Rated: 2
Review by: Hope Chapman

The first episode of Bakumatsu Rock concludes with an epic rock concert. Ryoma, the protagonist, plays his electric guitar in front of a troop of 1800s-era Shinsengumi out to arrest him. The performance is so powerful that it lifts him into the air, makes him glow with radiant rainbow light, and replaces his clothes with ridiculous stage costumes. It’s pretty fantastic, if you’re into that sort of thing. However, the art, animation, and music leave much to be desired. The story is also dull and tired. Bakumatsu Rock suffers from the common problem found in manservice shows: it’s mostly cheap and boring. The magical rock concert in the last five minutes is funny, but the rest of the show lacks quality. The characters are one-dimensional, the jokes fall flat, and the plot is uninspiring. Unless you’re a hardcore fan of manservice, it’s probably better to skip this one. Just watch the transformation scene out of context.

Rated: 2
Review by: Carl Kimlinger

Bakumatsu Rock is unbelievably cheesy and campy. It reimagines the Bakumatsu period as a Battle-of-the-Bands clash between government-subsidized idols and rough and ready rock rebels. It’s over the top and bizarre, and at times hilariously ridiculous. The climax of the episode, where the main character joins forces with two fellow rock rebels to destroy a team of guitar-confiscating thugs with music, is absurdly entertaining. The transformation scene, with glowing magical seals and drumsets materializing Sailor Moon-style, is worth watching. However, the show quickly becomes dim-witted, heavy-handed, and drowned in follow-your-dreams messaging. The music is also subpar. Unless you’re a fan of gleaming male flesh and enjoy silly perversions of Japanese history, Bakumatsu Rock may not be worth your time.

Rated: 2
Review by: Rebecca Silverman

Bakumatsu Rock takes a unique spin on the Shinsengumi by turning them into government-sanctioned idol singers. Ryouta, the main character, wants to sing his own songs instead of the boy band music produced by the Shinsengumi. The show is weird, but there’s some enjoyment in its over-the-top and crazy nature. The enthusiasm is contagious, even though the animation is limited and the visuals rely heavily on bright colors. If you’re in the mood for something weird, bright, and loud, give Bakumatsu Rock a try.

Rated: 3.5
Review by: Theron Martin

In an alternate Bakumatsu period, the shogunate has turned samurai into singers and is using a male idol group called Heaven’s Song to manipulate the populace. Ryoma, a passionate musician, wants to sing his own songs instead of the government-sanctioned ones. He meets two other characters who claim to be students of Shoin Yoshida, and together they form a rock rebellion. Bakumatsu Rock is patently ridiculous and bizarrely anachronistic, but it’s a fun and mindless diversion. The art is pretty, the animation is decent, and the songs are passable. If you’re looking for a goofy and entertaining show, give Bakumatsu Rock a chance.

And that’s a wrap for our review of Samurai Jam-bakumatsu Rock! If you’re interested in more manga and anime content, be sure to check out Fecomic for the latest updates and recommendations. Happy watching, my fellow anime enthusiasts!

Fecomic