TV Anime 'Kill Blue' Review: A Top-Tier Entertainment Work of the Season That Fuses Diverse Appeal with Solid Narrative Quality

'Kill Blue' is a story about a man once known as a 'legendary hitman' who, due to the effects of a certain drug, is rejuvenated into the body of a child and ends up attending middle school while hiding his true identity. It is an action-comedy set in a school, where the protagonist, with his experience in the underworld, explores a new way of life while facing his peers and daily life.

1. High level of perfection that naturally fuses multiple genres

I have watched up to episode 4 of 'Kill Blue,' and I feel it is a work that stands out for its high level of perfection even among this season's anime. Diverse elements such as action, school drama, family warmth, romantic comedy, gourmet, and gags are blended into a single story in a surprisingly natural way. It is impressive that while crossing genres, the tone does not waver, and in fact, that mixture creates a unique charm.

Even settings that might seem bizarre or ridiculous are elevated into entertainment through fast-paced gags and action, never letting the viewer get bored. The high-speed unfolding story gives a sense of exhilaration, much like a roller coaster.

2. A major pillar supporting the story's framework: the 'mystery of rejuvenation'

One of the reasons why 'Kill Blue' is more than just a slapstick school action series and has depth as a story is the existence of a major axis: the pursuit of the 'mystery of the drug' that rejuvenated the protagonist, Juzo Ogami.

This mystery-solving element becomes the framework for the entire work, giving the feeling that the story is connected by a single thread, no matter how many gags or action scenes are included. What is the rejuvenation drug, and who made it and for what purpose—the development of approaching that core is a major driving force that keeps the viewer's interest.

3. Unique action born from 'Hitman x School'

When talking about the uniqueness of this work, it is essential to mention that while it has the 'hitman' setting, the stage is a 13-year-old's school. Naturally, killing does not occur, and it does not escalate into fistfights. Instead, what is depicted is action specialized in defense and dynamic escape sequences reminiscent of parkour.

The action, which is shifted toward 'protecting' and 'escaping' rather than attacking, creates a uniqueness not found in other works. The scenes of running through the school in every direction have a distinct sense of speed and are visually very enjoyable.

4. Heroine Noren Mitsuoka gives the story brilliance and a core

Noren Mitsuoka, the daughter of the president of Mitsuoka Pharmaceutical who holds the key to the story, is an essential presence when talking about the work's appeal. While she has the perfection of being beautiful and talented in both academics and sports, the gap of her dream being to inherit her uncle's ramen shop is truly charming. She is a very grounded character who is cool but warm-hearted, and believes that 'working hard and sweating' is the way to prove her own value.

Since she is deeply involved in the secret of the rejuvenation drug, her presence as the heroine holding the key to the story is outstanding. Whether in action, comedy, or drama scenes, Noren's appearance brings brilliance to the work.

5. The 'fountain pen' that indicates Noren's family circumstances

The setting depicted in episode 4, where they fight over a 'fountain pen' as proof of Noren Mitsuoka's fiancé, is also excellent. In the original work, Noren's engagement issue is certainly an important setting, but the development of fighting over the fountain pen itself is not depicted.

This is thought to be an anime-original setting to show the viewer Noren's family circumstances in an easy-to-understand way, but by adding this setting, while emphasizing the character of 'Noren, whose life is decided by family convenience,' the new element of the 'fountain pen battle' gives the story a game-like tension and interest.

6. The time-leap-like fun of 're-learning'

The setting where Juzo Ogami transfers to middle school and awakens to the joy of studying due to the reaction of not having learned anything in his original childhood is also excellent. The development of taking a temporary leave from his hitman job and enjoying middle school life makes one feel the charm of the 'do-over' in time-leap stories.

In particular, the depiction of stumbling in studies because he had not learned the basics is detailed yet persuasive, and I feel it is a careful setting that convinces the viewer. The way Juzo grows through re-learning gives depth to the character's inner self, even though it is an action-centered work.

7. The warmth of family gives the story depth

Despite the extraordinary premise of being a hitman, the interactions with his family are surprisingly gentle and resonate with the audience. By carefully depicting the characters' backgrounds and relationships, a sense of 'heart' is firmly established amidst the action and comedy, enriching the overall impression of the work.

It is precisely because of this 'family warmth' that the show's sense of speed and comedy stand out even more, leaving a pleasant lingering feeling after watching.

8. Outstanding Quality in Visuals and Music

In terms of visuals, the overwhelming sense of speed creates a refreshing experience. The perfection of the action scenes, including the sharpness of character movements and the detailed background art, is extremely high.

The opening and ending sequences, along with the music, are also wonderful, vividly coloring the world of the series.

The production is handled by CUE. This is a new animation studio established by DMM.com in 2023, and while this is their first work as a primary contractor, the quality of the animation is impressive. As a core entity of DMM Pictures, expectations for their future works are high.

9. A Title Worthy of Being Called an 'S-Class Candidate' This Season

Overall, 'Kill Blue' boasts a level of perfection that undoubtedly makes it an 'S-Class candidate' among this season's anime. The exhilaration of the action, the tempo of the comedy, the charm of the characters, the warmth of the family, and the mysteries supporting the backbone of the story—all of these are established at a high level.

It is a work filled with ingenuity that skillfully brings together diverse elements to entertain the viewer. I have high expectations for how it will unfold in the future.