Episode 1 of the Undead Girl Murder Farce anime just aired, and it certainly was an overwhelming start for the series. It introduced viewers to not just the setting of the story (where history and supernatural forces combine), but also the existence of “oni” (demons and monsters) within that time period, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. The first episode might seem a bit like an “exposition dump,” but I can assure you: it properly set up for what comes next.
Reminiscent of how Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is set in the Taisho period (1912 to 1926), Undead Girl Murder Farce is set in the Meiji period (1868 to 1912). Historically, this was a time when Japan finally opened up to the world or, more specifically, to the European powers and the United States.The anime really reflects that time period. It is also reminiscent of the spread of circus shows in Europe during that time period.
Going into episode 1, Undead Girl Murder Farce creatively introduced to us the main character Tsugaru Shinuchi, a half human-half demon who was injected with demon blood. With that, he gained an ability to be able to kill monsters, which were captured in the “Great Purge,” an initiative to round up all the monsters in Japan and Europe. However, with that ability, he was often feared by the other kids even mocked by others as a phony.
Then, we are introduced to Aya Rindo and her maid Shizuku Hasei. Rindo is an immortal, who was beheaded by the same master who injected demon blood to Tsugaru. And just like Tsugaru, Rindo wants to take avenge on that master who took away her body, as she now only exists as a head.
Episode 1 of Undead Girl Murder Farce made it very clear what the next step is: Tsugaru and Rindo forming a pact to get revenge against the master and eventually finding Rindo’s body. I think that in the first episode, it was already evident that Rindo had taken a liking for Tsugaru’s persona as a half-demon. Furthermore, she was also interested how in due time, the oni blood will take over Tsugaru, and eventually become a prime target to the police.
While there was an information overload in the first episode, I do think that Undead Girl Murder Farce is a promising title this season, as it seemingly blends perfectly historical tropes and supernatural characters in the series.
Crunchyroll is streaming the anime as part of their Fuji TV +Ultra partnership. The streaming platform describes the plot:
The 19th century — a world inhabited by vampires, golems, werewolves and other paranormal creatures. Immortal beauty and disembodied head Aya Rindo, along with half-human-half-demon “Demon Killer” Tsugaru Shunichi and her loyal maid Shizuku Hasei, travels through Europe as supernatural detective “The Cage User,” solving supernatural mysteries while she searches for her lost body.
If you liked the first episode, you can go vote for Undead Girl Murder Farce in the Summer 2023 Anime of the Week poll!
Images via Ani-One Asia
© Yugo Aosaki/Kodansha/Birdcage user and co.