English Dub Review: Kill Blue “Let’s Go to School”
Overview
Based on the Japanese manga series by Tadatoshi Fujimaki, the story follows Juzo Ogami, a legendary hitman known for completing every mission, no matter how impossible. After successfully dismantling a powerful organization, his life takes a bizarre turn when a mysterious wasp sting leaves him unconscious, only for him to awaken in the body of a 13-year-old boy. Before he can fully grasp his situation, his boss assigns him an unexpected new mission: to infiltrate a middle school while stuck in this child’s body. Thrust into a chaotic school environment filled with eccentric classmates and unfamiliar challenges, Juzo must navigate a life far removed from the battlefield, all while dangerous enemies begin closing in. Now caught between his deadly past and an uncertain present, he faces the pressing question of whether he can ever return to his original form? Or if his second life will be cut short before it truly begins?
Our Take
The premiere introduces Juzo Ogami, a 39-year-old elite assassin working for the Z.O.O. syndicate, whose life takes a bizarre turn after a mission involving Mitsuoka Pharmaceuticals. A genetically engineered wasp stings him, causing him to regress into his 13-year-old self, forcing him out of his usual line of work. Instead, he’s assigned an unusual undercover mission: enroll in a middle school to assess its safety, all while adjusting to a life he never experienced the first time around. With guidance from his trainee and the lingering presence of his ex-wife in the background, Juzo navigates an unfamiliar world of classmates, social awkwardness, and everyday school routines, discovering, to his own surprise, that he genuinely enjoys learning despite struggling with the students themselves.
The rest of the proceedings begin to lean heavily into its absurd premise, blending deadpan comedy with flashes of action as Juzo’s assassin instincts clash with the mundanity of school life. Sort of like how the “Detective Conan/Case Closed” stories go, but with some added violence and an updated setting to set itself apart. Juzo’s lack of basic education and social skills creates a steady stream of humor, from over-the-top introductions to unintentionally bizarre behavior that earns him a poor reputation among classmates. Still, there are hints of a broader narrative at play, particularly with the connection to a key figure tied to the incident. Visually, the show offers a distinct style with some creative direction choices, backed by a strong opening and solid overall presentation, even if the animation itself remains more functional than standout.
Overall, this was a strange but entertaining start that thrives on its unconventional setup and tonal balance between comedy and action. While the premise alone carries much of the appeal, the execution shows promise, especially if it can expand on its central mystery and character dynamics without leaning too heavily on repetitive gags. It may not immediately stand out in a crowded lineup, but its unique concept and occasional bursts of creativity give it enough intrigue to keep an eye on going forward, and it’s worth sticking through the credits, as there’s a brief post-credits scene that adds an extra tease at what’s to come.
