Bye Bye, Earth

Bye Bye, Earth

Characters

Belle Lablac

MAIN

Doranvi

SUPPORTING

Adonis Kuestion

SUPPORTING

Lowhide Ou

SUPPORTING

Sian Lablac

SUPPORTING

Lowhide Ou

SUPPORTING

Kitty the All

SUPPORTING

Gaff Shandy

SUPPORTING

Shelly

SUPPORTING

Guinness

SUPPORTING

Benedictine

SUPPORTING

Bye Bye, Earth Season 1: A Bewildering Yet Captivating Fantasy Odyssey

Bye Bye, Earth Season 1, which aired from July to September 2024, is an anime adaptation of Tow Ubukata’s 2000 fantasy novel series, brought to life by Liden Films. Directed by Yasuto Nishikata with scripts by Hiroyuki Yoshino and music by Kevin Penkin, this 12-episode season introduces a peculiar world where anthropomorphic animals dominate, and Belle Lablac, the sole human, embarks on a quest to uncover her origins. With a second season already aired from April to June 2025, Season 1 has sparked polarized reactions for its ambitious yet often confounding narrative. This review dives into what makes Bye Bye, Earth Season 1 a uniquely perplexing yet engaging experience, exploring its strengths, flaws, and distinctive qualities.

A World Like No Other: The Premise and Setting

Bye Bye, Earth unfolds in a post-apocalyptic fantasy realm where everyone possesses animal traits—think rabbit ears, lion manes, or snake scales—except for Belle Lablac, dubbed “Featureless” for her lack of animal characteristics. This striking premise sets Belle apart as an outcast in a society governed by cryptic rules, named swords, and a mysterious Divine Tree, Yggdrasil. Belle’s journey begins as she leaves her hometown for Schubertland to earn the title of Nomad under King Rawhide, wielding the enormous sword Runding, which she cannot use to harm others due to a magical complication. Instead, she must break her opponents’ swords, a taboo act that further alienates her.

The world-building is one of the show’s most unique aspects. It blends a musical aesthetic—battles are conducted like orchestras, with characters wielding instruments as weapons—with esoteric lore about swords that grow to reflect their owners’ dreams and ideals. The setting feels like a fever dream, with elements like flowers sprouting puppy heads or salts made from Yggdrasil’s ashes transforming people into beasts called Nidhogg. This surreal tapestry, while innovative, often leaves viewers grasping for clarity, as the show leans heavily on a “show, don’t tell” philosophy that can feel more obfuscating than intriguing.

Belle Lablac: A Resilient Yet Underdeveloped Protagonist

Belle, voiced by Ai Fairouz, is a compelling figure—a determined, sword-wielding teenager navigating a world that rejects her. Her struggle as the only human evokes parallels to real-world issues like transracial adoption or marginalization, offering a layer of thematic depth. A standout moment in Episode 1, where her mentor Sian Lablac articulates how Belle might have internalized societal prejudice, hints at the show’s potential to explore identity and belonging with nuance. However, the rapid pacing and sudden death of Sian in the same episode rob this relationship of the emotional weight it deserves, leaving Belle’s character arc feeling more functional than heartfelt.

Compared to protagonists like Chise from The Ancient Magus’ Bride, who draws viewers into her emotional world, Belle remains somewhat distant. Her resolve to find her place is clear, but the show doesn’t delve deeply enough into her inner life, making her feel more like a vehicle for the plot than a fully realized character. Still, her creative approach to combat—breaking swords rather than killing—adds a refreshing twist to the typical fantasy hero archetype, emphasizing her moral compass in a world that shuns her.

Narrative and Pacing: A Puzzle That Demands Patience

The storytelling in Bye Bye, Earth is both its greatest strength and its most glaring weakness. Adapted from roughly 40% of Ubukata’s novel, Season 1 feels like a fragmented puzzle, with each episode introducing new lore—Divine Tree conspiracies, the “Girl of Reason” title, or the significance of sword names—without sufficient explanation. The show’s refusal to spoon-feed answers can be engaging for viewers who enjoy piecing together mysteries, as one Reddit user noted, appreciating how the confusion prompts active theorizing. Yet, for many, the lack of context creates a disorienting experience, with dialogue and actions often feeling like “pseudo-philosophical ramblings” akin to a feverish JRPG.

The pacing exacerbates this issue. Episodes jump between Belle’s encounters with quirky characters—like the rabbit-boy named Kitty, whose name confusingly means “Little One” in this world—and larger battles, but the transitions feel abrupt, as if pages of the story are missing. By the season’s cliffhanger ending, which promises a major shift in the status quo, viewers are left invested but frustrated, with questions like “Why is it called Bye Bye, Earth?” or “What’s the deal with the Divine Tree?” unanswered. The announcement of a second season offers hope for resolution, but Season 1’s incomplete narrative makes it a hard sell for casual viewers.

Visuals and Sound: A Mixed Bag of Immersion

Visually, Bye Bye, Earth is serviceable but not groundbreaking. The art style, handled by Yūki Hino, is colorful and vibrant, with Belle’s “Featureless” design standing out against the anthropomorphic cast. However, the animation lacks the polish of top-tier fantasy series like Made in Abyss, and some character designs feel uninspired compared to the manga’s more organic aesthetic. The world itself, with its blend of medieval and post-apocalyptic elements, is visually intriguing but doesn’t always feel cohesive.

The audio, however, is a highlight. Kevin Penkin’s score, known for its work in Made in Abyss and Spice and Wolf, infuses the series with an ethereal, orchestral quality that elevates battles and emotional moments. The opening theme, “Faceless” by ASCA, is catchy but unremarkable, while the ending, “I LUV U 2” by LMYK, complements the show’s melancholic tone. These elements create a dynamic atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged even when the plot falters.

Themes and Symbolism: Ambitious but Obscure

Thematically, Bye Bye, Earth aims high, exploring identity, societal norms, and personal growth through Belle’s journey. The swords, inscribed with names like “nowhere” (spelled backward on Belle’s Runding) or “enola” (Sian’s sword, meaning “alone” backward), symbolize individual aspirations and isolation, a clever touch that rewards attentive viewers. The concept of breaking swords as a taboo act ties into the idea of shattering dreams, while the Divine Tree and Nidhogg transformations hint at a deeper commentary on control and rebellion. However, these themes are buried under layers of cryptic lore, making them hard to grasp without external discussions or a second season’s clarity.

The show’s attempt to tackle prejudice through Belle’s “Featureless” status is notable but falls short of nuanced portrayals in series like Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts. While it avoids oversimplifying racism, it doesn’t fully explore Belle’s experiences, leaving the social commentary feeling half-baked.

Reception and Controversy

Bye Bye, Earth has divided audiences. On MyAnimeList, reviews range from praising its unique premise and engaging mystery to decrying its incoherence and pretentiousness. One reviewer likened it to The Boy and the Heron for its delirious world-building, while another called it “utter nonsense” compared to more coherent fantasies. On X, a user (@DM_rage) expressed enthusiasm for the music and an unexpected twist, reflecting the show’s ability to captivate despite its flaws. However, the source material’s author, Tow Ubukata, carries baggage—accusations of domestic abuse (later dropped) may influence some viewers’ engagement, though this is a personal consideration.

Is It Worth Watching?

Bye Bye, Earth Season 1 is a bold, flawed experiment that will thrill some and frustrate others. Its unique world, intriguing protagonist, and stellar music make it a standout in the 2024 anime landscape, but its disjointed pacing and lack of clarity demand significant viewer effort. If you enjoy puzzle-like narratives like Serial Experiments Lain or don’t mind waiting for Season 2 to tie loose ends, Belle’s journey offers enough to warrant a watch. For those seeking immediate coherence, it may feel like a slog. Score: 6.8/10.

For more details, check out reviews on MyAnimeList or Anime News Network. Season 2, available on Crunchyroll, may provide the answers this season lacks.