Slick has pretty much given up on American TV save a few established shows. Until something decent comes along, there is gonna be a lot of anime coming from yours truly. MTR has been sorely lacking in the department anyway, so here is the first of many mini reviews for the 2013 fall anime lineup. Gonna show any of our fans that like anime what they should be watching (if they aren’t already). Starting things off with a bang is one of the most talked about anime of the year.
Long time anime fans will no doubt recognize classic titles like Dead Leaves, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, and Panty and Stocking With Garterbelt. The makers of these insane, highly enjoyable series finally have their own production company, Trigger, and are trying their hands at an anime which is very different from the norm. Most anime are based upon an established manga, but this project is releasing alongside its manga counterpart; the anime actually debuted on October 3, 2013, a day before the manga. Six episodes deep and just over a month later, the show seems to be receiving a positive response.
Kill la Kill is the story of Ryuko Matoi, a Japanese middle school student in her second year that is out to avenge the death of her father, Isshin. Her only real clue is that the murderer used a red scissor blade weapon, half of which she wields against her opposition. Her quest brings her to Honnouji Academy, where she believes the killer is hiding. Her main suspect is Satsuki Kiryuin, who despite being class president and a student of the academy, seems to literally run the school. Everyone, staff included, fears and respects her. Ryuko is initially unable to battle her underlings who wear “Goku uniforms.” These special uniforms contain life fibers which give the wearer superhuman abilities. Her initial defeat leads her back to the ruins of her family home where she accidentally discovers Senketsu, a living school uniform that um…forces himself on her. The result puts her on a whole new level where she is able to fight on and above the level of a Goku uniform. It’s a whole new ball game, or boxing match or whatever challenge she has to face on a given day.
Kill la Kill is utterly ridiculous. Even when the characters are being serious, they rarely make any sense. The thing is, that’s the point. This show makes fun of itself while driving the story forward. The main character is one of the strongest fighters in this world yet whenever she changes into her battle uniform, she is damn near naked, but somehow protected against all but the most powerful attacks. Her partner Senketsu requires her blood in order to strengthen her yet she is fine every morning after a good night’s sleep. This is one of those shows where if you try to think about things, you are only going to ruin it for yourself. Sit back, relax, enjoy the madness and watch this chick kick ass. That is the only way to enjoy this show and enjoy it you will. Kill la Kill is definitely one of the top action shows of the year, topped only by deeper stories like Shingeki no Kyojin and Strike The Blood. It is a must watch and I look forward to seeing where the story goes.
Oh yeah, and the music rocks.
