring,” one critic said. But even they admit the world is interesting enough to keep watching.

At the end of the day, Yuusha no Kuzu Episode 1 is a solid start. It’s dark, it’s different, and it’s not afraid to take risks. If you’re tired of generic isekai heroes and want something with edge, this might be your new obsession. Just don’t go in expecting a happy ending—this is a show about scum, after all.

As one fan summed it up: “This isn’t a story about saving the world. It’s a story about surviving it. And so far? I’m hooked.”

Yuusha no Kuzu airs weekly on [insert platform]—catch it if you dare.

Final Verdict: 8/10. Gritty, unique, and full of potential. Just don’t eat ramen while watching—you might never look at it the same way again.