Ishura [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Ishura Season 1: A Brutal Yet Intriguing Start to a Dark Fantasy Saga

When Ishura dropped its first episode, it didn’t just introduce a new anime—it threw viewers headfirst into a world where chaos reigns and power is up for grabs. The demise of the Demon King has left a vacuum, and self-proclaimed rulers from across dimensions are ready to fight for dominance in the New Principality of Lithia. From the get-go, Ishura makes it clear: this isn’t your typical fantasy adventure. It’s brutal, unpredictable, and packed with enough gore to make even seasoned anime fans wince.

A World of Blood and Steel

The first episode wastes no time setting the tone. Within minutes, we witness the gruesome death of Yuno’s friend, Lucels, at the hands (or claws) of monstrous Golems. The scene is visceral, shocking, and sets the stage for a story where no one is safe. Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to note the show’s unflinching brutality, with one user commenting, “I audibly gasped at the first death—I wasn’t expecting anything like that, especially this early.”

Yuno, the episode’s focal character, is left traumatized, and her cautious alliance with the enigmatic swordsman Soujirou the Willow-Sword adds an air of mystery. Is he a savior or just another player in this deadly game? The dynamic between the two is tense, with Soujirou’s nonchalant attitude toward the destruction around him raising eyebrows. “An entire city just died, and all he cares about is fighting the big-ass robot because it’s fun,” one Reddit user pointed out.

Animation and Style: Hit or Miss?

Visually, Ishura is a mixed bag. The CGI-heavy action sequences, particularly the Golem battles, are grand in scale and fluid in motion. Some fans praised the animation, calling it “insane” and “well-utilized,” while others found the blend of 2D and 3D jarring. The dark, gritty aesthetic fits the story’s tone, though it occasionally makes scenes hard to follow.

The opening theme by sajou no hana adds a layer of hype, though opinions on it are divided. Some loved its intensity, while others felt it was just “alright.” Still, the show’s willingness to embrace its grim atmosphere has won over many viewers.

A Story with Potential (and Pitfalls)

Ishura borrows elements from other dark fantasy series like Drifters and Record of Ragnarok, but it carves its own path with a unique premise. The power struggle between self-proclaimed Demon Kings promises epic battles and political intrigue, though the first episode leaves much unexplained.

Fans are cautiously optimistic. “Strong start. Story-wise, it seems pretty fun,” one MyAnimeList user wrote. “Doesn’t seem insanely deep, but it’s interesting with a fairly unique world.” Others worry about pacing, with some criticizing the lengthy dialogue between Yuno and Soujirou as “unnecessarily long and out of context.”

Final Verdict: Worth the Watch?

If you’re into dark fantasy with high stakes and brutal action, Ishura is worth checking out. It’s not perfect—some characters feel underdeveloped, and the animation style won’t appeal to everyone—but its bold storytelling and relentless energy make it stand out.

As one fan put it: “This was a rocker of a first episode. I’m not gonna get my hopes up, but damn, it’s got my attention.” With 12 episodes in its first season, Ishura has plenty of room to grow—or crash and burn. Either way, it’s a wild ride from the start.

So, grab your sword (or just some popcorn) and dive in. Just don’t get too attached to anyone. In this world, survival is anything but guaranteed.