Engage Kiss

'Engage Kiss' is a romantic comedy anime set in Bayron City, an artificial island that serves as a hub of technological advancement but is plagued by the mysterious emergence of demonic entities known as D-Hazards. These supernatural threats pose a significant danger to the city's inhabitants, but to prevent widespread panic, the government has chosen to keep their existence a secret. Instead of relying on public forces, the city contracts private military companies (PMCs) to combat the D-Hazards. At the center of this story is Shu Ogata, a young man struggling to make ends meet as he runs his own PMC. Despite his financial difficulties, Shu is a skilled fighter and a compassionate individual who finds himself drawn into a unique and perilous partnership with Kisara, a demon whose powers are fueled by consuming Shu's memories through kisses. This unusual arrangement not only strengthens Kisara's abilities but also creates a deep emotional bond between the two characters. As they fight together against the relentless D-Hazards, Shu and Kisara must navigate a web of complicated relationships, including Shu's ex-girlfriends Ayano Yugiri and Sharon Holygrail, who each bring their own emotional baggage into the mix. Ayano, a childhood friend and former lover, harbors unresolved feelings for Shu, while Sharon, a powerful and enigmatic figure, adds an additional layer of complexity to the narrative. The series delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption, while unraveling the mysteries surrounding Shu's family and Kisara's true nature. What sets 'Engage Kiss' apart from other romantic comedies is its innovative premise, blending supernatural action with heartfelt romance. The memory-based power system introduces a unique dynamic to the relationship between Shu and Kisara, as every kiss comes at the cost of Shu's cherished memories. This mechanic not only drives the plot forward but also adds emotional weight to their interactions, making their bond feel genuine and deeply personal. The battles against D-Hazards are visually stunning, showcasing A-1 Pictures' signature animation quality, while the character designs by Tsunako bring a sense of vibrancy and charm to the cast. With its intricate world-building, engaging storyline, and memorable characters, 'Engage Kiss' offers a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, appealing to fans of both lighthearted romance and intense supernatural action.

'Engage Kiss' is a standout entry in the romantic comedy genre, offering a unique blend of supernatural action, witty humor, and heartfelt moments. Produced by A-1 Pictures and written by Fumiaki Maruto, the series excels in its ability to balance lighthearted romance with intense battles against demonic threats. One of the most compelling aspects of 'Engage Kiss' is its innovative premise, which centers around the memory-based power system shared by Shu Ogata and his demon partner, Kisara. This mechanic not only serves as a creative narrative device but also adds emotional depth to their relationship. Every kiss between Shu and Kisara comes at a cost—Shu's cherished memories—but it also strengthens their bond, creating a poignant exploration of love and sacrifice. Soma Saito delivers a stellar performance as Shu, capturing his charm, vulnerability, and occasional frustration with his chaotic life. Saya Aizawa shines as Kisara, bringing a perfect mix of quirkiness and strength to her role as the enigmatic demon. Their chemistry is one of the series' strongest elements, making their interactions both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The inclusion of Shu's ex-girlfriends, Ayano Yugiri and Sharon Holygrail, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Ayano represents a connection to Shu's past, embodying unresolved feelings and nostalgia, while Sharon brings a sense of mystery and power dynamics that challenge Shu's resolve. These relationships are explored with nuance, allowing the series to delve into themes of love, regret, and moving forward. However, 'Engage Kiss' is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find the plot convoluted, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the franchise or the broader context of the D-Hazard phenomenon. Certain episodes focus more on comedic antics than advancing the overarching mystery, which can lead to pacing issues. Additionally, the series occasionally struggles to balance its romantic and action elements, with some scenes feeling overly dramatic or unnecessarily drawn out. Despite these minor shortcomings, 'Engage Kiss' remains an entertaining and heartfelt series that stands out for its imaginative storytelling and memorable cast. The animation quality is consistently high, with vibrant visuals and fluid action sequences that bring the battles against D-Hazards to life. The character designs by Tsunako are both stylish and expressive, adding to the overall appeal of the series. Fans of supernatural romances will appreciate the show's ability to blend humor with emotional depth, creating a viewing experience that is both fun and thought-provoking. For those seeking a romantic comedy with a supernatural twist, 'Engage Kiss' is a worthwhile watch that offers plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and thrilling action.