What if John Wick was a Slice of Life Anime (The Fable)?

When it comes to Yakuza anime, the big name as of recent seasons is the hit Shonen Sakamoto Days. While Tien and I are eager to watch that series, we prefer to wait until the whole season has aired. So while we waited for Sakamoto Days to finish, we decided to pick another series for our binge watching nights. Luckily for us, it just so happens another Yakuza anime finished airing.

First Impressions

Based on the art style and tone of the manga covers, I expected a show with a grounded tone featuring mature stories. What I did not expect however is for the anime to delve into comedic territory immediately.

The basic synopsis consists of Akira Sato (Not his real name), one of the greatest hitman in Japan, being given a new mission…to assume a new identity and live a normal life. Accompanying him is his driver, Yoko Sato (also not her real name), who masquerades as his “sister.” Additionally, Akira is given one huge rule, he must avoid killing anyone. For a born-killer, that might prove to be difficult.

The first few episodes feature a more light-hearted tone as Akira slowly adjusts to his new normal life. The humor mainly revolves around our MC trying his hardest to appear a wimp rather than the true badass he really is capable of being. Another huge factor that works for the comedic tone is the deadpan, monotone behavior of Akira contrasting with Yoko’s energetic nature. Many of the jokes in these earlier episodes work due to Akiras uninterested reactions and Yoko animated response. Their dynamic creates a strong comedic foundation early on with Akira as the clueless dork and Yoko with her dramatic reactions.

Both characters are introduced to various members of their community. From the local Yakuza boss that will be taking care of them, to the friendly neighbors they encounter and even the local bar patrons, which Yoko constantly visits to interact with men. I can tell the beginning episodes were meant to slowly introduce the entire cast rather than rush into things. Overall, the opening episodes featured a healthy dose of dry comedy but lacked major plot development. If the humor doesn’t grab you, then you might lose interest in continuing.

Beneath the Comedy

Despite the comedic tone of the earlier episodes, I’m happy to say that the series is capable of stepping away from humor to deliver genuinely intriguing storylines. While The Fable excels at keeping the laughs coming, its biggest strength lies in its ability to shift gears and delve into a gripping, Yakuza-style drama. Though Akira seeks a quiet life, he can’t fully escape his past as the legendary hitman, Fable. Antagonists are introduced gradually, tensions build between characters, and Akira begins to question whether he can truly live a normal life without killing.

What makes The Fable so effective as a drama is the author’s commitment to slow, deliberate character development rather than relying on flashy action scenes. Don’t get me wrong—there are fights—but they’re used sparingly and land with real impact. Akira isn’t just a killer trying to blend in; he actively seeks personal growth, even taking on a regular job to find fulfillment in earning an honest living. His growing bond with his boss and co-worker becomes one of the show’s most heartfelt threads.

Akira’s transformation—from a cold, efficient assassin to someone willing to protect those he cares about—feels genuine and earned. That human touch extends to the entire cast, giving the story a weight that goes beyond typical action fare.

The season features two major story arcs, both built with the same careful pacing and emotional depth. With a protagonist as overpowered as Akira, the risk of boredom is real—but the show avoids that trap by anchoring each arc in emotional stakes. No matter how skilled he is, Akira still faces inner battles that challenge the very nature of who he is.

Animation Gripe

I compliment the author for his strong story telling, his careful approach to character development, and attention to plot details. However, when speaking of the anime, I do unfortunately have to say that the show’s animation team does not do the art style justice. It is clear the show is carried by its strong source material. While the art and animation is not bad, you clearly tell the studio’s budget did not view this as a major importance.

Conclusion

Despite some shortcomings on the animation budget, The Fable still managed to be one of the best watches of 2024. From the dry humor, to the endearing characters, and the gritty yakuza drama, I believe this series provides a perfect balance of humor and storytelling. It almost reminds me of a slice of life John Wick style story except it features a hero more interested in his mundane job and cheesy television shows.

What elevates The Fable is the lack of reliance on flashy action scenes or spectacle and the trust it places in the writing to drive the story forward. Akira’s quiet journey toward becoming a better person—without ever fully shedding who he was—makes for a surprisingly touching and layered narrative. If you’re looking for a show that can make you laugh, keep you hooked, and even hit you with a bit of introspection, The Fable is absolutely worth your time.