After recent successes that bet on atypical protagonists, such as Sakamoto Days and Spy x Family, the new anime Kill Blue could easily get lost in the crowd. However, the premiere episode shows that there is more than meets the eye. The premise starts from an almost comedic concept: an experienced, cold, divorced assassin is hit by a mysterious drug that makes him reincarnate as an elementary school student. The idea is reminiscent of “what if John Wick were forced to do homework and face bullying?”, but the strength of the series lies in how it takes this situation seriously.
The protagonist, Ogami, is not just a miniature warrior; he carries the weight of a youth stolen by the practice of assassination. Now, for the first time, he has the chance to experience a normal life, albeit one full of school challenges. Kill Blue skillfully balances action, humor, and drama, avoiding the trap of being just a light shounen. The fight scenes are well choreographed, such as the sequence where Ogami neutralizes a criminal inside the school without drawing attention—a creative example that sustains the narrative.
The humor arises from showing a middle‑aged man trying to understand Gen Z culture, negative numbers, and other youthful trivialities. The anime laughs at this situation without turning Ogami into a complete fool. Although some moments feel rushed and transitions somewhat abrupt, the production surprises, especially considering it is a studio’s debut. The animation in the combat sequences stands out, and the opening, with K‑pop influences, demonstrates a clear understanding of the current audience.
In short, the first episode of Kill Blue, available on Crunchyroll, delivers a bold premise that mixes intense action, sharp comedy, and a touch of drama, promising an interesting path, albeit still with some risks to be overcome throughout the series.
