Engage Kiss (2022)

Director: Tomoya Tanaka
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Starring: Soma Saito, Saya Aizawa, Lynn
Episodes: 13

Synopsis:
A freelance demon hunter and his demonic partner fight against a surge of demonic activity in an independent city with access to a rare natural resource.

Impressions:
The first episode did a pretty good job of selling me on this with its cute girls and good action, but I like most people wondered why on earth a couple of hot chicks like Ayano and Kisara would be fighting over a deadbeat like Shu. Twelve episodes later and even with the in-universe rationalizations, you might still be scratching your head. It's unfortunate when your protagonist is the worst aspect of the story, but that's the hand we've been dealt. As his circumstances get explained, I started to come around a bit, only to end up hating him even more. The OP and ED would indicate a fairly lighthearted story, but drama overtakes comedy and it only caused my contempt to build. It was a chore to finish and the only thing I have to compliment in the end are the character designs and the production values, as you'd expect from A-1 Pictures. Give the first ep a whirl, then drop this series like a hot potato. If you can stand Shu, this might be worth seeing through to the end, but otherwise you'd do better to pass on it.

Rating:
50/50