Tougen Anki Episode 1 opens with high intensity and emotional drama but ultimately slips into familiar territory, relying heavily on the classic “dead parent” trope that countless shonen anime have used before. While the episode delivers energy and tension, it doesn’t quite hit the level of thrill or originality that its premise promised.
As someone who has watched countless anime protagonists lose a parent only to begin their world-changing journey, Tougen Anki’s approach feels a little too familiar. It follows the exact same blueprint without adding a surprising twist or unique nuance that could have made its opening truly stand out.
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⭐ A Familiar Beginning for Shiki Ichinose
Shiki Ichinose’s introduction plays out like many other shonen leads:
- A seemingly normal (but rough-around-the-edges) protagonist
- A sudden revelation of power and identity
- A life-altering tragedy
- And the entrance of two opposing factions: Oni and Momotaro
While the concept of Oni vs. Momotaro has potential, Episode 1 presents it in a fairly standard way. Still, it does set the foundation for a rivalry that may evolve into something more meaningful later on.
One of the stronger aspects of the episode is its animation. Though not Studio Hibari’s best work to date, there’s a consistency and polish that elevates even the slower scenes. At times, the animation compensates for the narrative’s lack of uniqueness.
⭐ The Dead Dad Trope — Again?
Shonen anime have long relied on the tragic death of a parent to ignite a main character’s development, and Tougen Anki sticks to the formula—a little too closely.
The only twist?
Shiki’s father, Tsuyoshi Ichinose, is his adoptive father.
Yet the emotional beats remain the same:
- Shock
- Grief
- Sudden awakening of destiny
- A push toward a life filled with conflict
The intensity is admirable, but the repetition of this trope across the genre makes it difficult to feel fully invested. That said, the episode does maintain a steady emotional pulse from start to finish, with several intriguing plot threads sprinkled in.
⭐ Shiki as a Main Character — Traditional Yet Promising
Shiki fits neatly into the archetype of the classic shonen protagonist:
- A delinquent at first
- Hidden potential
- Pushed into heroism by tragedy
- Emotional but reluctant to accept destiny
We’ve seen this formula before, yet there’s something slightly refreshing about the way Shiki expresses grief and hesitation. His emotional reaction feels grounded, and while Episode 1 doesn’t reveal much, it hints at meaningful growth later on.
The Oni–Momotaro conflict will clearly drive the plot forward, but Episode 1 could have benefited from a deeper explanation of this rivalry since it anchors the entire narrative.
⭐ Tougen Anki Needs More Than Intensity
Intensity is the episode’s strongest asset — but also its biggest limitation.
Yes, Episode 1 is filled with:
- Dramatic moments
- Family tension
- High-action segments
- Emotional upheaval
But it lacks the enigmatic factor that great anime pilots rely on to hook viewers immediately. Without that extra spark, the story risks blending in with dozens of similar shonen intros.
The animation quality also shifts noticeably between normal and combat scenes. While the fights look good, they’re not quite the visual spectacle fans had hoped for from such a highly anticipated adaptation. A little less emphasis on intensity and a little more on worldbuilding or character depth could have made a meaningful difference.
⭐ Final Thoughts
I’ll be honest — Tougen Anki Episode 1 felt a bit too basic for a major new release. It follows familiar shonen formulas without taking risks or adding a signature element that could set it apart.
Still, I’m not giving up yet.
The foundations are solid. The lore has potential. And Shiki’s emotional journey could become compelling if the narrative expands beyond predictable patterns.
My hope is that this first episode is simply an introductory chapter — a stepping stone toward more ambitious storytelling in later episodes.
For now, all we can do is wait and see what direction Tougen Anki takes from here.
Tougen Anki is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
