Romantic Killer

Romantic Killer

Characters

Anzu Hoshino

MAIN

Riri

MAIN

Tsukasa Kazuki

MAIN

Hijiri Koganei

MAIN

Junta Hayami

MAIN

Kate

SUPPORTING

Arisa Kazuki

SUPPORTING

Ryuya

SUPPORTING

Kishi Yukana

SUPPORTING

Tsuchiya

SUPPORTING

Rena Kashiwagi

SUPPORTING

Saki Takamine

SUPPORTING

Miyoko Hoshino

SUPPORTING

Makoto Oda

SUPPORTING

Yukika Maezono

SUPPORTING

Romantic Killer Season 1: A Subversive Rom-Com That Rewrites the Rules of Love and Tropes

Romantic Killer Season 1, a 12-episode Netflix anime adapted from Wataru Momose’s manga, is a electrifying jolt to the romantic comedy genre, blending razor-sharp satire, emotional depth, and a defiant middle finger to the conventions of shoujo and otome game tropes. Released in 2022, this series doesn’t just poke fun at the clichés of romance anime—it dismantles them with a sledgehammer, rebuilding something fresh, heartfelt, and unexpectedly profound. Anchored by a protagonist who’s allergic to romance but rich in personality, Romantic Killer is a masterclass in balancing irreverent humor with a nuanced exploration of human connection, identity, and autonomy.

A Protagonist Who Defies the Shoujo Mold

At the heart of Romantic Killer is Anzu Hoshino, a high school freshman whose life revolves around three sacred pillars: video games, chocolate, and her cat, Momohiki. Voiced with chaotic brilliance by Rie Takahashi, Anzu is not your typical shoujo heroine. She’s loud, unapologetically awkward, and gloriously uninterested in romance—a stark contrast to the demure, love-obsessed leads that dominate the genre. Anzu’s priorities resonate with anyone who’s ever chosen a cozy night with snacks and a controller over the chaos of dating. Her fierce independence and refusal to be defined by romantic prospects make her a refreshing anomaly, a character who feels like a friend you’d root for in real life.

The story kicks off when Anzu’s idyllic, romance-free existence is hijacked by Riri, a magical wizard (voiced by Mikako Komatsu) who emerges from a glitchy otome game called Romantic Thriller. Riri, a pint-sized agent of chaos with a corporate agenda, confiscates Anzu’s beloved trifecta—games, chocolate, and cat—to force her into a real-life dating sim. The premise is absurd: Riri’s mission, tied to solving Japan’s declining birth rate, is to make Anzu fall in love with one of several “ikemen” (good-looking guys) thrust into her life. Anzu’s response? She declares herself a “Romantic Killer,” vowing to sabotage every contrived romantic scenario Riri throws her way. This setup alone is a stroke of genius, turning the otome game framework into a battleground where Anzu’s agency takes center stage.

Deconstructing Romance with Wit and Heart

Romantic Killer thrives on its meta-commentary, gleefully mocking the tropes that define shoujo and otome games. From the “meet-cute” where Anzu literally crashes into the brooding Tsukasa Kazuki (voiced by Yuichiro Umehara) to the forced proximity of a summer festival, the show sets up every cliché only for Anzu to obliterate it with her no-nonsense attitude. A standout moment is when Riri orchestrates a classic “kabe-don” (wall-pinning) scene, only for Anzu to call it out as manipulative nonsense. These moments are hilarious, but they also carry a deeper critique: romance, as packaged by media, often feels artificial, reducing complex human emotions to predictable scripts.

Yet, the series doesn’t just lean on parody. It surprises by weaving in genuine emotional stakes. As Anzu navigates Riri’s schemes, she forms authentic bonds with the boys—Tsukasa, the reserved heartthrob; Junta, the sweet childhood friend; and Hijiri, the arrogant rich kid. Each character is more than their archetype, with backstories that reveal vulnerabilities and complexities. Tsukasa, in particular, gets a narrative arc that tackles heavy themes like stalking and trauma, handled with a sensitivity rare for the genre. The show’s ability to pivot from slapstick comedy to moments of raw empathy—without losing its playful tone—is what elevates it beyond a simple spoof.

A Modern Lens on Relationships and Autonomy

What makes Romantic Killer truly unique is its refusal to romanticize romance itself. The series questions the societal pressure to prioritize love over personal passions, especially for young women. Anzu’s resistance to Riri’s mission isn’t just comedic defiance; it’s a statement about bodily and emotional autonomy. In a world where women are often judged by their relationship status, Anzu’s insistence on living life on her terms—chocolate and all—feels radical. The show also challenges heteronormative assumptions, subtly exploring diverse forms of connection. While Riri’s initial framing of attraction is rigidly binary, Anzu’s relationships blur the lines between platonic and romantic, suggesting that love doesn’t need to fit a mold to be meaningful.

The series also takes aim at the gamification of modern dating, using the otome game structure as a metaphor. Riri’s contrived scenarios mirror the algorithms of dating apps, where human connection is reduced to swipes and matches. Anzu’s rebellion against this system underscores a universal truth: authentic relationships can’t be engineered. Her friendships, built on mutual respect and shared quirks, contrast sharply with Riri’s manufactured “perfect” moments, making a compelling case for organic connection over scripted romance.

Visuals and Sound: A Feast of Chaos and Charm

Studio Domerica’s animation is a vibrant match for the show’s energy. The visuals are colorful and expressive, with Anzu’s over-the-top facial expressions stealing the show—think JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure levels of dramatic flair. The art style shifts seamlessly between comedic chibi gags and more grounded, emotional scenes, maintaining a dynamic flow. The soundtrack, while understated, complements the tone, with a catchy opening theme that sets the stage for Anzu’s wild ride. The voice acting is a highlight, particularly Takahashi’s ability to channel Anzu’s fiery spirit and Komatsu’s unhinged glee as Riri. Kenjiro Tsuda’s cameo as Tsuchiya, a stoic bodyguard, adds a delightful nod to his role in The Way of the Househusband, proving the cast’s versatility.

Where It Stumbles, and Where It Soars

No anime is flawless, and Romantic Killer has its hiccups. The pacing can feel uneven, especially in the latter episodes, where serious themes like sexual harassment are introduced abruptly and resolved too neatly, often through Riri’s magical intervention. This reliance on magic to tie up loose ends can feel like a cop-out, undermining the show’s otherwise grounded approach to emotional growth. Additionally, some viewers might find the lack of a definitive romantic resolution frustrating, as the season ends on an open note, with Anzu’s feelings left ambiguous. Given that the anime fully adapts the manga, which was reportedly canceled, the lack of closure is understandable but leaves you craving more.

Yet, these flaws don’t overshadow the show’s strengths. Romantic Killer excels in its character-driven storytelling. Anzu’s growth—from a stubborn loner to someone who values her friendships without compromising her identity—is deeply satisfying. The supporting cast, particularly Tsukasa and his sister Arisa, add layers of warmth and complexity. The show’s humor, rooted in Anzu’s relentless snark and Riri’s unhinged antics, keeps you laughing, while its quieter moments—like Anzu standing up for a friend or reflecting on her own values—hit you in the feels.

A Love Letter to Individuality

Romantic Killer Season 1 is a triumph because it dares to question what a romantic comedy can be. It’s not just about laughing at shoujo tropes (though it does that brilliantly); it’s about celebrating the messy, imperfect beauty of human connection. Anzu Hoshino is the hero we didn’t know we needed—a beacon for anyone who’s ever felt pressured to conform to society’s romantic playbook. By championing her right to choose her own path, the series delivers a powerful message: love, in all its forms, is most meaningful when it’s authentic.

For fans of anime like Horimiya or Fruits Basket, Romantic Killer offers a fresh spin on familiar themes, with a protagonist who’s as relatable as she is revolutionary. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best love story is the one you write for yourself—whether it involves a controller, a cat, or a bar of chocolate. While the lack of a confirmed Season 2 (as of July 2025) stings, especially with the manga’s abrupt end, this season stands tall as a bold, hilarious, and heartfelt addition to the anime landscape. Watch it, laugh, cry, and maybe rethink what “romance” really means.