天下制覇

  

Someone needs more pills. Or maybe fewer.

Impressions:

This is a show in desperate need of a number of things. A budget for one. There were moments, mostly toward the end, where it came together, but most of the action was more depressing than anything. It also needs to pick a tone. While Tokyo Ghoul lacked contrast, this is way too far in the other direction. Even once the palette shifts to the reds and blacks, the menacing guitar kicks in, and it starts splattering blood everywhere, it doesn’t stop with the ridiculous faces, bad sight gags, and corny posing. There’s jarring for effect, and then there’s manic because you’re just throwing stuff at the wall and hoping it sticks. The whole thing would have come out much better without any of the silly slapstick. You can be lighthearted and witty without all the screaming, silly faces, and comically overblown nonsense.  

So the evil darkness and suffering whatever was not effective in the slightest, especially the truly ridiculous ranting from the crazy blonde over those awful stills. The protagonist has a bit more confidence and wherewithal than most, but ruins a lot of it by rarely talking when the power shout is an option. It did its function as an opening episode though, introducing him, the characters, and where the plot will be going. It’s sad that I feel that is something noteworthy, but given how content most of the ‘plot’ based shows so far have been content to piss around for most or all of the episodes, it’s nice to have one that’s moving with some sense of purpose.

I’ll give it a tentative passing grade for now as just kind of your regular fantasy action show, but it needs to hit the mood eveners badly. And find a budget. And gag the protagonist.

Next Episode:

Intro to the rest of the cast.