Dragon, Ie wo Kau.

Dragon Goes House-Hunting

Characters

Dearia

MAIN

Letty

MAIN

Huey

SUPPORTING

Yumitsukai

SUPPORTING

Nell

SUPPORTING

Letty no Chichi

SUPPORTING

Pii-chan

SUPPORTING

Samuel Kyou

SUPPORTING

Albert

SUPPORTING

Yuusha

SUPPORTING

Kokuou

SUPPORTING

Shiro Majutsu

SUPPORTING

Varney

SUPPORTING

Thief

SUPPORTING

Narrator

BACKGROUND

Dragon Goes House-Hunting Season 1: A Whimsical Adventure in a Fantasy World

Dragon Goes House-Hunting (Japanese: Dragon, Ie o Kau.) is a delightful anime adaptation of the fantasy manga by Kawo Tanuki and Choco Aya, which aired its first season from April to June 2021. Produced by Signal.MD and directed by Haruki Kasugamori, this 12-episode series combines humor, heart, and a fresh take on the high-fantasy genre. With a unique premise centered on a cowardly dragon’s quest for a new home, Season 1 offers a lighthearted and refreshing journey that stands out in the crowded anime landscape. Here’s an in-depth look at Dragon Goes House-Hunting Season 1, exploring its story, characters, themes, and reception.

A Unique Premise: A Dragon’s Real Estate Adventure

At the heart of Dragon Goes House-Hunting is Letty, a young red dragon who defies the fearsome stereotype of his kind. Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa (Japanese) and Steven Kelly (English), Letty is timid, unable to breathe fire or fly, and far from the mighty beast his family expects him to be. After failing to guard a precious egg—stolen by a human hunter named Huey—Letty is banished from his family’s lair, forcing him to embark on a quest to find a new home in a dangerous world where dragons are seen as trophies or threats.

Enter Dearia, a powerful elf magician, architect, and self-proclaimed “Demon Lord of Real Estate” (voiced by Shunya Takahashi in Japanese and Samuel Drake in English). Dearia takes Letty under his wing, guiding him through a series of fantastical properties, from haunted mansions to trap-filled dungeons. Along the way, they’re joined by colorful companions like Nell, a runaway human princess (voiced by Kana Hanazawa in Japanese and Dawn M. Bennett in English), and Pip, a hræsvelgr chick (a giant arctic eagle) that imprints on Letty after he finds its egg. Together, this unlikely crew navigates the challenges of house-hunting in a world brimming with elves, dwarves, heroes, and monsters, all while dodging hunters and a group of comical “Heroes” who repeatedly try to slay Letty.

The show’s premise is a clever spin on the fantasy genre, blending slice-of-life comedy with RPG-inspired worldbuilding. Each episode explores a new potential home, often poking fun at real estate tropes—like fixer-uppers infested with undead squatters or overpriced apartments with nosy neighbors—while delivering a cozy, low-stakes narrative.

Characters: A Charming and Quirky Cast

The strength of Dragon Goes House-Hunting lies in its endearing characters and their chemistry. Letty, the anxious protagonist, is both relatable and frustrating. His constant fretting and lack of confidence make him an unconventional hero, but his growth and determination to find a safe haven keep viewers rooting for him. Some critics, like Caitlin Moore from Anime News Network, found Letty’s whiny nature grating at times, noting that his weaknesses can drag down the show’s momentum. However, his vulnerability adds depth, making him a refreshing departure from typical overpowered anime protagonists.

Dearia, the suave and slightly mischievous elf, steals the show with his wit and resourcefulness. His expertise in real estate and magic, combined with his playful banter with Letty, creates a dynamic that anchors the series. The English dub, praised by reviewer Mercedez Clewis for its “well-acted and solidly directed” performances, highlights the chemistry between Letty (Steven Kelly) and Dearia (Samuel Drake), making their interactions a highlight.

Supporting characters add flavor to the journey. Nell, the spoiled yet kind-hearted princess, brings a touch of chaos and growth as she learns to navigate the world beyond her royal upbringing. Pip, the adorable eagle chick, provides heartwarming moments, especially in episodes like the fifth, where Letty and Dearia search for a home for their new feathered friend. Recurring antagonists, like the bumbling “Heroes” led by a persistent fighter, add comedic tension, while cameos from characters like Varney, a cocky black dragon voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda, inject extra personality into the mix.

Themes and Style: Humor, Heart, and Fantasy Satire

Dragon Goes House-Hunting Season 1 shines as a satire of both fantasy tropes and real-world homeownership struggles. The show cleverly juxtaposes Letty’s earnest quest for a safe home with absurd situations, like navigating a fantasy IRS or surviving a siege in a king’s castle to learn about fortifications. Its humor often leans on fourth-wall-breaking gags and RPG references, though some, like Anime News Network’s Richard Eisenbeis, noted that the meta-commentary can feel overdone or out of place in the medieval setting.

The series balances its comedy with heartfelt themes of belonging and self-acceptance. Letty’s journey reflects the universal desire to find a place where one feels safe and valued, despite personal shortcomings. Episodes like the one where Letty attempts to build an igloo in a frozen tundra or takes on a job to pay for his housing dreams highlight his resilience, even if his efforts often end in hilarious failure.

Visually, the anime is serviceable but not groundbreaking. Critics like Moore pointed out the “extremely limited” animation, which relies on simple designs and minimal action. However, the colorful fantasy settings—from haunted mansions to sprawling dungeons—add charm, and the character designs by Hisashi Kagawa are expressive and fitting for the whimsical tone. The soundtrack, composed by Kyōhei Matsuno, is described as generic by some reviewers, but the opening theme captures the show’s optimistic and adventurous spirit, earning praise from fans on platforms like Reddit.

Reception: A Mixed but Underrated Gem

Dragon Goes House-Hunting Season 1 received mixed reviews but garnered a cult following for its unique premise and relaxed vibe. Mercedez Clewis of Anime News Network gave it a B grade, praising its English dub, the Letty-Dearia dynamic, and its appeal as a gateway anime for younger audiences, calling it “one of the most underrated anime from the Spring season.” Stig Høgset from THEM Anime Reviews echoed this, lauding its “snappy dialogue” and avoidance of repetitive humor, describing it as a “fun little journey.” However, some critics, like those at Getmorexp, felt Letty’s inconsistent character dragged down the show’s potential, suggesting a focus on Dearia’s perspective might have been more engaging.

On platforms like MyAnimeList, the series holds a decent rating (around 7.3/10), with fans appreciating its chill, slice-of-life approach. A Reddit post from 2024 noted its “wholesome and funny” tone, though acknowledged it’s not a “hidden gem” and may feel slow for action fans. With an IMDb rating of 6.2/10, the show’s appeal lies in its niche charm rather than universal acclaim.

Availability and Legacy

Season 1, consisting of 12 episodes, is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation, with both subbed and dubbed options. The manga, serialized in Mag Garden’s Monthly Comic Garden from 2016 to 2022, is licensed in English by Seven Seas Entertainment, with nine volumes released as of October 2022. While a second season seems unlikely due to moderate reception and the manga’s conclusion, the series left a mark for its creative premise and cozy storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Dragon Goes House-Hunting Season 1 is a quirky, feel-good anime that tackles an unconventional premise with humor and heart. While it stumbles with inconsistent comedy and limited animation, its charming characters, clever satire, and relatable themes of finding one’s place make it a worthwhile watch for fans of lighthearted fantasy. Letty’s misadventures, guided by the ever-charismatic Dearia, offer a fresh perspective on the genre, proving that even a cowardly dragon can dream of a home to call his own. For those seeking a low-stakes, whimsical escape, this underrated series is well worth a visit.

Sources:

• Anime News Network reviews and articles
• Getmorexp review
• Reddit community feedback
• MyAnimeList and IMDb ratings