Episode 17 – Gachiakuta – Anime News Network

Before it was just a matter of time gachiakuta Pulled off the “flashback to key backstory of the protagonist during combat, and just when things are going really well” trick. It’s a story as old as time—or at least as old as modern style. juvenile The comic takes this classic trope and beats it into the dirt. I like Amo’s storyline because it retains the revelatory flashback plot back Great war. Not only does it allow the fight with Amo to play out at maximum intensity, but it also trusts the audience to use their brains and apply this new context to their memories of the episodes they watched a week or two ago. Nine times out of ten, this is my favorite way to pace large anime battle blocks. This is especially true for large, complex anime fight scenes that feature several different groups of good guys and bad guys duking it out in different locations and in different ways.

That being said, I’m willing to forgive gachiakuta There are two reasons for indulging in this tired old trick. First off, I’ve already mentioned that on a cinematic level I don’t like the location of this big team fight. Even with Studio Bones’ mastery of lighting, shadows, moody colors, and just plain bad animation, there’s only so much you can do to make an endless series of anonymous dirt tunnels look or feel interesting. So, I’m glad that Zanka’s flashbacks take us back to the wonderful world of sunshine and location shots. Secondly, the story planted the seeds, at least in last week’s flashback, of Zanka’s hilarious monologue about being forced to endure “special” people in the world. That means this flashback isn’t just a lazy excuse to explain a particular action or shoehorn a bunch of random pathos into the story before a character dies. When Zanka expressed those clearly deep-seated frustrations last week, I wanted to know more. gachiakuta is giving me what I want, even if I’m more than willing to wait a few more weeks for a more convenient time to pause the narrative and provide that information.

The episode is titled “Memories of Mediocrity,” so it’s no surprise to learn that Zanka’s wrath comes from the ferocity of the top student at Hellguard Academy back in the day. Zanka was used to being the No. 1 pick, destined for a spot on the academy’s veritable golden throne, until Takashi emerged from a humble life in the ghetto and effortlessly kicked everyone’s butts six ways on Sunday. The vicious cycle that Zanka is trapped in culminates in the origin story of his vital instrument: On the day when each student ceremoniously selects their signature weapon from the variety on offer, Zanka wants to make a statement and prove that he is “the real deal” by picking the most obviously useless item on the table. Little did he know that the stick had been placed there entirely by accident, and the embarrassment of the incident nearly trapped Zanka in permanent trouble.

What really worked in this episode wasn’t the basic backstory details that any old monologue or simple editing could explain. again, gachiakuta is actually talking about some very interesting things about anger, especially the anger of male impotence, which is often generated by a toxic mixture of privilege, entitlement, and truly unfortunate circumstances. The moody music and excellent storyboarding stand out in scenes like when Zanka tries to ignore Takashi’s obvious superiority, only to go to the back of the training ground and have a pity party tantrum that ends with him biting his lip so hard that it bleeds into the drain. he is not angry with him lost;He’s pissed that for years he’s been trying so hard to prove he’s the best and this little ghetto rat shows up and dethrones him in their first ever boxing match. Xiaozhen is real He is good at pretending to kill people with a wooden sword, which is enough to completely shatter Zanka’s ego. I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that Takashi is a girl. I wonder how many times a skilled artist like this Located in Urana Does she irritate less talented people in her field just by existing?

Florence + the Machine have an incredible new album out this Halloween called everyone screamsa line from the song “One of the Greats” that might send little Zanka straight to his grave: “It must be nice to be a man/Just because you can make boring music.” Throughout his life Zanka has been allowed to believe in his goodness—but not in particular—great The skill level would take him all the way to the top, but that dream was dashed the moment Takashi walked into the room. It wasn’t until Zanka finally met Enjin that all that pitiful, powerless anger finally had a purpose. Instead of just jumping into the well and crying slightly Not as good at fighting as a talented young woman, maybe Zanka could use all that energy to get better? I know, it’s an exciting concept, but I’m sure a bunch of loud Man-o-Sphere influencers will intentionally miss this when they hear Florence’s song. Just because men can and do rise above the mediocrity of pride doesn’t mean we must.

Of course, I’m sure Zanka would be more than happy to prove this, if he weren’t currently paralyzed and suffering from hallucinatory nightmares from Jabber’s poison. Thankfully, being dragged away as a sacrifice to the hungry trash beast almost certainly means Zankar won’t actually be cut, as it gives our heroes enough time to catch up and save the world. They better do it too. I needed Zanka to get one last chance to hit Jabber’s remaining ribs with that stick of his.

grade:

gachiakuta Currently live broadcast
Crunchy roll.

James is a writer with many thoughts and feelings about anime and other pop culture, which can also be found in blue sky, his blogand his podcast.