Chained Soldier Episode 1 burst onto the scene with its debut episode, throwing viewers headfirst into a dark fantasy world brimming with monstrous threats, hidden agendas, and the alluring, insidious power of the Peach Tree. But how has this first foray been received? Let’s delve into the critical landscape and fan reactions to see if this chained soldier has chained hearts, or ignited controversy.
‘Chained Soldier’ Main Plotline
After graduating from high school, Yuuki Wakura realizes it’s been five years since his sister disappeared during a “Mato disaster.” Mysterious entrances to a demonic dimension called “Mato” have opened throughout Japan, unleashing monsters known as “Shuuki.” These creatures pose a threat to humans, but a newfound hope emerges with the discovery of a Mato fruit that grants supernatural abilities exclusively to women. This leads to the formation of a matriarchal government and an organization called the Anti-Demon Corps, pushing men to the fringes of society.
Suddenly finding himself in Mato, Yuuki can’t escape. However, just as he expects a grim fate from the Shuuki, a girl from the Anti-Demon Corps appears and protects him. Kyouka Uzen, chief of the Seventh Unit, is ambitious but undervalued by her peers. In this life-or-death situation, Kyouka seizes the chance to explore the true potential of her power using Yuuki: he must become her slave to defeat the Shuuki.
Chained Soldier Episode 1 Review and Fan Reactions
In the first episode we see Yuuki, our reluctant hero, stumbles into this mess like a lost kitten in a monster movie. One minute he’s worrying about exams, the next he’s staring down a Shuuki the size of a skyscraper. Their leader, Kyouka Uzen, senses power in Yuuki and with a touch of the Peach Tree – this ominous, shimmering deal-with-the-devil of a source – she unlocks a beast within Yuuki. Power, oh yeah, but with a nasty side effect: chains. Literal chains, binding him to her every whim.
The World building is interesting with twist in alternate Japan, where shadows dance with human desperation against the backdrop of a monstrous threat.
The entire first episode left me with a lot of questions and probably other viewers too that may be answered in the upcoming episodes like: who’s the real monster here? The Shuuki with their chompy teeth, or the system that turns humans into weapons and calls it salvation? Also, I’m not gonna lie but there were some parts that felt a bit familiar, such as monster designs that echoed other hits. But since it’s just starting off, let us see if it lives up to its hype.
Fan Reactions:
- Fans are stoked about the dark fantasy vibes, with praise for action, characters, and that killer cliffhanger. They’re excited about the fresh take on the genre thanks to the Peach Tree twist and “chained soldier” concept.
- Comparisons to other dark fantasy titles like “Attack on Titan” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” are some common views.
- Some also have expressed concerns about potential clichés in the monster designs and the power system’s potential pitfalls.
Where to Watch Chained Soldier Episode 1
Other than YouTube (Refer to the link above to watch the episode), currently, you can watch “Chained Soldier” legally on the following streaming platforms:
- HiDive: This is the platform that holds the exclusive streaming rights for “Chained Soldier” internationally. You can watch the anime with a subscription, which comes with a free 7-day trial to let you sample the service.
- Crunchyroll: While Crunchyroll doesn’t currently directly stream it, its sister platform, HiDive, is included within certain Crunchyroll premium subscription plans. So, if you already have a Crunchyroll premium subscription that includes HiDive access, you can watch the anime through that as well.
Conclusion
“Chained Soldier” started off well, grabbing attention with its dark vibe, interesting story, and complex characters. Although there are a few concerns, fans are mostly excited, eagerly waiting for the next episode to uncover the mysteries in this twisted world. If you like dark fantasy or just want something new, it might be worth checking out.
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