Kemono Michi: Rise Up

Kemono Michi: Rise Up is a lighthearted, amusing anime series from AT-X that aired in 2019. Originally based on a Japanese manga series of the same name, Kemono Michi features a unique combination of fantasy, drama, comedy, and pro wrestling, providing a breath of fresh air in the world of typical fantasy anime.

In this show, the protagonist is Genzo Shibata, a professional wrestler known as ‘Animal Mask’ who is renowned in the real world for his passion and skill in the ring. As a man who adores creatures of all kinds, he is fascinated by his hybrid pets – a dog named Hiroyuki and a cat named Cagematch. Genzo's life takes an unexpected turn when, during the peak of his career, he is summoned to a different world to fight monsters. A generic princess in this world seeks his help to vanquish the beasts that have been wreaking havoc. Enraged by the thought of hurting creatures, he refuses to be the princess's Beast Slayer and instead, knocks her unconscious.

Comparator to getting caught up in this dangerous beast-hunting, he decides to embrace his love for animals and opens a pet shop. He is resolute to provide a safe haven to rare and mystical creatures he witnesses in this new world. As the story unfolds, this eccentric hero meets other captivating characters, who join him on this unique journey. Each character adds a distinct flavor to the show, from the wolf-girl named Shigure to the vampire named Carmilla, furthering the narrative with their own background stories.

Kemono Michi: Rise Up is not your typical fantasy-based anime. It deviates from the usual cliched battle-oriented tales and takes the road less traveled - it uses a subversive and comedic take to tell a story of a hero with unexpected passions. It explores the unavoidable clash of cultures in this new world brimming with humans, half-human beastfolk, and terrifying demons, all seen through the lens of interspecies empathy endorsed by Genzo.

Moreover, the anime beautifully blends the components of wrestling into its narrative. The protagonist uses his wrestling moves not just in the ring but also to deal with conflicts in this new world, making the story compelling and worth watching. Not to mention, it gives a comedic touch to the series when this serious wrestler executes his signature Suplex move on the innocent princess.

At its core, Kemono Michi: Rise Up is a character-driven story, with each character's trajectory and growth adding depth to the plot. Regardless of what species they belong to, all characters have unique traits and characteristics, each adding to the overall multidimensional aspect of the series. It’s a fantastic exploration of character dynamics, interpersonal relations, and of course, the love for animals.

The animation quality is excellent, with vivid colors, engaging visuals, unique character designs, and visually comedic moments that truly capture the audience's attention. Additionally, the soundtrack enhances the overall viewing experience, fitting the silly yet serious, humorous yet dramatic moments just right. Together, the audio and visual elements work to underscore the overall whimsicality and witty undertone of the series.

In conclusion, Kemono Michi: Rise Up is a quirky yet endearing series that stretches the bounds of the traditional isekai genre, interlacing elements of pro-wrestling, beast-loving passion, and comedy into its plot. It stands as a testament to the ever-evolving anime genre, taking a fresh approach towards storytelling and character development. From anime fans to animal lovers to wrestling enthusiasts, this anime is a perfect option to explore. With an engaging narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, humor, and a diverse palate of characters, Kemono Michi: Rise Up offers an experience packed with laughter, drama, and a fascinating journey into a world of humans and mystical creatures.