“A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special: Season One” (2023-present) 

Television Series / Anime

Twelve Episodes

Created by: Takamitsu Kōno

A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special arrived on the anime scene with a hefty reputation, adapting a popular webtoon beloved for its intricate magic system, time-travel premise, and compelling character development. Season One, produced by Arvo Animation, takes on the ambitious task of translating this rich narrative into animated form. While it delivers on many fronts, presenting an engaging story with a distinct identity, it also faces the inherent challenges of adapting a lengthy source, resulting in a season that is good, but perhaps not yet great.

At its core, A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special is a tale of redemption, foresight, and the relentless pursuit of a better future. The story centers on Desir Arman, one of the last remaining mages struggling against the catastrophic Shadow Labyrinth – a desolate realm where humanity faces utter annihilation by formidable monsters. In a desperate final stand, alongside his closest companions, Desir witnesses the end of the world. However, instead of succumbing to death, he finds himself inexplicably transported back thirteen years to the moment he first enrolled in the Hebrion Academy, the continent’s most prestigious magic institution.

Armed with intimate knowledge of future events, the strengths and weaknesses of his future allies (and enemies), and a keen understanding of the Shadow Labyrinth’s mechanics, Desir makes a solemn vow: he will prevent the apocalypse. His mission involves gathering and training the future heroes who once failed, correcting past mistakes, and ensuring humanity is prepared for the inevitable invasion. This ‘returner’s’ perspective provides a fascinating narrative hook, allowing for both intense action and strategic planning, all underpinned by a palpable sense of urgency.

Season One diligently lays the groundwork for Desir’s ambitious plan. We see him systematically recruiting key individuals, not just for their raw talent but for their potential to overcome their flaws and reach their true capabilities. The early arcs focus heavily on the academy setting, which serves as a crucial training ground and a place for Desir to influence his future comrades. The battles, particularly those within the Shadow Labyrinth simulations and the real-world encounters, are generally well-choreographed and visually engaging, showcasing Desir’s unique magical analysis abilities rather than raw power.

One of the season’s strengths lies in its ability to highlight Desir’s intelligence. He isn’t overpowered in a typical fantasy sense; his advantage comes from his knowledge and his tactical mind. Watching him outmaneuver opponents or turn seemingly insurmountable odds in his favor through strategic thinking is genuinely satisfying.

However, the pacing can feel uneven at times. As with many adaptations of lengthy webtoons or light novels, the anime struggles to compress a vast amount of material into a limited number of episodes. This often results in certain plot points feeling rushed or character developments happening a little too quickly. While the core narrative beats are hit, some of the more nuanced interactions or the slower build-up of tension from the source material are inevitably condensed, which might leave viewers unfamiliar with the webtoon feeling that some emotional moments or revelations could have landed with more impact.

The ensemble cast is undoubtedly one of the anime’s biggest assets. Desir Arman is a compelling protagonist. He carries the weight of a dying world on his shoulders, but his resolve is unwavering. His interactions with his future companions – particularly Romantica Eru and Pram Schneider – form the emotional core of the series.

Romantica, initially depicted as an arrogant but gifted mage, undergoes significant growth as Desir helps her confront her insecurities and truly harness her potential. Pram, the enigmatic swordswoman, slowly opens up and reveals her strength and loyalty under Desir’s guidance. Even side characters, like the stoic Azest and the mischievous Adjest, hint at deeper backstories and significant roles to play, leaving viewers eager to see their future development.

The anime does a commendable job of showcasing the bonds forming between these characters, emphasizing teamwork and mutual support. This focus on camaraderie, rather than just individual power, is a refreshing aspect of the show.

Arvo Animation delivers a competent visual package for A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special. Character designs are faithful to the webtoon’s distinct art style, maintaining their charm and expressiveness. The magical effects are generally well-rendered, particularly when Desir employs his analysis magic, visualizing complex calculations and spell structures. The action sequences, while not consistently fluid at the highest level, are clear enough to follow the strategic ebb and flow of combat.

However, the animation doesn’t quite push any boundaries. While visually pleasing, it occasionally lacks the dynamic flair or consistent fluidity that would elevate it to a truly spectacular level. Backgrounds can sometimes appear a bit static, and certain frames might feel less polished than others. That being said, it never detracts significantly from the viewing experience, and for a series heavily reliant on dialogue and strategic thinking, the visual execution is more than adequate.

The sound design effectively complements the magical battles, with satisfying spell effects and impactful sword clashes. The voice acting, both in Japanese and English dubs, generally captures the essence of the characters, delivering lines with appropriate emotion and conviction.

The musical score by Kenta Higashioji is a highlight, featuring tracks that range from tense and dramatic during confrontations to inspiring and hopeful during moments of triumph. The opening and ending themes are also well-chosen, setting the tone for the series and providing catchy bookends to each episode.

A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special: Season One offers a solid and enjoyable entry into the world of time-traveling fantasy. Its compelling premise, intelligent protagonist, and focus on character development make it an easy recommendation for fans of the genre. While the pacing could be smoother and the animation occasionally less dynamic than some contemporaries, these are minor criticisms in the grand scheme.

The season successfully establishes Desir’s mission, introduces a fascinating cast of characters, and hints at the larger, more complex world that lies ahead. It’s a series that genuinely invests in its characters’ growth and the strategic elements of its plot. With its strong foundation, A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special has significant potential to evolve into an even more captivating anime in its subsequent seasons, provided it continues to refine its pacing and perhaps elevate its animation to match the ambition of its narrative. For now, it’s a worthwhile watch that leaves you eager for Desir Arman’s next move in his desperate bid to save humanity.