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Episode 2 of Mayonaka Punch picks up right where the chaotic first episode left off. As Masaki attempts to piece together the events of the previous night, we’re introduced to a colourful cast of characters, including the adorable bat-girl Ichiko and the mysterious vampire Fū. The episode delves deeper into the complex relationship between Masaki and Live, exploring themes of dependency, trust, and the blurred lines between friendship and something more.

MAYONAKA PUNCH Episode 2 is available on Crunchyroll.

“Masaki begins uploading videos to a new channel with Live, Ichiko, and Fū. However, their meteoric rise to NewTube fame attracts some unwanted attention.” ~ Crunchyroll

MAYONAKA PUNCH Episode 2 – Starting a Channel! Good Morning from the Dead of Night!

Masaki waking up in her bed had me wondering how she had managed to get home. I am glad that we got to see the events that happened directly after she had passed out on the roof after making the deal with Live. 

Meeting the new character, Fū, so early in the episode indicates that she will likely be a prominent character. Ichiko in bat form is adorable and I love her absolute faith in Live. Even though Live had completely forgotten about the blood, which, even though we are barely two episodes in, seems completely in character for her. Seeing Live’s jealousy and frustration over Masaki freely feeding Ichiko her blood is satisfying to watch. However, Masaki promising Live that she can suck her ‘bone-dry’ as a form of consoling her seems short-sighted. Considering she is still drunk, it makes sense. I am glad that we see her reflect on it when she is sober and also question if the previous night’s even happened. 

Between her two ex-co-hosts, I am starting to dislike Kikka (the blonde one). Between calling our main character a bitch in the previous episode and dismissing the need to discuss how they will split equipment with Masaki, it is leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. With the way the two of them are handling everything with Masaki after they kicked her out of the group, I need to know what happened. What was the reasoning behind the punch? I feel knowing that will let me better judge how Kikka and Otomi are handling the situation.

The opening song is fun, I already have a few characters that I want to meet. The official introduction to the members of Banpire Manor provided a lot of information about how they interact and their personalities. I am also glad that early on, Masaki gets clarification on what bone-dry means to Live. I adore the channel name Chu-Chu Girls. It made me giggle. I appreciate the detail of each character having their own colour wings.

Despite receiving many positive comments on the short videos, Masaki fixates on a single negative comment. The way she reacts to that comment and then resolves to keep going shows resilience and stubbornness. I want to see more of that in her character growth. Although from what was said in the previous episode, I hope she isn’t obstinate. 

I hadn’t noticed the ‘chu-chu’ pops until the animation made it glaringly obvious. If it was an ad placement, they did well. I am now adding a pack of these to my niece’s 2nd-year birthday prezzie for the end of August. I am ignoring the fact we are in winter.  Back to the anime.

Masaki’s strategy reflects her years of experience and knowledge of the platform. I am glad that they are using somewhat realistic plans to help the channel grow. 

I wonder if Live realises that sucking Masaki ‘bone-dry’ means killing her? She is incredibly casual about it if she is. I love vampires. The introduction of another vampire is quickly bloating the number of supernatural cast characters compared to human numbers – making me wonder, are supernatural beings not all that scarce in this world setting? Making them remove weeks’ worth of work (understandably so) lets us know that they are still kept secret from the world.

The facial expressions in this are enjoyable to watch and very clearly express what the characters are thinking and feeling. Yuki added a level of severity to the series that I had not noticed was lacking until Masaki tried to defy her. The reaction to garlic was one I was not anticipating. Yuki’s personality change was entertaining to watch. It is refreshing to see the supernatural beings concede to having their work deleted and not scheme to keep it. I also appreciate Masaki’s compliance, even though she is unhappy about it.

Live reaching out to Masaki after their channel was deleted made me happy. Having a little bit of lore sprinkled throughout the episode for the supernatural aspect helped solidify the world this series is building. The explanations, restrictions, and rules are given naturally and don’t feel forced or out of place. I can tell this was written by people who have experience with world-building and story flow. Not overloaded, not forceful, given enough for what is needed at the time and teased with a little bit extra to keep you engaged and guessing. 

The relationship development is progressing nicely too as we see Live and Masaki get closer to one another, even if there is conflict. Learning about Masaki’s determination and reasoning behind wanting to make videos and achieve success is interesting. Kikka and Otomi being friends and approaching Masaki makes sense. It also adds another level of complexity to their friendship. Live’s suggestion to start a new channel with Masaki felt so good. I am going to miss the Chu-Chu name though. Masaki opening the window felt symbolic of her opening up her heart to Live and I am here for it. 

Coming up with a channel name is challenging. The suggestions were quirky and I love it when the title of the series is explained and used naturally within the show. Mayonaka Punch did not fail and delivered spectacularly. Late at night (Mayonaka) + Masaki getting cancelled for punching someone (Punch) = their new channel name, Mayonaka Punch. Mayopan for short is cute but questionable. Masaki is talented at putting together their new channel, editing the video, and designing all of the graphics and logo. 

Characters in MAYONAKA PUNCH Episode 2:

Final thoughts on the episode: A Solid Foundation

Overall, Mayonaka Punch Episode 2 builds upon the strong foundation established in the first episode, expanding the world and deepening the characters. With each passing episode, the series is proving to be a captivating blend of comedy, drama, and supernatural elements.

Recap of Key Points:

• Masaki and her newfound vampire companions embark on a journey to rebuild her online presence.
• The episode introduces new characters, expanding the world of Mayonaka Punch.
• Masaki’s relationship with Live deepens, while her rivalry with her former team intensifies.
• The episode showcases the characters’ personalities and establishes the series’ unique tone.

Questions I have and I hope that will be answered in the coming episodes:

• Why did Masaki punch Otomi?
• Where do the vampires get the blood?
• Who is mother?
• Will Masaki learn to seek internal approval and not look for it from outside sources of strangers on the internet?
• When will Masaki reveal she is part of Mayopan?

What are your thoughts on Mayonaka Punch Episode 2?

Episode Quote:

“I won’t let this chance slip away” ~ Masaki Sonoue