Murenase! Seton Gakuen

Seton Academy: Join the Pack!

Characters

Jin Mazama

MAIN

Hitomi Hino

MAIN

Ranka Ookami

MAIN

Yukari Komori

SUPPORTING

Ruka Bandou

SUPPORTING

Caloris Amano

SUPPORTING

Kurumi Nekomai

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Shiho Ihara

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Kana Shiraumi

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An Anetani

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Miki Hadano

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Iena no Chichi

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Manako Kagami

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Iena Madaraba

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Pan Saruhara

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Man Koorimoto

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Miyubi Shishio

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Ferrill Okami

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Neku Nagashika

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Yangyang

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Gigasu Terano

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Fonfon

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Wolf Kuromori

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Chloe Mashima

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Meimei

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Seton Academy: Join the Pack! Season 1 – A Wildly Unique Anime That’s Equal Parts Hilarious and Heartfelt

Seton Academy: Join the Pack! (or Murenase! Seton Gakuen in Japanese) is a 2020 anime that takes the high school comedy genre and tosses it into a zoo-like blender, creating a delightfully bizarre mix of humor, heart, and animal facts. Adapted from Bungo Yamashita’s manga and animated by Studio Gokumi, this 12-episode series aired from January to March 2020 and offers a fresh spin on the slice-of-life and romantic comedy formulas. By setting its story in a world where humanoid animals vastly outnumber humans, the show delivers a unique premise that’s as educational as it is entertaining. But does it live up to its potential, or does it get lost in the jungle of anime tropes? Let’s dive into the wild world of Seton Academy: Join the Pack! Season 1.

The Premise: A School Where Humans Are the Minority

In a world where a declining human population has led to animals evolving into humanoid forms, Seton Academy is a prestigious institution where creatures of all species coexist. The story centers on Jin Mazama, a human with a deep-seated dislike for animals due to a childhood trauma involving a wolf pup named Ranka Okami and some aggressive bear cubs. Despite his xenophobic tendencies, Jin enrolls at Seton Academy, where he’s one of only two human students. His life takes a turn when he falls for Hitomi Hino, the other human, and reluctantly joins forces with Ranka, a pink-haired Hokkaido wolf girl desperate to form her own pack.

The trio, along with a colorful cast of animal characters, forms a cooking club, which becomes the heart of the series’ comedic and emotional moments. From field days to seaside adventures, the show explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and understanding across species, all while weaving in real-world animal trivia that adds surprising depth to its goofy exterior.

What Makes It Unique?

1. A Zoological Spin on Anime Tropes
   Seton Academy stands out for its creative blend of high school comedy and animal kingdom dynamics. Unlike typical school anime where characters are defined by archetypes (e.g., the tsundere, the shy girl), here they’re defined by their species’ traits. For example, Ranka’s face-licking greetings and pack mentality reflect real wolf behavior, while Miyubi the sloth’s frequent “deaths” from overexertion are a hilarious nod to her species’ low-energy lifestyle. The show’s commitment to incorporating accurate animal facts—such as the social structure of lion prides or the dietary quirks of koalas—makes it a stealthy educational experience.
2. Gendered Animal Designs
   One of the show’s most distinctive (and controversial) choices is its depiction of male and female animals. Male animals resemble anthropomorphic creatures, like those in Zootopia, while females are portrayed as moe-style human girls with animal ears, tails, or other features. This design choice leans heavily into fan service, which some viewers find off-putting, but it also creates a visual contrast that underscores the show’s comedic tone. It’s a bold stylistic decision that sets Seton Academy apart from other anthropomorphic anime like Beastars, which takes a more serious approach.
3. A Balance of Humor and Heart
   The series excels at balancing slapstick comedy with moments of genuine emotion. Jin’s gruff exterior and animal-hating attitude lead to hilarious clashes with Ranka’s over-the-top affection, but his gradual softening toward her and the other animals provides a satisfying character arc. The show also tackles deeper themes, like Iena the hyena’s struggle with gender identity and societal expectations, resolving them with surprising sensitivity. These moments elevate Seton Academy beyond mere gag comedy, making it a story about acceptance and growth.
4. A Diverse Cast of Characters
   The cooking club is a menagerie of quirky personalities: Yukari the koala, who loves eucalyptus (and, awkwardly, poop); Kurumi the cat, with her aloof yet affectionate demeanor; and MeiMei the panda, whose popularity stems from her species’ universal appeal. Each character’s animal traits inform their personality, creating a dynamic group that’s endlessly entertaining. The show also introduces more obscure species, like the fictional Rhinograde Hana and the vampire bat Chii (who appears briefly in the anime but is more prominent in the manga), adding layers of intrigue to the world.

Strengths of Season 1

• Top-Notch Comedy
  The humor in Seton Academy is a standout, blending physical gags, witty banter, and animal-specific jokes. Episodes like the chaotic Field Day, where Jin’s attempts to impress Hitomi are thwarted by the animal students’ wild antics, are laugh-out-loud funny. The show’s self-awareness—Jin frequently lampshades the absurdity of his situation—keeps the comedy fresh and engaging.
• Educational Value
  Each episode sprinkles in fascinating animal facts, often delivered through Jin’s encyclopedic knowledge of wildlife. Whether it’s explaining why hyenas are such efficient predators or how dolphins rest one brain hemisphere at a time, the show educates without feeling preachy. This makes it a great watch for animal lovers and curious viewers alike.
• Memorable Soundtrack
  The ending theme, “Ookami Blues” by Hina Kino (Ranka’s voice actress), is a catchy, adorable highlight that captures the show’s playful spirit. The soundtrack as a whole complements the series’ energetic vibe, making it one of the Winter 2020 season’s musical standouts.
• Character Development
  Jin’s journey from animal-hater to reluctant pack member is compelling, especially as he grapples with his feelings for both Hitomi and Ranka. Ranka’s growth from a lonely “lone wolf” to a confident leader is equally heartwarming, and the supporting cast gets their moments to shine, like Iena’s resolution of her gender identity or Chloe the zebra’s acceptance of her heritage.

Criticisms and Controversies

While Seton Academy is a fun ride, it’s not without flaws:

• Fan Service Overload
  The show’s heavy reliance on fan service, particularly in its depiction of female characters, can feel gratuitous. Scenes like Ranka being leashed or the emphasis on “moe” aesthetics may alienate viewers who prefer less sexualized content. Some critics argue this undermines the show’s otherwise progressive themes, like its exploration of gender roles through Iena.
• Inconsistent Writing
  The writing occasionally leans too heavily on anime clichés, such as the “subdued damsel” trope, which feels at odds with the show’s otherwise clever use of animal traits. The plot can also feel episodic, with some episodes lacking a strong narrative thread.
• Unresolved Cliffhanger
  The season ends on a dramatic note, with the cooking club facing a threat from Fabre Academy’s giant insect students. This cliffhanger sets up a potential second season, but as of July 2025, no renewal has been confirmed, leaving fans frustrated.
• Missed Opportunities
  Some aspects of the world, like the implications of animals having human-like lifespans or the logistics of their diets, are left unexplored. The absence of dinosaur teachers in classroom settings also feels like a missed opportunity to flesh out the school’s dynamics.

Standout Episodes

• Episode 1: “Why Females Put XXX in Their Mouths”
  The premiere sets the tone with Jin’s disastrous first day at Seton Academy, introducing Ranka and the cooking club’s chaotic formation. It’s a perfect blend of humor and world-building.
• Episode 4: “Who Was Brave?”
  The Field Day episode is a comedic highlight, showcasing the absurdity of animal instincts clashing with school activities. Jin’s attempts to win Hitomi’s affection are both hilarious and relatable.
• Episode 7: “The Wild Habits of a Troubled Animal”
  This episode dives into Iena the hyena’s struggle with gender identity, offering a surprisingly nuanced take on self-acceptance that resonates beyond the show’s comedic tone.
• Episode 12: “The Cooking Club’s Final Showdown”
  The season finale ramps up the stakes with the arrival of Team EX, leaving viewers on edge with its unresolved cliffhanger.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Seton Academy garnered mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its humor and animal trivia but criticism for its writing and fan service. On MyAnimeList, it holds a respectable score of around 7.1/10, reflecting its niche appeal. Fans on platforms like Crunchyroll and VRV lauded its lighthearted tone and unique premise, comparing it favorably to My Gym Partner’s a Monkey but noting its superior execution. However, some viewers found the fan service and gender dynamics problematic, particularly in light of the show’s otherwise inclusive themes.

The series also sparked discussion within the anime and furry communities, with some praising its celebration of animal diversity and others debating its anthropomorphic designs. Despite not reaching the mainstream popularity of shows like Demon Slayer or My Hero Academia, Seton Academy has cultivated a dedicated fanbase eager for a second season.

Why You Should Watch It

Seton Academy: Join the Pack! Season 1 is a delightful romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re a fan of comedies like Konosuba or The Disastrous Life of Saiki K., you’ll appreciate its absurd humor and lovable characters. The show’s blend of animal facts and high school shenanigans makes it a unique addition to the anime landscape, offering both entertainment and education. While it stumbles with fan service and unresolved plot points, its heart and humor make it a worthwhile watch for those who don’t mind a bit of ecchi with their slice-of-life.

Final Verdict: 8/10
Seton Academy is a wild, wacky, and surprisingly heartfelt anime that’s perfect for viewers looking for something off the beaten path. It’s not flawless, but its unique premise and infectious energy make it a standout from the Winter 2020 season. Stream it on Crunchyroll and join the pack—you might just find yourself howling with laughter.

Where to Watch
Seton Academy: Join the Pack! Season 1 is available on Crunchyroll with ad-free streaming options for subscribers. Check out the Fan, Mega Fan, or Ultimate Fan plans for the best experience.

Note on Season 2
As of July 2025, no official announcement has been made regarding a second season. Fans are hopeful, given the cliffhanger ending, but for now, the manga (available through Kodansha and Shogakukan) offers more adventures in the Seton Academy world.

Have you watched Seton Academy: Join the Pack!? What did you think of its wild take on high school life? Let me know your thoughts!