Tougen Anki's First Cour: All Flash, No Feeling?

The battle between Oni and Momotaro, a legendary conflict passed down through generations, has finally exploded onto our screens with Tougen Anki! With a killer premise featuring a hot-headed protagonist discovering his demonic heritage and a secret war fought in the shadows, this was easily one of our most anticipated shows. We just binged the first 12 episodes, and while the action is slick and the art is stylish, we're left asking one major question: Where's the heart?

Here's the thing, anime fans. Tougen Anki feels like it's working from a shonen anime checklist. You've got the spiky-haired hero with a tragic past, the secret academy for super-powered teens, and the sworn enemies forced to work together. These are tropes we know and love! But the problem is, the show just puts them on screen without giving us a reason to get invested. It presents these classic elements as if their mere presence is enough, but it forgets to build the emotional foundation that makes them work.

The result is a series that feels strangely hollow. The high-stakes battles, while visually impressive, lack the weight they should carry because we're not fully connected to the characters' struggles or motivations. The plot moves at a breakneck pace, but it feels more like a sprint from one plot point to the next rather than a meaningful journey. It's all flash and fury, but the emotional impact just isn't landing, leaving the cool concepts feeling like a beautiful but empty shell.

We wanted to love Tougen Anki, and there's still a chance it could find its footing. But after these first 12 episodes, it's a classic case of style over substance. What do you think? Did the demon-slaying action win you over, or were you also left wanting more? Let us know your take in the comments below!