Dungeons and Television is one of the standout new series introduced at Fantasia Film Festival, and what’s presented is merely a teaser. When the festival also becomes a launchpad for fresh shows, there’s more than one title I’m already tuning in to. Another is Night of the Living Cat, which is currently streaming on Crunchyroll and you can catch my review of the first two episodes here; Fantasia hosted a theatrical screening of episodes three and four (highly recommended—the plot finally thickens).
As for this fantasy series, this made-for-the-web anime will arrive next month on YouTube. Although I can’t find an official channel, I’m sure that’ll quickly be live very soon, and as soon as I know, I’ll posted updates! In this world, the discovery of the vacuum tube has reshaped life in the kingdom of The Grand Half-Moon Cauldron, turning once-mythic dungeons into hotspots for exploration and opportunity. The setup feels very Dungeons & Dragons-inspired, and that’s definitely a plus.
The first episode efficiently lays out the basics in just six minutes. While I personally prefer the 15-minute format other series like Ninjago: Dragons Rising have adopted, perhaps the episodes will get longer as the story develops. Still, what’s here is engaging.
The protagonist, Shi, is full of energy and charm. After meeting a boy recently kicked out of another adventuring party—and discovering he can cast the magic spell, Light—she quickly recruits him into the Royal Broadcasting Guild. Since dungeon livestreaming is limited by both what gear adventurers can carry and the danger they face, this adds an intriguing layer of tension.
Overall, this short pilot sets the tone at a brisk pace and makes it easy for newcomers to jump in. Just like the web series, Mech West, the producers clearly understand the future is in streaming by making it free and accessible. The character designs are a standout; they evoke the charm of those chibi shorts from Lodoss Wars. With the right marketing push, this series could really take off. I’m definitely keeping an eye out for what’s next!
4 Stars out of 5
Dungeons and Television Trailer
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