While lighthearted slice-of-life shows are plentiful, it's getting harder to tell them apart, especially with relaxing series like Yuru Camp. But this winter, I have the perfect show for unwinding: Mr. Villain's Day Off by Yuu Morikawa.
Tired of the daily grind? What about the neverending battle between good and evil? Mr. Villain, also known as Warumono-san, feels your pain. Leading an evil space organization, he disrupts peace on Earth only to be foiled by everyday heroes - think Power Rangers! But all Warumono wants is a quiet life to pursue his true passions. These passions? Pandas! He's utterly obsessed with these adorable black and white creatures.
Not even the heroes can stop Warumono's "evil" deeds on his days off. These include searching for pandas, finding panda-themed snacks, and simply relaxing - all well-deserved villainous behavior!
Shintarou Asanuma's voice acting breathes life into Warumono, even if it doesn't quite match his villainous image. Warumono might seem like a stereotypical bad guy at first, but he's actually a complex character with a surprisingly good heart. He's both impressed by humans and weirdly threatened by cuddly pandas. This bizarre mix leads him to experience a strange form of enlightenment ("Nirvana") and vow revenge...by seeking more panda snacks! He leaves the dirty work to his loyal assistant, Rooney. The heroes, the Rangers, are equally quirky. Akatsuki Red, the caring leader, has a terrible sense of direction. Green consists of twins, Mugi and Sora. Shinonome Pink is the only girl on the all-male team. Finally, Yoiyami Black, the team's founder, remains shrouded in mystery.
The production of the anime is fairly standard. Shin-Ei Animation and SynergySP collaborate to create the show with a minimalist yet polished style. The true star of the show's chill atmosphere ("Iyashikei") is the music. The soundtrack is incredibly calming, and so are the theme songs (although there seems to be some disagreement about that). The opening by Ivudot is like taking a peaceful walk through a park at night. Glasgow's ending song is a cheerful contrast, offering a hopeful outlook. Some viewers might argue that the opening doesn't feel like a typical opening theme, but it perfectly complements the show's laid-back tone and source material.
Even the most determined heroes and villains need a break. Mr. Villain's Day Off perfectly captures this idea by showing a villain who just wants to relax on his day off. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the zoo to see some pandas! Their fluffy cuteness and carefree lounging are exactly what I need right now.
