Endride [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 24]

Endride: A Journey of Friendship and Revenge in a Fantasy World

When Endride first aired in April 2016, it didn’t exactly set the anime world on fire. Produced by Brain’s Base and Lapin Track, this 24-episode fantasy adventure had a lot of potential—an original world, intriguing lore, and a dual protagonist dynamic. But as fans quickly realized, Endride was a mixed bag. Some loved it for its emotional payoff, while others found it a slog to get through. So, what’s the real verdict? Let’s dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between.

The Premise: A Portal Fantasy with a Twist

The story follows Shun Asanaga, a 15-year-old boy obsessed with crystals, who stumbles upon a mysterious one in his father’s office. Upon touching it, he’s transported to Endora, a fantasy world where another protagonist, Emilio, is hell-bent on revenge against the tyrannical ruler, Demetrio.

At first glance, Endride seems like your typical isekai—a kid from Earth gets whisked away to another world. But it quickly sets itself apart by focusing on two parallel journeys: Shun’s desperate attempt to return home and Emilio’s quest for vengeance. The dynamic between these two is the heart of the show, even if it takes a while to fully develop.

The Good: Emotional Payoff and World-Building

Fans who stuck with Endride until the end often cite the final arc as its strongest point. The revelation about Shun’s father and his connection to Endora adds a layer of tragedy that elevates the story.

One fan on MyAnimeList put it perfectly:

“The ending killed me. I cried, I cried a lot. I didn’t expect to like this anime at all judging by the beginning episodes, but I fell in love with this series. The bittersweet ending just makes the show that much better.”

The friendship between Shun and Emilio also resonated with viewers. Their relationship starts off rocky—Emilio sees Shun as naive, while Shun struggles to understand Emilio’s rage. But by the finale, their bond feels earned.

Another fan noted:

“Shun and Emilio finally became friends in the end, about time! Their dynamic was the best part of the show.”

The world-building, while not groundbreaking, had its moments. The concept of Warp Relics (magical artifacts tied to emotions) and the political intrigue of Endora kept things interesting, even if the pacing was inconsistent.

The Bad: Pacing and Execution Issues

Unfortunately, Endride suffers from uneven pacing and underdeveloped side characters. Many fans admitted they had to speed-watch certain episodes just to get through them.

One viewer joked:

“Hooray for speed controls! I watched most of the episodes at 1.5x because some parts were just too slow.”

The villains, particularly Demetrio and later Kazunobu (Shun’s father), were hit-or-miss. Some found them compelling, while others thought they were cartoonishly evil. The final battle, in particular, drew criticism for feeling rushed.

A fan pointed out:

“The ending would’ve been more awesome if it was a scientist showdown between Pascal and Asanaga instead of that Doc Ock-style fight. It was just crammed with nonsense.”

The Ending: Bittersweet and Divisive

The finale left fans with mixed feelings. On one hand, Shun’s decision to return to Earth (despite his parinblue—his means of traveling between worlds—breaking) was emotionally impactful. On the other, the after-credits scene (showing a mysterious figure in the desert) left too many questions unanswered.

Some fans were devastated:

“Shun’s parinblue shattered, so he can never return to Endora. That broke me. And he didn’t even say goodbye to everyone!”

Others were more optimistic:

“The after-credits scene gives me hope. Maybe Shun finds a way back? Or maybe it’s a setup for a sequel?”

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Worthwhile Journey

Endride isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s not a trainwreck either. It’s a solid 6.5/10—a show with great ideas that didn’t always execute them well.

If you’re a fan of fantasy adventures with emotional stakes, Endride might surprise you. Just be prepared for some slow episodes and a few narrative stumbles along the way.

As one fan summed it up:

“It was a decent show, after episode 19 that is. Glad I stuck with it from start to finish. It’s sad to think Shun and Emilio probably never meet again, but the journey was worth it.”

So, if you’re looking for a binge-watch with heart, give Endride a shot. Just don’t expect perfection—expect a journey.

Would you watch Endride? Or have you already? Let me know your thoughts!