: Critics and fans note that Studio ENGI did a solid job with the initial animation, particularly the wrestling sequences like the "fight" against the Cerberus pack.
: Viewers on Reddit frequently compare the humor to KONOSUBA , which isn't surprising as both were created by author Natsume Akatsuki. The comedy relies heavily on Genzo’s "perverse obsession" with snuggling monsters and the physical absurdity of wrestling moves used in a fantasy setting.
: The story follows Genzo Shibata, a pro-wrestler known as "Animal Mask," who is summoned to another world to slay "evil beasts." Instead, he immediately German suplexes the princess who summoned him because he refuses to harm animals, deciding instead to open a monster pet shop. Hataage! Kemono Michi Episode 1
: The introduction of Shigure, the debt-ridden and pragmatic wolf-girl, provides a necessary "straight-man" foil to Genzo's single-minded madness. Community Perspectives
“Well I'm sold! I already love Genzo and his adorable little pupper Hiroyuki! The comedy definitely hits all of my strike zones.” Reddit · r/anime : Critics and fans note that Studio ENGI
Fans in the community generally found the premiere to be a high-energy "lighthearted watch" that doesn't take itself too seriously.
“I can't get over the pure irony of pro-wrestlers getting isekai'd and turning a life and death conflict into a wrestling tournament.” Reddit · r/Animedubs Kemono Michi: Rise Up (2019) - Facebook : The story follows Genzo Shibata, a pro-wrestler
The first episode of Hataage! Kemono Michi (Rise Up!) is widely reviewed as a refreshing, chaotic twist on the isekai genre, largely because it swaps typical "heroic" tropes for professional wrestling and an obsessive love for animals.