Given anime is the substantive BL Anime we’ve all been waiting for!
Given ギヴンis written and illustrated by Natsuki Kizu. Noitamina is the studio producing the anime, and it’s simulcast on Crunchyroll.
The first episode starts with Ritsuki Uenoyama encountering a sleeping Mafuyu Sato in the stairwell…where of course Uenoyama shows his coolness by helping fix Sato’s guitar strings. Sato asks Uenoyama to teach him how to play guitar! They show us some backstory about how Uenoyama fell in love with playing guitar and music in general.
Sato follows Uenoyama to the studio and he meets the other guys and he’s blown away by how amazing the band is, especially Uenoyama. The music is sharp, catchy and has a good rhythm.
Uenoyama returns home after their practice and chats with his sister (Yayoi) reflecting about Sato and his own memories of learning guitar.
Uenoyama being Uenoyama he goes back to the stairwell for a few days and doesn’t see Sato…he’s upset and confused and it’s adorable! Kaji tells Uenoyama to take care of Sato because he saw how his presence during the practice session made him step up his playing.
Kaji and Uenoyama leave their job at the supermarket and head to the studio, where Uenoyama has the funniest meltdown when he sees Sato and Nakayama chatting.
Sato explains that he did learn stuff in the Light Music Club, but it wasn’t as cool as Uenoyama.
Side note: The outro is so chill!
Mafuyu Sato (16 years old High School Student)- Googly eyed and adorable. But there is a sadness there.
Ritsuka Uenoyama (16 years old High School Student)- Galant and awkward, he’s very cool but still unsure about himself.
Haruki Nakayama (22 years old Graduate Student)- The fearless leader, kind and caring towards his bandmates.
Akihiko Kaji (20 years old College Student)- Complicated and extremely talented, he’s an amazing drummer.
Read Next: Given Episode 02 Review
Get Crunchyroll: Watch Given
