Wistoria episode 1 review: A simple setting about magic elevated to the next level by strong animation

The first episode of Wistoria premiered on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 4:30 pm JST. It follows the story of Will Serfort, the main character, as he attends the Regarden Magical Academy and strives to achieve his dream of becoming a Magia Vander, the most prestigious role in their world.

Despite living in a world where magic is highly valued and seen as a symbol of power, Will lacks any magical abilities and is regularly subjected to bullying and humiliation from both his peers and teachers. This is evident in the current episode. However, he does possess incredible physical strength and is able to remain at the academy due to the credits he earns by defeating monsters in dungeons.

This review of Wistoria Episode 1 delves into a comprehensive evaluation of the anime’s plot, production value, casting decisions, and other aspects, in order to gauge the overall appeal of this fresh fusion of fantasy and battle shonen genres, which may feel familiar (or even cliché) to some viewers.

Please note: This article includes spoilers and is based on the author’s personal opinions.

Wistoria Episode 1: Evaluating the Newest Fantasy Battle Shonen

Wistoria Episode 1: A Brief Synopsis

Will in battle (Image via Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures)

As previously mentioned, the first episode of Wistoria introduces the Regarden Magical Academy and emphasizes the significance of magic in this world. The main character, Will Serfort, is immediately introduced as a victim of bullying at the academy due to his lack of magical abilities.

Even though Colette Loire, a friend of Will’s, is the one defending him, he accepts the criticism because his main goal is to become a Magia Vander and be near his childhood friend Elfaria, who achieved that rank at a young age. As a result, he has honed his warrior skills in dungeons, which is evident in his impressive fighting abilities by the end of the episode.

Narrative review of Wistoria episode 1: A solid start but somewhat generic

Colette in the anime (Image via Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures)

The online response to Wistoria episode 1 has demonstrated a clear consensus of positive reviews for the exceptional animation, soundtrack, and voice acting executed by Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures. While there have been no significant complaints in these areas, the primary concern may lie in the overall premise.

Most experienced anime fans would likely notice that the story, as a concept, bears a striking resemblance to what viewers may have encountered in well-known works like Mashle, My Hero Academia, and Black Clover.

The concept of a disadvantaged individual in a world dominated by individuals with extraordinary abilities has been a recurring theme in the manga and anime industry, often incorporating classic elements of this premise for added effect.

Will’s personality could be seen as a combination of Deku and Asta, with Colette playing the role of the traditional love interest who struggles to convey her emotions. Additionally, Sion Ulster is portrayed as the exceptionally talented rival to Will, sharing similarities with both Yuno and Katsuki Bakugo. This could potentially be perceived as repetitive by some viewers.

Nevertheless, in terms of storytelling, the beginning, establishment of the plot, and resolution were executed quite proficiently.

Wistoria Episode 1 Review: Production, Animation, Soundtracks, and Voice Acting

Despite its rather mundane premise, Wistoria episode 1 truly shines in its animation style, which is both fluid and visually striking. The use of stunning colors and beautiful scenes elevates the overall viewing experience, making it impossible to deny its strengths in this aspect.

In addition, the voice acting is top-notch, despite the limited amount of standout scenes for most characters. It is worth mentioning Kohei Amasaki, who portrays Will, for his compelling performance during the character’s moments of uncertainty while rescuing Sion. Amasaki adds depth and complexity to the protagonist through his skilled delivery of a few lines.

Important Considerations

Elfaria in the first episode of the anime (Image via Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures)

In summary, the first episode of Wistoria is likely to be a necessary addition to any Summer 2024 anime lineup, thanks to its impressive production quality and well-established premise. However, some viewers who are familiar with fantasy battle shonen may find the storyline to be predictable and unoriginal, while others may appreciate it for what it offers.

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