ANIME REVIEW | "Monster Meat"? I’ll Pass.
Awhile back, I covered the premiere volume of Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!, itself an adaptation of Kanata Hoshi’s online novel series. It had some potential, with its cooking mechanics similar to that of Delicious in Dungeon. So I was excited to hear that Asahi Production (Gushing Over Magical Girls, Heaven’s Design Team) would be making an anime adaptation of this series. Alas, instead of a five-course meal worthy of three Michelin stars, Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! delivers the anime equivalent of burnt toast smeared with expired butter.
Just like the original source material, Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! follows Melphiera (Kanna Nakamura), a daughter of a Count who is looking to get married. However, despite her cuteness, Melphiera has a flaw: she loves eating monster beef. This interesting diet turns off every possible suitor, leaving Melphiera without any chance in love. That is, until the “Blood-Mad Duke” Aristide (Taito Ban) saves her from a monster attack. Instantly falling in love with her, Aristide finds himself curious about her monster meat diet, to the point where he wishes to try it for himself.
Together, Melphiera and Aristide begin to bond over the art of cooking, as they attempt to convince others just how good monster meat can be. From using traditional culinary arts to magical arts (especially for the poisonous monsters), the two work to bring a new level of deliciousness across the land. Roasts, sandwiches, and even soups are given a new twist thanks to the usage of unique meats from the most dangerous of beasts. And as their bellies grow, so do the hearts of Melphiera and Aristide.
Watching Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! gave me a bigger appreciation for cooking TV shows. When you watch the likes of Guy Fieri or even old Julia Child reruns, you get to learn the basics of cooking a delicious meal. And part of what makes those cooking series a success is how they keep the flow of the show going, cutting out waiting times and some of the more lengthier parts of food preparation. Unfortunately, Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! didn’t get the memo, as it painstakingly shows every single aspect of making these fake dishes.
If this was a show where people could cook real meals with the instructions given, that would be one thing. But there’s nary a single realistic thing about the cooking process showcased throughout Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! When they show the more magical side of meat preparation, it goes by so slowly that I honestly started nodding off while watching this anime. In one instance, I fell asleep for five minutes, only to wake up to Melphiera and Aristide still preparing the same damn monster meat!
And when the final product is shown, it’s not with the same amount of scrumptious detail like Delicious in Dungeon nor Food Wars! Instead, every meal is presented in such a generic manner that lacks pizzazz or wonder. This is an anime that’s supposed to give us a magical twist on real-life meals. But every time I see how the dish turns out, I often keep thinking how I could’ve made it better just with my air fryer.
It’s disappointing to see Asahi Production delivering such work. Their anime series aren’t visually perfect by any means, but they at least have some character and creativity. But in their adaptation of Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!, everything looks the same as your run-of-the-mill fantasy anime. The buildings, the clothing, and even the facial expressions of these characters are simply dull. (Note to Asahi Production: stick to animating lesbian magical girls.)
I went into Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! with hopes of a fun and tasty-looking anime. Instead, I got a half-cooked steak tip that tastes of burnt ash and sadness. Any potential it had in the beginning was squandered by its poor writing and pacing. Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! takes the wonder out of imaginary beast beef, replacing it with the urge to use DoorDash to order something from the Cheesecake Factory.
Story:
Script:
Animation:
Voice Acting: (Japanese dub)
Soundtrack:
Final Grade (not an average):
Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! can be viewed on Crunchyroll, and has been licensed by Crunchyroll. Episodes 1-10 were observed for review. Promotional consideration provided by Crunchyroll.
