Shonen Jump never disappoints. In 2026, they're back with a new anime, the first episode of which is already available to watch on Crunchyroll. It's titled Marriagetoxin and adapts the manga of the same name, which has been serialized since 2022 on the Shonen Jump+ platform.
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Although it's been overshadowed by other new anime this season, Marriagetoxin is one of the anime that got off to a great start in April. The first episode premiered on April 7th and made a positive impact on shonen fans. Why should you watch Marriagetoxin if you haven't considered giving it a try?
Marriagetoxin is Pure Shonen Jump Formula
Shonen Jump manga always guarantees action, battles, humor, and fun. These elements are also present in Marriagetoxin, an anime that perfectly shows the Shonen Jump formula. However, it does so by introducing elements unique to its story, making it a completely different anime from what you might imagine.
The Shonen Jump formula works because it offers what the audience wants to see, and it has been successful for decades in both manga and anime. In this case, with slight similarities to Spy x Family, but with its own universe of action and romantic comedy, Marriagetoxin is an anime worth following with interest.
The Story is Very Original
The story of Marriagetoxin explores the difficult reality faced by a master assassin. He has been pressured for some time to marry and have an heir, but Hikaru Gero isn't interested. He's a very reserved man, and finding a wife isn't among his goals. Furthermore, he doesn't believe he can ever achieve it, seeing himself as the typical man who thinks he'll end up alone. However, unexpectedly, he finds himself forced to marry. He does so to protect his sister and allow her to live the life she wants.
This capacity for sacrifice will completely change Gero's priorities. From that moment on, he will try to find a partner almost desperately. Unfortunately for him, love isn't exactly interested in finding him. Even with the help of Mei Kinosaki, a marriage swindler he should have killed, Gero will have difficulty meeting anyone. Moreover, from that moment on, the assassin will have to protect her, so that she will continue helping him in the process of finding a partner. The biggest surprise comes when the protagonist discovers Mei's secret.
From the very first episode, sparks fly between the two protagonists, but not in the way one might expect. Their unique connection, forged in a critical situation, becomes the central focus of this humor-filled anime.
Hikaru Gero is voiced by Haruki Ishiya, who played Kaoru Namikido in Tougen Anki. He has also worked on series such as Mechanical Marie and My Friend's Little Sister Has It In for Me!, where he voiced Arthur and Akiteru Oboshi, respectively. Mei Kinosaki is voiced by Shion Wakayama, who in 2025 appeared in anime such as The Summer Hikaru Died as Yuki Tadokoro. Both do an excellent job of giving their characters the right tone in comedic, action, and more serious scenes.
There are Many Clans of Professional Assassins and the Comedy is Constant
One of the strengths of Marriagetoxin lies in the way the anime introduces us to a world of assassin families. Reminiscent of Sakamoto Days, which also introduces us to this type of universe, Marriagetoxin seeks to establish a more organized status quo. The closest comparison could be found in the now-classic Hitman Reborn!, the manga and anime that triumphed for years in Shonen Jump magazine.
Thus, what Marriagetoxin does is establish a foundation on which different families exist, each specializing in a type of assassination technique. The protagonist's family is the Poison Clan, which uses poison to eliminate its victims. Hikaru himself only kills those who truly deserve it and has a certain moral code when using his poisons.
In addition, there are other families, such as the Beast Clan, specializing in the use of animals as companions, the Bug Clan or the Fire Clan. Even the Ghost Clan is also present with a method of killing that uses weapons possessed by ghosts. This shows that Marriagetoxin has no intention of setting any limits. The appearance of characters from various families promises to be one of the most intriguing aspects of this anime.
Is an Anime That Embraces Madness
Joumyaku, the author of the story, admits that he drew some inspiration from his own life for the protagonist's situation. This isn't an isolated case, given the strong pressure in Japan to marry and have kids before a certain age, especially for families who don't have any more children and want to ensure their survival.
The anime Marriagetoxin is, in a way, a tribute to the search for marriage, to dating in modern times, and to the absurd humor that has been a staple of Shonen Jump for years. There are moments in the anime, just as in the manga, that make absolutely no sense. But the goal is to make the viewers laugh while immersing them in a world of assassins, battles, and action that isn't as extreme as some other series.
Motonobu Hori, the anime's director, explained that his aim with Marriagetoxin is for it to be an anime that allows adults to unwind. It airs at night, as is typical in Japan, and is recommended for when you get home from work, grab a drink, and have a laugh in front of the TV. It's exactly the kind of anime ideal for that, including comedy, romance, and action to switch off for 20 minutes.
The series will have 13 episodes in its first season, but the manga has already reached 17 volumes since its launch in 2022. This means that if the audience demands more episodes and seasons, Marriagetoxin shouldn't have any problem continuing. But before that happens, it will be necessary to gauge the anime's reach and see if the ratings are good.
Is Marriagetoxin a Good Anime?
Marriagetoxin is a anime that entertains the viewer from the first episode thanks to lots of comedy and action. The manga has won over audiences with its humor and lighthearted tone, making it a great choice for relaxing. There are assassins, fights, chases, and action scenes, but the anime never loses its charming and funny touch.
The protagonist is a poison specialist who can take down all his enemies, but he's more concerned with finding a partner than fighting criminals. His peculiar pessimism, the way he releases his stress when things go wrong, and his love for his sister and Japanese gummy candy are characteristics that make him very human and relatable. It's an anime that will entertain you and, as its creators say, is meant to be watched without overthinking. An anime to have a good time.