Youjo Senki
Also known as “Saga of Tanya the Evil”, was intrigued by this anime based on the “幼女戦記” light novels by Carlo Zen. Set in an alternate earth where magic still exists and countries violently clash in a bloody conflict reminiscent of the first World War, similar to last season’s “Shuumatsu no Izetta” that was inspired by the second World War, “Youjo Senki” adds another twist to its core premise.
Besides being a feisty young girl whose innocent look and great magical powers are offset by her disturbing behaviour and ruthlessness, Tanya is in fact the reincarnation of a cold, calculating businessman who is being punished for his demeanour throughout life by being reborn as helpless orphan girl into a world filled with strife.
Although Tanya might have just as interesting a character without this added plot gimmick and background, it does give an extra dimension to her character when it becomes clear that even after being reincarnated, she still is every bit the merciless, scheming sociopath who is unemphatic to those around her and will stop at nothing to achieve her skewed goals of maximised efficiency and prioritising one’s career above all else.
Did appreciate how the first episode of “Saga of Tanya the Evil” throws you right into the action of war raging throughout the world, all while showing us what a twisted character Tanya is, much to the shock of the other soldiers who are unable to reconcile her behaviour with her appearance.
The second episode is a prologue that highlights who Tanya was in her previous life as a salaryman in modern day Japan and then elaborates on the struggle that followed once reborn as a helpless orphan girl.
It’s apparent that Tanya is still very much the despicable person she was in her previous life, making her an interesting character. Am very curious to discover more about Tanya’s mental machinations, sincerely hope the anime will peel away more layers of her character or show how she may evolve throughout this atrocious war.
Instead of some sort of positive reversal and feel-good plot, actually wish they keep Tanya as the despicable, cold-hearted person she seems to be and give us an anime series focused not on the typical unrealistic hero, but on a flawed, villainous anti-hero. Will keep my fingers crossed that they keep on portraying her so well.
You can watch “Youjo Senki” as “Saga of Tanya the Evil” on Crunchyroll.
Blue Blue Wave 
I started this anime without expectations, it was a random choice that evening ;D
Oh what a disturbing intro, but I liked how grim and dark everything was.
Tanya’s evil smile at the end nailed it for me, an insane proagonist is something refreshing once in a while. Haha, but I think Tanja wasn’t entirely wrong with punishing the soldiers.
Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ
In the second episode I thought I had the wrong episode or even the wrong anime, the bad karma twist made the atmosphere slightly less heavy, it will be interesting to see how Tanya will push her career fast forward.
@Fabian
While the plot premise and character build up is typical enough, there’s enough added elements that can make this a great anime and Tanya a great character.
Like you mentioned, her subordinates disobeying orders or back when she was a salaryman, that employee who was often absent without notice or reason,… valid reasons for disciplinary action. (The fact Tanya goes over the top there is another matter.)
The reincarnation plot will have much deeper meaning if instead of the overused classic plot of Tanya changing her ways, she persists and remains true to herself as a cold, calculating careerist.