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Kakegurui - Compulsive Gambler has been a high-stakes hit with both the anime and manga, resulting in the spinoff series Kakegurui Twin. Taking place before the main story, this prequel sets the stage for the main series' events and shows how certain character came to rule the roost in their gambling school. An anime adaptation is now in the cards for early August, but some may not know what to expect from the similarly titled new show.
Featuring familiar characters in a similar setting, it might seem like Kakegurui Twin is an unnecessary and redundant spinoff. Nevertheless, its gambling obsession tells a story that's just as entertaining to audiences as its sequel, diving further into the mind of a demented and colorful "villain".
The Plot of Kakegurui Twin
Based on the manga of the same name from franchise creator Homura Kawamoto and artist Kei Saiki, Kakegurui Twin is set one year before the events of Kakegurui - Compulsive Gambler transpire. Whereas Yumeko Jabami is the protagonist of that show, she's yet to appear on the campus of the Hyakkaou Private Academy in this one. Instead, her sometimes obsessive rival Mary Saotome is the main character, having just joined the school herself. Being a new student, she's unaware of the academy's competitive, gambling-based structure. Quickly becoming acclimated, she not only begins to thrive in her new environment, but become a dangerously compulsive gambler in the process. This premise is fairly similar to the main manga and anime, but given that it's worked for the Kakegurui Twin manga, it should do the same here.
Kakegurui Twin's first trailer gave a glimpse at the characters' paths in the series, namely Tsuzura's admiration for and infatuation with Mary. The manga that the anime is based on has 12 volumes so far, so there should be ample material for the show's first season. At the same time, there's been no confirmation on how many episodes this season has, making the adaptation's total runtime a gamble in its own right.
Kakegurui Twin Staff and Where To Watch
Kakegurui Twin will air on Netflix, with the original net animation being announced back in November 2021. Behind the series is the illustrious MAPPA, a production studio known for hits such as Jujutsu Kaisen. They're also behind the highly anticipated upcoming Chainsaw Man anime adaptation, further highlighting their acclaim and quality. Yuichiro Hayashi, who directed the original Kakegurui anime, is co-directing Twin alongside Kaori Makita. Hayashi was also involved with the final season of Attack on Titan.
Returning to voice Mary Saotome is Minami Tanaka, while other announced cast members Rina Honnizumi, Yo Taichi, Yuko Kaida, Aoi Koga, Seiichiro Yamashita and Rie Takahashi voice Tsuzura Hanatemari, Yukimi Togakuchi, Sachiko Juraku, Mikura Sado, Aoi Mibuomi and Sakura Miharutaki, respectively. Technoboys Pullcraft Green-Fund is behind the show's music, though the ending theme, the fittingly titled "Queen's Bluff" by Japanese idol group Iris.
As mentioned, Kakegurui Twin will premiere on Netflix, which is also where both seasons of the main series can be streamed. Twin will be premiering on August 4th, which makes now's the time to hedge bets and put it all on the line to stream Kakegurui before Kakegurui Twin hits Netflix.