Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest Season 3 - Episode 1 Review

Season 3 of Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest is here, and if you thought the show couldn’t get any wilder, think again. This first episode jumps right back into the madness, with more edginess than ever, a quick recap courtesy of Yue, and—oh yeah—Hajime’s entire army of bunnyfolk turning into full-blown edgelords. Yes, the Haulia tribe is back, and they’ve adopted Hajime’s former chuuni style with shocking enthusiasm. Buckle up, because this season is already off to a chaotic start!

Hajime's Haulia Transformation: From Harmless Bunnies to Edgelords

When we last saw the Haulia tribe, they were innocent and cute rabbitfolk. Fast forward to Season 3, and they’ve been transformed into a dangerous, battle-hardened group of warriors—and they've gone full chuuni. Seriously, they're all about cool nicknames, posing like Jojo characters, and embracing the dark side. Their ridiculousness adds a lot of humor to the episode, especially when they argue over Hajime's "appropriate" nickname.

It’s hilarious to see Hajime visibly cringe at what he’s created. Even though he’s somewhat grown out of his own edgelord phase, it’s hard not to appreciate just how committed the Haulia are to their new image. And, let’s be honest, watching a bunch of muscle-bound bunnies act like dark, brooding warriors is both funny and strangely fitting for the show.

The Return of Hajime and His Crew

In between the Haulia’s antics, we get some much-needed moments with Hajime, Yue, Shea, and the rest of the crew. Yue’s little recap at the beginning was an adorable touch, quickly reminding us of the major events from Season 2 without feeling like a dragged-out rehash. Honestly, more anime should have characters like Yue do recaps—it adds personality while keeping us up to speed.

Hajime, as always, continues to walk the line between an anti-hero and a reluctant savior. He claims he doesn’t want to help people, but of course, he always ends up lending a hand—especially when his friends are involved. We see this dynamic play out when the episode sets the stage for Hajime to take on another mission, all while doing his best to keep his brooding persona intact.

The Animation and Chuuni Vibes

Visually, the animation quality is about on par with what we saw in Season 2. It’s decent but not mind-blowing, and some of the action scenes are still a bit stiff. The character designs, especially for the Haulia, are where the episode shines. Their transformation from cute bunnies to muscled warriors with edgy haircuts is one of the funniest visual gags of the episode.

The over-the-top chuuni humor is definitely a highlight. Whether it’s the Haulia calling themselves names like "White Fang Hurricane" or striking exaggerated poses, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is part of its charm. This episode knows exactly what kind of series Arifureta is: an action-packed, edgy power fantasy that doesn’t mind poking fun at itself.

Shizuku and Kouki: A Battle of Ideals

One of the more interesting moments of the episode is the conversation between Shizuku and Kouki. While Shizuku seems to understand what drives Hajime and respects his resolve, Kouki still struggles to reconcile Hajime’s approach with his own sense of justice. This subtle battle of ideals hints at deeper character development for both of them as the season progresses. It’ll be interesting to see how Kouki grows and whether he can come to terms with Hajime’s more ruthless methods.

What’s Next?

The episode leaves us with plenty of questions. Cam, the leader of the Haulia, has been captured—or has he? That final shot of him with an evil grin suggests that he may have let himself get caught on purpose. The possibility of Cam wreaking havoc from the inside, combined with Hajime’s group inevitably jumping into the fray, sets the stage for some exciting chaos in the episodes to come.

Additionally, we’re getting hints that Shizuku might become more of a central figure this season, with the ending credits making her presence more prominent. Whether this means she’ll join Hajime’s ever-growing "harem" remains to be seen, but her increasing importance is a nice touch for fans who have been waiting for her to get more screen time.

Final Thoughts: Peak Edginess, Peak Fun

Arifureta Season 3 kicks off with a perfect blend of action, comedy, and—of course—unabashed edginess. Between the hilarious transformation of the Haulia tribe, the return of our favorite crew, and the promise of more wild adventures to come, this season looks like it’s going to be another rollercoaster ride. The animation may not be top-tier, but the entertainment value is undeniable.

So, dust off your black overcoat, slap on a bandaid for good measure, and strap in for another season of Hajime and his crew taking on the world with style. If you love over-the-top action, chuuni humor, and a protagonist who’s as edgy as they come, Arifureta is back and better than ever.

What did you think of the Haulia’s transformation? Are you excited to see more of Shizuku this season? Let me know in the comments below!