Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Momo and Okarun share a close moment in Dandadan

    Momo And Okarun: The Gold Standard For Shonen Romance

    07/03/2025
    Ironheart Episodes 4 6 But Why Tho 1

    ‘Ironheart’ Explained: Explore MCU’s Bold New Chapter

    07/01/2025
    Buck in 9-1-1

    ‘9-1-1’ Has To Let Buck Say Bisexual

    06/29/2025
    Nintendo Welcome Tour promotional image of the maraca mini-game

    The One “Game” That Justifies The Nintendo Switch 2 Purchase

    06/25/2025
    Destiel Confession in Supernatural - Castiel (Misha Collins) and Dean (Jensen Ackles)

    The Destiel Confession: The Lasting Importance Of Supernatural’s Greatest Ship

    06/22/2025
  • Squid Game
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Switch 2 Games
  • Summer Game Fest
But Why Tho?
Home » Anime » REVIEW: ‘Onmyo Kaiten Re: Birth Verse’ Episode 1

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

Abdul SaadBy Abdul Saad07/07/20254 Mins Read
Tsukimiya in Onmyo Kaiten Episode 1
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

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.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

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 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.

Tsukimiya and Takeru in Onmyo Kaiten Episode 1

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.

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.

  • 7/10
    Rating - 7/10
7/10

TL;DR

The first episode of Onmyo Kaiten Re: Birth Verse 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.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘Call Of The Night’ Season 2 Episode 1
Next Article Gaming Icons Invade World of Tanks in Epic Battle Pass Special: Heroes’ Paths
Abdul Saad
  • X (Twitter)

Abdul Saad is a seasoned anime and manga critic, art lover, and professional journalist. When he's not covering the medium's latest news, he's giving his candid opinions on the season's most unique titles or exploring the niche side of the industry. He has also played and reviewed more games than he could ever count.

Related Posts

Kyle in New Saga Episode 1
7.5

REVIEW: ‘New Saga’ Episode 1

07/07/2025
Nazuna in Call of the Night Season 2 Episode 1
8.0

REVIEW: ‘Call Of The Night’ Season 2 Episode 1

07/06/2025
Hikaru and Yoshiki in The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 1 From Netflix and CygamesPictures
10.0

REVIEW: ‘The Summer Hikaru Died’ Episode 1 — “Replacement”

07/05/2025
Jiji and Okarun in Dandadan Season 2 Episode 1
8.5

REVIEW: ‘DanDaDan Season 2 Episode 1’ – “Like, This is The Legend of the Giant Snake”

07/05/2025
Endo appears in Wind Breaker Season 2
6.5

REVIEW: ‘Wind Breaker Season 2’ Looks For Fun Despite Pacing Issues

07/04/2025
Nyaight of the Living Cat Episode 1
5.5

REVIEW: ‘Nyaight Of The Living Cat’ Episode 1

07/04/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Taecyeon and Seohyun in The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8
7.5
TV

REVIEW: ‘The First Night With The Duke’ Episodes 7-8

By Sarah Musnicky07/03/2025

The First Night With The Duke Episodes 7-8 spends welcome time in pre-domestic bliss before new developments stir up trouble.

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf trailer First Look Image From Prime Video News

Prime Video Unleashes Teaser for Prequel Series The Terminal List: Dark Wolf

By Kate Sánchez07/04/2025

The first Terminal List: Dark Wolf trailer was released today by Prime Video. The series…

Together (2025) still from Sundance
8.0
Film

REVIEW: Have A Grossly Good Time ‘Together’

By Kate Sánchez01/27/2025Updated:07/04/2025

Dave Franco and Alison Brie’s Together (2025) is disgustingly funny, genuinely ugly, and just a good time at the movies.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here