REVIEW: ‘The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic’ Offers A Unique Fantasy Adventure

While walking home from school, Kazuki Ryûsen (Kengo Takanashi, Scarlet Nexus) and Suzune Inukami (Ayaka Nanase, Fena: Pirate Princess) are transported to a fantasy world where they are destined to be heroes. Their friend Usato Ken (Shogo Sakata, Chainsaw Man) was also pulled through the portal by accident. While he does not have the makings of a legendary hero, he does possess the rare ability to use healing magic. Now, under the “tender” tutelage of Commander Rose (Atsuko Tanaka, Bayonetta 3) he trains to be part of the Rescue Squad so he can support Kazuki and Suzune in the upcoming battle with the Demon Lord in The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic (Chiyu Mahô no Machigatta Tsukai-kata: Senjô o Kakeru Kaifuku Yôin), produced by Studio Add and Shin-Ei Animation.

Nothing catches the attention like something new, like when a program can take something we’ve all seen before and twist it into something unique. The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic does this skillfully. The core approach to healing magic is so good that it’s amazing no one else has done it.

Healing magic is generally relegated to a support role. The fighters stand at the front of the group while healers in robes stand back casting spells. How Rose trains Usato to utilize healing magic is different. Rather than focusing all his training on mental abilities, Rose pushes Usato to become stronger physically. Running, jumping, and endurance training are forced on the young mage for hours a day. Whenever he begins to stumble, he is healed, allowing the physical training to continue. In this way, Usato quickly becomes a physical powerhouse.

Rose explains that Usato is training to go wherever wounded soldiers are and provide healing. This approach makes much more sense than having healers staged in the rear of an army where soldiers must be brought to them for aid. It is ingenious. This active participation promises Usato an exciting role to play once the war with the Demon Lord heats up.

Just as unique as her methodology, Rose brings a striking personality to The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic‘s opening chapters. When she is initially introduced, she seems like a monstrous person. All who see her, including the king, quake at her approach. She is harsh with her language and brutal to those who fail in their duties. As Usato’s training continues under her watchful eye, he and the viewer come to see a different side of the character. She is hard on Usato because she sees the great things he can accomplish. Also, while she understands people will die in the coming war, she’ll do everything in her power to keep the number of dead as small as possible.

As the character’s true intentions and deeper personality come to light, Tanaka does an excellent job delivering the character’s voice. Even in the softest moments between Rose and Usato, there is always a gruffness to her. Rose is angry by nature, and that anger is always present, even if she doesn’t mean it to be. There are layers in her voice and demeanor that will hopefully be fully explored as the series goes on.

While these surrounding elements make The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic’s world unique, Usato himself is just as interesting. After learning his presence in this new world is a mistake, he initially struggles with what he is doing. But as he is pushed by Rose to become stronger and faster, he quickly sees how much good he can still do. He may not be the star of the story, but he can still make a difference. As Usato becomes stronger and more capable, the series shows him surpassing even the heroes. He is steadier in the face of danger and more adaptable thanks to Rose’s relentless training and unorthodox methods. While the heroes may outshine him eventually, his presence will be crucial in getting them to that point.

There is also an excellent relationship forming between Usato and Suzune. Suzune was class president and often viewed as untouchable in their previous lives. Quickly, however, we learn that she is a huge. Her excitement at getting to live as a hero in a fantasy world is infectious. Her unending support for Usato helps him get through his struggles early in the series.

There is a natural chemistry between them as they interact more. It’s wonderful to see. While The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic leans into some of the absurdity anime as a medium is known for, it has happily kept it out of these two’s budding relationship. While there are moments of awkwardness, we don’t see the constant panic attacks and flop sweets many romantic moments are overwhelmed with in other series. These two may not be experienced in romance, but they have spoken to the opposite sex before. This helps the early steps in their relationship feel genuine, rather like than a string of site gags.

The series blends all the serious world-saving preparation and light romance elements with a solid dose of fun. The other members of the Rescue Squad bring a manic energy to Usato’s days as they cheer and jeer him on. Having all gone through some measure of the brutal training he is, his compatriots egg him on while never going so far as to feel cruel. This ridiculous energy helps take the edge off the harsh training, allowing the series to feel lighter than it might otherwise.

All the crazy energy and harsh lessons are delivered through excellent visual performances. All the over-the-top emotions that one expects from this style of comedic anime land excellently. On the few occasions where combat occurred, The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic manages to keep the moment engaging. Magic and muscles both get good hits in, even if the series isn’t trying to truly wow with these moments.

With five episodes out, The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic is on track to deliver a unique and enjoyable ride. Strong characters and fun comedy combine with a unique take on magic to help this series stand out among anime’s many fantasy offerings.

The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic is streaming now on Crunchyroll.