Fran is a perfect combination of moe and badass. She is cute, yet ruthless. I totally enjoy seeing her grow in strength and as a person and her VA totally nails the role.
Her VA (Ai Kakuma) is the same as Eris from Mushoku Tensei (Jobless Reincarnation). Side note Shishou's VA is Shinichiro Miki, who probably best known for voicing Assassin of Fate Stay Night and Urahara in Bleach.
the title says it all. a sword dad tagging along with a cute, rather childishly impulsive cat girl daughter on adventures, with a elf who wants to be fran's momma. an overzealous orc uncle, a sadistic receptionist and the usual isekai foibles. the show is fun for its own sakes and i dig it. It has the vibes of another parent-child LN called Isekai Yuururi Kikou (where our lead dies, becomes a sort of wind elf and takes care of two children (like a older brother) and has many strong beats as pets. Helps out a noble who sort of become the grand godparents of the two kids and they have fun exploring the world, eating new delicacies, hunting things and playing with pets.)
The sword is pretty much the Watson of this story. He's the main character and narrator, but he's not the protagonist. Fran is the equivalent of Holmes in tbis world, the story revolves around her. Fran is the protagonist
Sword Dad and Murder Kitten is in my top 5 Isekai series, and is probably the most wholesome while still good series of the genre. The relationship between Shishou and Fran is ABSOLUTELY the reason to continue the story, and at no point does the story ever lose sight of that. It DOES focus a bit on the various relationships and friendships Fran develops with other characters, but Fran would literally not trade Shishou for anything in the world, and Shishou would do almost anything for Fran's sake. And throughout all of their travels and with each person they meet, Shishou is always focused on Fran's wellbeing and how he can help her grow not just into a powerful adventurer but also as a good, well-rounded, and happy person. It's also the only anime where I feel like I know with absolute certainty that the father/daughter dynamic will NOT become something ... else.
I absolutely adore all the introspection sword dad goes through while reading the light novel just looking at his precious little Fran and wanting the best for her in the sweetest way possible. It's so wholesome
The Wholesome dynamic is a breath of fresh air for the genre. the only other series I can think that comes close the the same wholesomeness to anime action insanity is "Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense" and that's technically a VR series, but the isekai tropes surrounding an wholesome future walking calamity have a similar vibe.
@@OrdoBeron Bofuri was a thoroughly enjoyable watch. I think we're also getting a season 2 of that show pretty soon as well, which I'm really excited for.
Oh god, the "no hands" joke. Too far man. That scene and the Blue Cat scene really do show that this show isn't afraid to not pull punches and just be full on brutal though.
Until he gets a shapeshifter ability like Rimuru and it's just Slime all over again... To be clear, I love Slime and Rimuru as a character, but I can also agree that the harem trope in isekai is annoying...
@@GlassReflection thankfully Rimuru tries to put attention to other more important things instead of the harem. I too was getting tired of Isekai anime because of the harem tropes they just shoved into those stories.
@@GlassReflection It is never said outright in the anime, but in th LN Seishou thinks about romantic relations on a few occassions and states it is not there: sexual attraction or a need for romance. Potential spoiler, but 11 volumes in, still no sign of a harem and he can make human clones of himself which he rarely uses.
@@neillocke7429 Anime-only watchers: Usagi Drop? Oh yeah, that show was so nice and wholesome and...wait, there was a manga - Mange readers: A dream, a terrible dream!
Forget adventure and found family, the real reason to read/watch this series is the catharsis of seeing people who underestimate Fran pick fights with her and get their shins hacked off.
Ah yes, the true natural justice of the world: the assholes being removed from the gene pool by way of murderkitten (including the handful spared long enough to have their skills stolen).
I feel the series was written as a bait-and-switch with it's Isekai title when it's actually a really unique and endearing fantasy story. There's no self-insert MC, no egregious power fantasy, no harem, and I even forgot it was an Isekai while I was watching. It's just like a really fresh-feeling anime with good elements. Besides the likability of Fran and her dad, I also had a lot of fun watching them execute "JoJo moments" where they pull off some clever strategy to win - which is just so much more satisfying than just resorting to a hidden power-up or being OP as hell.
I think it's really funny you mention this because it really does seem less like an isekai and more of a fantsay story with a sentient sword who loves their wielder as their daughter.
ngl, outside of the intro, the sudden flashbacks, and his knowledge of food from his world, this could've just been a regular fantasy show, still, the food could still exist in that world on it's own, hell, it could just a reincarnation show, where it just turns out he is a reincarnated being originally from that world, im so far an anime only so idk if it'll delve deeper or not, but so far it just seems that threw in those scenes of him dying, just to be able to use the isekai tag
yea i wasn't sure about his one either at first, luckily the show got my attention on episode one!! Fran is such an adorable and bad ass character! And i'm sooo glad that the relationship between Fran and sword dad isn't disgustingly creepy old dude sleezing on a little girl!!! It's a genuine father and daughter relationship ! I love this show so much.
Fran is an utterly adorable little murder hobo!! Her love of curry and love for Shisho makes her possibly the cutest Anime character since Tsumugi from Sweetness and lighting.
Thanks I just imagined Tsumugi taking out a home invasion robber with a chef's knife, and her stuffed Mr. Galigali. I could see her pulling a sword out his fur.
yeah the lack of attention is entirely due to its hidive exclusivity. I hadn't even heard of hidive until i tried finding this anime. its a shame and a waste that no other streaming services have picked it up.
The best way I can describe this series is a "shonen isekai". No harems, no sitting around one setting for seasons on end, just a focus on the main characters getting stronger, meeting people, and seeing the world. It's honestly one of my favourites for that reason, right up there with Slime with Slime being a lot more political even if it does suffer from some of the tropes more typical to isekai. Plus Fran is the most brutal cinnamon roll, she'll absolutely adorable one minute and slowly torture information out of someone the next. It's also nice that there's none of that self-righteous "Oh no, we can't kill these people, we have to be the good guys!" like a lot of isekai. No, Fran will absolutely kill people that need to be, or if not killing them there will be an actual reason besides that angle.
Compared to many of those paint by number isekais, the background scenes are also surprisingly diverse. No simple circular city, no generic forest X, and so on.
The first city seems to be somewhat circular but that isn't really a problem as that was a common shape for real cities. And did you notice for example the Guile cosplayer combing his hair in the background?
Considering how well received the anime and the light novel is, I have an inkling that it might receive a season 2. Edit: See! I told y'all it's coming.
I sure hope so because it seems like the anime is gonna leave off on a very specific point in the LN that while I'm excited to see animated, I desperately wanna see more after that
if that's the case, then im guessing we'll be waiting like 2-3 years or so for season 2, it is actually rare for a show to get a new season a year after the first season
I'm pretty sure it'll get a Season 2, but as Shadow Master335 said, it'll probably be a few years. The cases where you see a 2nd season earlier than a year usually is either where it was assumed beforehand that it'll be popular enough to get a 2nd season or that the original release was going to be a double season and got split in two for whatever reason, usually scheduling related.
@@MysticLuka I am in the same boat there, the part I really want to see I worry will be at the end of a season 2. There are a few moments I can think of that will be cool, but the part I am looking forward to the most is: (Spaced because it has been mentioned in episodes already, meaning context exists, and better safe than sorry about even minor spoilers) the end of the Ulmutt Dungeon and what comes of those events.
@@BlazeEmerald Going from the pace of the first season, what you're looking for shouldn't be part of season 2, but of an hypothetical season 3 ( and it would be for the best, this work deserves to not be rushed... ).
This is actually my favourite anime this season. It's not the best anime by a long shot, but it is the one I look forward the most to each week. It's an interesting premise, and Fran is just adorable, but incredibly strong. The gap moe is strong here.
i've read a decent amount of the light novels so far and i'm also personally really looking forwards to seeing parts of it animated. the latest episode's fight between Fran and Amanda was especially cool, and I appreciate that while Amanda was played up as a joke for a while, she seems to be toning back a bit and being more of a genuine mother-like figure towards Fran which is really wholesome as well. I especially like the line she gives about how Fran's mother is still alive within her or however she said it. That was also super sweet to me
@@MysticLuka my fear since it is getting a second season is the next arc is kind of boring but the one after that is one of my favorites so I hope we kind of move past the second arc and right to the third.
I love this light novel/anime. I love that it focuses more on adventure and action than setting up a harem. I love the proggression in both Fran and Teacher's combat capabilities (as the author makes sure to periodically remember us the readers that there are a LOT of characters and monster way stronger than then. And also makes sure to balance their stronger habilities with big liabilities nad limitations later on). For once in a while watching/reading an isekai I felt unsure about the MC getting to win a battle againts one of his enemies, and got interested about wich strategies they may use to overcome then. In fact, for once in a very long time I CARED about what may happen to the MC (FRAN). I love that the dynamic between the leads has no implied romance. In general, I love that they don't include any romance at all or waste time with dating and fanservice (romance scenes in isekai are usually boring since the male lead doesn't have enough personality to make the romance interesting). I love that they only keep two characters as part of the main party, which allows them to focus on their relationship and not have to give lines or time to others, which tends to slow progression a lot (especially on harem types). I love the balance between a relatively hostile world and moments of tenderness and fun. In general, I love that this author has managed to avoid the clichés that I hate the most about “isekai”. The concept may be very simple but at least it is better executed than many others that keep releasing tome after tome by putting new heroines in each volume or making the MC go and see what happened to the ones he found several volumes ago. Do you plan on reading the LN for this one?
13:14 In a similar vein, Elden Ring has a bunch of bosses that talk down to you after you beat them, but some of the strongest in the world are like, "Mad Respect." when you fell them. Is pretty cool to be recognized by the upper echelon.
This has been my favorite series to read and when i heard it has been adapted my excitement was through the roof. So far it hasn't disappointed me. I hope we can get more in the future and i will continue to read the light novels as well as the manga version. Very few series i have read has pulled me in wanting more and having to wait for the next light novel release as much as this one has
"Hey dad, look. No hands..." You evil bastard. Jokes aside, it is noted in the WN - at the spider lair - that through using Teacher, she has been acquiring and ranking the skills she's been using. While not nearly as adept as when using him, she can still use another sword without embarrassing herself now. I've only just started the "second season" of material, which carries on with the epilogue, and Fran fights tandem with the Demon Sword.
I've been reading sword for years now and am so happy to see it finial getting some of the praise it deserves. Man I need to talk about this series with someone.
So I do really like the concept of Isekai because fundamentally it's about exploring a completely different world and has the narrative advantage where the character we're following knows as much about this world as the reader making that discovery process more natural.
Excited to see the adaptations of [The Magical Revolution Of The Reincarnated Princess And The Genius Young Lady] as well as [No Longer Human in Another World], they're very good.
The japanese voice actress for Fran also voices Laplace in the mobile game Nikke and her performance in that is one of the best vocal performances I've ever heard. She's also great in sword dad! But in Nikke she's on a whole other level from the rest of the industry.
It is both refreshing that this anime deals with the issue of slavery so promptly and correctly, and sad that it's only refreshing because so many other anime have a bad habit of the main character becoming the "good" slave owner.
I also like how slavery continues to be a part of Fran's character development throughout the story. I think the scene with the blue cat was great writing.
Yea that does bother me about a lot of isekai. The MC deciding there's no issue with owning one or multiple slaves. "But it's okay, he's a kind and good owner!" Yea... still slavery...
This is what I liked about the Skeleton Knight isekai. Literally the entire plot of the first season is about trying to uncover an underground slaver ring and free everyone.
@@Sanquinity I don't really know of any isekai where the main character has slaves aside from Shield Hero and not to excuse that, but we atleast know that that's due to trust and abandonment trauma instead of really wanting to have someone serve their every whim or wanting to own a slave.
Really hope this keeps getting more seasons. This is my favorite new series this season. I'm caught up on the manga version and the series keeps getting better and better. It's a great mix of Shounen battle but with more violence and a protagonist who is willing to kill her enemies instead of the usual "friendship is magic" you see in most Shounen.
A lot dislike it because they just want 'serious' and 'realistic' storytelling. Like Mushoku Tensei... which I actually don't like that and dropped a few episodes before S1 finished because the writing just became poor and inconsistent in the 2nd cour of the season. And Grimgar, which I also hated and dropped. There's quite a few praised isekai that I dislike actually. Anyhow, as someone who just loves action-adventure, I love this. Was already reading the manga like a year before the anime came out. I like how it doesn't dwell on things too long. Pacing's solid throughout and there's an excellent mix of comedy, adorable stuff and action... and a little bit of serious stuff sprinkled here & there. Reminds me of those classic action-adventure anime from late 90's and early 2000's. And the animation's solid as well. Nothing mindblowing, but the team really tried. There's some really nice shots and almost nothing looks awkward. While I wouldn't call it top-tier, I do think it's above average in regards to the animation.
I had a realization at one point. I was watching Mushoku Tensei and I briefly forgot it was an isekai since that aspect hadn't been brought up recently. There are some amazing isekai anime out there (like Mushoku Tensei), but some of them would probably be amazing even without the being isekai.
To me, the main virtue of isekai over simple fantasy, when well done, is the opportunity it gives for organic exposition. With a main character who grew up in this fantasy world, you sometimes have to ask why they need anything explained to them. It can be done poorly, of course, but the setup for exposition is easier when the protagonist is an outsider, like the audience. After we get a feel for the world, it's often just as well if the otherworldly origins kind of fade away.
@@jamespryor5967 I can agree with this. It does make things a lot easier in the beginning. With Mushoku Tensei it feels like it only serves that purpose. Once the main character got used to the new world it just turned to a really good fantasy anime for me. In something like Honzuki no Gekokujou (Ascendance of a Bookworm) you need the main character to have that otherworldly knowledge in order for the series to work. In a series like that the isekai element is used a lot more.
Danmachi is an example of a series that could have been an Isekai but isn't, which definitely shows that modern fantasy do not need to fall into that trap. As far as this series could have just been called "The reincarnated sword" for what it really is, while we see the world from Shishuo's perspective; Meanwhile the protagonist is really Fran, the wielder of the sword. So I'm spider; so what, on the other hand is a show that actually really relies on the fact it's an Isekai, so many Isekai are Isekai for the sake of it but that particular series really goes full in on the fact that it is really a major plot point, you could not get essentially the same story by removing the Isekai element and that is what made that series... that series.
To see you still making videos speaks volumes of your love and dedication to anime. I probably would not have dropped off as rapidly as I did if people of a similar mindset were in positions to keep bringing us anime from Japan. Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do.
As someone that has LOVED the Light Novel way before the anime was even announced, I must say: You absolutely nailed every single point you make in this video. And you did that while not even having finished the second arc of the story! All the points you listed are things that will stay true, even 10 volumes into the story. Some of them will even go into more detail/focus later on. And on top of that, the series also manages to occasionally throw in some twists and unexpected turns. I'm not gonna spoil anything, as it's incredibly fun to stumble upon those moments. But the story manages to stay extremely consistent with it's own rules and established facts, but while occasionally throwing in the unexpected into the mix. And yes, Fran and Shishou are both an incredibly OP team in the series. But even 10 volumes into the story, they are still far from the top of the world. Even with all the achievements and titles they earned, with that absolutely busted skill system they have, there are still people out there that can easily bring them down. Oh and one thing you didn't mention: The series puts a lot of detail into the skill system, how it works, and how to exploit it. Shishou and Fran do combine various skills together to create new effects, come up with very interesting uses etc. As someone that loves to play video games, and occasionally also loves to BREAK video games, this is extremely fun to witness.
Dude swordsekai is one of my favorite series to read whenever. A great time for a somewhat light hearted adventure with some of those more gritty aspects that normally get swept under the rug.
Just an FYI Fran is not the "psudo protag" she is equal to if not more important then master in the story the story is not about the sword it's about fran
I still consider her such since the title focuses more on Shishou then Fran. Hence why I prefer "Sword Dad" which is still Shishou focused, but implies a Daughter character. 🙂
The sword is the main character and narrator, while Fran is the Protagonist. It's kinda like Sherlock Holmes in that regard where we see it from the Watson character.
When I started the manga, I especially began to appreciate Fran as an unlikely anti-heroine. She's adorable, smart, kind, thankful, and driven towards excellence, but she also becomes empowered to show her dark edges: what she'd use power for and what attitude she can afford to take towards other people. The adventures she has yet to have in the anime remain a thrill so far as I have seen with the manga.
one of the reasons I decided to watch this anime is because I initially skipped on the spider isekai and later went back and loved it. So if the anime isn't about bland protagonist with a in your face fanservice harem I think I'll try it, not everything needs to reinvent the wheel, some times you just want to relax and watch anime
Fran is just the sweetest little bundle of joy ever! and seeing her getting progressively stronger with each episode but still being a kid is such a breath of fresh air
I was already a fan of the LN's and have been SO happy to see this wonderful series animated so beautifully. Fran Forever, the sweetest little death machine.
I'll be damned -- I usually try to avoid anime reviews and related channels but I really-really liked watching this video (long as I try my best to not think about 6:44, all good). Actually went nuts soon as this manga I was reading was getting an anime adaptation and it did not disappoint. Just knowing the source material alone and seeing the first trailer alone made me go AHHHHH SNAP IT'S GONNA BE GOOD, and I'm so FREAKING happy it delivered. So mad that I didn't come up with "Sword Dad" to explain it to others. I can watch a few isekais myself but to actually have one After all, I was also shaking off the case of great manga but terrible anime syndrome with a different recent isekai (Kenja no Deshi), but was also dealing with one a good cut above that was interestingly funny despite its mature themes (Skeleton Knight) but unfortunately ended because 12 episodes giveth but 12 episodes taketh. I know I definitely have become more cynical of isekais, but also have become just as cynical as any anime that introduces RPG elements... only for the main character to utterly and laugh in the face of those said systems. I'm still trying hard to figure out where my stance goes with isekais as they have been changing a bit? Most of the time it really was as mentioned in the beginning of the vid where everything feels the same but with one twist -- along with fanservice being either risque or borderline porn... just... idk man -- Reincarnating... as an Onsen, with your two favorite Samurai Swords that you fetishize over and one that can metamorph into a human, as a Level 1 weakling that becomes infinitely overpowered upon reaching Level 2, as a grandson of one -- I mean two of the most renowed mages in the world, as a hero of the Shield, as a Skeleton Knight, as a person with class changing powers in a world where your class and job are set in stone, as a villainess who ends up in a bad end from the actions of the protagonist, as a slime, as a hero considered a non-hero by the goddess and left to die in a corner of the world, as a summon where I overpowered the summoner(s) and technically tamed them, as a hero alongside my classmates but was nearly killed in a dungeon, as a spider, (These are a mix of anime and manga ones off the top of my head) So many good ones, so many bad ones. Some make me and continue to make me much more hyper-aware and critical of future isekais. I ponder whether I WANT to enjoy it. Skeleton Knight had some mature themes in it but holy crap did it have SO.. many.. laughs to it. The MC had SUCH an infectious laugh. I found myself enjoying it for being a bit lighthearted despite the mature parts of it. Then there's something like the spider one -- which I enjoyed it to an extent... least until it felt like it genre shifted and felt sorta a simple case of MC too strong for the plot and it lessened its lightheartedness a bit, only making me MORE disinterested (in its defense though, people seem to have felt the anime adaptation TRASHED on it and was not executed properly, possibly leading to that conclusion). I feel like I don't do this with other genres, save for Sports anime (screw any powerups or comebacks that feel like ridiculous asspulls or the MC powering up WAY too fast than they should have) but I guess in the midst of typing it and this vid, I AM one of those people who look at isekais negatively, but will still watch a fair amount -- SOME of them have me questioning why I'm still watching it (Kenja no Deshi, watched to completion) or some I just dropped without giving it a second thought (which none surprisingly are coming to mind rn). Here's to hoping that the isekai genre continues busting out good stuff though. 👍 The only reason for me to not watch one nowadays feels more so the sub-genres being disinteresting either in general or at the time (I stopped watching and came back to the "killing slimes for 300 years and max'd my level" because its slice of life angle wasn't something I was feeling during the time of first watch for instance)
the fans got a story about a goofy/cute duo facing impossible odds and coming out on top with teamwork and skill. the animators have a chance to animate a little cat-girl being wholesome and cute. the fans want a story about a cat-girl being wholesome and cute. the fans want a story about a dad being wholesome and goofy. this story must continue.
Oh hey, I remember when this anime was just a light novel. Discovered the series from a crossover fanfic of all things and started looking for the books proper because the idea if the MC being a sword seemed rather cool. Didn't realize it actually got an anime adaptation tho.
Isekai is a subgenre for the fantasy genre in anime. There's a sub-subgenre within isekai subgenre, called villainess isekai. Keep an eye out for them because they can be actually surprisingly solid.
This show made me finally read a manga for the first time. After watching the anime i just NEEDED to see more Fran and where the story will go. And it does not disappoint. I really really hope they'll make more seasons. Fran deserves it!!!
I too will continue to watch Sword Dad, and hope that we get more of Sword Dad in the future. Also I am absolutely steeling what you have called it.. because it is easier than the actual name.
I'm not going to pretend that the sinful glut of bullshit Isekai is not a rampant problem in the industry, but when isekai hits highs, they are spectacular highs. Truly some of my favorite shows in the last 10 years have been isekai.
@@LimeyLassen I watch every isekai for this reason. also I read this one years ago so I knew, but there are many that catch me off guard. Otome game from a couple seasons ago was a trip with such amazing voice acting and scripting that it more than made up for the lower tier animation, the villainess anime this season has been actually hilarious and while the final arc is weaker, is still great. eminence in shadow is a massive shitpost and I love it.
@@ShadowAraun otome game has its BS isekai foibles but Leon is such a chad(who effectively reverses the entire premise of the land almost singlehandedly) that I can forgive it being this way as he calls out most of the BS straight up.
I reached that point of stop worrying a few years ago, by reading the novels and manga adaptations (i got good at filtering stories from their first chapters) Glad to see the anime watchers are reaching that point too
Glad to see this show getting more recognition. As you said, its probably not going to be "anime of the year" or anything crazy like that, but its a nice show that knows its audience and gives them a good time. (Also the first series I took up the light novel for when trying to buy the manga! A tragic but ultimately worthwhile mistake~)
Considering that we had two, TWO, isekai this year that essentially endorsed/encouraged slavery and turned the female slaves bought by the MC into sexualized love interest simps for said MC, this one really was a breath of fresh air. Not only was the slaver swiftly and appropriately dealt with (rather than collaborated with) the *cat girl slave* who in any other typical story would be prime fodder for lewding was actually NOT sexualized and became the the protagonist in her own right. And the cherry on top is the *genuine* father-daughter relationship that cannot (on account of him being a sword) and will not become a gross husbandry romantic relationship.
Ok I'm going to blow your mind here. Fran is literally catgirl Denji. The reason for Fran's optimistic outlook is the same reason Denji is so happy to get sleep in a bed and eat jam. The manga for sword dad is great and so is the much more silly side manga where sword dad and fran get isekaied again.
you made me puke in my mouth and actively made my day worse....with an internet comment. This is so bad i cant even troll you, just wanna let you know.
Unpopular opinion here but I'm gonna have to disagree. From what I've seen of Chainsaw man already, Denji is kinda annoying. I don't dislike him but I don't really like him either, whereas Fran is a relatively straightforward but instantly likable character
@@albertanmotorcyclist6419 Denji is a horny teenager while Fran is an adorable catgirl. Also Chainsaw Man is more a grey and grey morality world with strong lean towards the black. So those are quite a few thematic and character changes to make you loathe Denji and adore Fran. A character can be very similar in one aspect yet very different in others. Denji has a junk and often thinks with it. That's a big enough difference already. OP assumed that since Chainsaw Man is really popular this comparison would come over really well. It was a miss in your case.
@@albertanmotorcyclist6419 Pretty sure they were specifically talking about the aspect they pointed out, that they both have shit origins, which lets them look at the world positively because everything is upwards after rockbottom
@@albertanmotorcyclist6419 I'd definitely say that Fran is a far more immediately likeable character, but as a manga reader, I think most people will come to like Denji to some extent. Even if he's a horny bastard, he's mostly a horny bastard out of a deep misunderstanding of who he is and what he wants in life.
It's one of my Favorit Light Novels and the anime does a good job adapting it (Anime is currently in volume 2 of the novel). Fran the real protagonist is just so cute and savage when she needs to be. She is just one of my favorit chracters, and I like that even if she is a nice person doesn't mean that she has no problem killing when the person is evil. And it's such a wholesome father-daughter relationship and at the same time a bit of a teacher-apprentice relationship. And it's also nice that she doesn't always win easily or that she maybe even loses the fight. Also I was born for curry and I hope we get more seasons.
Yer Fran is something. It isn't really shown here but she isn't completely un-tainted by her time as a slave. She has a few beserk buttons. The first is anything to do with Blue Cats as we have already seen. The second is insulting Teacher. The third is implying they are going to make her a slave again. Along with that she really is an adorable murder hobo. She is ruthless. And well lets just say her having healing abilities is not a good thing for people that draw her wrath. As somehow I think her usage of them would make the Medic proud.
I like that the show has both brawl out fights and fights that can only be won through tactical analysis and wits. Then there is the "chop the bad guy in half right where he stand 'cause fool be running his mouth too much." All in all, definitely a show I'd want to have a second season/read the source material (the art is very clean).
Sword dad and cat daughter immediately caught my interests in just the first and second episodes. A great mix of wholesomeness, (a bit) dark, drama, adventure. Also, who wouldn't wanna protecc Fran? Though she could fight for herself, she's too precious not to be worried about. 😄
I started reading the LN's after watching episode 1 because the animation and characters of Fran and sword dad really appealed to me. Very fun read as well and the anime is fantastic so far
So having finished the 6th "Light novel", it only keeps getting better so far and it's doing a really good job of not leaving loose threads. But I think Fran's simple Stoic, Direct, good girl nature and her two desires, "Make People respect Black Cats again" and "delicious food" work really well as a direct guide of the narrative. And the anime is staying pretty true to what I saw in my head as I read, maybe could use a few more of the details but good enough translating to visual format. That said... this season has made it through BOOK 1... Just 315 pages of well written content and looks to end there as they set up for their next leg of journey so no big cliff hanger(maybe a little teaser). Just think on that for a second. There are now 11 translated "light novels" on Bookwalker.
I'm pretty sure all the VTubers I watch are completely seiso, since they say so! I do love this show though, Fran is both adorable and badass, and I just get the overwhelming urge to give her headpats.
To me, the main virtue of isekai over simple fantasy, when well done, is the opportunity it gives for organic exposition. With a main character who grew up in this fantasy world, you sometimes have to ask why they need anything explained to them. It can be done poorly, of course, but the setup is easier when the protagonist is an outsider, like the audience.
What I'm enjoying, besides the dynamic of the duo, is that it doesn't shy away from just how brutal the word itself is. And while there are things like super healing to undo physical damage, there is still echoes of emotional damage that makes it feel like everyone in the world is just a little bit crazy, purely from living there. SPOILER: Like when Fran was attacked as per the ending joke, the horror on her face was real.
I agree with everything you’ve said here, finally got around to binging it today. Also just wanna say we all wanna see sword dad and Fran be sword dad and Fran THE COOKERS OF THE CURRY
I agree, most of the Charakters feel rather Real and often have a positiv and negativ side and aren't completely evil or completely good (Atleast most of the Times) same goes for Kingdoms. In most Fantasy works Human Nations are either super strong and is being super evil or they are rather weak and are super friendly for no good reason. Not here tho, which i like, the World Building Generally is very good. I say that after having read to Volume 10 of the LN
Love this show. It's got an adorable murder kitten, epic battles, well developed foes, a fantastic father/daughter dynamic between the protagonists, what else could you ask for?
completely love this series from start to finnish first series i went out of my way and got the manga cuz i did not want to wait week by week for new episodes
The fact that MC came from another world (isekai) and that MC reincarnated into a sword are both very important link in the plot and there are hints even from the Anime and early chapters although they are fully explained much further. This just shows the isekai part and the sword part are properly designed from the start which is different from many shows where those settings are just random background.
Fran is a perfect combination of moe and badass.
She is cute, yet ruthless.
I totally enjoy seeing her grow in strength and as a person and her VA totally nails the role.
She's a cat
enough said
Her VA (Ai Kakuma) is the same as Eris from Mushoku Tensei (Jobless Reincarnation).
Side note Shishou's VA is Shinichiro Miki, who probably best known for voicing Assassin of Fate Stay Night and Urahara in Bleach.
the title says it all. a sword dad tagging along with a cute, rather childishly impulsive cat girl daughter on adventures, with a elf who wants to be fran's momma. an overzealous orc uncle, a sadistic receptionist and the usual isekai foibles.
the show is fun for its own sakes and i dig it. It has the vibes of another parent-child LN called Isekai Yuururi Kikou (where our lead dies, becomes a sort of wind elf and takes care of two children (like a older brother) and has many strong beats as pets. Helps out a noble who sort of become the grand godparents of the two kids and they have fun exploring the world, eating new delicacies, hunting things and playing with pets.)
@@RedDrake110 Nel is not sadistic, but vindictive. Big distinction.
Never, ever, EVER.... forget the Curry Dance
The sword is pretty much the Watson of this story. He's the main character and narrator, but he's not the protagonist. Fran is the equivalent of Holmes in tbis world, the story revolves around her. Fran is the protagonist
Very well put... I hadn't thought of it until you mentioned it. But yes, that's the perfect way to describe their place in the story.
Top nep
He's not the protagonist, he's the PoV
We may very well have stumbled upon the ending though.
Fran dies of old age and Sensei gets passed down to Fran's descendants.
@@mariokarter13 that would be a great setup
Sword Dad and Murder Kitten is in my top 5 Isekai series, and is probably the most wholesome while still good series of the genre. The relationship between Shishou and Fran is ABSOLUTELY the reason to continue the story, and at no point does the story ever lose sight of that. It DOES focus a bit on the various relationships and friendships Fran develops with other characters, but Fran would literally not trade Shishou for anything in the world, and Shishou would do almost anything for Fran's sake. And throughout all of their travels and with each person they meet, Shishou is always focused on Fran's wellbeing and how he can help her grow not just into a powerful adventurer but also as a good, well-rounded, and happy person.
It's also the only anime where I feel like I know with absolute certainty that the father/daughter dynamic will NOT become something ... else.
Sword dad and Murder Kitten, LOL!! What a perfect nickname for this series!
I absolutely adore all the introspection sword dad goes through while reading the light novel just looking at his precious little Fran and wanting the best for her in the sweetest way possible. It's so wholesome
The Wholesome dynamic is a breath of fresh air for the genre. the only other series I can think that comes close the the same wholesomeness to anime action insanity is "Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense" and that's technically a VR series, but the isekai tropes surrounding an wholesome future walking calamity have a similar vibe.
@@OrdoBeron Bofuri was a thoroughly enjoyable watch. I think we're also getting a season 2 of that show pretty soon as well, which I'm really excited for.
@@MysticLuka New Bofuri next season I think
So what I'm getting from this is that the sword Isekai is a cut above the rest.
Shut up and take my like. Good pun
The quality really does cut down to the bone!
This anime is good no matter how you slice it
Cut it out with the puns!
Certainly way above other ridiculous Isekai LN titles like Reincarnated as Vending Machine, Panties, Onsen (hot spring) lol
Oh god, the "no hands" joke. Too far man. That scene and the Blue Cat scene really do show that this show isn't afraid to not pull punches and just be full on brutal though.
I said the same joke when that scene happned. Then I was sad because I didn't know how they would get reattached
It was rather disarming.
I absolutely adore how Yuu Tanaka takes the Araki approach to healing, where healing magic enables you to brutalize characters more
Maye, they all want to be skywalkers.^^
It took me a second for it to click. My immediate followup was 'You bastard' and a morbid chuckle.
YES. I totally agree with this.
The fact that its a wholesome father/daughter dynamic is also really nice to see
That will hopefully won't turn into a love affair like my daughter is cute I think I can destroy the demon lord.
@@Ando1428 Spoiler:
It doesn't
@@xNico1412 thats not a spoiler, that's a assurance
Finally, a male protagonist in an isekai without a harem
Until he gets a shapeshifter ability like Rimuru and it's just Slime all over again...
To be clear, I love Slime and Rimuru as a character, but I can also agree that the harem trope in isekai is annoying...
@@GlassReflection thankfully Rimuru tries to put attention to other more important things instead of the harem.
I too was getting tired of Isekai anime because of the harem tropes they just shoved into those stories.
@@GlassReflection It is never said outright in the anime, but in th LN Seishou thinks about romantic relations on a few occassions and states it is not there: sexual attraction or a need for romance. Potential spoiler, but 11 volumes in, still no sign of a harem and he can make human clones of himself which he rarely uses.
@@pietersleijpen3662 And he's not the one who gets two wives...
@@GlassReflection what if his harem is just a bunch of lady katanas and axes
Gotta love the "dad simulator" genre. Especially when the daughter is so cute & badass.
Usagi Drop manga doesn't exist
Its just a myth
We all collectively dreamt it
@@neillocke7429
Anime-only watchers: Usagi Drop? Oh yeah, that show was so nice and wholesome and...wait, there was a manga -
Mange readers: A dream, a terrible dream!
I call this sub-genre "child adoption in another world"
I love how much Fran stands up for herself when she’s treated like shit. It’s very satisfying when she puts racists and corrupt nobles in their place.
Forget adventure and found family, the real reason to read/watch this series is the catharsis of seeing people who underestimate Fran pick fights with her and get their shins hacked off.
Ah yes, the true natural justice of the world: the assholes being removed from the gene pool by way of murderkitten (including the handful spared long enough to have their skills stolen).
I feel the series was written as a bait-and-switch with it's Isekai title when it's actually a really unique and endearing fantasy story. There's no self-insert MC, no egregious power fantasy, no harem, and I even forgot it was an Isekai while I was watching. It's just like a really fresh-feeling anime with good elements. Besides the likability of Fran and her dad, I also had a lot of fun watching them execute "JoJo moments" where they pull off some clever strategy to win - which is just so much more satisfying than just resorting to a hidden power-up or being OP as hell.
I think it's really funny you mention this because it really does seem less like an isekai and more of a fantsay story with a sentient sword who loves their wielder as their daughter.
ngl, outside of the intro, the sudden flashbacks, and his knowledge of food from his world, this could've just been a regular fantasy show, still, the food could still exist in that world on it's own, hell, it could just a reincarnation show, where it just turns out he is a reincarnated being originally from that world, im so far an anime only so idk if it'll delve deeper or not, but so far it just seems that threw in those scenes of him dying, just to be able to use the isekai tag
You’ll love this light novel! It’s great
@@MysticLuka Honestly, if you just get rid of the isekai element. Nothing would really change.
@@Ineedgames no kidding, it's an isekai in the most "technically" kind of way xD
yea i wasn't sure about his one either at first, luckily the show got my attention on episode one!! Fran is such an adorable and bad ass character! And i'm sooo glad that the relationship between Fran and sword dad isn't disgustingly creepy old dude sleezing on a little girl!!! It's a genuine father and daughter relationship ! I love this show so much.
Fran is an utterly adorable little murder hobo!! Her love of curry and love for Shisho makes her possibly the cutest Anime character since Tsumugi from Sweetness and lighting.
Thanks I just imagined Tsumugi taking out a home invasion robber with a chef's knife, and her stuffed Mr. Galigali. I could see her pulling a sword out his fur.
only way she could be more cute would be if she gave a proper "moe moe kyun". then the world would end and nobody will care. we got a 120% cuteness.
Don't forget her voice is super adorable too
@@Pomni3477 Very true! She is super cute in the light novels and manga, but the voice acting makes her even cuter!!
I was devastated this didn't get as much attention it should have thank you
Pretty sure that's because it's exclusive to hidive.
yeah the lack of attention is entirely due to its hidive exclusivity. I hadn't even heard of hidive until i tried finding this anime. its a shame and a waste that no other streaming services have picked it up.
Im a believer of Fran singing about curry supremacy!
I hope they make it to season 3-4 so we can get the cooking tournament arc!
@@rolkflameraven1483 I dont know what that is, but its sound absolutly cute as heck!
There was a whole bit in later LN volumes about people being curry converts
As a long time fan of Sword Reincarnation, I'm just happy that more people are enjoying this story. Also, yeah, Fran is here to stay lol
"Hey dad look! No Hands!!!" Fucking destroyed me, I don't care if it was too soon it was the gift I didn't know I needed
The best way I can describe this series is a "shonen isekai". No harems, no sitting around one setting for seasons on end, just a focus on the main characters getting stronger, meeting people, and seeing the world. It's honestly one of my favourites for that reason, right up there with Slime with Slime being a lot more political even if it does suffer from some of the tropes more typical to isekai.
Plus Fran is the most brutal cinnamon roll, she'll absolutely adorable one minute and slowly torture information out of someone the next.
It's also nice that there's none of that self-righteous "Oh no, we can't kill these people, we have to be the good guys!" like a lot of isekai. No, Fran will absolutely kill people that need to be, or if not killing them there will be an actual reason besides that angle.
Compared to many of those paint by number isekais, the background scenes are also surprisingly diverse. No simple circular city, no generic forest X, and so on.
The first city seems to be somewhat circular but that isn't really a problem as that was a common shape for real cities.
And did you notice for example the Guile cosplayer combing his hair in the background?
Considering how well received the anime and the light novel is, I have an inkling that it might receive a season 2.
Edit: See! I told y'all it's coming.
I sure hope so because it seems like the anime is gonna leave off on a very specific point in the LN that while I'm excited to see animated, I desperately wanna see more after that
if that's the case, then im guessing we'll be waiting like 2-3 years or so for season 2, it is actually rare for a show to get a new season a year after the first season
I'm pretty sure it'll get a Season 2, but as Shadow Master335 said, it'll probably be a few years. The cases where you see a 2nd season earlier than a year usually is either where it was assumed beforehand that it'll be popular enough to get a 2nd season or that the original release was going to be a double season and got split in two for whatever reason, usually scheduling related.
@@MysticLuka I am in the same boat there, the part I really want to see I worry will be at the end of a season 2. There are a few moments I can think of that will be cool, but the part I am looking forward to the most is: (Spaced because it has been mentioned in episodes already, meaning context exists, and better safe than sorry about even minor spoilers)
the end of the Ulmutt Dungeon and what comes of those events.
@@BlazeEmerald Going from the pace of the first season, what you're looking for shouldn't be part of season 2, but of an hypothetical season 3 ( and it would be for the best, this work deserves to not be rushed... ).
This is actually my favourite anime this season. It's not the best anime by a long shot, but it is the one I look forward the most to each week. It's an interesting premise, and Fran is just adorable, but incredibly strong. The gap moe is strong here.
i've read a decent amount of the light novels so far and i'm also personally really looking forwards to seeing parts of it animated. the latest episode's fight between Fran and Amanda was especially cool, and I appreciate that while Amanda was played up as a joke for a while, she seems to be toning back a bit and being more of a genuine mother-like figure towards Fran which is really wholesome as well. I especially like the line she gives about how Fran's mother is still alive within her or however she said it. That was also super sweet to me
@@MysticLuka my fear since it is getting a second season is the next arc is kind of boring but the one after that is one of my favorites so I hope we kind of move past the second arc and right to the third.
@@hamiamsandwitch6571 Boring? You talking the Twins or Jean? Because Jean du Vix. is many things, but boring is not one of them.
@@rolkflameraven1483 jean is boring least favorite arc for me
I love this light novel/anime.
I love that it focuses more on adventure and action than setting up a harem.
I love the proggression in both Fran and Teacher's combat capabilities (as the author makes sure to periodically remember us the readers that there are a LOT of characters and monster way stronger than then. And also makes sure to balance their stronger habilities with big liabilities nad limitations later on). For once in a while watching/reading an isekai I felt unsure about the MC getting to win a battle againts one of his enemies, and got interested about wich strategies they may use to overcome then. In fact, for once in a very long time I CARED about what may happen to the MC (FRAN).
I love that the dynamic between the leads has no implied romance. In general, I love that they don't include any romance at all or waste time with dating and fanservice (romance scenes in isekai are usually boring since the male lead doesn't have enough personality to make the romance interesting).
I love that they only keep two characters as part of the main party, which allows them to focus on their relationship and not have to give lines or time to others, which tends to slow progression a lot (especially on harem types).
I love the balance between a relatively hostile world and moments of tenderness and fun.
In general, I love that this author has managed to avoid the clichés that I hate the most about “isekai”. The concept may be very simple but at least it is better executed than many others that keep releasing tome after tome by putting new heroines in each volume or making the MC go and see what happened to the ones he found several volumes ago.
Do you plan on reading the LN for this one?
13:14 In a similar vein, Elden Ring has a bunch of bosses that talk down to you after you beat them, but some of the strongest in the world are like, "Mad Respect." when you fell them. Is pretty cool to be recognized by the upper echelon.
sword dad is also analytical while Fran is instinctual so they both contribute
4:23 the smile on your face when its about to transition to the clip is great
This has been my favorite series to read and when i heard it has been adapted my excitement was through the roof. So far it hasn't disappointed me. I hope we can get more in the future and i will continue to read the light novels as well as the manga version. Very few series i have read has pulled me in wanting more and having to wait for the next light novel release as much as this one has
"Hey dad, look. No hands..." You evil bastard.
Jokes aside, it is noted in the WN - at the spider lair - that through using Teacher, she has been acquiring and ranking the skills she's been using. While not nearly as adept as when using him, she can still use another sword without embarrassing herself now.
I've only just started the "second season" of material, which carries on with the epilogue, and Fran fights tandem with the Demon Sword.
I've been reading sword for years now and am so happy to see it finial getting some of the praise it deserves. Man I need to talk about this series with someone.
So I do really like the concept of Isekai because fundamentally it's about exploring a completely different world and has the narrative advantage where the character we're following knows as much about this world as the reader making that discovery process more natural.
Excited to see the adaptations of [The Magical Revolution Of The Reincarnated Princess And The Genius Young Lady] as well as [No Longer Human in Another World], they're very good.
Fran is a wonderful combination of cute and killer, just like actual cats.
The japanese voice actress for Fran also voices Laplace in the mobile game Nikke and her performance in that is one of the best vocal performances I've ever heard.
She's also great in sword dad! But in Nikke she's on a whole other level from the rest of the industry.
It is both refreshing that this anime deals with the issue of slavery so promptly and correctly, and sad that it's only refreshing because so many other anime have a bad habit of the main character becoming the "good" slave owner.
I also like how slavery continues to be a part of Fran's character development throughout the story. I think the scene with the blue cat was great writing.
Yea that does bother me about a lot of isekai. The MC deciding there's no issue with owning one or multiple slaves. "But it's okay, he's a kind and good owner!" Yea... still slavery...
This is what I liked about the Skeleton Knight isekai. Literally the entire plot of the first season is about trying to uncover an underground slaver ring and free everyone.
Yeah. Even Overlord, *which has a literal villain protagonist*, at least tries to be better in that regard.
@@Sanquinity I don't really know of any isekai where the main character has slaves aside from Shield Hero and not to excuse that, but we atleast know that that's due to trust and abandonment trauma instead of really wanting to have someone serve their every whim or wanting to own a slave.
Sword Dad and Badass Cat Daughter is definitely one of my favorites this season.
Try "Murder Kitten", it's shorter, apt, and sounds cooler.
This one is definitely in my top 5 for Isekais! Love Fran, can't wait to see what happens in season 2
You're a dad? Nice!
I'm happy for you!
Really hope this keeps getting more seasons. This is my favorite new series this season. I'm caught up on the manga version and the series keeps getting better and better. It's a great mix of Shounen battle but with more violence and a protagonist who is willing to kill her enemies instead of the usual "friendship is magic" you see in most Shounen.
Finally! An Isekai where the slave is freed and the slavers are brutally murdered!
Wonder if you'll like that part of Akame ga Kill, the main character cast is generally very brutal about justice.
@@weeveferrelaine6973 Don't remind me of one justice obsessed woman voiced by Kana Hanazawa though...
@@weeveferrelaine6973 akame ga kill kinda trash man ngl
Arifureta had an episode about the MC and his team systemically hunting down and murdering the shit out of an entire slave ring.
You could read magi adventures of sinbad and labyrinth of magic
"I'm a dad, actually" 😀😐😳
thankfully season 2 of this anime was confirmed and greenlit
I loved the first season of this anime. I don't know why many dislike this series. The ending of the first season is so beautiful.
A lot dislike it because they just want 'serious' and 'realistic' storytelling. Like Mushoku Tensei... which I actually don't like that and dropped a few episodes before S1 finished because the writing just became poor and inconsistent in the 2nd cour of the season. And Grimgar, which I also hated and dropped. There's quite a few praised isekai that I dislike actually.
Anyhow, as someone who just loves action-adventure, I love this. Was already reading the manga like a year before the anime came out. I like how it doesn't dwell on things too long. Pacing's solid throughout and there's an excellent mix of comedy, adorable stuff and action... and a little bit of serious stuff sprinkled here & there. Reminds me of those classic action-adventure anime from late 90's and early 2000's. And the animation's solid as well. Nothing mindblowing, but the team really tried. There's some really nice shots and almost nothing looks awkward. While I wouldn't call it top-tier, I do think it's above average in regards to the animation.
Thank you. As a TenKen fan, I am happy that it gets recognition.
welcome to Fran's journey, it feels good to watch the show after a tired day
I had a realization at one point. I was watching Mushoku Tensei and I briefly forgot it was an isekai since that aspect hadn't been brought up recently. There are some amazing isekai anime out there (like Mushoku Tensei), but some of them would probably be amazing even without the being isekai.
To me, the main virtue of isekai over simple fantasy, when well done, is the opportunity it gives for organic exposition. With a main character who grew up in this fantasy world, you sometimes have to ask why they need anything explained to them. It can be done poorly, of course, but the setup for exposition is easier when the protagonist is an outsider, like the audience. After we get a feel for the world, it's often just as well if the otherworldly origins kind of fade away.
@@jamespryor5967 I can agree with this. It does make things a lot easier in the beginning. With Mushoku Tensei it feels like it only serves that purpose. Once the main character got used to the new world it just turned to a really good fantasy anime for me. In something like Honzuki no Gekokujou (Ascendance of a Bookworm) you need the main character to have that otherworldly knowledge in order for the series to work. In a series like that the isekai element is used a lot more.
Danmachi is an example of a series that could have been an Isekai but isn't, which definitely shows that modern fantasy do not need to fall into that trap.
As far as this series could have just been called "The reincarnated sword" for what it really is, while we see the world from Shishuo's perspective; Meanwhile the protagonist is really Fran, the wielder of the sword. So I'm spider; so what, on the other hand is a show that actually really relies on the fact it's an Isekai, so many Isekai are Isekai for the sake of it but that particular series really goes full in on the fact that it is really a major plot point, you could not get essentially the same story by removing the Isekai element and that is what made that series... that series.
To see you still making videos speaks volumes of your love and dedication to anime. I probably would not have dropped off as rapidly as I did if people of a similar mindset were in positions to keep bringing us anime from Japan. Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do.
Good to get used to it because god knows we're not getting any less of them season by season, gotta find some diamonds sometime
This show is definitely on my watch list, just waiting a little longer so I can binge it
It's will be nice to binge it. Waiting week after week is painful especially when a streaming service from China gets it a week early.
Just binged it. Worth the wait.
As someone that has LOVED the Light Novel way before the anime was even announced, I must say: You absolutely nailed every single point you make in this video.
And you did that while not even having finished the second arc of the story!
All the points you listed are things that will stay true, even 10 volumes into the story. Some of them will even go into more detail/focus later on. And on top of that, the series also manages to occasionally throw in some twists and unexpected turns. I'm not gonna spoil anything, as it's incredibly fun to stumble upon those moments. But the story manages to stay extremely consistent with it's own rules and established facts, but while occasionally throwing in the unexpected into the mix.
And yes, Fran and Shishou are both an incredibly OP team in the series. But even 10 volumes into the story, they are still far from the top of the world. Even with all the achievements and titles they earned, with that absolutely busted skill system they have, there are still people out there that can easily bring them down.
Oh and one thing you didn't mention: The series puts a lot of detail into the skill system, how it works, and how to exploit it. Shishou and Fran do combine various skills together to create new effects, come up with very interesting uses etc. As someone that loves to play video games, and occasionally also loves to BREAK video games, this is extremely fun to witness.
Dude swordsekai is one of my favorite series to read whenever. A great time for a somewhat light hearted adventure with some of those more gritty aspects that normally get swept under the rug.
Just an FYI Fran is not the "psudo protag" she is equal to if not more important then master in the story the story is not about the sword it's about fran
I still consider her such since the title focuses more on Shishou then Fran. Hence why I prefer "Sword Dad" which is still Shishou focused, but implies a Daughter character. 🙂
@@GlassReflection makes sense
The sword is the main character and narrator, while Fran is the Protagonist. It's kinda like Sherlock Holmes in that regard where we see it from the Watson character.
The show is also unexpectedly brutal at times. The blue cat dissection was more surprising than Denji's first kiss
When I started the manga, I especially began to appreciate Fran as an unlikely anti-heroine. She's adorable, smart, kind, thankful, and driven towards excellence, but she also becomes empowered to show her dark edges: what she'd use power for and what attitude she can afford to take towards other people. The adventures she has yet to have in the anime remain a thrill so far as I have seen with the manga.
one of the reasons I decided to watch this anime is because I initially skipped on the spider isekai and later went back and loved it. So if the anime isn't about bland protagonist with a in your face fanservice harem I think I'll try it, not everything needs to reinvent the wheel, some times you just want to relax and watch anime
Fran is just the sweetest little bundle of joy ever! and seeing her getting progressively stronger with each episode but still being a kid is such a breath of fresh air
That Tristan is a dad has aged me by eons
thank you for the video, anime dad.
I was already a fan of the LN's and have been SO happy to see this wonderful series animated so beautifully. Fran Forever, the sweetest little death machine.
I'll be damned -- I usually try to avoid anime reviews and related channels but I really-really liked watching this video (long as I try my best to not think about 6:44, all good).
Actually went nuts soon as this manga I was reading was getting an anime adaptation and it did not disappoint. Just knowing the source material alone and seeing the first trailer alone made me go AHHHHH SNAP IT'S GONNA BE GOOD, and I'm so FREAKING happy it delivered. So mad that I didn't come up with "Sword Dad" to explain it to others.
I can watch a few isekais myself but to actually have one
After all, I was also shaking off the case of great manga but terrible anime syndrome with a different recent isekai (Kenja no Deshi), but was also dealing with one a good cut above that was interestingly funny despite its mature themes (Skeleton Knight) but unfortunately ended because 12 episodes giveth but 12 episodes taketh.
I know I definitely have become more cynical of isekais, but also have become just as cynical as any anime that introduces RPG elements... only for the main character to utterly and laugh in the face of those said systems.
I'm still trying hard to figure out where my stance goes with isekais as they have been changing a bit? Most of the time it really was as mentioned in the beginning of the vid where everything feels the same but with one twist -- along with fanservice being either risque or borderline porn... just... idk man -- Reincarnating...
as an Onsen,
with your two favorite Samurai Swords that you fetishize over and one that can metamorph into a human,
as a Level 1 weakling that becomes infinitely overpowered upon reaching Level 2,
as a grandson of one -- I mean two of the most renowed mages in the world,
as a hero of the Shield,
as a Skeleton Knight,
as a person with class changing powers in a world where your class and job are set in stone,
as a villainess who ends up in a bad end from the actions of the protagonist,
as a slime,
as a hero considered a non-hero by the goddess and left to die in a corner of the world,
as a summon where I overpowered the summoner(s) and technically tamed them,
as a hero alongside my classmates but was nearly killed in a dungeon,
as a spider,
(These are a mix of anime and manga ones off the top of my head)
So many good ones, so many bad ones. Some make me and continue to make me much more hyper-aware and critical of future isekais. I ponder whether I WANT to enjoy it.
Skeleton Knight had some mature themes in it but holy crap did it have SO.. many.. laughs to it. The MC had SUCH an infectious laugh. I found myself enjoying it for being a bit lighthearted despite the mature parts of it.
Then there's something like the spider one -- which I enjoyed it to an extent... least until it felt like it genre shifted and felt sorta a simple case of MC too strong for the plot and it lessened its lightheartedness a bit, only making me MORE disinterested (in its defense though, people seem to have felt the anime adaptation TRASHED on it and was not executed properly, possibly leading to that conclusion).
I feel like I don't do this with other genres, save for Sports anime (screw any powerups or comebacks that feel like ridiculous asspulls or the MC powering up WAY too fast than they should have) but I guess in the midst of typing it and this vid, I AM one of those people who look at isekais negatively, but will still watch a fair amount -- SOME of them have me questioning why I'm still watching it (Kenja no Deshi, watched to completion) or some I just dropped without giving it a second thought (which none surprisingly are coming to mind rn).
Here's to hoping that the isekai genre continues busting out good stuff though. 👍
The only reason for me to not watch one nowadays feels more so the sub-genres being disinteresting either in general or at the time (I stopped watching and came back to the "killing slimes for 300 years and max'd my level" because its slice of life angle wasn't something I was feeling during the time of first watch for instance)
Hell yeah thanks for the video glass reflection your awesome Fran the cat is really cute and badass character of this anime.
the fans got a story about a goofy/cute duo facing impossible odds and coming out on top with teamwork and skill.
the animators have a chance to animate a little cat-girl being wholesome and cute.
the fans want a story about a cat-girl being wholesome and cute.
the fans want a story about a dad being wholesome and goofy.
this story must continue.
Oh hey, I remember when this anime was just a light novel. Discovered the series from a crossover fanfic of all things and started looking for the books proper because the idea if the MC being a sword seemed rather cool. Didn't realize it actually got an anime adaptation tho.
This show is surprising good. I brushed it off at first but I'm glad I gave it a chance
Isekai is a subgenre for the fantasy genre in anime. There's a sub-subgenre within isekai subgenre, called villainess isekai. Keep an eye out for them because they can be actually surprisingly solid.
The arcs that come after this season ends were great fun. I hope we get a season 2.
AniDB has an entry for season 2 so I'm pretty sure we will at least get that. No idea when yet, though.
This show made me finally read a manga for the first time. After watching the anime i just NEEDED to see more Fran and where the story will go. And it does not disappoint.
I really really hope they'll make more seasons.
Fran deserves it!!!
I too will continue to watch Sword Dad, and hope that we get more of Sword Dad in the future.
Also I am absolutely steeling what you have called it.. because it is easier than the actual name.
"Look dad, no hands!"
Too soon man, too soon
I'm not going to pretend that the sinful glut of bullshit Isekai is not a rampant problem in the industry, but when isekai hits highs, they are spectacular highs. Truly some of my favorite shows in the last 10 years have been isekai.
Most isekai is bad, however there's nothing else out there even similar to it. It's special like that.
@@LimeyLassen I watch every isekai for this reason. also I read this one years ago so I knew, but there are many that catch me off guard. Otome game from a couple seasons ago was a trip with such amazing voice acting and scripting that it more than made up for the lower tier animation, the villainess anime this season has been actually hilarious and while the final arc is weaker, is still great. eminence in shadow is a massive shitpost and I love it.
@@ShadowAraun otome game has its BS isekai foibles but Leon is such a chad(who effectively reverses the entire premise of the land almost singlehandedly) that I can forgive it being this way as he calls out most of the BS straight up.
@@RedDrake110 that series is one of the rare ones that is ABSOLUTELY carried by the mc. now if only he would give up trying to be a mob character.
8:35 alright, you sold me on the quire vocals
I reached that point of stop worrying a few years ago, by reading the novels and manga adaptations (i got good at filtering stories from their first chapters)
Glad to see the anime watchers are reaching that point too
I’m a web novel reader. I’ll just say you’ll get more of what you want from Sword Dad as you go along. Be it in other mediums or in animation.
Glad to see this show getting more recognition. As you said, its probably not going to be "anime of the year" or anything crazy like that, but its a nice show that knows its audience and gives them a good time.
(Also the first series I took up the light novel for when trying to buy the manga! A tragic but ultimately worthwhile mistake~)
What I thought was noticeable is that all the characters who did not give Fran the respect she deserved wound up with their legs cut off.
Considering that we had two, TWO, isekai this year that essentially endorsed/encouraged slavery and turned the female slaves bought by the MC into sexualized love interest simps for said MC, this one really was a breath of fresh air. Not only was the slaver swiftly and appropriately dealt with (rather than collaborated with) the *cat girl slave* who in any other typical story would be prime fodder for lewding was actually NOT sexualized and became the the protagonist in her own right. And the cherry on top is the *genuine* father-daughter relationship that cannot (on account of him being a sword) and will not become a gross husbandry romantic relationship.
Ok I'm going to blow your mind here. Fran is literally catgirl Denji. The reason for Fran's optimistic outlook is the same reason Denji is so happy to get sleep in a bed and eat jam. The manga for sword dad is great and so is the much more silly side manga where sword dad and fran get isekaied again.
you made me puke in my mouth and actively made my day worse....with an internet comment. This is so bad i cant even troll you, just wanna let you know.
Unpopular opinion here but I'm gonna have to disagree. From what I've seen of Chainsaw man already, Denji is kinda annoying. I don't dislike him but I don't really like him either, whereas Fran is a relatively straightforward but instantly likable character
@@albertanmotorcyclist6419 Denji is a horny teenager while Fran is an adorable catgirl. Also Chainsaw Man is more a grey and grey morality world with strong lean towards the black. So those are quite a few thematic and character changes to make you loathe Denji and adore Fran.
A character can be very similar in one aspect yet very different in others. Denji has a junk and often thinks with it. That's a big enough difference already.
OP assumed that since Chainsaw Man is really popular this comparison would come over really well. It was a miss in your case.
@@albertanmotorcyclist6419 Pretty sure they were specifically talking about the aspect they pointed out, that they both have shit origins, which lets them look at the world positively because everything is upwards after rockbottom
@@albertanmotorcyclist6419 I'd definitely say that Fran is a far more immediately likeable character, but as a manga reader, I think most people will come to like Denji to some extent. Even if he's a horny bastard, he's mostly a horny bastard out of a deep misunderstanding of who he is and what he wants in life.
It's one of my Favorit Light Novels and the anime does a good job adapting it (Anime is currently in volume 2 of the novel).
Fran the real protagonist is just so cute and savage when she needs to be.
She is just one of my favorit chracters, and I like that even if she is a nice person doesn't mean that she has no problem killing when the person is evil.
And it's such a wholesome father-daughter relationship and at the same time a bit of a teacher-apprentice relationship.
And it's also nice that she doesn't always win easily or that she maybe even loses the fight.
Also I was born for curry and I hope we get more seasons.
I've still only got mild PTSD from the hands scene. The joke got me bro.
"Hey dad look, no hands!", didn't see it coming 😂😂
Yer Fran is something. It isn't really shown here but she isn't completely un-tainted by her time as a slave. She has a few beserk buttons. The first is anything to do with Blue Cats as we have already seen. The second is insulting Teacher. The third is implying they are going to make her a slave again.
Along with that she really is an adorable murder hobo. She is ruthless. And well lets just say her having healing abilities is not a good thing for people that draw her wrath. As somehow I think her usage of them would make the Medic proud.
Isekai is my guilty pleasure. I can watch and enjoy almost any isekai shows.
I like that the show has both brawl out fights and fights that can only be won through tactical analysis and wits. Then there is the "chop the bad guy in half right where he stand 'cause fool be running his mouth too much." All in all, definitely a show I'd want to have a second season/read the source material (the art is very clean).
the ost for this anime was so good i was stunned when it came in on the first episode
Sword dad and cat daughter immediately caught my interests in just the first and second episodes. A great mix of wholesomeness, (a bit) dark, drama, adventure.
Also, who wouldn't wanna protecc Fran? Though she could fight for herself, she's too precious not to be worried about. 😄
I started reading the LN's after watching episode 1 because the animation and characters of Fran and sword dad really appealed to me. Very fun read as well and the anime is fantastic so far
So having finished the 6th "Light novel", it only keeps getting better so far and it's doing a really good job of not leaving loose threads. But I think Fran's simple Stoic, Direct, good girl nature and her two desires, "Make People respect Black Cats again" and "delicious food" work really well as a direct guide of the narrative. And the anime is staying pretty true to what I saw in my head as I read, maybe could use a few more of the details but good enough translating to visual format.
That said... this season has made it through BOOK 1... Just 315 pages of well written content and looks to end there as they set up for their next leg of journey so no big cliff hanger(maybe a little teaser). Just think on that for a second. There are now 11 translated "light novels" on Bookwalker.
It's a nice wholesome show to watch while relaxing before bed. Not everything has to be a masterpiece.
So this isn't?
@@SpikeTheWolf no. It's good but not a masterpiece. I reserve that judgement to truly unique shows.
@@mike4490 aww ok
I'm pretty sure all the VTubers I watch are completely seiso, since they say so!
I do love this show though, Fran is both adorable and badass, and I just get the overwhelming urge to give her headpats.
To me, the main virtue of isekai over simple fantasy, when well done, is the opportunity it gives for organic exposition. With a main character who grew up in this fantasy world, you sometimes have to ask why they need anything explained to them. It can be done poorly, of course, but the setup is easier when the protagonist is an outsider, like the audience.
What I'm enjoying, besides the dynamic of the duo, is that it doesn't shy away from just how brutal the word itself is. And while there are things like super healing to undo physical damage, there is still echoes of emotional damage that makes it feel like everyone in the world is just a little bit crazy, purely from living there.
SPOILER: Like when Fran was attacked as per the ending joke, the horror on her face was real.
I agree with everything you’ve said here, finally got around to binging it today. Also just wanna say we all wanna see sword dad and Fran be sword dad and Fran THE COOKERS OF THE CURRY
I agree, most of the Charakters feel rather Real and often have a positiv and negativ side and aren't completely evil or completely good (Atleast most of the Times) same goes for Kingdoms. In most Fantasy works Human Nations are either super strong and is being super evil or they are rather weak and are super friendly for no good reason. Not here tho, which i like, the World Building Generally is very good. I say that after having read to Volume 10 of the LN
really cool to hear it's getting an anime, I've been following the manga adaptation for awhile
Nice. Great review and you made me look at the relationship, not only between fran and sword dad, between the world and characters.
Love this show. It's got an adorable murder kitten, epic battles, well developed foes, a fantastic father/daughter dynamic between the protagonists, what else could you ask for?
completely love this series from start to finnish first series i went out of my way and got the manga cuz i did not want to wait week by week for new episodes
I am still waiting for the dub since it was announced. This and Shadow Garden has been my most hyped this season.
Never thought they would anime this, Noice.
The fact that MC came from another world (isekai) and that MC reincarnated into a sword are both very important link in the plot and there are hints even from the Anime and early chapters although they are fully explained much further.
This just shows the isekai part and the sword part are properly designed from the start which is different from many shows where those settings are just random background.
another isekai that I love will be out on january, i can't wait to see it animated
"Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi"
Stanley Kubrick would be proud of this title.
I leaned into it knowing that most might not get the reference. I can always try swapping it out for a more traditional title later if need be.
@@GlassReflection nooooo, the title is perfect the way it is.
season 2 was confirmed pog
i wont lie, i embraced the Isekai a long time ago. alot still have their individual merit