Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 review: A rather bland anime about weight loss that fails to hit the mark

Modified Jul 07, 2024 01:25 GMT

Elfuda as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 (Image via Elias)

Plus-Sized Elf episode 1, titled The Elf of the Forest, was released at 1:30 am JST, on Sunday, July 7, 2024. The anime was anticipated to cater to a niche audience, and its adaptation surprised many. Despite the anticipation, the premiere failed to meet viewers' expectations. This was surprising, given the intriguing plot of the show, which revolves around an elf who needs to lose weight to return to her world.

Plus-Sized Elf is based on a Japanese manga series by Synecdoche. The series was initially published on the Comic Gum website of Wani Books. A sequel is being published in Akita Shoten's Dokodemo Young Champion magazine.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 review: An anime about weight loss that is lacking in spice

Plus-Sized Elf episode 1: A brief synopsis

Naoe as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 (Image via Elias)

Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 focuses on Tomoatsu Naoe, an employee at Smiley BOAR Massage Relaxation Center. After finishing his day’s work, Naoe encounters a unique client named Elfuda, who is part of their Diet and Bodywork Therapy program.

Elfuda, with her emerald eyes and large ears, piques Naoe's curiosity. She expresses her concern about her weight gain and inability to return to her homeland, the Kafar forests, and needs Naoe’s help. As Naoe begins the therapy session, it is revealed that Elfuda is an elf.

Elfuda opens up about her journey from another dimension through a portal. The food in this world, particularly french fries, led her to overindulge and gain weight. But to return home, she needs to shed the extra pounds.

Under Naoe's supervision, Elfuda embarks on a weight loss journey. She is seen jogging, shadowboxing, and resisting the temptation of french fries and soda. Naoe reminds her of the importance of a calorie deficit, and Ino takes her to hot baths to boost metabolism.

After a month, Elfuda returns to her original shape and thanks Naoe before returning home. However, Naoe later finds her at a fast food joint, indulging in french fries. Elfuda justifies her actions, stating that she can always lose weight again if needed, allowing her to enjoy her favorite food.

Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 review: The good parts

Elfuda after weight loss as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 (Image via Elias)

The best thing about Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 is its unique premise, which keeps viewers interested throughout the episode. Unlike typical isekai anime where characters journey to another world, this series reverses the concept by bringing fantasy characters into our familiar world.

Due to stress, unhealthy habits, and poor food choices prevalent in this world, an elf who has entered this world and succumbed to the temptations is now facing the repercussions and desperately needs help to return.

Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 is relatively short, running for approximately 11 minutes which has likely contributed to its pacing. The animation quality is also decent, and because it is an ecchi anime, the animators have incorporated additional scenes and made certain moments even more explicit than in the manga.

Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 review: The not-so good parts

Ino as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 (Image via Elias)

Despite the efforts that went into the production, Plus-Sized Elf episode 1 begins to feel too long. Although it is still too early to say anything concretely, this feeling may stem from the overall superficiality of the episode's content.

Elfuda’s struggles are resolved with relative ease, only for the narrative to return to square one. It seems this will be a recurring theme as the story may not have a clear direction. This approach can be both advantageous and disadvantageous, depending on how it is executed in future episodes.

The creative team is making adjustments to the manga in an attempt to deliver the best possible adaptation. Whether these changes will ultimately be successful remains to be seen. It is worth noting that while some anime adaptations improve on the source material, others fail to capture the qualities that make the manga exceptional. So, in this case, the humor and the antics of the characters fail to elicit a good response.

Final thoughts

Elfuda and Naoe as seen in Plus-Sized Elf anime (Image via Elias)

In the end, there is still a lot to look forward to considering this is only the first episode of the series. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect is that there does not appear to be any explicit moral lesson in the first episode.

While an unhealthy lifestyle is not encouraged, the need to be in perfect shape is dismissed merely as a technical requirement for the elf to return home. However, if the rest of the elements in the anime do not improve, the viewing experience will be fairly drab.