Katainaka no Ossan, Kensei ni Naru

Let's divide this into parts. Art is fine, drawing and animation are perfectly clean. The pace is a bit fast, with flashbacks that add more context, but it does not feel convoluted, and the progression of the characters is nice, however, the bigger plot has a slow building. I really like this, feels somewhat like Frieren in the pace and feeling of the episodes. I have not read de manga (never had read one), so my perspective is pure and clean from those biases. It is very enjoyable, I stumbled upon this anime by chance and have enjoyed it a lot. It is a bit bloody, not so much as other more popular animes, but aside of that is SFW and the main character is such a nice and relatable guy that makes you connect with him, it is a very good watch.

I didn't read the manga, so I am not able to compare to the adaptation but it is impressively good in my opinion.

I feel it as an anime for adults as it brings something different, a storytelling, a beginning story and a main character who is not a "super super hero" as most anime bring, he is human! Yes a human, no lasers no super powers, just a skilled human.

It somehow bring an old medieval RPG feeling, like Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. If you played it you will understand.

Episodes are short, something like 20min each, not a lot of action but when it has it is pretty entertaining. All characters are charismatic, I don't think you will regret watching it. Highly recommend it.

I've just finished watching episode 5 and I've never read the Manga. Yes it's a bit of a slow burn. But after episode 5. I can see there is a much larger story yet to come to fruition.

I love the ever evolving friendships and maybe future relationships, that are teased.

The visuals are great.

The main protagonist is a genuine nice guy. Who really has know idea how amazing a swordsman he is. But I can see with time this may evolve.

The other characters are great so far and each one has its own personality.

The world I can see is vast and could definitely evolve and expand with time.

But my biggest compliment I can say. Is I look forward to watching it each week, and to me that is the most important thing. If it can give you a little joy in this ever changing world. What is there to not love.

Please give this Anime a go. It may not be right for you and that's ok. Also if you have read the Manga. Don't go into it expecting a like for like. From what I've read in other reviews. It's not the same. Just watch it for what it is...it's own story.

Thanks for reading my review and I hope you have a great day 😀

(14+) I really REALLY thought this was a "10" until the last couple of episodes... and even they were good, just not great. I reserve 10's for those series that don't miss a beat, and I thought this anime lost a golden opportunity at the end of episode 11, beginning of episode 12 to really make an impact on the watcher and on the overall character development and story arc. That being said, this series is a solid "9" and very much recommended! Just a sliver away from being a "must watch" in my opinion! The male protagonist is awesome, and it's so rare to have an older protagonist it was a real breath of fresh air! Also, the main female protagonist was incredible, too, and I'm rooting for her for sure!! Season 2 has already been announced! Can't Wait!

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I rarely (if ever) write reviews, but I feel compelled to warn anyone who watches anime dubbed (like me, since I work while it's on in the background). Stay away from this one. I genuinely have no idea how a dub can be this bad. It's so flat and lifeless that I honestly wondered if they used AI for the voice acting. Every line is delivered with zero emotion or skill.

The story itself is fine. I haven't read the manga, so I can't compare. The animation looks cheap and isn't really anything to write home about but it's not the end of the world.

I really was looking forward to this one and was completely let down. It's not even worth a background watch.