REVIEW: ‘Otherside Picnic,’ Episode 8 – “Attack of the Ninja Cats”

Otherside Picnic is one of many novel series coming to digital big spring in Winter 2021. A blend of Yuri, science fiction, and horror, Otherside Picnic angles to tantalize viewers with gals being pals in a world full of creepypasta monsters. Previous episodes of Otherside Picnic have successfully kept the ball rolling, building a fascinating story backset by the unreality of the Otherside. Last episode took us to a literal beach episode set in the Otherside. While somewhat a “filler” episode, episode 7 gave viewers a breather after the events at February station in episode 5 and episode 6.  Now, in Otherside Picnic Episode 8, “Attack of the Ninja Cats”, takes viewers back to Sorawo and Toriko’s college campus with a new problem.

Rather, Toriko gets a request from one Seto Akari, a freshman with a puzzling problem. A very puzzling problem, and perhaps, one of Otherside Picnic‘s silliest to date. You see…Akari has come to Sorawo seeking advice due to her “sixth sense” abilities. Akari’s problem? Well, she’s being pursued by cats.

Sorry, I meant to say that Akari’s being pursued by ninja cats. Yes, you read that right. Ninja cats. Cats who are ninjas. Cats who definitely studied ninjustu. Cats who might like to watch or read Naruto, at least in their downtime. Cats who maybe studied the blade.  Cats who probably studied the blade.

Y’know: ninja cats.

Naturally, Toriko can’t believe this pawsitively outlandish idea because… like, who would?! The thought of ninja cats is out of this world hilarious. It’s beyond the Otherside… except maybe, it’s not. Granted, Sorawo can’t believe Akari’s claim either. She’s quick to dismiss her antics as a prank. However, Akari isn’t put off and won’t relent. She’s determined to get out of this hairy -ne, furry- situation someway, somehow. Akari just hopes that Sorawo will be the one to help her out.

Like I said, these aren’t our everyday felines. The cats are up close and and paw-sonal. You get the feeling they won’t hesitate to end Akari if given the chance. Worse, Akari’s endured general hazing and stalking at minimum. She’s even endured weaponized attacks. Let me tell y’all something: these cats definitely studied the blade.

Naturally, it’s not long before the ninja cats plaguing Akari start to do the same to Sorawo and Toriko. And when these feisty felines decide to direct their ire towards Sorawo and Toriko, things get real very quickly.

Here’s the thing, Otherside Picnic Episode 8 is a really fascinating mix of downright hilarious and like, genuinely creepy. Cats are cute. One could say they’re very cute. I might say that those good toe beans and fluffy cheeks are downright adorable. Combined with the word ninja, they become hilarious.

Until you’re Sorawo and Toriko and you’re being purr-sued by a million sharp kitty claws through a cat-themed village. Then cats kind of stop being cute, and suddenly, you’re eyeing every feline who crosses your path IRL. Or… maybe you’re not me.  But maybe you are.

Otherside Picnic Episode 8 plays with music and noise really well during this episode, which furthers that weird, uncanniness contained within this episode’s plot. The music features a lot of strings and synth sounds that build over one another as the action ramps up and the proverbial fur starts to fly.  The action in this episode is, strangely, some of the best yet. I think it might be because I got to watch ninja cats, but I also think it’s because we get to see a new character in action as well. Having a guest pop into the Otherside was an interesting addition. I liked it when Kozakura came to the otherside in the first half of the season. Similarly, I liked seeing Akari, the victim of the ninja cats, fighting alongside them as well.

In the end, I really, really enjoyed Otherside Picnic Episode 8. In fact, if I had to choose, I genuinely think this is probably my favorite episode to date. The plot is downright wacky, but doesn’t lose that good bit of horror that fills any interaction with the Otherside. If anything, the goofy elements kind of make the concept of killer cats a touch more frightening. However, all that said, Otherside Picnic Episode 8 is still a deeply hilarious episode. Horror fans won’t find this scary at all. I, a person who doesn’t like horror, found this episode laughable and more uncanny than anything else. Still, I definitely think Otherside Picnic Episode 8 is a good one.

I’m not sure what we’ll get after this episode. In fact, I’m not sure how much of the source material Otherside Picnic will cover. I’m definitely ready to get back to searching for Satsuki and the larger plot. Still, I’m glad we got this silly episode before the plot kicks back in. It was a nice breather before the last four episodes air.

Bonus points for Otherside Picnic Episode 8 because someone here at But Why Tho? kept all those good, good cat puns in just for me. That’s gotta count for something, right? I certainly think it does.

Otherside Picnic is streaming now on Funimation.