Plus Sized Elf [Season 1 Episode 4]

Episode 4 Review: Plus-Sized Elf – A Niche Comedy with Mixed Reactions

Plus-Sized Elf (or Elf-san wa Yaserarenai) is a 2024 anime that has quickly carved out its own unique—and somewhat controversial—space in the anime community. Episode 4, titled The Baron’s Dog and the Floating Pig, continues the quirky adventures of Naoe, a massage therapist, and Elfuda, an elf from another dimension who’s struggling with her love for junk food and its consequences.

The Plot So Far

For those unfamiliar with the series, Plus-Sized Elf follows Naoe, who one day finds himself treating an unusual patient: Elfuda, a forest-dwelling elf with a voluptuous figure. The twist? She’s gained weight after discovering the joys of human junk food. The show blends comedy, fantasy, and a touch of ecchi as Naoe tries to help Elfuda (and later, other fantasy creatures) manage their weight issues.

Episode 4 introduces more of the show’s signature humor, with Elfuda and Naoe exploring an alternate dimension. The episode leans into absurdity, featuring a floating pig and a baron’s dog, while still keeping the focus on Elfuda’s struggles with exercise and diet. It’s lighthearted, silly, and unapologetically niche.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The show has sparked a lot of discussion, especially among fans who either adore its premise or find it too one-note. Here’s what the community is saying:

1. “Catering to a Specific Audience”
   Many fans acknowledge that Plus-Sized Elf is unashamedly targeted at a particular demographic—those who appreciate “thicc” character designs. One MyAnimeList user noted, “This is obviously catering to chubby chasers… even the massage manager was plus-sized.” While some enjoy the representation, others feel the jokes wear thin quickly.

2. “Short and Sweet (or Stale?)”
   The show’s runtime (each episode is around 10 minutes) has been a point of contention. Some appreciate the brevity, like one fan who said, “Honestly, I think this might be to its benefit. The manga’s niche appeal works better in short bursts.” Others, however, feel the format limits character development, with one critic calling the exercise segment “painful to get through.”

3. “The Ecchi Factor”
   The show’s ecchi elements are another hot topic. Some viewers enjoy the playful fanservice, while others find it excessive. A Reddit user joked, “No nudity this episode? How are they going to get people to watch these fat girls?”—highlighting the show’s reliance on its risqué humor.

4. “World-Building or Just Gags?”
   Episode 4’s alternate dimension adds a bit of fantasy flair, but fans are divided on whether the show is trying to build a world or just string together gags. One commenter pointed out, “The floating pig and baron’s dog were random, but I guess that’s the charm?” Meanwhile, others wished for more substance, like a MyAnimeList user who said, “They really need to keep these characters thinner longer before blowing up again.”

Final Thoughts

Plus-Sized Elf isn’t trying to be a deep, thought-provoking series—it’s a comedy with a very specific appeal. If you’re looking for a light, silly anime with a unique premise, this might be your jam. But if you’re expecting nuanced storytelling or less reliance on body humor, you’ll likely be disappointed.

As one fan put it, “The show knows its audience and gives them exactly what they want.” Whether that’s a good thing depends entirely on your taste.

Rating: 6.5/10 – Fun for what it is, but don’t expect much more.

What did you think of Episode 4? Let us know in the comments!