Kabaneri of The Iron Fortress [甲鉄城のカバネリ] was so happening in Spring 2016 for most people. This series was reassuring for a few episodes, made me continue to watch the whole show in curiosity. Moreover, it is one of anime in the season which story is original, which makes it more interesting to watch because of there is no idea what is in it, right? Yeah, my curiosity is too big. Let’s get started the review of this anime from Wit Studio. 【Download the theme songs here ♪♩♫♬】 |
Ikoma, is a normal human before he is bitten by Kabane. He successfully stops the spread of the virus from his infected arm on himself. Later on he finds out that the success to stop the virus in his body doesn't mean he is negative (from being a Kabane). Yeah, this is where our hero begins his story, he is a half-human and half-Kabane, a Kabaneri. His first obstacle is to make others believe that he won't going insane like Kabanes. But, a hybrid still a hybrid, he has genes of a Kabane, makes him half of it. His journey starts off. He and the people in his area, is on survival train to reach a safe shelter far away. Along the way, they will find many Kabanes head off.
I mentioned above, this series was reassuring for me, and even made me curious which is not often for me to get attached to something-like Kabaneri’s series (because the CGI animation). Yep! The graphics there mostly 2D, but got CGI animation in it. Not too much, sadly, not appealing either. Nicely, they can bring the terrible fact of countless deaths and horror vibes with the visualization aside from CGI animation. I don’t know whether the animation being lack of colours intensity or lack of sharpness that made the characters somehow look ungraceful. Back to the ‘reassuring issue’, indeed it was convincing “at first.” The story progress for the halfway of whole show was exciting, far from dull improvement. After few episodes in which the Kabane apocalypse isn’t the real threat, that was when I wanted to drop this series for sure. The political spice stirs the whole purpose of me watching the show, of being so engaging by its survival and journey to get to safe place, into a show of a noble madman makes use of Kabane into political/personal grudge thingy. This turn-over can’t be worse.
The characters development had slow improvement, feels like nothing at all even if so many occurrences and feelings there; the frightfulness, will to survive, optimism, friendship, desire to help, guide the main characters to be more adaptable and dependable to fight the Kabane. Not only their strength, but also kindness in their hearts. The relaxing moments tuck as the characters take their rest for fighting Kabane. I think its purpose to show that even in hard time there must be time to relax awhile, and to deepen their relationship which is not interfered by Kabanes. Unfortunately, I think it didn’t fit well. Maybe if they put it into different way, it will work better.
The OP and ED have done by EGOIST and Aimer with chelly (EGOIST), these names aren't new to you. "KABANERI OF THE IRON FORTRESS" by EGOIST is the OP theme for Kabaneri series. Personally, EGOIST's works do not fit my taste but I do have several works from them that I keep on my playlist. But this one, absolutely no for me. The OP sounds like it tries to give you something dreadful about the show, about how frustrating fighting never-ending Kabanes and survive in a shelter. So dark and full of sadness. Not because of its terror vibe, but the music itself I can't barely enjoy. Aimer with chelly (EGOIST) "ninelie" is the ED theme. Better than OP a bit. The insert songs are quite good along the show.
Such a turn-over brought down my excitement to watch this. Well, 6.5 for its anti-climax ending.
Pros: Entertaining anime (at first), it successfully got the tension and horror.
Cons: It's unlikely to be original because I can feel it is so similar with some other series, and damn minus for its turn-over. So bye.
× 『rui@96yR』【butterflyuu】 × 増原 紀花 | #1st_ep "What you need to survive... It's not some tool that will keep you hidden and safe. It's the power to fight the Kabane without fear." #4th_ep Ayame-sama "This is a contract. In exchange for my blood...you will fight for us, Ikoma! |