In the crowded landscape of 2024 anime, it’s becoming increasingly rare to find a pure romantic comedy that doesn’t rely on fan service or repetitive plot tropes. Most anime comedies today fall into either the fantasy or shōnen genres, or they often exploit their characters for sexually charged scenes, which don’t always contribute to the story. For those seeking something refreshingly wholesome, How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer is a standout. With its clever situational humor and genuine romance, this anime has quickly become a favorite among fans looking for a cozy and entertaining watch.
At the time of writing, the series has released five episodes, and the comedy shows no signs of slowing down. The anime is based on the manga of the same name, which the author of this article has followed up to its latest chapters, providing insight into where the story is headed—without giving any spoilers.
Plot Overview: A Gender-Bending Comedy of Romance
How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer follows the story of Toikawa, a college student who is invited to a mixer by a female friend. Expecting to meet women, he brings along a few of his friends. However, upon arrival, they are shocked to find that the event is exclusively for men—who are actually women dressed as drag kings. These cross-dressing women, who are all coworkers of Toikawa’s friend, are performing for comedic and musical entertainment.
This setup sets the stage for wacky gender-based humor as Toikawa and his friends fall in love with these women in disguise. The show explores the complexities of relationships where gender presentation constantly shifts and examines how society reacts to unconventional pairings. Notably, the anime avoids the usual clichés of love triangles or harem dynamics. Instead, the characters find themselves in committed relationships early on, making for a refreshing break from the often drama-heavy narratives found in romantic comedies.
Why It Works: Humor and Heart Without the Drama
One of the key reasons How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer stands out is its seamless blend of humor and heart. The anime is packed with exaggerated comedic moments that rarely leave a dull second. It’s the kind of light-hearted show that will have viewers chuckling, if not laughing out loud. The humor, often derived from awkward situations and clever quips, deepens the viewer’s connection with the characters.
Equally important is the show’s approach to romance. Instead of relying on overused tropes like love triangles or excessive melodrama, How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer offers a wholesome, feel-good romantic narrative. The focus remains on the growth of relationships, which provides a refreshing counterpoint to the more sensationalized drama found in other romcom anime. The manga, which is similarly drama-light, carries this tone forward, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a relaxing, binge-worthy series.
Will There Be a Second Season?
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer will get a second season—at least not right away. As is often the case with seasonal anime, many shows are produced with a limited run, primarily to promote an ongoing manga series. Even if a show is well-received, it typically ends after the first major arc, leaving fans to turn to the manga for more content. The anime’s 12 to 24-episode format is usually enough to showcase the key moments, but further seasons are rare unless the show significantly boosts manga sales or falls within the highly profitable shōnen genre.
Moreover, with the anime airing on HiDive, rather than larger platforms like Crunchyroll, its accessibility to wider audiences is limited compared to anime giants like Re or Dandadan. That said, the anime’s positive reception in the West and its exploration of gender-bending café culture, a theme familiar in Japanese society but rarely explored in anime, may help it garner a dedicated following. If enough support for the series builds, there’s a possibility that it could be renewed for more episodes, but for now, it remains a hidden gem in the anime world.
How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer is currently airing on HiDive and is highly recommended for fans of romantic comedies seeking something fun, unique, and drama-free.
Related Topics
10 Underdog Anime Characters Who Overcome Challenges to Prove Themselves
10 Anime Characters Voiced by My Hero Academia’s Shoto Todoroki
The 13 Most Iconic Anime Characters of All Time