‘Onmyo Kaiten Re:Birth Verse’ Episode 1 Review: Wake, Fight, Die, Repeat

The Summer 2025 anime season has arrived, and David Production came in swinging. Onmyo Kaiten Re:Birth Verse doesn’t waste a second. From the opening scene, we’re pulled into a world that feels like ancient Kyoto got a cyberpunk upgrade and a demon problem, and I am absolutely here for it. Takeru Narihira is our protagonist: a delinquent with fists, attitude, and recurring dreams of a mysterious girl named Tsukimiya. When he finally meets her—for real—it’s not in Tokyo, but in a completely different world after he gets trucked mid-Pikachu chase. Welcome to Denji Heian-kyou, a city protected by Onmyouji, haunted by Oni, and lit with more glowing hues than a synthwave music video.

Let’s pause for the important stuff. The Oni design? Incredible. They’re twisted, massive, and carry a weight of menace that feels pulled from old folklore but refreshed for modern eyes. The Shikigami are their magical counterparts—more elegant, fluid, and designed with that perfect balance between spiritual charm and combat readiness. And the color palette? Every frame looks like it was meant to be paused, printed, and framed. Deep reds, eerie blacks, shimmering crystals, and blinding magic attacks create an atmosphere that’s chaotic and beautiful. Denji Heian-kyou feels alive, layered, and buzzing with danger just under the surface.

Image from Crunchyroll

The first episode doesn’t hold your hand. You get world-building through action, with just …