Score: 6.70/10
Kenja no Mago
Synopsis
In the kingdom of Earlshide, Merlin Walford was once regarded as a national hero, hailed for both his power and achievements. Preferring a quiet life however, he secludes himself deep in the rural woods, dedicating his time to raising an orphan that he saved. This orphan is Shin, a normal salaryman in modern-day Japan who was reincarnated into Merlin's world while still retaining his past memories. As the years pass, Shin displays unparalleled talent in both magic casting and martial arts, much to Merlin's constant amazement. On his 15th birthday however, it becomes apparent that Shin only developed his combat skills and nothing else, leaving him with blatant social awkwardness, a lack of common sense, and a middling sense of responsibility. As a result, Shin enrolls in the kingdom's Magic Academy to hone his skills and mature among other teenagers. However, living a normal life is impossible, as he is established as a local celebrity almost as soon as he arrives. Kenja no Mago follows Shin Walford's high school life in the capital as he makes new friends, learns about the world, and fights off the various forces of evil surrounding him and his city. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Wise Man’s Grandchild isn’t breaking any new ground, but there’s something admirable about how well it plays to its strengths. All the isekai cliches are there: reborn in a world with magic (check), naturally overpowered protagonist (check), and convenient access to a cushy life (check). Throw in the magic school setting and we have all the ingredients for a generic magical romantic comedy. Wise Man’s Grandchild manages to be a step above generic for two primary reasons: the animation on display is impressive and the protagonist isn’t a self-absorbed jerk.
Viewers will have to fully suspend their sense of disbelief for most of this episode’s premise to work. You have to first believe that a kid can grow up around a group of adults their entire life and never ask who their caretakers are and what they do. Shin makes it to 15 years old before he finds out his uncle is the king of another country! He basically spent his entire life practicing magic in the woods and sparring with his grandpa’s friend, never once curious about the people around him. He grew up satisfied despite never exploring beyond a few miles of his own home. If you can get past that and handwave all the amenities that his convenient connections provide him, the series is otherwise a fairly charming magic school romp.
What impressed me most is the artistry behind Shin’s spells. There are three different stand-out moments in the episode, but the coolest might be young Shin battling a demon grizzly with wind spells on his shoes. The fight is pretty short, but if it’s any indication of how other battles might look, I’d stick around for that alone. Wise Man’s Grandchild might not be unique but it’s a good example of how playing to your strengths can elevate material beyond an amalgamation of cliches. We haven’t gotten to meet most of the actual supporting cast, so I’d give it at least one more episode to see if it keeps up the good will or dives face first into harem town. You can also free Kenja no Mago anime watch online and free download anime.
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