When the legendary Japanese comedy manga returns with a new anime adaptation in 2026, many fans are eagerly awaiting High School! Kimengumi, an anime based on the hilarious 80s manga that tells the story of a group of mischievous students who bring color to Ichio Middle School. With top-notch gags and unique characters, this series is like a time machine taking us back to experience the chaos of school days again. Let's see if this remake lives up to the hype.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins at Ichio Middle School, where the group Kimengumi, five mischievous boys consisting of Rei Ichido, Go Reetsu, Kiyoshi Shusse, Jin Daima, and Dai Monohoshi, are causing chaos at school with their eccentric behavior. Whether it's pranking classmates or devising wild plans that always end in turmoil, one day, Yui Kawa, a new transfer student, along with her friend Chie Uru, encounters this group and gets dragged into their hilarious stories. Additionally, there are many other characters that add to the fun, such as the handsome group Iro Otokogumi led by Sho Kireide, the delinquent group Bangumi led by Yo Nihiruda, the athletic group Udegumi led by Kai Undo, and the tough girl group Onnagumi led by Jako Amano. The series progresses through chaotic everyday events without a complex main plot, focusing on the fun from gags and character interactions.
Performance and Characters
In terms of voice acting, High School! Kimengumi does an excellent job, especially the performance of Tomokazu Seki as Rei Ichido, who perfectly captures the character's wildness and humor. Shunsuke Takeuchi as Go Reetsu also does well, with his deep, serious voice enhancing the character's comedic moments. Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, voicing Kiyoshi Shusse, impresses with his charming voice and quick emotional shifts. Meanwhile, Chiaki Kobayashi and Kikunosuke Toya as Jin Daima and Dai Monohoshi, respectively, add variety to the group with their distinct personalities. For the female characters, Haruka Shiraishi as Yui Kawa provides a cute and bright voice that balances the Kimengumi group's chaos well.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
In terms of direction, the series moves at a fast and concise pace, which suits the comedy genre perfectly. Each episode is about 24 minutes long but packed with non-stop gags. The visuals are designed in a modern anime style that is bright, colorful, and fluid in movement. Although it's a remake of an old manga, the character designs have been updated to be more contemporary while retaining the original's identity, such as the distinctive fancy hairstyles of the main characters. The soundtrack also plays a key role in creating the atmosphere, especially the upbeat opening theme that fits the series' theme perfectly. The ending theme has a catchy melody and lyrics that reflect the friendship of the Kimengumi group.
Editorial Analysis
High School! Kimengumi is an anime that doesn't aim to tell a deep or complex story but focuses on silly fun and surreal gags, which is the charm that keeps this classic manga popular even after all these years. However, for viewers unfamiliar with 80s Japanese comedy style, some gags might feel outdated or not fit the modern era. But that is part of the series' unique charm. The editorial team believes this series is suitable for those who want to relax and laugh at teenage mischief without overthinking. It's also a great opportunity for old fans to relive childhood memories, while new generations might discover a different kind of fun compared to current anime.
Verdict
High School! Kimengumi is a comedy anime perfect for watching for fun and relaxation. If you are a fan of old-school manga or enjoy silly gags, this series will make you laugh throughout all 12 episodes. But if you prefer a deep or complex story, it may not be for you.
👍 Pros
- +Surreal gags that bring non-stop laughter
- +Unique and memorable characters
- +High-quality voice acting from famous seiyuu
👎 Cons
- −Some gags may feel outdated for modern audiences
- −No clear main plot, which may bore those who dislike slice of life
Top Cast
FAQ
No, because this series is a new remake that tells the story from the beginning. You can watch it without prior knowledge.
This series is suitable for teenagers and above, as some gags may require understanding of Japanese culture. Overall, there is no violence or inappropriate content.
The series has a total of 12 episodes, each approximately 24 minutes long.
