Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1 review: Solid start of the arc with the introduction of the Perfect Large Numbers

By Kevin Tanza

Modified Jul 15, 2024 03:59 GMT

Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1 review and more (Image via Production I.G.)

Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1 debuted on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 11:30 pm JST. The first episode of this Production I.G. anime introduced the concept of the Chojin and the several adventures Suguru went through in the original manga. These were more commonly known as Kinnikuman. The episode also set up the conflict with the new group of antagonists, known as the Perfect Large Numbers.

This Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1 review focuses on analyzing the anime’s storyline, production quality, casting choices, and other elements. It aims to assess the appeal of this new production, which is the first adaptation of the 2011 manga that reassumes the return of this legendary manga.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers and reflects the author’s opinions.

Reviewing Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1: Evaluating the return of this iconic battle shonen

Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1: A brief synopsis

Meat Alexandria in the latest episode (Image via Production I.G.)

Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1 begins with the narrator explaining the nature of Chojin. The narrator explains that gods have blessed these individuals with incredible strength and powers.

While most of them are serving good, like Kinnikuman, there are a few who have served evil. The anime has displayed some of the most iconic moments of the original series.

The episode then moves to Terryman, who talks to Meat Alexandria about how the former has become the Earth's representative for Kinnikuman. This was because the latter had become the king of his home planet. Therefore, Terryman signs a peace treaty with the other two Chojin factions, featuring Ashuraman and Neptuneman as well.

The remaining Chojin heroes were playing with kids when the Perfect Large Numbers appeared. They are Perfect Chojin supremacists who wanted to create chaos, with them defeating Geronimo and the very few Chojin heroes standing. Since Ramenman and Robin Mask are still recovering from the events of the previous arc in the original series, Terryman steps in as the last man standing, ending the episode with that cliffhanger.

Narrative review of Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1: A solid start for the return of a classic series

Geronimo in the most recent episode (Image via Production I.G.)

There is a chance that audiences who watched episode 0 might feel that Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1 was a bit repetitive in the opening minutes because of the reminder of the previous arcs. However, it's been a long time since the original manga was adapted into anime format, so this is probably warranted.

Other than that, it was a very solid introduction to the series, although not very newcomer-friendly. This adaptation is definitely aimed at long-term fans of the story since newcomers are very unlikely to know who Terryman or Robin Mask is, which can be a problem for a lot of people.

However, from the perspective of someone familiar with the franchise and this particular story arc, it was a very pleasing adaptation. It sets up the conflict with the Perfect Large Numbers in a very quick and understandable manner, with the defeat of the Chojin heroes feeling shocking and overwhelming. This makes people root for Terryman the moment he steps onto the battlefield.

Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1: Reviewing the production, animation, soundtracks, and voice acting

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The voice acting is very good, especially considering that the voice cast is taking over from a very iconic one. The episode doesn't have a lot of great, memorable moments to adapt from in terms of fighting. However, Production I.G. does a very good job of displaying strong, appealing visuals that truly capture the series' feel.

The soundtrack has also received praise from the fandom and is easy to see why because it is vibrant and captures the tone and feel of every scene thus far. The animation does a very good job of staying consistently good, especially when it comes to the Perfect Large Numbers, who are as menacing as they should be in Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1.

Final thoughts

Suguru as the ruler of his planet (Image via Production I.G.)

Overall, Kinnikuman Perfect Origin arc episode 1 has been a solid comeback for the franchise. It also does a good job of establishing the new conflict and the threat level that Terryman and the remaining Chojin heroes have to deal with. It might be a bit daunting for newcomers, though, since it has been a long time since an adaptation of the original series took place.

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Edited by Madhur Dave