Renai Boukun

Love Tyrant

Characters

Yuzu Kichougasaki

MAIN

Akane Hiyama

MAIN

Guri

MAIN

Seiji Aino

MAIN

Shikimi Shiramine

SUPPORTING

Tarou Tsuruoka

SUPPORTING

Coraly

SUPPORTING

Stolas

SUPPORTING

Akua Aino

SUPPORTING

Suou Hiyama

SUPPORTING

Maou

SUPPORTING

Tiara

SUPPORTING

Kamisama

SUPPORTING

Mari Shiina

SUPPORTING

Ameisha Kichougasaki

SUPPORTING

Nagito Kusunoki

SUPPORTING

Mavuro

BACKGROUND

Love Tyrant Season 1: A Chaotic Rom-Com with a Magical Twist

Love Tyrant (also known as Ren’ai Bōkun or The Very Lovely Tyrant of Love), is a 12-episode anime series that aired from April 6 to June 22, 2017, bringing a wild blend of romantic comedy, supernatural elements, and over-the-top humor to the screen. Adapted from Megane Mihoshi’s manga, serialized on Flex Comix’s Comic Meteor website from 2012 to 2019, the anime, produced by EMT Squared, delivers a quirky take on love and relationships through a magical notebook called the Kiss Note. Directed by Atsushi Nigorikawa, with scripts by Natsuko Takahashi and music by Monaca, Love Tyrant Season 1 is a rollercoaster of hilarity, chaos, and unexpected heart. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this anime a memorable, if somewhat niche, addition to the rom-com genre.

The Premise: A Kiss Note and a Cupid’s Blunder

At the heart of Love Tyrant is Seiji Aino, an average high school student whose life takes a dramatic turn when Guri, a mischievous cupid dressed as a shinigami, shows up at his doorstep. Guri wields the Kiss Note, a powerful notebook that forces anyone whose names are written together to kiss and fall in love, regardless of circumstances. In a classic case of divine incompetence, Guri accidentally writes Seiji’s name in the Kiss Note, putting her life on the line: if Seiji doesn’t kiss someone within 24 hours, Guri will die, and Seiji will remain a virgin forever. Panicked, Seiji sets out to kiss his longtime crush, Akane Hiyama, the school’s popular beauty, only to discover her intense yandere tendencies. Things spiral further when Guri, inspired by her love for yaoi, decides she’s also interested in Seiji, kicking off a chaotic polyamorous entanglement.

The story expands as Seiji becomes embroiled in a love square (or pentagon, at times) with Guri, Akane, Yuzu Kichougasaki (Akane’s protective half-sister), and the sadistic Shikimi Shiramine. Seiji is also tasked by Guri’s father, God, to help her understand the true meaning of love—a tall order for a cupid who treats her job like a game and prefers pairing gay couples to meet her monthly quotas. The stakes are high: those connected to Guri through the Kiss Note become minor angels, granting them immortality but not immunity to pain, and if Guri fails her duties, everyone tied to her could cease to exist.

Characters: A Colorful Cast of Chaos

Love Tyrant thrives on its eccentric characters, each bringing a distinct flavor to the comedic mayhem:

• Seiji Aino (voiced by Kenshô Ono): The reluctant protagonist, Seiji is a levelheaded teen trying to navigate the chaos around him without hurting anyone. His attempts to maintain normalcy while dodging Akane’s knives and Guri’s whims make him a relatable anchor in the absurdity.
• Guri (voiced by Yoshino Aoyama): The cupid with a penchant for yaoi and a shaky grasp of love, Guri is both endearing and infuriating. As the daughter of God and the former Lady of Hell, Mavuro, she’s a chaotic force who oscillates between angelic innocence and devilish mischief. Her journey to understand love adds a surprising layer of depth to her character.
• Akane Hiyama (voiced by Manami Numakura): The school idol and Seiji’s crush, Akane’s yandere personality emerges when she learns of his kiss with Guri, leading to violent outbursts (often involving an endless supply of knives). Her obsessive love for Seiji is both terrifying and oddly charming.
• Yuzu Kichougasaki (voiced by Yuki Nagano): Akane’s half-sister, Yuzu is shy but fiercely protective, with an unexplained ability to summon defensive barriers. Her forbidden love for Akane and growing feelings for Seiji create a complex dynamic, blending humor with emotional tension.
• Shikimi Shiramine (voiced by Yumi Hara): The sadistic wildcard, Shikimi’s manipulative schemes and torture sessions add a darker edge to the comedy. Her mysterious connection to Akane and Yuzu keeps viewers guessing.

Supporting characters like Akua, Seiji’s cold younger sister, and Stolas, a psychotic demon penguin, further amplify the show’s bizarre energy. The interactions among this ensemble drive the humor, with each episode packed with misunderstandings, jealous rages, and slapstick antics.

Themes and Style: Love, Parody, and Absurdity

Love Tyrant is a parody of romantic tropes, drawing clear inspiration from Death Note with its magical notebook and supernatural stakes, but reimagining them in a lighthearted, romantic context. The Kiss Note serves as a plot device to explore love’s complexities—obsession, jealousy, and self-discovery—while poking fun at harem anime clichés. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, leaning into exaggerated expressions, over-the-top reactions, and Guri’s obsession with boys’ love to keep the tone playful.

Visually, EMT Squared delivers vibrant animation with expressive character designs that enhance the comedy. The bright color palette and dynamic camera angles complement the chaotic energy, while Monaca’s soundtrack, including the catchy opening “Koi? De Ai? De Bōkun Desu!” by Wake Up, Girls!, sets a lively tone. Funimation’s English dub, featuring voices like Jad Saxton as Guri and Kyle Phillips as Seiji, adds a layer of charm for Western audiences.

Highlights and Reception

Season 1 shines in its early episodes, particularly the opening scene where Guri’s dramatic entrance sets the stage for the absurdity to come. Standout moments include Akane’s knife-wielding rampages, Yuzu’s barrier-fueled protectiveness, and Guri’s clueless attempts at matchmaking. Episodes like the beach trip and the school cultural festival, where the class stages a play with Akane as the prince and Shikimi as the princess, deliver peak comedic chaos. However, some fans note that the humor can feel repetitive, and the lack of deep character development or a cohesive plot may leave viewers wanting more.

The series earned a 6.3/10 on IMDb and a 6.58/10 on MyAnimeList, reflecting mixed reception. Fans praise its humor and unique premise, with some calling it a “laugh-out-loud parody” perfect for casual viewing during quarantine. Critics, however, point out that the show’s reliance on gags over story progression makes it “easily forgettable” for those seeking substance. Still, its short 24-minute episodes and 12-episode run make it an accessible binge for fans of rom-coms and harem anime.

Where to Watch and Legacy

Love Tyrant Season 1 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, with purchase options on Apple TV. It’s rated TV-14 for its suggestive humor and mild violence. While a second season has not been announced, the manga’s conclusion in 2019, with Seiji marrying Guri, Akane, and Yuzu, offers closure for fans willing to dive into the source material.

Final Thoughts

Love Tyrant Season 1 is a whirlwind of romantic absurdity, blending supernatural hijinks with harem comedy. Its strength lies in its unapologetic silliness, colorful cast, and playful take on love’s messier sides. While it may not leave a lasting mark on the anime landscape, it’s a fun, lighthearted watch for those who enjoy chaotic rom-coms with a touch of the bizarre. If you’re in the mood for a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously and delivers laughs through sheer audacity, Love Tyrant is worth a kiss—er, a watch.

Note: This article avoids spoilers beyond general plot setup and focuses on the anime’s first season. For more details on the manga’s ending or specific episodes, check out sources like Anime News Network or MyAnimeList.