Studio Gainax, the legendary team behind Evangelion and FLCL, pushed the boundaries of aesthetic and narrative absurdity with Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. The series follows two angels, Panty and Stocking, who are expelled from Heaven for their hedonistic behavior and forced to earn their way back by hunting ghosts in Daten City under the guidance of a foul-mouthed priest named Garterbelt.
What makes the show distinct is its chaotic, Western-cartoon-inspired visual style and its refusal to take anything seriously. The "Anarchy Sisters" transform their lingerie into lethal weaponry to dispatch spirits, though they are far more interested in pursuing their own vices than completing their divine duties. It is a masterclass in gag humor, satire, and surreal comedy that remains a singular entry in the Gainax catalog.
The 13-episode run is a fast-paced, episodic ride that leans heavily into its ecchi and action roots. By eschewing traditional character arcs in favor of rapid-fire jokes and stylistic experimentation, the series carved out a dedicated cult following that has sustained its relevance for over a decade.
With the upcoming sequel, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, currently in production by Studio Trigger—the studio founded by former Gainax staff who worked on the original—now is the ideal time for a rewatch or a first-time dive. The full series is available on Crunchyroll with both English dub and subtitles, allowing viewers to experience its anarchic energy in full.
