Bikkuriman [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 3]

Bikkuriman Season 1 Episodes 1-3: A Nostalgic Yet Mixed Bag of Fun

If you’re diving into Bikkuriman for the first time, you might feel like you’ve stumbled into a weirdly charming yet slightly confusing world. Based on Lotte’s long-running snack series (yes, the one with the collectible stickers since 1977), this anime tries to balance nostalgia with a fresh take—but does it succeed? Let’s break it down, with some help from what fans are saying online.

First Impressions: What’s the Deal?

The first three episodes of Bikkuriman introduce us to a modern-fantasy setting where characters transform using—you guessed it—stickers. The protagonist, Yamato, is fun to watch, but the rest of the cast feels a bit underdeveloped so far. The tone is lighthearted, almost like a Saturday morning cartoon, but with a sprinkle of action and comedy.

Fans on MyAnimeList seem divided:
– Some find it “harmless fun” with catchy theme songs.
– Others call it “mediocre” and question whether it’s worth sticking around for.
– A few are intrigued by the nostalgia factor, especially if they grew up with the original snack or the older anime adaptations.

One user summed it up perfectly: “This feels like a low-fantasy show in a modern world with comedy elements. Yamato is fun to watch, but I’m not sold on the rest yet.”

Animation & Style: Cheap or Charming?

The animation quality is… well, let’s just say it won’t blow you away. Some fans pointed out that it looks “pretty cheap,” which might be a turn-off if you’re used to high-budget productions. However, the character designs (courtesy of Shaman King’s Hiroyuki Takei) add a unique flair, especially with the bishounen (pretty boy) angle.

One fan joked: “The girl-looking character was a boy—smh.” Yep, the show plays with expectations, but whether that’s a pro or con depends on your taste.

The Plot: Simple but Fun (Maybe Too Simple?)

The story revolves around Yamato and his friends discovering their sticker-powered abilities. It’s straightforward, almost like a gacha game come to life (“This reminds me so much of Gacha games lol,” one fan noted). The first three episodes set up the basics, but they don’t dive deep into anything groundbreaking.

Some viewers appreciate the simplicity: “The premise is simple, and the sticker transformations are cool. Gonna keep watching!” Others, however, feel it lacks depth: “Nothing really stood out for me. The story feels kinda off.”

Where to Watch & Accessibility

Here’s a big issue: availability. The anime is currently streaming on Ani-One’s YouTube channel, but only in Asia. Western fans are left scratching their heads: “Where are you all watching this? Is it even being distributed in the west?”

If you’re outside Asia, you might need a VPN—or just accept that this one’s not easy to catch legally.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch?

Bikkuriman is a mixed bag. It’s clearly aimed at a younger audience, but the bishounen twist suggests it’s also trying to appeal to older fans. The first three episodes are decent but not mind-blowing. If you’re into lighthearted, nostalgia-driven shows with a dash of action, give it a shot. Otherwise, you might want to wait and see if it picks up later in the season.

As one fan put it: “I was looking forward to this, but the first episode was just okay. I’ll keep watching, but this wasn’t the strongest start.”

Would I binge it? Maybe. Would I recommend it? Only if you’re curious or a die-hard fan of the original. Either way, it’s a harmless, quirky addition to the anime lineup—just don’t expect a masterpiece.

Rating: 6.5/10 (for now—let’s see where it goes!)

What do you think? Have you watched Bikkuriman yet? Drop your thoughts below!