Though Toho Animation Studio’s debut was with The Apothecary Diaries last Fall, it’s taken a year to see them appear on a (full fledged) new project. Though it exists in the shadow of the continuation for The Apothecary Diaries, Puniru is a Kawaii Slime episode 1 still holds on to a healthy degree of charm, expression, and…. fanservice? Despite the curve ball of the last descriptor, the debut episode is something of a mixed bag as far as expectations have gone. It certainly is no slouch, but there’s pieces within where you just can’t help but wish it had a little more to itself.
The cold opening being the main source of those feelings. In reality, it’s not that different from the majority of what follows, but those opening moments in Puniru is a Kawaii Slime episode 1 really set the tone for something rather appealing visually. The one-two punch of color designer Asami Kitsukawa (who also did color design for Kotaro Lives Alone, funny enough) and director of photography Haruka Gotou is really outstanding when given free reign in the golden hours of sunset. The oranges and yellows are so warm and infectious that they almost effortlessly seep into all the other colors, and Gotou’s composition on the highlights of our yet-to-be Puniru are excellent at selling the viscous and translucent nature of the slimy sidekick. However, all of that is secondary work that comes together under Aya Tanaka’s character design for a younger Kotaro in this instance. The expression of volume, and the rough angularity given to a lot of his design works magic at providing the illusion of a detailed character- not to mention the personality it imparts.
Unfortunately however, the episode is forever chasing that dragon and doesn’t always feel overly confident in doing so. Tanaka’s designs fizzle out into something that feels… standard for coming from the same publisher that handles Pokemon, Doraemon, and plenty of other classics. It’s not necessarily a dig, but the flatness and simplicity of all the designs- sans Puniru herself, of course- really weighs heavily on Puniru is a Kawaii Slime episode 1. They didn’t necessarily have to be built up from scratch, but creative work as seen in the opening sequence would have made a major difference across the board, honestly.
Kitsukawa and Gotou have very little opportunity to shine throughout the remainder of the episode, though when they do they make sure the viewer knows how much effort has been put in. Similarly, the character designs really don’t “suffer” to any degree, with incredibly special care placed in maintaining the feel of volume with Puniru’s design. The only area that I can comfortably say is slacking is Miu Miyamoto’s art direction. It feels so uninspired for all the sparkles and bright lights and whatnot that follow Puniru around during the first episode. Considering the lack of variation in scenery (not to mention their recent success with ‘Tis Time For Torture, Princess) I had rather high expectations leading into Puniru is a Kawaii Slime episode 1 it seems. It’s hardly what you might call offensive, but it feels very stubborn in its plainness, never really attempting to cater to the ridiculous nature or energetic style of the series.
Thankfully, the spiral towards (relative) mediocrity is halted for Toho Animation Studio- with the answer laying in its name. Toho very much does not give 110% on Puniru is a Kawaii Slime episode 1, but the effort it does provide is more than well placed. Keeping in step with the expectations of a show that seems styled towards a younger audience, its visual humor is somewhat choppy and repetitive- something that I’m never quite in disagreement with. Sharp, small movements, as well as a healthy degree of figurative posturing and older-school visual transitions helps provide a solid identity for the work that can steer it away from a high budget production. Of course, that doesn’t mean it can’t show off either. If a lady is to transform, a transformation sequence is all but required, no?
The question is though, does it still stand when the lady (slime) is transforming into an idol for the less than angelic desires of some middle school boys? The answer does still remain yes, funny enough. It really is quite the surprise to those that weren’t aware of it before Puniru is a Kawaii Slime episode 1, but it’s got quite a bit of a fanservice streak to it. When confined to Puniru there’s really not much that can come off as odd, but creeping into the other middle school characters can present some awkward (but brief) moments. When all is said and done though, that side of humor is rather well integrated into the overall picture of Puniru is a Kawaii Slime episode 1. It may not be something for everyone, but it’s far from being intolerable or painful.
In all honesty, that’s also how I’m likely to refer to this first episode as a whole: not for everyone, but far from intolerable or painful. It misses the boat on being a smashing success for Toho, but it’s enough effort and creativity that it comfortably can stay afloat many other efforts that stipple this Fall season. It’s just that… it really could be so much more. Tanaka’s design for Puniru herself is really good- distractingly good, in comparison to the others. A bit more elbow grease from the tertiary staff would have honestly gone a long way, and while there’s not much of an opportunity for Miyamoto to turn their work around, Kitsukawa and Gotou still have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves going forward. So, we’ll just have to wait and see how this team at Toho Animation Studios handles things. Puniru is a Kawaii Slime episode 1 isn’t something many should be rushing to watch, but I do think it’s a series worth keeping an ear or an eye out for.
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