: The story follows Genzo Shibata, a pro-wrestler known as "Animal Mask," who is summoned to another world to slay "evil beasts." Instead, he immediately German suplexes the princess who summoned him because he refuses to harm animals, deciding instead to open a monster pet shop.
“Well I'm sold! I already love Genzo and his adorable little pupper Hiroyuki! The comedy definitely hits all of my strike zones.” Reddit · r/anime Hataage! Kemono Michi Episode 1
Fans in the community generally found the premiere to be a high-energy "lighthearted watch" that doesn't take itself too seriously. : The story follows Genzo Shibata, a pro-wrestler
: Critics and fans note that Studio ENGI did a solid job with the initial animation, particularly the wrestling sequences like the "fight" against the Cerberus pack. The comedy definitely hits all of my strike zones
: The introduction of Shigure, the debt-ridden and pragmatic wolf-girl, provides a necessary "straight-man" foil to Genzo's single-minded madness. Community Perspectives