YAIBA: Samurai Legend [Season 1 Episode 3]

Episode 3 Review: YAIBA: Samurai Legend – A Wild Ride of Chaos and Charm

If you’re looking for a show that blends old-school shonen energy with modern animation flair, YAIBA: Samurai Legend is delivering exactly that. Episode 3, titled Another Maken, cranks up the intensity as Yaiba’s rivalry with Onimaru Takeshi takes a demonic turn—literally. With horns sprouting from Onimaru’s head and a legendary sword in play, this episode is packed with action, humor, and just enough chaos to keep fans hooked.

The Plot Thickens (and Gets Wilder)

The episode picks up right where the last one left off: Onimaru, now wielding the Legendary Demon Sword, is more than ready to throw down with Yaiba. But something’s off—his newfound power comes with a physical transformation, and it’s clear this isn’t just a regular sword. Meanwhile, Yaiba, ever the wild child, reacts with his usual mix of enthusiasm and brute force. The dynamic between these two is pure shonen gold—competitive, over-the-top, and oddly endearing.

Fans on MyAnimeList are already buzzing about the episode’s balance of action and comedy. One user compared Yaiba’s antics to Tarzan meeting Jane—primitive curiosity at its finest. Another joked about the protagonist’s tendency to throw himself at every girl he sees, a throwback to classic shonen tropes that some viewers find nostalgic and others… well, let’s just say it’s sparking debates.

Animation and Style: A Love Letter to the Past

Produced by Wit Studio (yes, the same folks behind Attack on Titan and Spy x Family), YAIBA: Samurai Legend doesn’t skimp on visuals. The backgrounds are lush, the fight scenes fluid, and there’s even a subtle grain filter that gives it an old-school vibe—a detail that hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans. One commenter praised the “fake grain filter” as a clever nod to the original 1994 anime, while others are just happy to see a “40-year-old classic risen from the grave.”

The episode’s standout moment? A full-blown brawl between Yaiba and Onimaru that wrecks half the town. It’s chaotic, ridiculous, and exactly what you’d expect from a show about a jungle-raised samurai. As one fan put it: “Damn! Ten Shin Han and Son Goku really went at it all around town!”

The Good, the Bad, and the Hilarious

Not everyone’s sold on the show’s throwback charm. Some viewers called it “a standard shonen” with predictable tropes, while others are already labeling it “sword of the week show.” But for most, the nostalgia factor is strong. Comparisons to Ranma ½ and other classic series are popping up, with fans appreciating the “old-fashioned fun” of a protagonist who’s more brawn than brains.

Then there’s the humor. Whether it’s Yaiba getting mad because someone else hit his pet (“Only he can hit his pet!!!”) or Onimaru’s dramatic descent into demonic power, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s part of its appeal.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Shonen Fans

Episode 3 of YAIBA: Samurai Legend is a blast. It’s fast-paced, visually stunning, and packed with enough over-the-top moments to keep you entertained. If you’re a fan of classic shonen or just love a good, chaotic fight scene, this one’s for you.

And judging by the preview, things are only going to get crazier from here.

Where to Watch: Streaming weekly on Netflix and Hulu (U.S.).

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 – A solid mix of nostalgia and fresh energy.)

What did you think of Episode 3? Let’s hear your wildest theories in the comments!