Written by: Coco Yancey

Edited by: Marrista K. Stubbs

A few months ago, I was scrolling on Instagram and I kept seeing Melanin Otaku post the same clips of an Animal Crossing lookin’ ass anime. Each day there was a new clip, picture, and/or meme of the same anime. One day, in a group chat we were a part of, she kept hyping it up. “You should check out this anime called Beastars”. I was looking for a new anime to binge at the time and she HIGHLY RECOMMENDED this. Like SWORE by it. I had also seen a few posts about it on other platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

I knew what Beastars was, but I wanted to know why it was – ya know? Seeing anthropomorphic animals dressed up, talking, and dealing with real (though dramatized) situations definitely piqued my interest. That’s where the Zootopia comparison comes into play. However, don’t expect the same bright and cheery aesthetic from Beastars. This anime is a lot darker than one would expect. But that’s what makes it unique and draws people in. Animals facing human issues such as racism and sexism, complex relationships, and what it means to be true to oneself.

Beastars

That night she recommended watching Beastars was the same night I got me a bag of popcorn, sat back on my couch, and made myself comfortable. She sent me a link to watch the anime (now you can stream it on Netflix) and I got started. I went in initially with no expectations. I had decided that if after the first episode I wasn’t drawn in I would just stop watching. Long story short, I binged the entire series that night. A few minutes in, it already had this murder mystery feel to it that I love. The sub was spot on, the characters were interesting, the opening for the anime slaps, and it was just enough episodes to tell the story without dragging on.

Shit gets real, quick

I’m not going to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say I’m a proud furry now with no shame. The series also left the perfect cliffhanger for season two that is sure to get you hyped! If you loved Zootopia, then definitely give Beastars a watch. It’s got everything you need to make a perfect anime and will leave you on the edge of your seat. Netflix has announced season two will be released in 2021.