Sometimes, an anime episode doesn't need to unravel deep, complex themes or deliver massive, history-altering plot twists. Sometimes, all you need is a solid twenty minutes of exhilarating, uncomplicated fun. That's precisely what Gachiakuta's latest offering, Episode 16 titled "Gifted and Not" delivers in spades. As the brutal subterranean clash between the Cleaners and the Raiders rages on, Studio Bones reminds us once again why they are masters of crafting visually dazzling spectacle, making this episode a pure blast from start to finish.
The episode starts by catching us up with some of the skirmishes that have just begun. The first half is largely dedicated to introducing a new and quite quirky matchup: Bro and Dear, the latter being a ten-year-old kid with a pacifier, squaring off against the cowboy Raider known as Bundus. This segment is less about immediate action and more focused on tense character banter and sprinkling essential lore tidbits. While the talk of Corvus’s secrets and the methods for Taming Trash Beasts currently feels like breadcrumbs, it effectively sets the stage for future developments, ensuring even the side battles contribute to the world-building.
However, the undeniable main event of "Gifted and Not" is the heated rematch between Zanka and Jabber. This confrontation carries a far greater emotional weight, a history the audience is actively invested in. There's a genuine desire to see Zanka finally wipe the smug look off Jabber’s murder-hungry face. To keep the larger narrative in focus, the action cleverly cross-cuts back to Rudo’s ongoing dilemma, where the insidious Zodyl continues to manipulate Rudo with his evil monologuing. This juggling act ensures the intense supporting cast battles never distract too much from the story’s main crux.
More than any complex emotional beat, this episode simply kicks supreme ass. Studio Bones is clearly having a fantastic time animating this arc. The fight shines, particularly after Zanka’s heartfelt monologue about the frustration of dealing with people who are naturally talented and know it a moment perfectly capped by the powerful effect of a well-timed, late title-card drop.
The animation itself is stellar. Jabber's obscenely giant claws and bloodthirsty menace are amplified by some fantastic storyboarding, while Zanka's choreography is elevated by the studio’s decision to let the animation serve his characterization. Using the open space to great effect, Zanka is allowed to vault and twirl with his patented Big Stick™, creating a kinetic and visually resplendent flow of action.
For a true testament to how much Gachiakuta has successfully excelled within shonen genre conventions lately, consider the suspense it generates. When the credits began to roll, the episode managed to leave the audience firmly on the edge of their seat. Even knowing the common anime trope of "fake-outs," the palpable suspense surrounding Zanka's fate was masterfully drawn out. The episode leaves viewers with a single, urgent thought: We absolutely need our Big Stick™ Boy to get back on his feet and smash that grin off of Jabber’s face for good.
No comments:
Post a Comment