The Ramparts of Ice Episode 1 Review: A Strong Character Study Debut
The review positions The Ramparts of Ice as a standout premiere that handles social anxiety and bullying with nuance, offering a relatable lead who defies the typical cold-girl archetype.
Reporting from 1 sources: Anime Feminist.
Anime Feminist reviewed the premiere of The Ramparts of Ice, a new series following Koyuki Hikawa, a high school freshman who struggles with social engagement and is known as the Ice Queen by her peers. The episode opens with three students confronting Koyuki to ask who the cutest person is, a scene that establishes her as a target of bullying and a figure perceived as cold and intimidating. The review praises the show for its character study, showing Koyuki as a girl who is keenly aware of her situation but chooses authenticity over masking. Her friendship with Miki, the high school beauty, is highlighted as a central dynamic that explores how others define a person versus self-definition. The premiere is described as genuinely engaging, with nice animation and an interesting lead. The reviewer recommends the series, noting it is available digitally through MangaPlaza, and expresses anticipation for future episodes.
The Ramparts of Ice premiered on Thursday, and Anime Feminist's review calls the first episode a fantastic character study. The series centers on Koyuki Hikawa, a high school freshman who keeps her distance from others due to trauma from her middle school years. The episode begins with three students approaching her to ask who the cutest person is, a clear attempt to upset her, and the gasps in the scene convey the fear and discomfort that are a daily reality for Koyuki. The review notes that Koyuki is perceived as both a target and too intense, earning her the nickname Ice Queen because she does not comply with traditional social standards. Her friendship with Miki, described as the high school beauty, provides a lens for the show to examine how others decide who a person is versus the person declaring who they want to be. The reviewer praises Koyuki's keen awareness of her situation and her strong ethics, noting she would rather be alone than fake her identity. The premiere is described as engaging, with nice animation, and the reviewer recommends it as a solid series worth watching. The show is available digitally through MangaPlaza.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Anime Feminist The Ramparts of Ice – Episode 1