High School Kimengumi [Season 1 Episode 1: I Love Weird Faces! Here it Comes, the Freaky Face Flash!]

High School! Kimengumi – Episode 1: A Wild Ride of Wacky Faces and Chaos

If you’re into anime that throws logic out the window and replaces it with pure, unadulterated absurdity, then High School! Kimengumi might just be your next obsession. The first episode, titled “I Love Weird Faces! Here it Comes, the Freaky Face Flash!”, sets the tone for what’s to come: a chaotic, pun-filled, and downright bizarre journey with a group of misfit boys who call themselves the “Kimengumi.”

The Premise: What Even Is This Show?

Produced in 1985 by Studio Pierrot (yes, the same studio behind Naruto and Bleach), High School! Kimengumi follows a gang of high school boys whose lives revolve around making the weirdest faces imaginable. The episode introduces us to their world, where every interaction is an excuse for exaggerated reactions, slapstick humor, and pun-based character names (like “Kawa Yui,” a play on kawaii, meaning cute).

The plot? Well, it’s less about a structured narrative and more about throwing these characters into ridiculous situations. In this episode, the boys form their infamous “Funny Face Club,” and their antics range from competing with other school clubs to just… making faces. A lot of faces.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

After scouring forums and discussions (shoutout to MyAnimeList), it’s clear that this show is polarizing. Some fans adore its unapologetic weirdness, while others find it downright annoying. Here’s what the internet had to say:

• “This show is crazy, but I’m here for it.” One fan admitted they were hooked despite the chaos, praising the legendary voice actor Shigeru Chiba (the guy behind Dragon Ball’s Raditz) for bringing the Kimengumi leader to life. They gave the episode a solid 4/5.
• “This isn’t even the slightest bit funny.” On the flip side, another viewer couldn’t find the humor in the over-the-top antics, calling it a miss.
• “A fever dream-ish E1.” This comment sums up the episode perfectly—it’s surreal, unpredictable, and feels like something you’d dream after eating too much spicy ramen.

Why It Works (Or Doesn’t)

The charm of High School! Kimengumi lies in its commitment to absurdity. It doesn’t try to be deep or meaningful; it’s just pure, unfiltered fun. The animation style—super-deformed expressions, exaggerated movements—adds to the comedic effect. If you grew up on Gintama or Nichijou, you might appreciate this brand of humor.

That said, if you prefer plot-driven stories or subtle comedy, this might not be your cup of tea. The humor is loud, fast, and unrelenting, which can be exhausting if you’re not in the right mood.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re looking for something lighthearted, nostalgic, and utterly bonkers, High School! Kimengumi Episode 1 is worth a shot. It’s a time capsule of 80s anime humor, and while it won’t be everyone’s favorite, it’s undeniably unique.

Rating: 3.5/5 – A chaotic but fun start to a cult classic. Just don’t take it too seriously.

Now, excuse me while I practice my best “freaky face flash” in the mirror.