Always a Catch! Anime Premieres with Tetsu Inada Joining Cast
The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Mayo Momoyo's "Always a Catch!" has officially premiered, blending romantic comedy and action. Veteran voice actor Tetsu Inada has been cast as Maria's father, a crucial figure in the protagonist's journey. This key casting announcement coincides with the series' debut, promising an engaging new anime season for fans.
Music, Premiere & Core Cast Highlights
The "Always a Catch!" X/Twitter account shared Inada's casting and highlighted the series' music. TMS streamed the creditless opening theme, "Chikai wa Kyun to." by HoneyWorks feat. Airi Suzuki. The anime debuted on Wednesday, April 3, at 24:00 JST (effectively Thursday, April 4, at midnight) on Tokyo MX and BS 11.
The main cast features Yū Serizawa as Maria Annovazzi and Atsushi Tamaru as Renato di Rubini, alongside Saori Hayami, Shūichirō Umeda, Taku Yashiro, Natsuki Hanae, Kaori Maeda, and Rumi Ōkubo in supporting roles. Yoshino performs the ending theme, "DEAD OR LOVE."
Talented Production Team Behind the Series
Akira Oguro (Giant Beasts of Ars) directs the anime at TROYCA. Michiko Yokote (Call of the Night) is in charge of series scripts, and Isamu Suzuki (Shinobi no Ittoki) designs the characters. Additional staff include Action Animation Director Kanako Ōta, Art Director Xiao Miao Li, Color Key Artist Mariko Shinohara, and Music composers Kana Hashiguchi and Natsuki Hamada, ensuring a high-quality visual and auditory experience.
The Engaging Story of Always a Catch!
Square Enix Manga & Books describes "Always a Catch!" as a "zany romantic comedy starring a duke's daughter, who's more of a fighter than a lady, and a prince who happens to be into that!" The story centers on a strong female protagonist, who, having trained as a martial artist to inherit her father's dukedom, finds her path changed by a baby brother. Now seeking marriage, she encounters a crown prince who mistakenly cancels their engagement. However, upon witnessing her fighting prowess against bandits, his interest is piqued, leading to an unconventional romance. This unique premise promises a refreshing blend of humor, action, and unexpected love.
From Web Novel to Anime Success
The "Always a Catch!" story began as a short by Mayo Momoyo on the "Shōsetsuka ni Narō" website in 2020, quickly expanding. Square Enix published the light novels with illustrations by Mito in 2021. The manga adaptation, by Kaki Nagato, launched on Square Enix's Manga UP! service in April 2022. Both the light novels (seventh volume) and manga (10th volume) have new volumes shipping on April 7. English manga is available digitally via Square Enix Manga UP! Global, Kadokawa's BookWalker Global Store, and Comikey. The anime's launch broadens its global reach, making it a must-watch series.
