REVIEW: ‘So I’m a Spider, So What?’ Episode 2 – “My House, On Fire?”

Majority of So I’m a Spider So What Episode 2 is voice actress Aoi Yūki monologuing, and it is wonderful. She carries the show, but it is so dang fun to watch that this reviewer cannot complain. So I’m a Spider, So What? is adapted from the light novel series by Okina Baba (currently being published in English by Yen Press). The Crunchyroll Original anime is from Millepensee and follows a high school girl who is reincarnated into an RPG-style world as a baby spider. She must level herself up in order to make the best of her new life.

So I’m a Spider So What Episode 2 is still focused on the main heroine, revealed to be named Wakaba in her other life. A brief, but not surprising, reveal shows she was cruelly bullied by her classmates. A brief spotlight is then placed on her bully, now called Fei, and reincarnated as a baby Earth dragon. Fei is reflecting on how she treated others in the past, and wonders if this is her punishment. She specifically states that she isn’t looking for redemption, just to take life and relationships more seriously this time around. This moment works because it doesn’t ask the audience to forgive Fei. It is better because it shows a genuine reflection and growth in a character without absolving them. Fei asks herself to be better. It is also significant because Fei is the only one of the class to express concern and ask about Wakaba’s whereabouts. This was brought on because of perceived misfortune on Fei herself, however, it is still notable that those who were bystanders to the bullying have less regard for Wakaba than Fei currently.

The remainder of So I’m a Spider So What Episode 2 mirrors the step-by-step leveling up of Wakaba as the premiere. She is slowly enhancing her abilities in the dungeon. In addition, she is thriving in an elaborately made web house that the viewers get a tour in. It’s a mini isekai-CRIBZ. As a spider, however, Wakaba is still vulnerable, and this shows when she encounters humans for the first time in this new world. The majority of this anime is slapstick comedy, but these moments of vulnerability add dimension to Wakaba. Her optimism has cracks. While Aoi Yūki voicing Wakaba’s big spider antics could honestly carry this show alone, it is nice to see the writing create a dynamic heroine.

Millepensee’s animation work still stands up this week as well. The use of CG for Wakaba’s spider body just works. Also in the “epic” moments, the camera does large, circular pans around her as though she is the champion of a fighting game. It is smart. The action scenes are no joke either. There is no magic or sorcery, or punches and kicks. Yet Wakaba hurling webs and dodging a snake as a spider is just as exciting thanks to the animation work.

So I’m a Spider So What Episode 2 maintains a relatively simple plot but foreshadows thoughtful depth to its characters that will hopefully be explored more. Similar to last week, Aoi Yūki’s fantastic (and hilarious) performance as the protagonist is reason alone to continue watching this show. However, good animation and comedy also help. The show is fun. Plain and simple.

So I’m a Spider So What? is streaming now on Crunchyroll.