Potion-danomi de Ikinobimasu!

I Shall Survive Using Potions!

Characters

Kaoru

MAIN

Fernand

SUPPORTING

Charles

SUPPORTING

Marine

SUPPORTING

Francette

SUPPORTING

Celestine

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Alan

SUPPORTING

Ed

SUPPORTING

Moru

SUPPORTING

Layette

SUPPORTING

Maru

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Emile

SUPPORTING

Gilda

SUPPORTING

Belle

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Runier

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Agathe

SUPPORTING

Roland

SUPPORTING

Gum

SUPPORTING

Touzoku

BACKGROUND

Heishi

BACKGROUND

Kyaku

BACKGROUND

Hector

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Carlos

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Lyodart

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Wally

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I Shall Survive Using Potions! Season 1: A Fizzy Isekai Adventure

I Shall Survive Using Potions! Season 1, which aired from October 8 to December 24, 2023, is a delightful addition to the isekai genre, blending comedy, fantasy, and a touch of chaos. Adapted from the light novel and manga of the same name by FUNA, with illustrations by Sukima, this 12-episode anime produced by Jumondou follows the spirited Kaoru Nagase as she navigates a new world armed with an overpowered potion-making ability. With a mix of clever antics, heartfelt moments, and a mischievous protagonist, Season 1 offers a lighthearted yet engaging take on the isekai formula.

A Divine Mistake and a New Beginning

The story kicks off with Kaoru Nagase, an ordinary office lady, who meets an untimely end due to a cosmic blunder by Earth’s overseeing god. A dimensional rift accidentally claims her life, and to make amends, the god offers her a second chance in the medieval-inspired world of Verny, under the watch of the goddess Celestine. Kaoru, not one to settle for a raw deal, negotiates a set of powerful perks: a youthful 15-year-old body, an item box with infinite storage, fluency in all languages (including animal tongues), and, most importantly, the ability to create potions with any effect she desires. Voiced by Rin Kusumi (Japanese) and Katie Wetch (English), Kaoru’s sharp wit and cheeky personality shine as she sets out to carve a safe, comfortable life in her new world.

However, Verny isn’t the high-fantasy realm Kaoru expected. Magic is scarce, and her potions—capable of everything from healing to granting superhuman strength—quickly make her a target for greedy nobles, ambitious royals, and scheming factions. What follows is a comedic adventure where Kaoru’s cunning and potion-crafting skills are tested as she dodges trouble, builds alliances, and accidentally becomes a legend.

Plot and Themes: Potions, Power, and Pursuit of Peace

Season 1, adapted from the early volumes of the light novel and manga, follows Kaoru’s attempts to live a quiet life while her extraordinary abilities draw unwanted attention. From healing a noble’s grandmother in the Kingdom of Balmore to thwarting the militaristic Empire of Aligot’s invasion, Kaoru’s journey is a whirlwind of escalating chaos. Key episodes highlight her resourcefulness, such as when she deciphers a crime ring’s coded message or halts an epidemic in the Kingdom of Jusral, all while trying to maintain her anonymity.

The anime leans heavily into isekai tropes but distinguishes itself with Kaoru’s proactive approach. Unlike many protagonists who stumble into heroism, Kaoru is pragmatic and strategic, using her potions to outsmart adversaries rather than overpower them. Her creations range from invisibility elixirs to youth-restoring brews, as seen when she de-ages Francette, a knight who becomes her fiercely loyal guardian. The series also explores themes of found family, as Kaoru forms bonds with characters like Emil and Belle, orphaned bodyguards, and Reiko, her foster sister.

Despite its comedic tone, the show touches on Kaoru’s deeper desires—finding love and building a legacy in a world where her immortality (an unintended side effect of befriending Celestine) makes her an outsider. This blend of humor and heart keeps the narrative engaging, though some fans noted that the anime’s cutesy art style and occasional pacing issues can detract from the story’s depth.

Characters: A Colorful Cast of Gremlins and Guardians

Kaoru is the undeniable star, a “chaotic gremlin” whose cleverness and sass make her a standout isekai protagonist. Her interactions with Celestine, the exasperated goddess who becomes her friend, add a playful dynamic. The supporting cast complements Kaoru’s antics:

• Francette (Fran): A knight de-aged to her teens by Kaoru’s potion, voiced by Moeka Koizumi. Her bloodthirsty loyalty to Kaoru provides both humor and action.
• Emil and Belle: Voiced by Haruki Iwata and others, these orphaned lovers serve as Kaoru’s bodyguards, bringing warmth to her journey.
• Roland: A noble ally and Francette’s fiancé, whose role grows as Kaoru’s influence expands.
• Reiko: Kaoru’s foster sister, adding emotional depth to the group.

The voice acting, particularly Wetch’s spirited English performance, enhances the characters’ charm, though some viewers found the cutesy designs—especially for female characters—jarring compared to the manga’s more proportionate art.

Production: A Mixed Brew

Directed by Nobuaki Nakanishi, with scripts by Takayo Ikami and music by Hiroaki Tsutsumi, the anime maintains a vibrant, if somewhat simplistic, aesthetic. The opening theme, “Tailwind” by Katagiri, and ending theme, “Love Is a Potion” by Harmoe, capture the show’s upbeat vibe. However, the animation quality drew criticism for its low-budget feel, with some fans comparing it unfavorably to other isekai like Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement, another FUNA adaptation. The rushed pacing, especially in early episodes, condenses multiple manga volumes, making Kaoru’s decisions feel abrupt compared to the light novel’s detailed introspection.

Reception and Legacy

I Shall Survive Using Potions! Season 1 earned a 6.2/10 on IMDb, reflecting a mixed but generally positive reception. Fans on platforms like MyAnimeList and Reddit praised Kaoru’s proactive nature and the show’s humor but noted its predictable isekai structure and juvenile art style as drawbacks. The series’ strength lies in its lighthearted take on the genre, appealing to viewers who enjoy FUNA’s signature blend of witty heroines and low-stakes adventure.

As of June 2025, no second season has been announced, though the ongoing light novel (10 volumes as of December 2023) and manga sequel provide ample material. The anime seems to have served as a promotional push for the source material, particularly the Hanano and Lotte’s Journey spinoff manga, which concluded in February 2025. For those eager to continue, the light novel picks up at Volume 4 post-anime, offering deeper insight into Kaoru’s decisions.

Where to Watch

Season 1 is available on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, with options for English, Japanese, and Hindi audio, plus subtitles in multiple languages. It’s also available for purchase on Apple TV and Amazon Video.

Final Thoughts

I Shall Survive Using Potions! Season 1 is a fizzy, fun isekai that doesn’t reinvent the genre but delivers a charming ride with Kaoru’s potion-fueled escapades. While it stumbles with animation and pacing, its clever protagonist and quirky humor make it a breezy watch for fans of lighthearted fantasy. Whether Kaoru will return for another season remains uncertain, but her journey in Verny leaves plenty of room for more alchemical adventures.

Sources: Wikipedia, IMDb, MyAnimeList, Anime News Network, OtakuKart