Blue Miburo - Episode 1 Review

The first episode of Blue Miburo dives headfirst into the complex and often romanticized history of the Shinsengumi, delivering a blend of action, historical intrigue, and some fascinating character introductions. This episode sets up the central premise of the series by introducing its protagonist Nio, a young man who finds himself embroiled in the internal politics and growing conflict of the Miburo, a precursor to the famous Shinsengumi.

With comparisons drawn to other anime with "Blue" in the title, such as Blue Lock and Blue Exorcist, Blue Miburo stands out by rooting itself in historical events, while adding the flair of traditional shounen storytelling. But how does this first episode stack up? Let’s dive into the details.

Historical and Fictional Blend: The Shinsengumi Storyline

At its core, Blue Miburo offers a reinterpretation of the Shinsengumi’s story, centering around Nio’s journey into the ranks of this elite group of warriors. The Shinsengumi, known for their staunch loyalty to the Shogunate during Japan’s Bakumatsu period, have been a recurring subject in anime, portrayed in series like Rurouni Kenshin, Peacemaker Kurogane, and Gintama. In Blue Miburo, the anime leans heavily on this familiar setting but gives it a modern anime touch with stylized battles and character dynamics.

Nio, a sharp-eyed and kind-hearted young man, becomes entangled in the complex world of these warriors, quickly proving his value to the group with his ability to see through people’s motives and his unassuming combat skills. The show balances his naivety and courage well, offering a protagonist that feels grounded while fitting into the larger-than-life world of the Shinsengumi.

Character Introductions: Meeting the Legendary Shinsengumi

Episode 1 introduces us to some key historical figures who will play significant roles in the series. Shinpachi Nagakura, Soji Okita, and the feared leader Toshizo Hijikata make appearances, setting up an exciting foundation for the story. Their character designs and personalities fit well within the anime style, offering moments of levity, camaraderie, and seriousness that paint a picture of their personalities and the challenges they face.

Shinpachi, voiced by the ever-charismatic Kenjirou Tsuda, stands out in particular. Tsuda’s deep voice brings a gravitas to the character, adding weight to his leadership and presence within the group. The Shinsengumi characters in Blue Miburo are portrayed as more than just warriors—they are men bound by honor, loyalty, and a sense of duty, which immediately draws viewers into their cause.

Animation and Art Style: Striking but Familiar

Visually, Blue Miburo does not disappoint. The animation captures the grittiness of historical Japan, with dark, earthy tones contrasting with the bright cherry blossoms that frequently serve as a visual motif. The action scenes, while not over the top, are solid and grounded, helping to build the realism of the period setting. However, there are some missed opportunities, such as the decision to skip an epic fight with the kidnappers, opting instead for a time jump that left some viewers feeling short-changed. Despite this, the episode as a whole is visually appealing and stays true to the tone of historical anime.

The character designs, especially for Nio and the central Shinsengumi characters, are well done, giving them a distinct look that fans of shounen and historical anime alike will appreciate. The uniforms and traditional clothing are meticulously detailed, which helps to set the time period and mood.

A Touch of Romance and Honor: The Shinsengumi Legacy

One question many viewers may have is why the Shinsengumi are so frequently romanticized in anime. While they were a real group of samurai warriors who fought for the Shogunate during the Meiji Restoration, their often tragic fate, strict code of honor, and unwavering loyalty have made them compelling figures in Japanese culture. This has been further enhanced by popular media, portraying them as noble, tragic heroes who fought for a lost cause.

In Blue Miburo, the Shinsengumi are given a similar treatment. Nio’s interactions with these warriors highlight their values and sense of duty. The show touches on the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and brotherhood, which are the cornerstones of Shinsengumi-based stories. Whether or not these romanticized portrayals are historically accurate, they certainly resonate with audiences looking for tales of honor and conflict.

The Pacing and Plot Setup

Episode 1 of Blue Miburo does a good job setting up the larger story but struggles a bit with pacing. While the episode introduces several new characters and establishes the world, it rushes through some key plot points. For instance, the kidnappers’ subplot, which could have been an exciting action set piece, is glossed over, with the resolution happening off-screen. This detracts from the impact of what could have been a crucial character-building moment for Nio and the other Shinsengumi members.

That said, the episode ends on a high note, leaving viewers intrigued by Nio’s future within the Miburo. His decision to leave his family behind to join the warriors might seem sudden, but it sets up an interesting arc for his character as he navigates the complexities of being a part of such a legendary group.

OP and ED: SPYAIR’s Influence

Fans of the music group SPYAIR, known for their contributions to anime like Gintama, will be pleased to hear their presence in Blue Miburo. The opening theme captures the energy and honor of the Shinsengumi, while the ending theme slows things down with a more reflective tone. Both songs suit the series well and help to enhance the emotional stakes of the story.

Final Thoughts

Blue Miburo starts off strong, introducing a rich historical setting and compelling characters while setting the stage for what could be an engaging and action-packed series. While the pacing feels rushed at times, and some moments could have benefitted from more screen time, the first episode lays a solid foundation.

If you're a fan of historical anime, particularly those featuring the Shinsengumi, Blue Miburo is a promising addition to the genre. The combination of well-known historical figures, a likable protagonist, and stylish animation makes it worth keeping an eye on. Just be prepared for a few missed opportunities in the storytelling along the way.

For viewers wondering how Blue Miburo fits into the "Blue" lineup of anime, you can rest assured that each series—whether it’s Blue Lock, Blue Exorcist, or Blue Miburo—stands on its own, with no required viewing order between them. Each “Blue” series offers a unique experience, and Blue Miburo is set to carve out its own legacy in the historical action genre.