The anime adaptation of Ryō Hiromatsu’s Uglymug, Epicfighter (Busamen Gachi Fighter) is gearing up for its July 6, 2025 premiere, and the hype is real! The official website unveiled a second promotional video, a new key visual, and details about the theme songs that will be gracing our screens. Get ready for an isekai adventure unlike any other!
What’s Uglymug, Epicfighter All About?
Uglymug, Epicfighter started as a web novel series on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, penned by Ryō Hiromatsu from February 2015 to October 2022. It gained so much traction that it was adapted into a manga illustrated by Osamu Kozuki, which ran in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan from November 2017 to December 2020. A light novel version, featuring illustrations by Akira Banpai, was published in May 2018.
The story centers around Shigeru Yoshioka, a 34-year-old ex-salesman who has had a rough life. Wrongly convicted of a crime, he loses everything and becomes a recluse, distrusting women. One day, he discovers a portal to another world. A mysterious status screen appears on his computer, and Shigeru makes a life-altering decision: he sacrifices his looks for unbelievable power, ending up with -255 looks but an overwhelming 100 trillion and 5,100 parameters! Reborn as an “Absolute God,” he embarks on a new life in this fantastical world.
The English version of the manga available on Square Enix’s Manga Up! describes the premise as: “His looks are -255, touching girls causes him pain, and sexual acts will literally tear him apart. Just what can our ex-salesman Shigeru get in the other world in exchange for such inconveniences…? This is an epic tale of one very ugly, but ridiculously strong man!”
Essentially, it’s an isekai comedy that flips the script, asking what happens when the protagonist isn’t the typical handsome hero, but an “ugly” guy with godlike abilities.
The Anime Adaptation: What We Know So Far
The anime adaptation was officially announced on November 18, 2024, and fans have eagerly awaited further details. Here’s a breakdown of what we know:
- Premiere Date: July 6, 2025
- Broadcast: Tokyo MX, Sundays at 23:30 (JST)
- Production Studio: White Fox
- Production: Egg Firm
- Director: Toshiyuki Sone
- Series Composition: Kenta Ihara (Ishura, I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss)
- Character Design: Miki Matsumoto (Angels of Death)
- Music: Ryo Kawasaki (To Your Eternity)
The Team Behind the Scenes
The anime boasts a talented team:
- Original Creator: Ryō Hiromatsu (novel), Osamu Kozuki (manga)
- Art Director: Ryōki Matsumura (Studio Pablo)
- Sound Director: Kōhei Yoshida
- Director of Photography: Nozomi Shitara (T2 Studio)
- Color Design: Satoko Kimura
- Editing: Masayuki Kurosawa
- Special Effects Director: Kumiko Taniguchi (Team Taniguchi)
- Music Production: Nippon Columbia
Meet the Cast
The voice cast includes:
- Junichi Suwabe as Shigeru Yoshioka
- Konomi Inagaki as Seika
- Kento Shiraishi as Seiji
- Maaya Uchida as Leeds (Rizu)
Junichi Suwabe, known for voicing characters like Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen and Grimmjow in Bleach, expressed his excitement for the role, noting that while Uglymug, Epicfighter is an isekai anime, it has many unique twists and heartwarming moments.
Theme Songs Revealed!
The second promotional video finally unveiled the opening and ending theme songs:
- Opening Theme: “My Way” by TEMPEST
- Ending Theme: “Bansōkō” (Bandage) by Miyu Kaneko
These songs promise to set the tone for the series, blending the comedic and fantastical elements of Uglymug, Epicfighter.
A Glimpse into the Story
The official synopsis paints a picture of a protagonist with a comically tragic situation: “His looks are -255, touching girls causes him pain, and sexual acts will literally tear him apart.” The story explores what Shigeru can gain in another world in exchange for these inconveniences. It’s an “epic tale of one very ugly, but ridiculously strong man,” according to Square Enix.
In the new promotional video, Shigeru is shown looking in the mirror and realizing he’s been transported to another world. The clip highlights Shigeru demonstrating his incredible strength and introduces his companions, Seiji, Seika, and Leeds.
From Web Novel to Anime: A Journey
Uglymug, Epicfighter has humble origins as a web novel on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website. The series’ success led to a manga adaptation and, eventually, an anime. This journey speaks to the story’s appeal and its ability to resonate with audiences.
The manga is available in English on Square Enix’s Manga Up! platform, allowing fans to dive into Shigeru’s world before the anime premieres.
What to Expect
Uglymug, Epicfighter promises to be a unique entry in the isekai genre. With its unconventional protagonist and comedic premise, it’s poised to offer a fresh perspective on the “transported to another world” trope.
The series tackles themes of appearance, self-worth, and second chances. While Shigeru’s circumstances are extreme, his journey of self-discovery and adaptation is likely to resonate with viewers.
In Conclusion
With a talented team, a captivating story, and catchy theme songs, Uglymug, Epicfighter is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime of Summer 2025. Mark your calendars for July 6, 2025, and prepare for an isekai adventure filled with humor, heart, and a whole lot of ugly-but-epic action!
