MUGEN GACHA 800https://i.ibb.co/YT00MWvq/Lightnovelvolume6.jpg This has to be satire or something. There are only 2 conclusions after watching the shows from Fall 2025. Either were entering a phase of the worst Japanese writers ever or theyre intentionally trolling us and I didnt get the joke. I dont know how they managed to fumble this setup. A nonstop sequence of bait and switch tactics. In 12 episodes theyve adapted 150 chapters of the manga. From skimming through the manga they did alright job in adaptation. The issues in the writing and general pacing persist in the manga though I dont know about the Light Novel. 800https://i.ibb.co/S7c7HSmh/Lightnovelvolume4.jpg Youll hear from others that this show is shamelessly copying from its successful predecessors. You shouldnt complain about copying If something is good reproduce it a million times. What people dont realize is that even copying is a skill. Most of the inspiration is subject to a very cruel butchering. The author doesnt understand what theyre copying. They lack the wisdom nor the understanding to stage the timing or to gauge the level of effect. They race through events skipping to the climax so theres no adequate build up for the important moments. My eyes lit up and I rubbed my hands furiously every time I saw they were so evidently influenced by Overlord. I thought Theres no way they can ruin this. By the end of it my face drooped in pure disgust utterly bewildered at how terribly they executed it. We have the classic elephant behindbambootree disguises How are we practically omnipotent in an animated fantasy show but cant just change facial appearance or even better just wear a full suit of armour or disguise. We put on the most anorexic masks like were doing fancy dress party. We walk around in a GOLDEN suit of armour While we stress about discretion? Its too much for my brain sadly. I also get a sinking feeling that hes just too powerful he knows too much he is far too mobile all times its very overbearing such that it eliminates all tension. 800https://i.ibb.co/271PgXNg/Gacha2.jpg They pick a handful of these themes but nothing is fleshed out. You take a sip of this resultant rich diabolical soup you grimace and youre instantly reminded of true brilliance of its predecessors. The writer didnt give the plot enough time to blossom there wasnt enough careful focus on the themes or characters. If you want incorporate all these elements and characters then you need a great helping of time to prevent your story from paralysing the learned mind. An example is Tower of god the damned thing is still ongoing but more importantly for the anime they needed an entire season for the betrayal phase. How long do you think the betrayal phase was for this show? Ill be generous and say a single episode. If youre expecting story theyve come empty handed character development thrown to the wayside. Continuing on about this short betrayal phase. Its unfortunately also a huge issue for the believability as a whole. They also make the stupid decision to skip all the development during the buildup after the betrayal phase. So hes zero then next episode hes hero thats an inconceivable shift for the viewer. The matters are made worse due to his childlike disposition and the fact that he is young. Children are used as a device in writing because it gives the idea to the reader of development. Just think to sports like a young football player people flock to these players because theyre drunk on the idea of the future development. Similarly so a child implies development and growth. Continuing with this they really ought be to be careful in showing and implementing an adequate phase to ensure that the viewers/readers are satisfied. The series of events were like you went to sleep and youre Bill Gates the next day but with a childs mind and body. Its so readily discomforting and ludicrous. They give a reason for this but how can such a pitiful statement excuse omitting one of the most important stages of these kinds of stories. This also creates an issue where we rarely get to see his ability in a meaningful way. The premise is in the title this MUGEN GACHA doesnt really define the experience it seems like a gateway to tell their amalgamation of themes from successful works. Even the basis for the magic system isnt well explained at all. 800https://i.ibb.co/4gnQ1tZ7/Mangavolume2.jpg From my understanding in terms of revenge theres two types of people. People who genuinely enjoy others suffering and those who dont. In a revenge story usually the original person didnt enjoy others suffering but due to the traumatic nature of his betrayal he becomes that kind of person who does. The thing is this MC hes just not that person. I recall vividly the times he tries to sound cruel and callous its a genuine misfit. Not only does his height his facial disposition his voice actor betray him the entire character shortsells him as well. I just dont believe he has that cruelty to him. Every time he actually tries to enact his revenge or does the crazyevilface it just feels fake pretentious and forced. Farcicality stemming from the stark lack of correlative behaviours mannerisms or mentality that precludes or predisposes him to it. Outside of the betrayal hes a little boy who wants to have a lot of friends basically the betrayal did basically nothing for his character and this is an issue in the writing. 800https://i.ibb.co/5gMPBPBh/PromoWallpaperr2.jpg Ive heard the phrase cardboard cutouts while people will blanket this term on most of the characters actually its just not the case. There was a wealth of promise in these characters its so sad it mostly went to shame. I particularly mention the antagonists which sadly I ended up rooting for more than the MC. The antagonists feel real their dialogue was the most fun I had during the show some were actually funny there were some routines that started to lift my spirit. A few had their time to shine but others which should have at least matched that brightness were snuffed out far too quickly. The greatest problem however lies within the main cast him and his crew are absolutely abominable. Theyre pseudo onedimensional that phrase I initially mentioned fits them perfectly. They dont show enough individuality and when they do its so disjointed lacking charisma and authenticity. The chemistry between them could barely boil raindrop their routines and conversation are so uninspired and boring. Youll barely ever perceive their convictions beyond wanting to sleep with the MC or adjacent sensibilities. Revenge is a very personal thing its hard to get even your best friend to care about it if it never directly affected them how about a whole company of people? Yeah it doesnt make sense why they care and theres just not enough effort put in to convince them as well as us the audience that they do. The MC is whatever the author wants at the time It lacks continuity the adequate behavioral patterns consistency and does the story no justice. 800https://i.ibb.co/0VnSZCLD/PromoWallpaperr3.jpg Character dynamics display massively wasted potential for example if you remember Alpha from Eminence in the Shadow Shes basically the first member of the MCs syndicate she becomes the head girl both in strength and in the hierarchy. They have a character try to emulate her here yet all it does is further bolster your love for Alpha. That dynamic between Alpha and the rest of the girls exhibits that writers brilliance they respect her showing great deference to her. They might be jealous of her position even so they would never pull anything stupid to spite her this show has the illusion of that kind of hierarchy but then betrays it immediately in action. You can never walk past someone you respect without their permission its fundamental nonverbal behaviour. The rule is broken upon the first time we witness this character dynamic. This mediocrity extends to moments were the writer is trying to get the characters to be quirky or comedic rather than producing relatability with positive emotions it ruins the immersion. Their outbursts and timing in dialogue always seems to fervently halt any attachment the viewer tries to have. They steal each others light. 800https://i.ibb.co/206FJpy6/Screenshot20260106190537.png As for the art and animation do not let anyone tell you that this is bad. In fact if they were adapting my favourite LN or manga Id be overjoyed. Theres obviously a very close resemblance to DanMachis style as this is from the same studio they were very resourceful. Their efforts bore fruit Its very easy on the eyes. Animation was fluid and clean throughout they did a great job with the material. My greatest critique lies in the source especially with the character design. The antagonists designs less so than the main cast. In particular outfits for the main females very much betrayed their hierarchy/order. I compare it to Albedo from Overlord she wears a full dress gown down to her toes yes its revealing in a few areas for fan service purposes but other than that the design projects her position. Hell when she goes into battle she wears a full suit of armour making it extremely immersive. The Albedolike version in this show has a short maid dress Its so offputting you dont have the idea that shes in charge which is in complete juxtaposition to Albedo lets not even begin to mention what she fights the battles in. 800https://i.ibb.co/nqk6jqmD/Mangavolume1.jpg There were a few interesting things along the way.. City of Wolves being named after an a peculiar City in Africa. A character with a familiar name from OPM which aired simultaneously the same season The soundtrack trying their absolute best to evoke the kind atmosphere Overlord produced in tense moments. Their efforts were far too evident. CoTE Arifureta Composer. Ryou Takahashi A great deal of gore. 800https://i.ibb.co/607pSCBn/Screenshot20260106133637.png Heres an idea just go and rewatch Eminence Redo and Overlord youll have infinitely better time than watching this wretched amalgamation of them. https://anilist.co/anime/130298/TheEminenceinShadow/ https://anilist.co/anime/20832/Overlord/