Plus-Sized Elf episode 2 review: Naoe becomes a do-gooder for fantastical creatures as the episode ramps up the humor

Modified Jul 14, 2024 03:30 GMT

Kuroeda and Elfuda fighting in Plus-Sized Elf episode 2 (Image via Elias)

Plus-Sized Elf episode 2, titled The Dark Elf and the Beautiful Flower, was released at 01:30 am JST on HIDIVE and was subsequently broadcast on channels like TOKYO MX, BS11, and AT-X. In the first episode of the series, viewers saw Naoe, an employee at a massage center, encounter an elf from another dimension named Elfuda who asks for his help to lose weight.

While Elfuda is hopeless since her love for fries trumps everything else in life, this is not the case for others, as evident in the present episode. The gag structure continues in Plus-Sized Elf episode 2, with Naoe extending his help to everyone he comes across.

The anime 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 2 review: The series gets better despite its flaws

A brief synopsis Plus-Sized Elf episode 2

Kuroeda as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 2 (Image via Elias)

In Plus-Sized Elf episode 2, Naoe is seen looking forward to a movie night on his day off. So, he heads to a local store for some popcorn. Elfuda, who is also there to buy fries, spots a dark elf named Kuroeda at the counter. According to her, dark elves are known for their malevolent and tardy nature and happen to be the polar opposite of Elfuda's kind.

Elfuda and Kuroeda get into a verbal fight and Naoe may have been dragged into it. But he manages to save himself by making it clear to Kuroeda that he is not her adversary and that Elfuda is his client.

Kuroeda then shares her predicament with Naoe. Dark elves strengthen their magic with special attire and accessories, but due to her recent weight gain, she has difficulty fitting into her clothes which has been affecting her magic.

She can only summon one golem, for instance, which makes it difficult for her to manage the store as she is the only employee. Naoe suggests some remedies, including half-body baths, daily leg massages, and exercises like lunges and squats.

As Kuroeda begins squatting in the store, her pants rip, right in front of Elfuda who takes the opportunity to mock her, in response, Kuroeda also replies back in kind. Naoe tries to diffuse the tension and explains to them that beauty is subjective, and different people prefer different body types, but instead, he gets judged. However, Kuroeda's condition improves over time with Naoe's advice, and she is able to summon more golems for help.

Kusahanada as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 2 (Image via Elias)

Later in Plus-Sized Elf episode 2, Naoe becomes familiar with Kusahanada, a woman who owns a newly opened flower shop in the area. She has a large flower growing on her head that seems to get bigger each day. Simultaneously, she has also been putting on weight and experiencing muscle soreness.

This leads Naoe to question if she is really human. Elfuda explains to her that Kusahanada is an Alraune, a plant-like humanoid that draws nourishment from sunlight and soil. To help her feel better and control her weight gain, Naoe presents her with a posture-correcting back brace and an umbrella.

The episode ends with Kusahanada giving Naoe two sauna coupons, but she warns him about a rumored Ogre that appears in the sauna at night.

Plus-Sized Elf episode 2 review: The good and the bad

Elfuda as seen in Plus-Sized Elf episode 2 (Image via Elias)

Plus-Sized Elf episode 2 offers a lot of information, particularly for those interested in effective weight loss strategies. For example, Naoe’s exercise recommendations to Kuroeda are complete with detailed instructions on how to perform them. The episode also emphasizes the significance of maintaining good posture through Kusahanada's use of a corrective brace.

There are also some amusing moments throughout the episode. One such instance is when Elfuda declares that gaining weight from sunshine is a lame excuse, and she prefers to do it the proper way: by indulging in french fries.

Compared to the first episode, which was somewhat lackluster, the latest installment is definitely an improvement. While it may not offer any groundbreaking content, its pace and brevity make it a pleasant, light-hearted viewing experience.

There is, on the downside, no investment in exploring the psychological developments of the characters, nor any high stakes that would create tension. So there is a real risk of viewers finding the series too uninteresting to continue watching.