All About Anime and Manga

I’m diving headfirst into the chaotic world of Mayonaka Punch with a breakdown of the first episode. Get ready to meet Masaki, a former internet sensation turned social outcast, and her unexpected partner in crime, the eternally youthful vampire, Live. In this post, I’ll unpack the first episode, exploring the characters, plot twists, and overall vibe of this intriguing new anime. So grab your favourite snack, settle in, and let’s unpack Mayonaka Punch Episode 1 together!

MAYONAKA PUNCH Episode 1 is available here on Crunchyroll.

“After an on-stream altercation, Masaki is unceremoniously booted from her group NewTube channel. Now, her fate lies with a vampire who has just awoken from a deep slumber.” ~ Crunchyroll

MAYONAKA PUNCH Episode 1 – The Canceled Girl and the Sleepy Vampire

I watched episode one on the day it was released. The episode starts with an opening song – which I instantly skipped right past. I do not want any spoilers or hints before I have even met the main character. I’ll watch it during another episode.

An apology video right off the bat, with lots of video comments to quickly read, and we are shown that our main character is violent – that’s an interesting way to start an episode and series. I appreciate that we are starting in the middle of the drama regarding Masaki; we meet her during a low and messy point in her life. I like the way it shows how negative commentary, both virtual ones and those said to her face, affect Masaki with a literal gloomy, cloudy swirl.

The comedy introduced through the vampire, Live, is fun. Honestly, I got distracted during her introduction and had to go back and rewatch when I realised that them saying she had been asleep for 20 years was not an exaggeration. I’m glad I rewatched her introduction. The dream she had makes me wonder if this will become a GL anime or if Live will be an ambiguous addition for lesbian or bisexual characters. Maybe I’m reading too much into that. I already adore the air-headedness that Ichiko is showing us, and I adore her for it.

During the interview process, I’m glad they showed people getting permission to share recorded content. I’m going to need time to like Masaki. I need to know – why did she punch her co-host, Otomi? Masaki having ‘real’ world problems, coping mechanisms, and relationships makes her a lot more relatable. Live adds a lot more disbelief and a fantasy approach. Other than being a vampire and in a whole lot of debt, she doesn’t focus on that but rather, has the girl in her dreams responded to her direct message? Character-wise, she feels a lot younger than Masaki, taking a more teenage approach to life.

The flashback felt natural, and we get valuable information on how the Hype-Sisters gained their fame. It flowed well with the episode and gave a good look at how close the three had been. The resulting actions from Masaki’s memory (the flashback) and her introduction to Live progressed naturally.

The introduction between the two characters, Masaki and Live, and their worlds flowed well, which relieved me, as I had been worried. Having Masaki be drunk during this sequence of actions, as well as reflecting on her past and actions, was genius. It made the first interaction between Live and her that much more memorable and excused her making questionable decisions and bargains. You can see her loneliness, and you can hear that she feels like she was unjustly judged by her co-hosts, Kikka and Otomi, who had been her friends, as well as random commenters on their channel.

Their facial expressions as Masaki fell off the roof are amazing. I loved the flight sequence and how it ended with Masaki emptying out her guts mid-flight.

The animation is visually striking, and the character designs are memorable. The episode’s pacing is excellent, with a perfect balance of action, comedy, and drama. However, there are still many unanswered questions, like why did Masaki throw that punch?

Characters in this episode: Unveiling the Characters

Masaki Sonoue

The inaugural episode of Mayonaka Punch introduces us to Masaki, a fallen star grappling with the aftermath of a public downfall. Her character is instantly relatable, with her struggles with online toxicity and the pressure of fame resonating strongly.

Live

Conversely, Live, the newly awakened vampire, is an enigmatic and comedic foil. Her carefree, almost childlike nature contrasts sharply with Masaki’s world-weariness.

Final thoughts on the episode: A World of Potential

Overall, Mayonaka Punch Episode 1 is a promising start to what could be a truly unique anime series. The characters are engaging, the plot is intriguing, and the world-building is impressive. I’m excited to see where the story goes from here.

Recap of Key Points:

• Masaki, a former internet star, is ostracised after a public altercation.
• She encounters Live, a recently awakened vampire with a childlike personality.
• The episode explores themes of online toxicity, fame, and unexpected friendships.
• The animation and pacing are praised, leaving viewers wanting more.

What are your thoughts on Mayonaka Punch Episode 1?

Episode Quote:

“I’m totally unstoppable!“ ~ Live (Crunchyroll subs)