Spring 2024 Anime Mid-Season Review: Hits, Misses & Surprises
- Feb 11
- 4 min read
If you’ve been keeping up with anime like Mushoku Tensei or darker fantasy series that twist expectations the way Harry Potter once did for wizard schools, this spring season has delivered a mix of surprises, disappointments, and unexpected standouts. Several episodes have now aired, and it’s time for an updated look at how these series are progressing. If you’re interested in the original impressions, you can refer back to the initial review and summary. Please note: spoilers ahead, as this mid-season review discusses developments up to this point.
Mushoku Tensei Ⅱ: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu
Trailer Link
Excited Rating: 5 Stars
Mid Review:
This series continues to progress exceptionally smoothly. It blends strong adult humor with impressive character development, and the protagonist avoids falling into a god complex. The show also introduces engaging side stories and ongoing mysteries that make each episode something to look forward to. I’m consistently excited to watch new episodes as soon as they’re released.
Jitsu wa Ore, Saikyou deshita?
Excited Rating: 2 Stars
Mid Review:
From birth, the protagonist possesses unmatched, god-like powers. At first, the premise felt promising, especially since the protagonist wanted to live quietly and conceal those abilities. However, the series now feels more focused on inserting modern-world conveniences into a fantasy setting—such as introducing the internet and anime as literal in-world entertainment. My initial enthusiasm has faded, and I feel largely indifferent about new episodes.
Nanatsu no Maken ga Shihai suru
Excited Rating: 4 Stars
Mid Review:
I had no idea what to expect going into this series. I initially assumed it would resemble Harry Potter, but it quickly proved to be much darker and more mysterious, particularly regarding the main characters. As the story unfolds, more layers of the male protagonist are revealed, and I’ve become invested in the supporting cast as well.
The visuals are striking, and the central storyline is compelling. The male protagonist secretly leads a cult and seeks revenge against the teachers responsible for his mother’s death. However, the story’s internal rules feel overly complex. For example, a magical dungeon appears only at night and is portrayed as deadly, yet upperclassmen patrol it in ways that both protect and harm students. Some students even have rooms inside the dungeon. This complexity creates confusion. Simplifying and clarifying these rules would strengthen the overall narrative.
Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto
Excited Rating: 4 Stars
Mid Review:
This anime balances humor and darkness within a zombie-focused story. The protagonist frequently finds himself in unusual situations. It brings to mind High School of the Undead, though with more realistically proportioned female characters and a far more vibrant aesthetic.
One standout element is the colorful presentation of the zombies, almost as if they’ve emerged from a chaotic paintball match. Although I generally dislike zombie themes, the show maintains a moderate level of tension without becoming overwhelming. I would recommend it, though I’m not especially eager to watch each episode immediately upon release.
Eiyuu Kyoushitsu
Excited Rating: 3 Stars
Mid Review:
In this series, a former hero returns to school life seeking a peaceful and ordinary existence. It follows a straightforward structure: an immensely powerful protagonist attracts attention—particularly from numerous women—while other male characters grow envious. The humor is consistent but does not rely heavily on adult jokes. I enjoy it for its lighthearted nature, though I’m not particularly anticipating a second season.
Jidou Hanbaiki ni Umarekawatta Ore wa Meikyuu wo Samayou
Excited Rating: 1 Stars
Mid Review:
From the beginning, I felt this series was poorly executed. It seems aimed at children and feels more like encouragement to buy vending machine products than a compelling story. I’m confident in the 1-star rating. I strongly advise against watching it.
Salaryman, Isekai de Ikinokoru Tame ni Ayumu Michi
Excited Rating: 5 Stars
Mid Review:
This has been one of my favorite series of the season. The protagonist is not overpowered, which allows the story to emphasize training and growth. The guild master is significantly stronger, reinforcing the value of effort and experience.
The anime also explores the dynamics of being both a doctor and a patient in a magical world where energy replenishes through rest. Despite this, other doctors charge high fees, discouraging people from seeking care. The protagonist disrupts this system by offering affordable healing, which leads to complications.
Joining the adventurers’ guild—rather than the traditional healer’s guild—adds another layer of intrigue. As combat training progresses, we see even stronger figures, including powerful guild masters and valkyries. The story consistently reinforces that the protagonist’s strength comes from hard work and commitment to better health.
It also provides commentary on the financial burdens of medical care, showing how high costs can push people to endure pain instead of seeking help. The series includes a humorous take on the isekai harem trope, presenting it in a way that isn’t centered purely on romance. It’s well-written, charming, and highly recommended.
Okashi na Tensei
Excited Rating: 4 Stars
Mid Review:
While it initially appears to focus on cooking and desserts, this anime is deeply rooted in political intrigue within a fantasy world reminiscent of medieval times. The protagonist is not overwhelmingly powerful; instead, their unique ability allows them to replicate the magical powers of others.
The world-building introduces a system where individuals typically possess only one ability—such as teleportation, long-distance vision, or creating openings. The protagonist deviates from this rule but does not exploit their power to god-like extremes. I enjoy the balance of fantasy, politics, and restraint in power scaling, and I recommend giving it a watch.
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