Each season of anime there is ideally that one show that grips you and never lets go. Fortunately, the Spring 2024 anime season continues this tradition with the most underrated series that more people need to give a chance: Bartender: Glass of God.
This series is actually the second anime adaptation of the original manga from 2004-2011, following the original 2006 anime. However, as you might be able to see, that first anime adaptation happened right in the middle of the manga’s serialization. As a result, this series gets the chance to provide a complete and definitive adaptation of the story.
Though I never checked out the first anime series, I feel like I don’t have to now. This new series from studio Liber already grasped me in its clutches. From the moment the first monologue from bartender Sasakura begins, followed by the immediate transition into the extraordinary opening theme song from Takaya Kawasaki, I knew this was something special.
At the time I started Bartender: Glass of God, there were four episodes available. Needless to say, I binged all of them in one sitting. To be clear, I wasn’t planning to do that and probably shouldn’t have, since I had other series to check out. This is because the anime series has a simple, but effective premise. It involves almost episodic storylines every episode about someone who the main character encounters and serves drinks to that evening.
In some ways, it feels like the bartending version of Restaurant to Another World,. That’s great for me, since it is one of my favorite anime series of all time. (At least, the first season is.) It follows a similar format during which every episode follows a character and their current conflict. It then introduces an alcoholic beverage that is relevant or helps the person in some way.
This may sound boring at a glance. However, Bartender: Glass of God keeps the viewer engaged with a mix of features. For one, the animation in this series is some of the most stunning this season. Since the show features few locations, it allows the studio to hone in on incredible detail in every scene. From the way the ice glistens to the rich color of every drink, you can see the talent of the artists involved.
In addition, the cast is terrific, and they pair well with its great writing. Sasakura has the right mix of aloof genius alongside lovable protagonist. He is helped along by other solid characters, such as Miwa and her constant (failing) shtick to recruit Sasakura to work at her grandfather’s hotel.
While Bartender: Glass of God has a lot in common with a series like Restaurant to Another World, it stands out because of how it handles its cast. The characters Sasakura helps each episode aren’t just there for show and a bit of emotional pathos. They are almost all recurring characters that show up episode after episode.
Every person in the cast feels like a tiny, intricate piece of the overarching puzzle of the storyline. While I can’t quite see the full picture of where the series is going, I don’t have to. Each episode of Bartender: Glass of God is as gripping as the last. This is even true whether or not you care about the actual drinks being served. And that is coming from someone like me, who doesn’t really drink alcohol. It is one of the only series in this Spring 2024 anime season that I can’t wait to keep watching. If you’re looking for something a bit slower with more attention to detail, this is the series to watch.
Bartender: Glass of God is available to stream right now on Crunchyroll.
