Wistoria episode 1 review: A simple setting about magic elevated to the next level by strong animation

Modified Jul 08, 2024 05:31 GMT

Wistoria episode 1 review and more (Image via Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures)

Wistoria episode 1 debuted on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 4:30 pm JST. The episode introduces anime audiences to the protagonist, Will Serfort, and his struggles at the Regarden Magical Academy while chasing his dream of becoming a Magia Vander, with the latter being the highest position one can attain in that world.

However, in a world where magic is the most important thing and the biggest sign of power, Will has none whatsoever, and is constantly being bullied and humiliated by peers and teachers alike, as shown in this episode. The only card in his favor is his superhuman strength and how he manages to stay at the academy through the credits he gets by defeating monsters in dungeons.

This Wistoria episode 1 review focuses on analyzing the anime’s storyline, production quality, casting choices, and other elements, aiming to assess the appeal of this new anime, which combines the fantasy and battle shonen genres in a way that might be familiar (and even generic) to some.

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

Reviewing Wistoria episode 1: Evaluating the newest fantasy battle shonen

Wistoria episode 1: A brief synopsis

Will in battle (Image via Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures)

As mentioned earlier, Wistoria episode 1 begins by introducing the Regarden Magical Academy and how magic is the most important thing in the entire world. Audiences are quickly introduced to the protagonist, Will Serfort, a young man who is constantly bullied at said academy because not having any magic whatsoever.

While Will is defended by a friend of his named Colette Loire, he takes it to the chin mainly because he wants to become a Magia Vander to be close to Elfaria, a childhood friend of his who reached that position at a young age. Therefore, he has ironed out his skills as a warrior in dungeons that has resulted in him becoming a very capable fighter, which is at full display by the end of the episode.

Narrative review of Wistoria episode 1: A solid start but somewhat generic

Colette in the anime (Image via Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures)

Reactions online have already shown how Wistoria episode 1 has received a lot of positive reviews for the work Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures have done in terms of animation, soundtrack, and voice acting, which were all top-notch. In that regard, there is no major complaint, but the biggest issue might stem from the overall premise.

Any seasoned anime fan can probably tell that the story, as a concept, is quite similar to what audiences might have seen or read in popular properties, such as Mashle, My Hero Academia, and Black Clover.

The idea of an underdog who doesn't have special powers in a world filled with them has been quite prevalent in the manga and anime industry, with some of the classic tropes of that premise thrown in there for good measure.

Will's character could be described as a mix of Deku and Asta, while Colette serves as the classic love interest who can't express her feelings. Furthermore, Sion Ulster is already positioned as the uber-talented rival for Will, serving as a mixture of Yuno and Katsuki Bakugo, which could rub a lot of people the wrong way because of how repetitive it could feel.

However, from a narrative perspective, the introduction, setting up the plot, and conclusion were done quite effectively.

Wistoria episode 1: Reviewing the production, animation, soundtracks, and voice acting

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There is no denying that this is where Wistoria episode 1 shines the most, with a strong animation style that is quite fluid and with strong visuals. The colors are stunning and almost every scene is beautiful to look at, elevating a rather mundane premise to a higher level.

Furthermore, the voice acting is on point, even if most characters don't have a lot of memorable scenes to work with. Special mention to voice actor Kohei Amasaki, who voices Will, during the character's moments of doubt before saving Sion, adding some layers of complexity to the protagonist with a few well-executed lines.

Final thoughts

Elfaria in the first episode of the anime (Image via Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures)

Overall, Wistoria episode 1 has probably become a must when it comes to a Summer 2024 anime watchlist due to its high production value and a premise that was explained and set up quite well here. However, the main issue for a lot of people who have watched fantasy battle shonen would be the rather standard and repetitive premise, although others might enjoy it for what it is.

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Edited by Ahana Mukhopadhyay