The new Netflix anime Romantic Killer -- adapted from Wataru Momose’s manga of the same name -- is a supernatural rom-com that, at first glance, appears to be another romantic journey of a female protagonist unable to decide which male character is most suitable to be her love interest. This could not be further from the truth. While it includes many tropes expected within a romantic anime, it uses them in a fresh and entertaining fashion and brings a world and story to life that is perfect for rom-com fans -- and a fun ride for those who are not.
Romantic Killer follows the anti-heroine Anzu Hoshino in her conflict with the romance wizard Riri. Anzu has had all her loves in life confiscated by Riri -- video games, chocolate, even her beloved cat Momohiki -- to force Anzu to focus on pursuing romantic love. She resists the manipulated romantic comedy life forced upon her, leading to a series of hilarious interactions with the three male characters directed into her life: Tsukasa Kazuki, Junta Hayami and Hijiri Koganei. All the expectations of a rom-com are subverted as the narrative mocks classic tropes -- while still exploring the effects of budding relationships.
Romantic Killer's Humor Dances the Line of Rom-Com Tropes
As the title implies, Romantic Killer is a romantic comedy, so humor is an important part of the story to achieve its message. However, what makes this series appealing to viewers who may not be fans of rom-coms is how it subverts the standard tropes expected within a rom-com and shows how such situations are manipulated by magic, rather than traditional fate. Why does a female character fall into the arms of her love interest during a fall? Because an invisible wizard makes it happen with a wand.
Romantic Killer's slapstick humor may occur a bit too often at times, but that is because Riri is working to achieve their goal. The fact that Anzu keeps falling over -- or being thrown on top of Kazuki and Junta -- is because it's such a ridiculous romantic anime trope, Riri is forcing it to happen. This nod to the unrealistic trope of love-obsessed grappling is a theme that fans and those not as invested in rom-coms alike can appreciate.
Romantic Killer Stars Relatable and Dynamic Characters
One of Romantic Killer's most entertaining aspects is the cast of characters. It is small enough for the story to explore each one individually enough to ensure they are dynamic in their characterization, but not so small as to become repetitive. Likable characters are neither a draw of rom-com fans nor an avoider, but the consideration given to their development is certainly a factor in non-fans overcoming their initial dislike of the genre. The majority of the direction may be in the ideal of love for the primary characters, but their own individualism, motivations and worldviews create a strikingly indulging narrative for their journey.
Crucial elements of any story include the character development, a visible arc in their journey and a relatability to their motivations. The self-doubt between Kazuki and Junta when they compare each other’s strengths to their own flaws -- only to strive to better themselves -- is realistic and approached with delicacy, though the story does not linger on it too long. While the male leads are interested in pursuing Anzu -- some due to Riri's direction and another from developing feelings over time -- the characters look to better themselves and are not in a constant contest for love. Moments like this offer viewers more than a romantic contest, with the journeying of growth and coming-of-age.
Romantic Killer Makes Perfect Use of Its Female Protagonist
Anzu is one of the most relatable protagonists in any rom-com. Her resistance to change is and personal focus do not take away from her character, but actually enhance it. Riri forces Anzu on the path of searching for love, removing her pleasures to stop her from getting distracted. However, Anzu was never unhappy with her life beforehand; she did not wallow in the lack of male attention or feel upset that she never went on dates. It is another hilarious subversion from the usual character looking for love and sadly plodding along with their material enjoyments due to failing in romance.
Anzu's independence throughout Romantic Killer makes her enjoyable to follow and her weaknesses -- mainly cockroaches or her inability to overcome Riri’s sadistic schemes -- create a hilarious concoction of possible situations to test her adaptability. Even when she appears smitten by Kazuki's alluring eyes, the story quickly brings her back to the conflict with Riri, making every interaction amusing to watch. As a multi-layered protagonist balancing the idea of a romantic story, comedic value and realistic growth from the narrative, it makes following her journey far more palatable to those who dislike rom-coms, and fresh to those who do.
What Makes Romantic Killer Stand Out From Classic Rom-Com Anime
Another aspect that makes Romantic Killer stand out from its counterparts is the artistic design. The shift from soft and gentle anime drawings, to Anzu's hard-lined masculine appearance during her rants or moments of defiance, bring the series to a new level of entertaining. The anime has that feel of emotion being shown to the audience rather than told through the dialogue. This artistic decision makes it far more appealing to those who grow bored with the usual romantic anime's playful, chibi art or only-handsome male characters.
Romantic Killer's experience is fun, offering enough to draw in a diverse collection of anime fans without overdoing it or becoming messy in its message and direction. It treads the line of romance, bolsters the comedy and explores a fresher story of both themes. All of this makes it a must-watch for rom-com fans and non-fans alike.
All 12 episodes of Romantic Killer can be streamed via Netflix.