The anime adaptation of “Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster!” has arrived, bringing with it a blend of familiar isekai tropes and a healthy dose of suggestive comedy. The series, animated by studios Zero-G and Saber Works, premiered on December 28, 2024, on Japanese streaming service ABEMA before its television broadcast on January 4, 2025. It quickly garnered attention for its unique premise and the boldness of its humor, while also facing criticism for its reliance on well-trodden genre conventions.
Reincarnation and a Powerful Feline Form
“Beheneko” fits squarely into the isekai genre, where a protagonist is transported to another world. In this case, a knight who dies in battle against the forces of evil is reincarnated not as a hero, but as a behemoth, one of the most powerful monsters in the world. However, a baby behemoth looks remarkably like a cute kitten. This twist on the typical isekai formula immediately sets the stage for a series of comical misunderstandings and bizarre situations. This subgenre often features characters being reborn, transported, or summoned to a magical or fantasy-filled world, and “Beheneko” leans heavily into this concept. The knight, now a kitten-like behemoth, is found by Aria, a beautiful elf adventurer, who takes him in as a pet, naming him Tama.
Isekai Tropes and Familiar Elements
The show utilizes several common isekai tropes. The protagonist, despite his diminutive form, retains his past life’s memories and strength. The setting itself is a fantasy world, complete with dungeons, monsters, and adventurers. There are elements of the RPG genre as well, with the main character acquiring skills, albeit with a comedic bent. It follows a typical pattern of a modern-day character being placed in a medieval European-esque fantasy world, a common occurrence within isekai anime. While it touches on familiar isekai elements, such as a character adapting to their new reality, it also adds its own unique twist.
The Protagonist and his Protector
The narrative revolves around the bond between Tama and Aria. Tama, despite being a powerful monster, is fiercely protective of Aria, often putting his strength to use to defend her in the dungeons. Aria, a novice D-rank adventurer, is kind and caring towards Tama, though her affection sometimes veers into the extreme, with suggestive undertones. This dynamic between a cute, seemingly harmless pet and its powerful true form creates many of the series’ comedic moments. The idea of a main character who is a seemingly harmless creature is a departure from the overpowered protagonist trope that is often seen in isekai anime.
Animation, Production and Characters
The animation, produced by Zero-G and Saber Works, is generally smooth and detailed, though not particularly groundbreaking. The character designs, particularly Aria’s, are intentionally eye-catching. The series is directed by Tetsuo Hirakawa and written by Kanichi Katō, with music composed by Yūsuke Shirato and Oni. The opening theme, “Saijoukyu no Kokoro” is performed by Nonoka Obuchi, who also voices the character Lily. The ending theme is “Rimi” by Poka Poka Ion. The main voice cast includes Tasuku Hatanaka as Tama, Hinaki Yano as Aria, Hitomi Ueda as Stella, Tomori Kusunoki as Vulcan, Yuu Wakui as Feri, and Maaya Uchida as Alisha.
Characters and their Roles
- Tama: The reincarnated knight, now a baby behemoth resembling a kitten. Voiced by Tasuku Hatanaka, with Riho Sugiyama providing the voice for his cat form, Tama is torn between his desire to protect Aria and his struggles with his new, adorable form.
- Aria: A beautiful, busty elf adventurer who takes in Tama as her pet. Voiced by Hinaki Yano, her character is a mix of kindness and overzealous affection for her feline companion.
- Stella: Another adventurer and friend of Aria, voiced by Hitomi Ueda.
- Vulcan: A character whose role is still unfolding, voiced by Tomori Kusunoki.
- Lily: Voiced by Nonoka Obuchi.
- Feri: Another character whose role is still unfolding, voiced by Yuu Wakui.
- Alisha: A new character introduced, voiced by Maaya Uchida.
Steamy Undertones and Questionable Humor
One of the most talked-about aspects of “Beheneko” is its heavy reliance on suggestive humor. Many scenes feature Aria expressing overtly sexual interest in Tama, despite his apparent age. While this is played for comedic effect, some viewers may find it uncomfortable. The series doesn’t shy away from “steamy scenes,” and the humor often revolves around Aria’s attraction to her “cat”. This has led to some critics calling the show overtly sexual and questioning the appropriateness of some scenes.
Viewer Reception and Critical Perspectives
Initial viewer reactions have been mixed. Some find the show’s premise and risqué humor entertaining, while others are turned off by its reliance on fan service and questionable themes. It has been described as both “junk food” anime, with familiar elements, and as an anime that at least puts itself on display without shame. Some critics have noted the show’s slow pacing, particularly in the first episode, while also commending the use of visuals to drive the story without relying too much on dialogue. Others have criticized the show for not doing anything interesting with its premise and for its overuse of tired ideas.
The Isekai Over-Saturation
The series is arriving in a landscape of many similar Isekai titles. The isekai genre has become increasingly popular and saturated, and this has resulted in some viewers feeling fatigued with the tropes that have become associated with the genre. Some critics have noted that “Beheneko” does not deviate enough from the typical isekai formula to be considered a standout in a crowded field. However, the show’s unique take on the genre, with a monster-turned-pet and the elf’s peculiar obsession, might just be enough to set it apart.
The Blend of Comedy and Action
Despite the controversy surrounding the humor, “Beheneko” also features action sequences, particularly during dungeon explorations. The series blends comedy, fantasy, and action, which is typical of many isekai anime. The juxtaposition of the cute, cuddly kitten with the powerful monster he truly is, as well as the juxtaposition of action with suggestive comedy, create a unique viewing experience. The integration of RPG elements, with skill acquisitions and dungeon explorations, is well-suited to this mix.
Conclusion
“Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster!” is a series that is unlikely to be for everyone. Its blend of familiar isekai tropes and suggestive humor is likely to be divisive. While some viewers may find it to be a fun, light-hearted comedy with a unique twist, others may find it to be overly reliant on fan service and questionable themes. The series does attempt to put its own unique spin on the isekai genre, but ultimately, the viewers will need to decide whether its particular mix of elements is successful. The animation is adequate, and the voice acting is generally well-suited to the characters. The show does have an audience, and those who enjoy isekai anime with a lot of fan service may find this to be a good watch. However, viewers with an aversion to such content are probably better off looking elsewhere. Ultimately, “Beheneko” is an anime that knows exactly what it is, and it makes no apologies for that, which may be its saving grace for some viewers.
