A new fantasy anime is going viral for all the wrong reasons after its low-quality animation is slammed: “This was so disappointing”

While this new anime season is packed with vibrant ideas, one fantasy series has joined the ranks of Blue Lock and Uzumaki in the animation hall of shame after a clip gained notoriety for all the wrong reasons.

The excerpt from The Starting After the Live (which you can view below) depicts a group of characters being assaulted by wolves. Instead of a thrilling, dynamic sequence as the trio fights off the predators, viewers are presented with a series of static images gradually moving across the screen – all enhanced with some background effects to make it appear as though everything is happening much quicker than it actually is.

Consequently, this has prompted numerous fans to express their disappointment regarding the scene. Some are advocating for a new team to replace Studio A-Cat for future installments, while others joked, “I hope they’re just conserving the budget for when Arthur ages up.”

Another remarked, “This was incredibly disheartening.”

While we shouldn’t expect every anime series to reach the heights of Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen, it is difficult to overlook the plethora of recent shows laden with contentious animation decisions.

Last year, Blue Lock season 2 was widely ridiculed by fans, with some even likening it to a PowerPoint presentation. This criticism led one of its animators to speak out about why it appeared so subpar, citing an environment that prioritized efficiency over excellence.

Similarly, horror anime Uzumaki experienced a significant decline in quality after its impressive premiere episode. In reaction, executive producer Jason DeMarco took to social media with a series of now-deleted posts on Bluesky.

“It’s unfortunate, we anticipated this would occur. I can’t disclose what transpired but we were let down and faced with the choices of A) Not finishing and airing nothing and taking a loss, B) Just completing and airing Ep 1 and leaving it unfinished, or C) Airing all four, flaws included. Out of respect for the hard work, we opted for C,” DeMarco wrote at the time.

Meanwhile, the spring 2025 season continues with several prominent titles, including Fire Force season 3 and One Piece’s return after a lengthy break.

For more, check out the best anime you need to be watching in 2025. Then delve into all the latest information on the Chainsaw Man film and One-Punch Man season 3.

I’m the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the most significant names in film and television. On occasion, you might find me astounded by Marvel and offering insights and warm takes on the latest movies, Star Wars, and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I enjoy immersing myself in an epic 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and relaxing on the (virtual) pitch with Football Manager. My work has also appeared in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.