Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Humans and beasts clash in sometimes-violent anime.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
BNA: Brand New Animal
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 33 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a captivating blend of dynamic storytelling and impressive animation, appealing to a mature audience with its themes of identity and social issues. However, many reviewers express concern over its violent scenes, strong language, and certain graphic content, suggesting it may not be suitable for younger viewers below age 12 or 13, particularly due to a notably intense episode.
- strong language
- graphic content
- age recommendation
- impressive animation
- engaging story
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
BNA: BRAND NEW ANIMAL is a Japanese anime series about a world where where humans and humanoid-like animals are trying to co-exist. When high school student Michiru Kagemori (voiced by Cherami Leigh) suddenly turns into a tanuki (raccoon dog) beastkin, she flees to Anima-City with the help of sly mink "beastkin" Marie Itami (Reba Buhr). Now living in a place where beastkins can live openly and freely, Michiru tries to find out why she is no longer human, and if she can be turned back. Helping her out is wolf beastkin Shirou Ogami (Ben Diskin). The two find themselves navigating some strange adventures, and are also determined to help stop the beastkin hunters that are terrorizing the city. But they soon discover that Michiru has a unique set of powers that she can use to help people, making the mystery behind her transformation even more intriguing.
Is It Any Good?
This entertaining series combines elements of horror, mystery, and superhero stories while addressing issues like racism and bigotry. While humans are presented as the more intolerant species, the beastkins have personalities that match their animal traits. While the divide between humans and beastkins is clear, the beastkin community reveals itself to be complicated and imperfect in its own right, and an interesting world to explore. It is because of this that BNA: Brand New Animal offers a number of interesting storylines that anime fans will find worth checking out.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why humans in BNA: Brand New Animal do not want to co-exist with beastkins. What are the reasons they give for not wanting the animal beings around? Are any of these reasons valid for treating them the way they do?
Does Michiru ever accept herself as a beastkin? Should she? If she does become human again, will she feel about, or treat them, differently than before?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 30, 2020
- Cast : Cherami Leigh , Ben Diskin , Reba Buhr
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Anime
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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