Zannen Onna Kanbu Black General-san [Episodes 1-3]

Alright, let’s dive into the chaotic, hilarious world of Zannen Onna Kanbu Black General-san (or Precarious Woman Executive Miss Black General, if you prefer the longer title). This 2017 ONA series from Craftar is a wild ride packed into 3-minute episodes, and let me tell you—those three minutes are pure, unadulterated chaos.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. The show centers on Miss Black General, the so-called “villainous leader” of RX, an organization dead-set on world domination. But here’s the twist: she’s head-over-heels for Brave Man, the superhero whose whole gig is stopping RX’s evil plans. Now, you might think this is your typical “enemies-to-lovers” trope, but no—Miss Black General takes it to a whole new level. She doesn’t just crush on him; she misinterprets every single one of his actions as romantic gestures.

Take the first episode, for example. When Brave Man punches her in the face, she gushes, “Oh, he’s so passionate! That must mean he likes me back!” Or when he dodges her attacks, she’s convinced he’s playing hard to get. It’s like watching a rom-com where one character is living in a completely different movie—except here, the “rom-com” is a superhero battle, and the other character is just trying to do his job.

The humor here is fast, slapstick, and unapologetically silly. Each episode is a quick skit where Miss Black General’s attempts at world domination go hilariously off the rails because of her crush. One minute she’s trying to deploy a doomsday device, the next she’s daydreaming about Brave Man holding her hand. And let’s not forget the “boob strategy”—a running gag where she uses her… assets… to distract Brave Man, only for it to backfire spectacularly. As one fan put it, “The boob strategy is actively hurting and scaring Brave Man. ‘Boobs are justice!’ my foot—they’re just chaos!”

But beyond the laughs, there’s something endearing about Miss Black General. She’s not a malicious villain; she’s just a girl with a really, really weird way of showing affection. Her dedication to both world domination and her crush is almost admirable—if completely misguided. And Brave Man? He’s the straight man to her chaos, a superhero who’s equal parts confused and exhausted by her advances. Their dynamic is like a cat-and-mouse game where the mouse is trying to flirt with the cat, and the cat just wants to take a nap.

Visually, the show is simple but effective. The art style is bright and cartoony, with exaggerated expressions that perfectly match the over-the-top humor. The 3-minute runtime means there’s no filler—every second is packed with jokes, slapstick, and Miss Black General’s latest failed attempt to win Brave Man’s heart. It’s the kind of show you can binge in 30 minutes, and by the end, you’ll be quoting her iconic lines like, “Brave Man, why do you have to be so handsome when you’re punching me?!”

Now, let’s talk about the fan reception. From what I’ve seen, viewers either love it or… well, they don’t get it. But for those who do, it’s a cult classic. Fans praise its absurdity, its memorable characters, and its ability to turn a tired trope on its head. One MyAnimeList user wrote, “This is the kind of show that makes you laugh so hard you snort. It’s stupid, it’s silly, and it’s perfect.” Another added, “I went in expecting nothing and came out cackling. Miss Black General is a legend.”

Critics, on the other hand, might dismiss it as low-brow humor, but that’s missing the point. Zannen Onna Kanbu Black General-san isn’t trying to be deep or meaningful—it’s trying to make you laugh until your sides hurt. And in that, it succeeds brilliantly. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s exactly why it works.

So, who is this show for? If you love quick, silly comedies with a side of romance (sort of), this is right up your alley. If you enjoy shows like Pop Team Epic or Mr. Osomatsu—series that thrive on absurdity and rapid-fire jokes—you’ll feel right at home. And if you’ve ever had a crush so intense that you did something completely embarrassing? Well, you might see a little bit of yourself in Miss Black General (minus the world domination part, hopefully).

In conclusion, Zannen Onna Kanbu Black General-san is a hidden gem of an ONA. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s packed with more laughs than a barrel of monkeys. Miss Black General’s chaotic energy, her doomed crush on Brave Man, and the show’s unapologetic silliness make it a must-watch for anyone who needs a pick-me-up. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and prepare to witness the most chaotic love story in superhero history. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself yelling, “Boobs are justice!” by the end—no judgment here.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Because even though the boob strategy is a disaster, the laughs are worth it.

P.S. If you’re watching with friends, take a shot every time Miss Black General misinterprets Brave Man’s actions. You’ll be drunk by episode 3.