REVIEW: ‘Onmyo Kaiten Re: Birth Verse’ Episode 1

Onmyo Kaiten Re: Birth Verse is one of the most impactful and unique anime this season. From David Production, Onmyo Kaiten Episode 1 doesn’t do anything unheard of in the medium, but it does include numerous interesting tropes, unique plot points, and several narrative beats packed into the series. All these elements can also be seen in the first episode alone, and while it may be overwhelming for some viewers, the episode still succeeds at being engaging and leaving an impact.

Onmyo Kaiten Episode 1 begins when a young delinquent named Takeru Narihara (Taihi Kimura) is mysteriously transported to an odd, fantastical world. As he tries to escape monsters pursuing him, he’s saved by a girl named Tsukimiya (Maaya Uchida), whom he instantly falls for and promises he’ll always protect. The anime then quickly jumps back to the present without explaining anything, but this time he’s a teenager, and we learn that Takeru was dreaming of this scenario.

After a violent bout with some delinquents and being distracted by Tsukimiya’s pet, who’s somehow now in the real world, he falls off a street railing, seemingly dies from the fall, and wakes up back in the world he went to as a child. He also meets Tsukimiya again, who doesn’t remember him.

Takeru is forced to familiarize himself with a strange new version of Japan in Onmyo Kaiten Episode 1.

Takeru is forced to familiarize himself with a strange new version of Japan. Despite waking up in the historic Heian era, several elements are far from the norm. Buildings resemble their historic counterparts, but technology and vehicles have advanced far beyond even the present.

Onmyoji, who typically fight spirits in the earlier periods of Japan, are now trained mech pilots that fight off Onis, which, instead of being mystical demons, are now otherworldly mechanized monsters.

All these narrative elements are far from subtle and can be overwhelming to grasp from the start. However, the complexity and saturation don’t stop Onmyo Kaiten Episode 1 from being engaging, as the elements still surprisingly blend well together.

The historical Japan with futuristic technology mix has a unique flair, and the anime’s impeccable art direction sells it, providing a very uncommon aesthetic. As an isekai anime, Onmyo Kaiten unquestionably stands out above the rest so far.

The anime’s narrative structure isn’t all that unique.

However, the anime’s narrative structure isn’t all that unique. Takeru is your standard headstrong, hotheaded protagonist who isn’t afraid to get into fights and fits really well. He clearly has a good heart as he aims to protect those around him, but not much about him really stands out. Additionally, the first episode features many characters who fit common character tropes so far, which is disappointing.

What does make Onmyo Kaiten Episode 1 narratively stimulating is Takeru’s ability to revive upon death. It’s revealed that not only does this ability send him to this world, but it also sends him back to the last time he woke up after death, every time he dies. This narrative element, while not rare, makes the anime more interesting and provides potential for some creative events to come.

There are also some interesting mysteries surrounding this ability that remain unanswered. Why Tsukimiya’s pet was in the real world, the reason Takeru keeps coming back to this world specifically, and the origin of the otherworldly creatures are just some of the questions that keep the anime engaging. Hopefully, subsequent episodes will answer them.

David Production boasts impeccable animation in Onmyo Kaiten Episode 1.

Aside from that, the anime boasts impeccable animation and production quality from David Production. The character designs are detailed and fit the setting well, and crisp, fluid motions mark the fight scenes featuring the Oni. Although, it’s hard to ignore the 3D CG mechs, which, while sporting cool designs, are very uncanny. Despite this, the fights are still engaging and are a visual spectacle.

Overall, Onmyo Kaiten Episode 1 has an almost overwhelming amount of elements to keep track of. Despite this, it still succeeds at being entertaining thanks to its unique blend of creative elements. The anime has a solid start and even has the potential to be a refreshingly unique isekai anime.

Onmyo Kaiten Re: Birth Verse Episode 1 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.