The gang’s all here (counterclockwise from bottom) Panty, Stocking, Kneesocks, Garterbelt, Scanty, Brief and Chuck.
When I heard about the return of Panty and Stocking, I was concerned. With the way things have changed since the original anime’s release in 2010, I was worried about the series being toned down or tailored to suit the new aesthetic where many of the things we grew up with are seen as offensive. It began in 2016 with Gainax West posting a silhouette of everyone’s favorite fallen angels to promote the show’s merchandise that (at the time) could lead to the series’ resurrection. For nearly a decade, there was almost no news about a revival happening until last year when it was announced that Studio Trigger will be bringing the Anarchy Sisters back in a new series with Hiroyuki Imaishi, who directed the original series, returning to helm the new one. Even with this and the trailer that was released last year, I was still concerned about it being watered down.
Thank God that is not the case!
Panty (right) fights a demonized Stocking (left) in the first episode of the new series.
I am so glad that Amazon Prime Video told the new meta to bugger off and say, “We ain’t changing squat!” Animated by Studio Trigger, the new Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt series kept all the sass, raunchiness and foul mouthing-off that made the series enjoyable by fans. Nothing is spared in keeping faithful to the Anarchy Sister’s original outing whose antics and innuendos continue to be over the top. Unfortunately, with a new series comes a new cast and most of the originals have been replaced. Courtney Lin and Christina Vee take over the roles of Panty and Stocking, respectively, replacing Jamie Marchi and Monica Rial. Daniel Walton takes the reins from Christopher Sabat as the voice of Garterbelt and the Demon Sisters Scanty and Kneesocks have new VAs as well. Ian Sinclair, the voice for Chuck, Panty and Stocking’s demon dog sidekick, is the only original cast member to return to their role. However, the change in cast does not hurt the series’ as it retains the outlandish humor, dirty jokes and wild action of the 2010 original. Animating a series like this is just a walk on the park for Studio Trigger since their debut series “Kill la Kill,” known for the same wild action and crude humor, follows a similar concept.
The new Panty and Stocking is two episodes in, and I am already having a good time. It is a joy to see a show that is not afraid to push the envelope or, in this case, disregard it completely. It is wild and out of pocket and a helluva lot of fun. I do recommend Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt for those who enjoy this kind of humor and anyone who wants to see something that is wild and crazy with amazing animation. So glad they are back!
Watch the new Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt on Amazon Prime Video!!
