Ben-To, the action series about a group of high school kids battling it out over half-priced ben-to, is one of the craziest Shonen I’ve ever seen. Despite it’s strange plot, the series is actually pretty fun for the 12 episodes provided. Mixed in with some nice action, the plot can get a little out there, but that’s part of its charm.

Ben-To is an 2011 Shonen anime series, it is produced by David Production and licensed by Funimation. It is currently available on streaming services as well as DVD and Blu-Ray.

Being someone who spent a lot of his anime viewing life watching generally nothing but the Shonen genre, I’ve seem a few with some rather odd plots, but nothing thus far has topped Ben-To’s. The story follows Yo Sato, a normal high school kid who gets thrust into the world of bento brawls. After meeting Sen Yarizui & Hana Oshiroi he begins to train for the half-priced meal sought after by the customers of the Hokey Market.

Brawl for all!

THE GOOD: The action featured in Ben-To is fairly solid with some fun scenes during the bento brawls. The characters all had some unique presence about the, so they never felt dull or one-dimensional, and if you can get over the fact that the plot is about some high school kids fighting over food, then Ben-To is rather entertaining.

The slap you silly plot may take time to get over.

THE BAD: The plot won’t be for everyone, but if you can find the strength to get through the 12 episodes even while feeling reserved because of it, then you’ll be in for a fun ride. There’s also a ton of fan service which will annoy some.

Fighting for bento like your life depended on it.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Ben-To is a cool, but short Shonen series about people fighting for the titular food item. The plot while seemingly nonsensical at first, shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying a fairly decent series. Naturally, it won’t be for everyone, but for those who chose to stick through the 12 episode length and not be put on hold due top the crazy amount of fan service then you’ll find yourself enjoying the series in less than half a day’s worth of time killed. Otaku Dome gives Ben-To an 78 out of 100.