Fans in the community generally found the premiere to be a high-energy "lighthearted watch" that doesn't take itself too seriously.
: The introduction of Shigure, the debt-ridden and pragmatic wolf-girl, provides a necessary "straight-man" foil to Genzo's single-minded madness. Community Perspectives Hataage! Kemono Michi Episode 1
: Critics and fans note that Studio ENGI did a solid job with the initial animation, particularly the wrestling sequences like the "fight" against the Cerberus pack. Fans in the community generally found the premiere
“I can't get over the pure irony of pro-wrestlers getting isekai'd and turning a life and death conflict into a wrestling tournament.” Reddit · r/Animedubs Kemono Michi: Rise Up (2019) - Facebook “I can't get over the pure irony of
“Well I'm sold! I already love Genzo and his adorable little pupper Hiroyuki! The comedy definitely hits all of my strike zones.” Reddit · r/anime
The first episode of Hataage! Kemono Michi (Rise Up!) is widely reviewed as a refreshing, chaotic twist on the isekai genre, largely because it swaps typical "heroic" tropes for professional wrestling and an obsessive love for animals.
: Viewers on Reddit frequently compare the humor to KONOSUBA , which isn't surprising as both were created by author Natsume Akatsuki. The comedy relies heavily on Genzo’s "perverse obsession" with snuggling monsters and the physical absurdity of wrestling moves used in a fantasy setting.