apsm
AKA, The end of Shingu, and Geto's plan is revealed.
WARNING: possible SPOILERS for the following...
Shingu: Secret Of The Stella Wars 25-26.
Jujutsu Kaisen 46-47.
*
Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars.
The series finale focuses on one last battle, as Nayuta again harnesses her powers to take on a final enemy that threatens the Earth. However, will her efforts cost her more than she expected?
I have mixed feelings about this finale. One the one hand, after so much secrecy, we finally get reveals to more of the lore of the series and the Shingu’s past. Whilst the action sequences aren’t the main focus, there are some decent animation sequences, and I was at least hyped to see how our heroes ultimately get out of their mess (and Hajime for once is at least somewhat useful, even if his solution is cornball). I also appreciate the antagonist, despite having a hand in some of the past scuffles, is doing things for the greater good.
That said, it didn’t feel the most satisfying. There are still long stretches of exposition (especially in the climax), and because so much information is thrown at you (some not given much elaboration), it did become a chore for me to keep notes of everything. On top of this, it doesn’t feel like everything was resolved, and I cannot help but wonder if there were plans for a sequel at the time. Sure, things end on a decent enough status quo, but we never get any resolution to the Zygile plot (seriously, weren’t they still in a civil war?), we never cover the School Festival that was hyped all season, and the one bit of information we get about Subaru raises a ton more questions to what he’s supposed to be.
As for my overall thoughts with this series, I’ll admit that it didn’t click with me. To give the show some credit, I don’t mind the old-school charm of the animation from a transitional period in anime, and for a series from 2001 there are some decent sakuga cuts (especially for the action sequences). I’ll admit I didn’t mind the premise, and some of the mystery elements were enough to keep me engaged throughout. I also didn’t mind the characterization that’s sprinkled throughout the story, and there are some interesting enough characters such as Jiltosh and Nayuta.
That said I found the story to be too slow and tepid for my liking. I am aware that some people will find the chill slice-of-life portions relaxing and down-to-earth. However, it felt like it couldn’t balance the sci-fi and slice-of-life elements well, as shown by the stretches where the show priortises more on uninteresting school-related stuff and instead of the sci-fi plot I wanted to know more about. As a result, there are periods where it’s spinning its wheels with little plot progression. On top of this, the way everyone acts in this show felt off to me. Whilst I get that the people of Tenmo would be calm about UFO’s due to their connection with Shingu, it happens to a ludicrous degree and even non-Tenmo characters act way too chill for the weird stuff around them. Finally, it felt like nothing really comes of several subplots such as the Zygile invasion (which is abandoned half-way through) or Subaru’s origins. Also, for a main character, Hajime isn’t too active in the main story (except for a few rare moments), and outside of his fourth-wall breaking (which feels otherwise jarring), isn’t that interesting.
If you want an action-oriented sci-fi series, then you’ll likely be disappointed. However, if you go into this series with the mindset of wanting a relaxing slice-of-life with sci-fi and mystery elements, you might enjoy this. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
Jujutsu Kaisen.
When we pick things up, our heroes find themselves coming face to face with Geto, who has all but succeeded in his plans.
Whilst there are some gripes I have about this season finale, it otherwise has me hyped for the next season ahead. The fight sakuga is still alright (especially when Choso re-enters the fight), and Geto gives us a glimpse of how hard he’ll stop going ahead whilst also unfurling his grander plans. However my biggest takeaway from this finale is how bleak the outcome is, as despite our heroes efforts, the season ends with everyone in a more dire position than they were at the end of last season. All of this leads to an uncertain future that awaits everyone (who’s still alive anyway). On top of that there is a surprise cameo that could have some interesting implications for the conflict ahead.
However, I’ll admit that the execution of these last couple of episodes didn’t always gel with me. Firstly, is the reveal of a certain twist concerning Yuji. On the one hand, it comes out of nowhere and we don’t fully have much elaboration to how the twist makes any sense (or if it’s the truth). However, considering we know little about Yuji’s past in the first place, I am willing to reserve judgement on whether this is exactly bad.
What is a bit more bothersome is how so many characters that arrive for this climax are either characters who have done little in this arc, or initially had nothing to do with this mission (such as the Kyoto branch), which becomes all the more pointless considering how little they are utilized anyway (and in Todo’s case, he vanishes with only a handwaved explanation later). This is especially the case when this girl shows up:
For those wondering, this is Yuuki Tsukumo, a carefree sorcerer who had a role to play in Geto’s past. To give her credit, she does seem like a fun personality and I get that she has her own mystique concerning her agenda. Frustratingly however, because the final episode is mostly exposition, I still don’t know much about her powers or what she was trying to achieve here (outside of some clues).
On a minor unrelated note (and because I couldn’t fit it anywhere else), I was a bit peeved to find that the Mei Mei-Geto fight is resolved offscreen with only a brief scene giving us an explanation (which I had to do research on just to make sense). I get that maybe they were supposed to add mystique to Geto (and I don’t want to admonish the animators or the manga creator) but I’d prefer they showed rather than told us what happened.
Thirdly, WHAT DA FAQ WAS GOING ON AT THE END?
To be fair, I don’t mean the plot of the final episode is bad. I get what it’s going for in revealing Geto’s plan and the aftermath of the whole incident. However, when I first saw it, I struggled to make sense of what his plan was supposed to be or why it’s a big deal because its so dense in exposition and Jujutsu lore (some of which had me going "wait that was relevant?"). I ended up having to read some articles to make sense of his plan and even now I think I understand 90% of it (if only because I don’t know what his overall end goal is). On top of this, some revelations come out of nowhere (even if there’s a logical reason they happened), and when we do cut to the epilogue, we not only are left in the dark on what happens to most of the cast as we focus on how the outside world reacts to the aftermath, but I felt like some connective tissue was missing. For example, I wasn’t sure how Yuji went from the position he was at the end of the Geto confrontation to being all by himself in the final scene. I know they are building intrigue for the next season (and its working), but I wouldn’t have minded some clarification on a couple of things at least.
That said, if I can brush aside my gripes with Mappa for cancelling the Yuri On Ice movie after 7 years in production Hell…
…FUCKING PAY YOUR STAFF, MAPPA!
Granted, I can’t say with good certainty if this deserved to be the Crunchyroll’s Award’s anime of the year, it’s still a solid follow-up. A lot of the heavy lifting that has to do with the animation and action on display, with some scenes being film quality, and most of the fight scenes going hard, filled with top-tier fight choreography and the odd artistic flourish (especially Sakuna’s fight with a Shikigami). Whilst I’ll admit that the series is more style over substance and is just a string of fights that happen, I didn’t exactly mind each fight, and I also respect how with the most OP character of the series compromised, no one in general is safe and how the confrontation grows gradually dire with each episode. I also have to give some credit as well in the 5-episode prequel arc on Gojo and Geto’s lives as it establishes the events that forced them to split apart and adds complexity to Geto’s character.
That said, I still have some gripes about it. Maybe it’s because of the two years it’s been since I saw the first season but I did find the mechanics of cursed techniques a bit hard to follow. I especially felt like this series didn’t properly utilize everyone in the fight such as Panda and Inumaki (and one of my favourite characters I felt was done dirty in how they’re taken out of the story just as they were warming up). There are also some twists and plot elements that might feel sudden or random.
I’m a bit worried about how I’ll like the anime as I hear some people say the manga gets worse from here. But whether that’s true or not, we’ll find out, and if you like great action animation, definitely give this a go.
AKA, Spaceships arrive in Tenmo, and the Silver Blade takes one more swing.
WARNING: possible SPOILERS for the following...
Shingu: Secret Of The Stellar Wars 23-24.
Black Blood Brothers 11-12.
Bungo Stray Dogs 36-37.
*
Shingu: Secret Of The Stellar Wars.
When we pick things up, Hajime (and the whole world) are in for a shock when a giant whale spaceship arrives:
Wait, did I say one spaceship? I meant two….AND THE OTHER IS RAMIEL?
Quick, someone call the Armed Detective Agency and/or NERV! I think their enemies are in the wrong show!
As it turns out these two ships are actually from the Galactic Federation and another organization known as the Cosmos Alliance, who have both arrived for negotiations. In such a time of great uncertainty, what do Hajime and his friends do? GO TO SCHOOL TO PREPARE FOR THE CULTURAL FESTIVAL!
I am dead serious.
A lot of this episode is more people talking exposition, especially during the negotiations as we finally get some scope of the conflict and where this might be heading (even if again it’s in bits and pieces which did make following what was happening a chore).
Notably, it’s strange to find the people of Tenmo, who have known about the aliens for so long, be so relaxed about the situation. The scenes at the school especially stand out as I don’t think everyone there is a Tenmo native and I got the impression that many of Hajime’s friends were supposed to be in the dark (though these episodes suggest otherwise). I think I can see what the show is going for by showing us that the school body are so united that they’re willing to take this opportunity to prepare for something they care about (and solidarity and teamwork might be the point of this series), but considering there are literally two massive spaceships above them, it’s unrealistic for them to be so enthusiastic for anything, let alone school.
The most surprising thing about these episodes is the reveal of who has been pulling the strings this whole time, and whilst again I was left stunned, I respect that their motivation might not be as evil as you think (at least from my read of things). Even then, with episode 24 ending on a final obstacle standing in our hero’s way, what will be the fallout from the oncoming fight?
Black Blood Brothers.
When we pick things up, Cassa and her henchmen have put the Special Zone into chaos, and it’s up to Jiro to save the day.
I have some mixed feelings about this finale, but for a season finale it’s solid. Whilst the formula is somewhat typical where our hero has to overcome his flaws and past trauma to kick butt, it’s competent enough even if not the most spectacular from a visual perspective. I was surprised how much of my questions were answered (even if some are only made clear in the epilogue), and it’s cool to see everyone take part in protecting the city. Even Mimiko shows some guts in standing up to Jirou and willing to put her body on the line to help him out.
Even then there are a few plot elements and narrative decisions that hamper it a bit. First of all, let’s address the elephant in the room by bringing up a certain twist that’s revealed in the final episode. First of all, I’m shocked to say “I FUCKING CALLED IT!”, and second of all, the twist adds a problematic element to the dynamic between Jirou and Kotarou the more you think about it. The other major issue with this finale is that the show really acts like sequel bait, especially in the final episode where the antagonist’s fate is left in the air, and our heroes are about to enjoy their next chapter of their life. On top of this, it feels like I still don’t know much about Cassa as a character and some questions I have about her (such a why she once protected Kotoarou in the past despite being a traitor) aren’t fully answered. If this was a series with multiple seasons ahead and this season was the prologue, I’d understand. However, since this is a one-shot season that came out 18 years ago, it makes it more frustrating that we’ll only get our answers if we read the light novels (if you can find any copies anyway).
However, there were a couple of other issues outside of those two elements that did have me going “huh?” For example, I feel like one of the messages of the story (that everyone has to work together to protect a common threat) is a bit muddled. It’s definitely sold well through everyone fighting the Kowloon, but when Mimiko makes a point to Jirou how everyone was protecting Kotarou when Jirou couldn’t, I was like “WHAT?” Sure, Zelman helped out, but Sei and Cain (despite their reasons), actively were trying to push them away from the zone! How is that protecting Kotarou. Another issue I had was how the reveal of Jirou’s motivations had me going “THAT’S IT?” I mean, it’s sentimental but why did the show have to act like it was a big secret as if it was more sinister than it looked? There’s also a bonus twist concerning Mimiko’s apartment bomber that had me going “Huh? That seems counterproductive.”
That all said, I’d say the series overall is fine, but there are better vampire anime out there. I do like the potential of the world-building, and I like Jirou as this politely-spoken asskicking noble who is protective of his brother. That said, the anime is filled with issues. The lore feels undercooked with several backstories only hinted at (some for a sequel that will never come), some of the twists are problematic, and the animation is average at best. That said, if you can turn your brain off, or in the mood for some mid-2000’s schlock, you’ll likely enjoy it.
Bungo Stray Dogs.
When we last left things, with neither side making a breakthrough, both Fukuzawa and Mori decide to decide the fate of their own organisations with a duel to the death:
Going into this episode, I was expecting an epic clash, and even if both have not had a lot of action so far, I got a feeling one (or both) wouldn’t get out alive. Whilst the fight we ultimately get was shorter than I expected, the episode looked to be going in that direction, especially as we get glimpses to their pasts and how they first met (we finally get a reveal of Mori’s ability too, which in hindsight isn’t exactly a surprise if you know anything about his ‘preferences’). I also appreciated how both men are willing to fight for their own organisations, even if it could risk upsetting the balance of power in the city.
I can’t say the outcome of the fight here, but I will say that the way it ends was a big surprise for me. Granted, it’s also a massive deus ex machina that virtually turns the plot back in the heroes favour and has me asking so many questions, especially with a mysterious character finally making their big debut.
Regardless, the arc then shifts to its end game as our heroes hurry to take down the mastermind. Personally it’s a fun finale, and I especially like the developing frenemy partnership between Atushi and Akutagawa as they again have to work together to take down a common foe. I also like how the epilogue sets up some exciting potential for Akutagawa and Atushi’s rivalry (especially the request Atushi gives to Akutagawa). Granted, there are the typical shounen asspulls (such as new powers coming out of nowhere), but I didn’t mind them too much, and I liked how some of the foreshadowed elements from this season (such as The Eyes of God subplot) come into play here. He main complaint I can see some having is how easily the antagonists plot is foiled, which is especially odd considering how elusive Fyodor was until now. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if we haven’t seen the last of Fyodor just yet, but when that will be is a story for another time.
AKA, that time Fairy Tail took on Team Four Star…wait, WHAT?
WARNING: possible SPOILERS for the following…
Fairy Tail 227-233.
Boruto 256-258.
Black Blood Brothers 9-10.
*
Fairy Tail.
First of all, anyone else noticed this Rave Master reference?
After a long filler portion we finally get to the main plot once more as our heroes are suddenly summoned by one of the four strongest Wizard Saints (or Four Gods of Ishgar), Warrod, who I get the feeling ate his greens as a kid:
Just a hunch.
The mission he gives them is to investigate a village that has been encase in ice for some time. However when they get there, they find out that there’s not only giants:
(Don’t worry, wait a few years and the Rumbling should free them of their current state.)
But also a group of treasure hunters known as Sylph Labyrinth:
(Also, here’s something that will blow your mind: the big head dude and the spiky hair dude are literally dubbed by Team Fourstar’s Lanipator and Kaiserneko respectively. YES. FUCKIN. REALLY!)
However, their biggest worry might actually be from a third party that is lurking around, one an old familiar bitch that’s been M.I.A since the Grand Magic Games:
And to make things more difficult, they have to stop her and her teammate Doriarte WHILST BEING CHILDREN!
Overall this was a solid arc that that on the surface seems like a typical side-quest sort of story which could work as filler. However it not only has some surprises but also hints at future plot elements. Of the character introductions, Warrod is an alright edition who’s “just joking lol” shtick doesn’t overstay its welcome, and whilst we haven’t seen the full potential of what his plant growing powers are capable of has an interesting connection with the Guild. Sylph Labyrinth in the meantime are more comedic fodder (which clashes a bit as their role as treasure hunters who care more about stealing treasure than who they have to hurt to get it), but its cathartic to see their asses getting kicked.
There were a couple of interesting surprises, especially the return of a certain ex-Raven Tail member. As random as it is, I appreciated how they’re given an arc to redeem themselves and them having a personal stake in this village adds an extra emotional layer. Granted revealing Raven Tail to already be disbanded feels like a letdown considering the leader has a big hate boner for Fairy Tail. Minerva isn’t used to her full potential here, but she’s just as much a bitch as before and is heading further down the wrong path. It has me wondering if Erza’s pleas to not abandon her former guildmates are even worth it at this point. Doriarte on the other hand has an interesting reveal which raises some further questions to the bigger picture. His age regression powers give an extra winkle to our heroes plight, and I especially like how Gray becomes the arc’s MVP as he uses his brains to win despite his disadvantage and being reminded of past trauma’s. Perhaps my one nitpick is how obvious the show is at dragging out the pacing, especially with episodes now having around 2-4 minutes of recap at the start.
However, how will our heroes fare when we get to Tartaros arc? More on that another time…
Boruto.
We’re back to the episodic filler, so let’s get through them quickly.
EPISODE 256: Whilst Inojin and Cho Cho are trying to apprehend a suspected rogue shinobi, they find out the man is not only pardoned, but is now a struggling chef.
On paper, the prospect of our heroes learning that they are just as vital even if they’re not in the same level as Shikudai isn’t a bad subject to tackle. However, again the Cho-Cho-centric episode has to shoehorn food once again and with it comes a lot of goofball hijinks (such as a literal training montage to cook the best ramen), and the cliché “oops, we accidentally swapped a mundane thing with the mcguffin the bad guys want” misunderstanding.
EPISODE 257: When Naruto has to cancel a film cameo (yes, really) for a popular action franchise, Konohamaru is willing to take his place.
The commentary of this episode is strangely topical, reflecting on how movies have become soulless special-effects filled cash grabs controlled by greedy producers, rather than an art-form where people pour their creative passion onto the screen. This is especially seen in how under their current producer, the film crew are putting less effort in their films, relying more on greenscreen rather than practical shoots. However, things get ridiculous in the second half however when they have to shoehorn a hijacking for its climax, just to give the film crew an excuse to prove the producer wrong, even as one of their friends is in legit danger (and it somehow works!!!!!).
EPISODE 258: As for that reason Naruto had to skip his film cameo? Turns out it’s a trip to a hot springs with his family.
Out of the three episodes here, this was the one I tolerated the most. I didn’t mind seeing Kawaki and Boruto trying to get along as brothers, or the family enjoying themselves. Even Hinata (the most wasted character in this series), surprised me with her tenacity during a game of ping pong. However, what I didn’t expect this episode being was a sequel to a previous episode involving the same ghost armour Mirai once encountered.
I’m not saying putting a horror element in is a bad thing, but as our heroes are unaware of it for most of the episode, I’m wondering what the point of it was.
Black Blood Brothers.
When we pick things up, all of our heroes are looking for each other just as Cassa’s plan is about to launch chaos upon the city.
At this point the plot is starting to pick up as new mysteries emerge (what is hiding in the supposedly non-existent 11th yard), and Cassa’s plan starts to unfold. Sometimes there are some contrivances to prolong our heroes reuniting (such as Kotarou not recognizing Mimiko on a boat), but it’s not too offensive. All the while there are some cool moments (even with the animation limitations), such as the cliffhanger to episode 9 (which was built up well), and Warlock representative Cain (Obligatory Chris Sabat character #345) literally going beast mode during his fight with Yafuri. Even Zelman using his own fire-vision powers to ignite a cigarette I thought was neat in a ‘rule of cool’ sort of way. That said, these episodes are not without its flaws. The subplot with Yafuri being captured ultimately doesn’t matter as he’s rescued anyway, and again the animation limitations are an acquired taste.
As a general observation about this show, I also notice how often the show lore drops certain elements but doesn’t care to fill the audience in (which might be their way of going “read the source material”). Sometimes its trivial stuff such as how vampires have to do this formal greeting about their bloodline heritage. Other times it’s plot elements that so far haven’t been elaborated upon such as one of the Company being an ally for Jirou in the war, but this more told rather than shown. However, I am a bit worried how much elaboration we will get as with two episodes to go, we’re still getting hints about Kotarou (why is Cassa especially annoyed by him despite not meeting him before?) and how Cassa’s motivations seem to relate to this 11th yard subplot.
That said, with the situation escalating and our heroes about to meet up again, there is enough hype to see how all of this will wrap up.
AKA, Fyodor re-ignites the Agency-Port Mafia war.
WARNING: possible SPOILERS for the following...
Bungo Stray Dogs 33-35.
Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars 20-22.
*
Bungo Stray Dogs.
We finally get to the meat and potatoes of season three and the first episode of the arc is off to a cracker. It all starts when Agency president Fukuzawa is confronted by a masked assassin:
As it’s soon revealed, the assassin is part of a scheme by Fyodor that sees him use both the Agency’s and Port Mafia’s leaders lives to have both parties re-ignite their war to save their respective bosses.
From there the arc is an enthralling cat and mouse game as both sides try to target one another or find the culprit responsible. All the while, Fyodor is one step ahead of them, as he cuts off any alternative solutions and plays psychological mind games from the shadows (such as with Doppo). To make matters more difficult, one of the Agency’s most essential members is also incapacitated, leaving them to their own devices.
That said, whilst not all of the supporting cast are utilized equally (Yosano’s had no chances to go full Yuno Gasai on anyone), some characters did surprise me. I especially give kudos to Junichirou, who despite not being known for his offence, uses his illusion powers so well that he fooled me several times. I also like the Akutagawa-Kyouka reunion as it shows some character growth between them and how Kyouka is steadily shaking away the burdens of her past.
Whilst Fyodor’s manipulations and knack for reading the enemy are HAX levels (how does he know where everyone is?), his motivations (he also wants the mythical reality-warping novel Francis wants, to rid the world of gifted and sin), are curious. Whilst I get why anyone would want to rid sin, I want to know what happened in his past where he came to that conclusion and why he wants to rid gifted powers.
However, with neither side making a breakthrough in this confrontation and time running out, when I last left things, a sudden turn of events sees the battle is heading for its dramatic conclusion, and I got a feeling that someone isn’t coming out of this alive.
Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars.
When we pick things up, our heroes have withstood an enemy attack. However, with Subaru quickl recovering, our heroes have to deal with something more important…A CLUB PRESENTATION AT FUTABA’S SCHOOL!
Also, RANDOM JUDO TOURNAMENT?
We’re back to the slice-of-life hijinks and again I wouldn’t say a lot of progress is made with the main plot. There is still some character stuff such as Nayuta realising how hard Subaru’s been working to protect them, a lot of episode 20 is more Hajime and his friends preparing for the presentation. Whilst we don’t get to the point of Hajime’s intentions until the next episode, I feel like his overall goals will play into the climax (whether directly or indirectly). Also, my other big takeaway about this is Shun makes for a strangely affective Rose of Versailles cosplay:
(Yes, that's afro kid!)
And also we get my favourite meta gag of the series so far when Setsuna’s own fourth wall break is interrupted by Hajime correcting her:
To quote Deadpool "A fourth wall break inside a fourth wall break? That's, like, sixteen walls!"
The subplot with the Judo club in episode 21 in the meantime has its funny moments (the club captain in particular is borderline yandere in blackmailing Subaru), it also introduces a new character that becomes the focus of episode 22.
Episode 22 in the meantime I’d say isn’t quite a satisfying payoff to this new characters arrival. Granted, again there are some humorous bits (such as one of Hajime’s friends bragging about photobombing a ‘historical moment’) and the scene between Kyoichi needing to talk to Hajime was alright. I also admit that the new character has a mystique about him and the question of whether he can be trusted intrigued me. Otherwise, the payoff with him so far looks anti-climactic, and he leaves again after Shingu returns for a battle. I don’t want to fully dismiss this as a waste of time as there’s still four episodes to go to see whether his words to Subaru will have an impact or not (or if he’ll appear again), but we are now in the home stretch and I doubt there’s any more time to drop any new subplots before we get to the climax.
AKA, Todo arrives to Boogie Woogie the shit out of Mahito, and I take a surprise return to Sternbild.
WARNING: possible SPOILERS for the following…
Tiger and Bunny: The Rising.
Jujutsu Kaisen 44-45.
Black Blood Brothers 7-8.
*
TIGER AND BUNNY: THE RISING.
Surprised to see it up here? I am too, but there’s a reason I watched this.
As for a quick reminder, Tiger and Bunny was an anime I watched waaaaaaaay back in 2013 and ended up on my top ten list that year. It’s a 2011 series from Sunrise that’s set in a world where Superheroes are tv celebrities and do heroic deeds for a tv game show. The show focuses on Kotetsu, an aging hero who finds himself pairing up with the arrogant lone wolf Barnaby.
Despite its cheesier moments, I liked the show for its endearing characters, and being a fun action-packed series that handles both superhero tropes (years before Deku ate All Might’s hair), and commentary on celebrity and reality tv. Since its release, it not only released a long-awaited sequel in 2022, but a poll by Japanese broadcasting company NHK named it the greatest anime of all time.
The reason I’m watching this 2014 sequel movie much sooner than expected was that I was checking Netflix randomly on March 31st before I was to do some planned writing. However, I then noticed that both the Beginning (a cinematic version of the series beginning) and Rising films were literally leaving Netflix that night. With Australia still not having a physical release of this film after a decade, I decided to scrap my plans and watched it.
But was it worth it? Let’s find out. (Also, SPOILERS FOR SEASON ONE AHOY!)
Our story is set after season one, where Kotetsu (despite his compromised powers) and Barnaby are still acting as a team for the second-tier league. However, when a wealthy businessman named Mark Schneider takes over HeroTV, Kotetsu and Barnaby are forced to go their separate ways and Barnaby is paired up with a new hero, the gravity-manipulating Golden Ryan (OH HAI…KABUTO FROM NARUTO?).
However, when a group of suspicious villains show up to wreak havoc before the city’s founding day is about to begin, everyone works hard to put a stop to their plans.
As a movie based on an franchise, it’s a solid coda to the first season, give or take some flaws. The animation is still the same quality as the series, with the CGI (whilst noticeable) looking well composited for its time. The battles are exciting as always and I like how all the heroes (even the butt monkey Rock Bison) all get a moment to shine.
I also appreciate how we see some of the characters go through some arcs or show how far they come. I like how Kotetsu has to struggle with the prospect of his life after HeroTV, and how Barnaby shows how inspired he is by Kotetsu’s example (such as helping an orphanage). Sure, there are some yaoi-esque elements as both heroes consider whether they can cope being apart, but (intentional or otherwise) its sort of to be expected at this point.
The rest of the character arcs are more minor issues brought up early on, which are then resolved in the climax, but the one exception is token gay-coded hero Nathan/Fire Emblem when they are forced to hallucinate their past trauma’s. Granted, it’s unfortunate to have the sole gay character spend a good chunk of the film incapacitated, but they still find time to shine in the final act. Whilst I don’t think I’m the most qualified to say whether Nathan’s backstory is problematic or not, I can see their struggles towards self-acceptance relatable and believable.
As for the new introduction in Ryan, he didn’t exactly leave me a good first impression with his egotistic personality (even when helping the heroes he has to make it about himself) and he doesn’t change by film’s end (at least from my read of his character). I get that him being an egotistical jerk is the point of his shtick, and he at least shows teamwork when it matters, but it might your mileage may vary with him.
As for other elements in the story, it’s a typical “get our heroes back to the status quo” sort of story, and there are some goofy elements (the town’s origins involves a Goddess sending a crab messenger to have the people repent their sins as if he’s a crustacean Jesus. Yes. Really.). However if you can keep an open mind, it’s still a fun and at times intriguing story where you’re wondering what the antagonist’s plans are. Whilst I expected there to be a twist villain, I liked how it wasn’t who I expected. As for the antagonists, they’re underlings are nothing more than one note and the main antagonist is only thrust into the spotlight in the final act, but their motivations are believable enough and I like how they have parallels to Barnaby’s backstory (that and one of my all-time favourite voice actors plays him so….).
Otherwise, at times it did feel like to me that the pacing was a bit on the rushed side. This is not in a “story is going too fast” sort of way, but more in the scenes feel a bit too fast paced and transition to the next scene before you can process what’s happened. However, that was more a personal experience and it’s likely it’s not the same for others.
If you like Tiger and Bunny, and are lucky to find it (legal or otherwise), I’d give this a hearty recommendation.
Jujutsu Kaisen.
When we pick things up, Yuji is at his lowest point leaving him vulnerable to Mahito’s clutches. However, he’s soon assisted by a certain self-proclaimed ‘brother’ of his:
The early portions of episode 44 are a bit of a whiplash by following up the tragic cliffhanger of the previous episode with the light-hearted flashback Yuji has. However I’ll let it slide as he is still processing the tragedy before him (whether or not you feel it’s too much) in what has already been a shitty night for him. However, just as things start to get brutal on Mahito’s part, the moment Todo arrives, the heavy atmosphere starts to lift and the situation again turns around. I’ll admit Yuji getting out of his funk so quickly is a stretch, but I like the vibe Todo’s going for: that you have to keep fighting so the sacrifices aren’t in vain. On an unrelated note, whilst it disrupts the fight that ensues, I thought a specific scene with Miwa was also well handled.
Whilst Yuji has an important part to play in the fight with Mahito, Todo is the MVP, being a combination of an inspirational leader, a badass asskicker, and a complete dork (such as his imagination sequence where he fights alongside his favourite idol. Yes. Really) as he and Yuji team up to fight Mahito and the sakuga and fight choreography continues to be strong. Such highlights include the Todo’s clever uses of Boogie Woogie (again, yes that’s his ability) to swap himself with Yuji or other objects, the way Mahito contorts and separates his body to outfight his opponents or Todo launching himself off a wall to kick Mahito.
As the fight progresses however, Mahito starts to pull off all of his trump cards from knowledge he’s learned from previous experiences. Sometimes it gets on the asspull side (how convenient he picks now to go through an evolution), but it pushes our heroes so hard that they suffer consequences for risky actions. Even then the fight is still an enthralling back and forth where both sides try to counter one another, and every blow Mahito suffers (and being reduced to a quivering frightened prey) is cathartic, leading to a crucial blow that would’ve not looked out of place in a Studio Trigger anime. I also liked how Yuji appears to have taken on more of colder approach as the fight reaches its end.
However, just as it looks like I’m finally going to get sweet justice for Mahito’s deeds, the cliffhanger to episode 45 comes by to remind us that our heroes mission isn’t going to be that easy.
Black Blood Brothers.
When we pick things up, after Auguste ups the ante by attacking Mimiko’s apartment, Jiro decides to settle the matter in the only way he knows how: VIOLENCE!
Episode 7 effective ends the Auguste subplot but it also transitions to the next phase of the story which continues to linger into the next episode. The subplot about Jirou’s position in the city is again questioned as Mimiko has a meeting with the Company and other vampires. However, Jirou’s own eagerness to get vengeance on those who have wronged him and his new friend get the better of him (reinforcing why he might be too dangerous to be allowed in, which he admits). I found the main fight with Auguste anti-climactic in how quickly it ends, but I get it’s to prove how brutal Jirou can be.
However, the Auguste subplot also builds to a developing story that’s been hinted all season as vampires and humans are being converted into Kowloon. In the centre of all this is Cassa, who appears eager to see Jirou again, as well as her flunkies such as Yafuri (OH HAI DUB HOLO!) who appears before our heroes:
I don’t have much to say about Yafuri outside of being a bratty kid who appears to hold his own against Jiro (though that could be Jiro holding back for reasons I'm not quite certain about?). However, whilst I don’t know what Casa is trying to do, I get the impression that she might be toying with Jirou out of jealousy for his relationship with Alice. I also am intrigued to find out more about a fellow minion of hers in info broker Zaza (OH HAI NATSU!), who is already having me believe he’s more than he appears:
Whilst episode 8 does leave open some intrigue and drama (especially when the brothers become separated), I can’t help but feel a bit frustrated by this plot. On top of some elements still not elaborated upon (what is special about this Eve bloodline Jirou’s part of?), I feel like things are happening too fast. Jirou’s only been in the district for barely a day and he’s already resigned to leaving the place since no one wants him and he is too weary of the Company when I don’t think enough has happened to justify his mistrust. I get he has some misgivings about what happened in the earlier episodes (and his fear of having Mimiko be hurt) but that seemed to be a misunderstanding and it otherwise feels like he’s giving up too soon (especially when his reasons for coming here are still not elaborated). Meanwhile, Mimiko already intensely cares about his well-being despite knowing him for two days. I get maybe the resonance of being bitten by him might be factoring but its still a bit of a stretch.
Also, a minor nitpick on my part but it still confused me: during a Company meeting in episode 8 the members report a conversation between Jirou and Yafuri they weren’t there for. Since the one person who should know is unconscious at this point, HOW THE FUCK DOES THE COMPANY KNOW WHAT WAS SAID?