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This review is spoiler-free and based on the three-episode rule.

Mieruko-chan is a slice-of-life paranormal horror-comedy. As a self-proclaimed horror expert, I think the art, writing and sound design make for some really great spooks. Many of the spirits' designs are quite chilling, as is the dialogue. While the scares won't make you jump or keep you up at night, the anime manages to cultivate a mixed feeling of excitement and dread for the next creepy scene.

Some of the moments in Mieruko-chan are genuinely heart-warming, too. It's got plenty of cuteness to balance out the creepiness, but it doesn't overshadow the scares or make them ... less impactful. If anything, the contrast adds to the experience and allows you to really see the world through Miko's perspective. You get scared when she gets scared, you feel relaxed when she's relaxed. There is bits of lore that you can piece together when you watch, but it is left a bit ambiguous. Are the ghosts dangerous? Is it just Miko's fear or do they pose an actual threat? It's left to the viewer to decide.

The character design is very nice. I've spoken about the designs of the spirits, but the living characters' designs are pretty good too. Miko looks quite bland in comparison to some of the other members of the cast, possibly to further show how normal Miko is and how abnormal her life has become.

I personally felt very attached to the characters within my three-episode constraint, which is rare. The two mains have a nice chemistry and if you life female-friendships, you'll like them. Not many other permanent characters are introduced within the first three episodes, but there are a few who remain mysterious until a bit later on. Quite intriguing.

If you like light-hearted scares and feel a bit bored with the usual slice-of-life formula, I couldn't recommend Mieruko-chan enough. The slice-of-life machine has pumped out so many bland anime that it's become an "ugh" moment whenever I see it in the seasonal line-up. This anime puts a spanner in the works of the slice-of-life machine.