Botsuraku Yotei no Kizoku dakedo, Hima Datta kara Mahou wo Kiwametemita [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Review: I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic

A Mixed Bag of Magic and Mediocrity

If you’ve been scrolling through the endless sea of isekai and fantasy anime lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic (or Botsuraku Yotei no Kizoku dakedo, Hima Datta kara Mahou wo Kiwametemita for the purists). Based on the light novel by Nazuna Miki, this anime follows Liam, a noble whose family is on the verge of collapse. Instead of wallowing in despair, he decides to master magic in his free time—because why not?

The premise sounds promising, but does it deliver? Well, the internet is divided.

The Good: Magic, Politics, and a Dragon Companion

One thing fans seem to agree on is that the show has its moments. Liam’s journey from a powerless noble to a magic-wielding ruler is entertaining, especially when he starts building his own kingdom. The political maneuvering between nations adds a layer of depth rarely seen in generic isekai. As one Reddit user put it:

“I appreciated the political side of the world-building. It gave the show more depth than just ‘adventuring and killing monsters.’”

Then there’s Radon, Liam’s dragon companion, who steals the spotlight in many scenes. Whether it’s her quirky personality or her role in battles, Radon is a fan favorite. Some viewers even theorized about her biology (yes, really):

“I theorize that Radon might reproduce asexually, like komodo dragons. That’s why she switches genders and is the only parent of her children.”

The voice acting, particularly Saori Hayami’s performance (though underutilized), also gets praise. And let’s not forget the OP—many fans admit it’s way too good for the show itself.

The Bad: Generic, Safe, and Sometimes Boring

Now, the criticisms. The biggest gripe? The anime plays it too safe. It doesn’t stray from the isekai formula, and the pacing is all over the place. Problems are solved within minutes, leaving little room for tension. As one MyAnimeList user bluntly stated:

“This show is so boring. The main concern is that it’s too safe. It doesn’t try anything new, and every conflict is resolved in five minutes.”

The animation quality is another sore point. While not terrible, it’s far from impressive. Some scenes feel rushed, and the character designs lack uniqueness. The kingdom’s name—Liam Radon—also drew ridicule for being, well, lazy:

“Naming the kingdom after himself? How incredibly chuuni-cringe can you get?”

And then there’s the harem aspect. While some fans enjoy the lighthearted interactions, others feel the female characters are criminally underused.

The Verdict: Worth a Watch?

So, should you give this anime a shot? If you’re a die-hard isekai fan who enjoys nation-building and OP protagonists, maybe. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s not the worst either. As one viewer wisely noted:

“It’s more watchable than Isekai Cheat Magician and The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases.”

But if you’re looking for something fresh or emotionally gripping, this might not be your cup of tea. The MAL rating (hovering around 5.97) reflects its mediocrity—though a few fans argue it deserves better.

Final Thoughts

I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin is the kind of anime you watch when you just want to turn off your brain and enjoy some magic, politics, and a dragon girl. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s not a trainwreck either. Whether it gets a second season remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a decent—if forgettable—addition to the isekai genre.

Rating: 6/10 (It’s fine, but don’t expect miracles.)

What did you think of the show? Let’s discuss in the comments!

P.S. If you’re curious about the source material, the anime covers the first three light novels. The LN might offer more depth for those who enjoyed the premise!