Part 1 Episode Guide

Part 1 Part 2 Episode Guide Case 1_1 Case 1_2 Case 1_3 Case 1_4 Case 1_5 Case 2_1 Case 2_2 Case 2_3 Case 2_4 Case 2_5 Case 3_1 Case 3_2 Case 3_3 Case 3_4 Great Pretender is a really, really great anime. While there is a satisfying conclusion at the end, it’s worth noting that this is only part 1 and there are – thankfully – more episodes coming in the near future. Along the way they also accrue extra team members in Cynthia and Kudou, hopping across the globe to put their plan into action.

This is then interwoven around Edamura, who has his own past issues to deal with. Narratively, the show works really well but it’s completely trumped by the visual design which is just, well, masterful. From a sunset bleeding purples, reds and oranges to a solitary black scene illuminated by one single red lamp, there’s a consistency to the artwork that continues right the way through the show.

While I appreciate the UK is a dull and dreary place, there’s a distinct lack of vibrancy to some of the scenes which is a real shame. The show-stopping establishing shots are still here though, but the 4 episodes to close the show out do falter in the visual department. Hopefully part 2 will burst back into life again though.

Overall though, Great Pretender is well written, beautifully paced and easily one of the most visually striking anime to be released in quite some time. Out of all the animes released this year, Great Pretender may just be one of the most unique and original of the lot.