The lights go down. A heavy, gothic atmosphere replaces the bright, idol-adjacent sunshine we’ve spent years associating with the BanG Dream! franchise. If you sat down to watch Ave Mujica 第一集 (Episode 1) expecting more of the same "kira-kira" energy, you probably felt like you walked into the wrong theater. This isn't just another spin-off. It’s a tonal pivot that feels more like a psychological drama than a rhythm game tie-in.
Honestly, it's about time.
The premiere of BanG Dream! Ave Mujica had a massive weight on its shoulders. It had to follow the absolute emotional wrecking ball that was It's MyGO!!!!!, a series that fundamentally changed how fans view the Bushiroad property. We aren't just looking for catchy songs anymore; we're looking for the fallout. We want the mess. And the first episode delivers that mess with a side of theatrical masks and unsettling silence.
The Haunting Legacy of Sakiko Togawa
To understand why Ave Mujica 第一集 works, you have to look at Sakiko Togawa. She is the architect of this entire project, but in the first episode, she feels more like a ghost haunting her own life. We saw her dismantle CRYCHIC with cold, surgical precision in the previous season. Now, we see the "why"—or at least the beginning of it. The episode spends a significant amount of time establishing the sheer contrast between her former life and her current reality.
It's bleak.
The visual storytelling here is incredible. Notice how the camera lingers on the cramped spaces of her new living situation compared to the sprawling, empty mansion she used to inhabit. There’s a specific shot of a convenience store bento that says more about her fall from grace than five minutes of dialogue ever could. Sakiko isn't just "sad"; she’s desperate. That desperation is the fuel for Ave Mujica. This isn't a band formed out of a love for music or friendship. It’s a band formed out of a biological need to survive and a psychological need to reclaim power.
📖 Related: Isaiah Washington Movies and Shows: Why the Star Still Matters
Why the First Episode Subverts Your Expectations
Most anime premieres follow a predictable beat: introduce the protagonist, show the "call to adventure," and end on a high note of potential. Ave Mujica 第一集 ignores that manual. Instead of a "let's form a band" montage, we get a slow-burn character study.
The pacing is deliberate. It’s slow.
Some viewers might find the lack of immediate "action" or music performances frustrating, but it’s a necessary evil. If the show jumped straight into the heavy metal masquerade, we wouldn't feel the stakes. We need to see Uihana’s idol-world struggles. We need to see the friction between these girls who, frankly, don't seem to like each other very much. The tension is the point. Unlike Poppin'Party, where the bond is the foundation, Ave Mujica's foundation is a series of individual crises held together by Sakiko's iron will.
The Visual Language of Masks
One thing you'll notice immediately in Ave Mujica 第一集 is the recurring motif of the mask—both literal and metaphorical. While the band eventually wears physical masks on stage, the premiere focuses on the social masks they wear.
- Sakiko plays the role of the composed, "superior" student while her personal life is in shambles.
- Yahata Umiri operates with a detached, professional coolness that hides her own motivations.
- Nyamu (the influencer) is perhaps the most literal representation of "masking," living her life through a filtered lens.
The animation by Sanzigen has evolved significantly. While some people still struggle with 3D CG in anime, the lighting in this episode is top-tier. The way shadows fall across Sakiko’s face makes her look years older than she is. It’s a noir aesthetic that fits the "Ave Mujica" brand perfectly.
👉 See also: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett: Why Fans Are Still Divided Over the Daimyo of Tatooine
Breaking Down the "Averis" Philosophy
The band's name itself carries a lot of weight. "Ave" (Hail) and "Mujica" (a play on music/soul/death). In Ave Mujica 第一集, the atmosphere feels almost religious—not in a hopeful way, but in a ritualistic, heavy way.
There’s a specific scene where the dialogue turns toward the concept of "world-building." This isn't just a band; it's a "world" they are inviting people into. This meta-commentary on the music industry and idol culture is sharp. They aren't selling songs; they are selling a myth. This is why the first episode feels so disconnected from the "girls playing instruments in a basement" vibe. They are crafting an experience, and the episode treats the audience as part of that experiment.
Comparing the Start of Ave Mujica to MyGO
You can't talk about this premiere without mentioning It's MyGO!!!!!. If MyGO was about the pain of losing something, Ave Mujica is about the danger of gaining something at any cost.
MyGO was grounded, dirty, and emotional. It felt like a garage band.
Ave Mujica feels like a high-budget theater production that might actually be cursed.
In Ave Mujica 第一集, we see the seeds of the conflict that will likely define the season. While Tomori and Anon eventually found a way to communicate, Sakiko seems to have given up on communication entirely. She commands. She manipulates. She’s the "Oblivionis" of the group, and she’s trying to forget her past by burying it under a mountain of theatrical artifice.
✨ Don't miss: Why Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Actors Still Define the Modern Spy Thriller
What Most Fans Missed in the First Watch
If you look closely at the background details, the episode is littered with "blink and you'll miss it" foreshadowing. The reflection in the train windows, the specific classical pieces playing in the background, and the way the characters avoid eye contact—it’s all intentional.
- The Soundscape: The Foley work is exceptional. The sound of a pen scratching, a door closing, or the distant hum of the city creates a sense of isolation.
- The Power Dynamics: Look at who stands and who sits during conversations. Sakiko almost always positions herself "above" the others, even when she’s at her lowest point.
- The Color Palette: The vibrant colors of the original BanG Dream! are muted here. Everything is grey, blue, and deep violet.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Newcomers
If you’re just diving into the world of Ave Mujica, don't expect a feel-good story. This is a descent.
To get the most out of Ave Mujica 第一集, you should actually go back and re-watch the final two episodes of It's MyGO!!!!!. The transition is seamless, and seeing Sakiko's "break" right before the start of this series adds a layer of empathy that the first episode alone might not provide.
Also, pay attention to the lyrics of the opening and ending themes once they appear. Ave Mujica's lyrics are notoriously dense with literary references and dark metaphors. They aren't just singing about "doing your best"; they’re singing about the end of the world and the rebirth of the self.
Next Steps for Your Watchlist
- Analyze the Lyrics: Look up the translations for "Averis" and "Symbol I:△." The mythology of the band is baked into the music.
- Watch for the "Masks": Keep a tally of when characters are being authentic versus when they are performing. It becomes a game of psychological hide-and-seek.
- Follow the Timeline: The series jumps around a bit chronologically. Keeping a mental note of when Sakiko is "Rich Saki" versus "Phone-booth Saki" is crucial for understanding her mental state.
This premiere isn't just a win for BanG Dream! fans; it's a win for anyone who loves complex, character-driven drama. It's bold, it's dark, and it’s unapologetically weird. If this is how the journey starts, the "death" of the old Sakiko is going to be one of the most fascinating things to watch this year.