Ore dake Level Up na Ken: How to Get Stronger

As controversial as recap episodes tend to be, especially in the context of currently airing seasonal shows, this one in particular does not escape the former allegations. Yes, it’s a time stall for the production of future episode, but for the consumers, it is hell on earth.

I originally read the Manhwa a long time ago and I’ve been keeping up with the Anime version ever since its debut, it has surely been an interesting outlook on the series especially for how different both versions are but I gotta say, this recap slid in right into place, being a run down through the first seven episodes, ... it really fits in well in the chronological placement as many would argue, this is when the true story begins, all of the past episodes were simple set up of what eventually becomes a more complex and intertwined plot.

This is what it purports itself to be, a recap episode.

Storywise, I think the series is at a good point for a break. If it allows the production team to prepare properly for the next episode, so be it. The animation quality has been top notch, there has to be a human cost behind it in order to achieve that level of quality. I hope A-1 is treating its animators right.

As for the episode, it is a good way to watch the first seven episodes again. If that is not for you, feel free to skip it and catch up with the season's other shows ... instead. This season is stacked with shows that a few gems might end up overlooked.

Score: 4 (Bad)

Nothing is precisely wrong with the episode, but it earns its score of 4 by being unnecessary. No one needs a recap of 6 20 minute episodes. This usually happens when there are problems behind the scenes meeting deadlines, and due to Japan's odd insistence that an episode must go on, the dreaded recap happens. Recap episodes can also be a warning of a quality drop in animation in some of the following episodes. Unfortunately that proved to be the case by an obvious production value decline in some of the fight scenes post recap.

The one spot a recap episode might actually serve ... a purpose would be following the final episode. At least then it could be used as a refresher before following seasons, but it will never happen considering recap episodes are the anime equivalent of getting an extension for a project at work or school. Shame.