Kill Blue Season 1 Review: A Second Chance at Childhood.
Another week, another anime review. With Spring being such a packed season, I still have a huge backlog to work through, and Kill Blue is next on the list. I wasn't particularly excited for it, and I didn't know much about it before pressing play. That said, it ended up being a pleasant surprise. It's a lighthearted action comedy that never overstays its welcome, making for an easy and genuinely enjoyable watch.
The story follows Juzo Ogami, a 39-year-old assassin regarded as one of the deadliest hitmen working for the Z.O.O. syndicate. During one of his assignments, he's stung by a genetically modified wasp that alters his DNA, causing his body to physically regress to the age of 13.
Unable to continue working as a hitman in his new form, Ogami is given an unusual assignment by his boss: enroll in a middle school to determine whether it's a safe environment for his daughter's future education. What begins as a routine mission soon evolves into an entertaining blend of action, comedy, and school life as the legendary assassin finds himself navigating adolescence for the first time.
Animated by Studio Cue, the first season runs for just 12 episodes, and having chosen to binge it rather than watch it weekly, it flew by remarkably quickly. Juzo is an incredibly entertaining protagonist, and much of the series' charm comes from watching a seasoned assassin awkwardly navigate the everyday realities of middle school. His interactions with the classmates he meets along the way create plenty of genuinely funny moments, while the supporting cast does an excellent job of giving the series its personality and helping the world feel lived in.
If you're going into Kill Blue expecting a fast-paced action series, you may come away disappointed, but that's simply not what the anime is trying to be. While there are several well-executed action sequences throughout the season, they're used sparingly in favour of character-driven storytelling. The real focus is Ogami discovering the joys of school life and experiencing the childhood he never had, whether through studying, sports, or the friendships he forms along the way.
The series also spends a considerable amount of time developing Ogami's relationship with Noren, the daughter of Mitsuoka Pharmaceutical's CEO, and I was pleasantly surprised by how maturely it's handled. Despite his youthful appearance, Ogami never forgets that he's a grown man, and the anime consistently reflects that awareness. The respect and restraint shown in his interactions with his classmates are genuinely refreshing, especially in a genre where stories with similar premises can sometimes venture into uncomfortable territory.
One of the things that surprised me most about Kill Blue is how sincere it is beneath all of its absurdity. While the premise naturally lends itself to comedy, the series quietly explores what it means to be given a second chance at life. For someone like Ogami, who spent decades knowing nothing but assassination, something as simple as making friends, joining a sports team, or studying for an exam becomes a genuinely meaningful experience. It's those quieter moments that give the series its heart and prevent it from feeling like just another high-concept comedy.
That said, the season isn't without its shortcomings. At times, it can feel a little episodic, with certain storylines ending almost as quickly as they begin, and those hoping for a stronger overarching narrative may find themselves wanting more. Fortunately, the likeable cast and consistently entertaining humour do more than enough to keep the momentum going, making each episode easy to jump into.
By the end of its first season, Kill Blue left me pleasantly surprised. It may not be the action-heavy assassin series its premise initially suggests, but that's ultimately to its benefit. Instead, it delivers an entertaining blend of comedy, school life, and surprisingly heartfelt character moments that never overstays its welcome. If you're looking for a light, easy-to-binge series with an unconventional premise and a genuinely likeable cast, Kill Blue is well worth your time. I'm already looking forward to seeing where Ogami's story goes next.
All 12 episodes of Kill Blue Season 1 are now streaming on Crunchyroll, and with a second season officially confirmed, there's never been a better time to jump in.
