The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Kanata Hoshi’s light novel series, Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!, has been delayed. Originally slated for an April 2025 premiere, the show will now debut in October 2025. The news comes as a disappointment to fans eagerly awaiting the animated adventures of Melphiera Marchalrayd and Aristide Rogier du Galbraith.
Production Issues Force Delay
The official announcement of the delay was made on the anime’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. The statement cited “various circumstances” as the reason for the postponement. While the specific details remain undisclosed, it is common for such delays to stem from production issues. This could include challenges in animation, scheduling conflicts, or other unforeseen hurdles encountered during the production process. The official statement also included an apology to fans and assured that the staff and production committee are dedicated to creating a high-quality series.
A Common Occurrence
Anime delays are not uncommon in the industry. Production of high-quality animation is a complex and time-consuming process, often subject to unforeseen obstacles. Rather than rushing to meet a deadline, the Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! production team has opted to prioritize quality over speed. This decision, while disappointing for those eager to see the series, is often seen as beneficial to both the production team and the audience. It allows creators to produce a more polished and satisfying end product, minimizing the risk of a rushed and potentially flawed release.
What We Know About the Anime
Despite the delay, information about the anime adaptation has been trickling out since its announcement in October 2024. The series boasts a strong voice cast, featuring:
- Kanna Nakamura as Melphiera Marchalrayd
- Taito Ban as Aristide Rogier du Galbraith
A special trailer featuring their voices has also been released, offering a glimpse into the chemistry between the lead characters. The opening theme song will be performed by the idol group AVAM, marking their first TV anime theme song.
The Story Behind the Anime
Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! is based on a light novel series that started on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website in 2019. The story centers around Melphiera Marchalrayd, a noble lady with an unusual passion for eating monsters. Her love for exotic cuisine clashes with the societal norms of her world, where monster meat is viewed with disdain. Melphiera’s journey takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Aristide Rogier du Galbraith, also known as the “Blood-Mad Duke”. As Melphiera tries to change public perception of monster meat, a unique bond begins to form between her and the feared duke. The story is a blend of fantasy, romance, and gourmet food, offering an experience that fans of series like Delicious in Dungeon will likely appreciate.
Manga and Light Novel Origins
The light novel series, written by Kanata Hoshi and illustrated by Peperon, was acquired by Kodansha in 2021. The series currently has three volumes published as of April 2023. In addition to the light novels, there is also a manga adaptation by Chika Mizube, which has released nine volumes so far. The manga is also published by Kodansha and is available in English through Kodansha USA, giving fans a taste of the story while they wait for the anime. The manga adaptation began in 2021 on pixiv’s “Palcy” manga app. Kodansha USA describes the manga as following Melphiera, who has a taste for monster meat and is shunned because of it. She then meets the “Blood-Mad Duke” and finds she has an ally in him. It combines love, battle, and great cuisine.
Fan Reactions and the Wait Ahead
The delay has understandably disappointed fans who were eagerly anticipating the anime’s spring premiere. However, the production team’s assurance that they are working diligently to create a high-quality show has been met with understanding. Many fans recognize that a delay for quality reasons is preferable to a rushed and potentially lackluster release. While the wait until October may seem long, it allows fans more time to delve into the source material. Fans can explore the light novels or the manga series to get better acquainted with the world and the characters.
A Look Ahead
The Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! anime is set to air on the TBS and BS11 channels in Japan. The series promises an engaging storyline, a unique blend of genres, and a colorful cast of characters. As the Fall 2025 release approaches, more details regarding the anime’s production are expected to be released, including the animation studio and additional staff members. The production team has emphasized that they will do their best to create a memorable series and the extra time will hopefully ensure a positive viewing experience for all.
