Deca-Dence Episode 4 & 5: Recap and Review

Kaburagi breaks his limit in Deca-dence
Kaburagi breaks his limit

Deca-Dence Episode 4, Transmission, begins with Kaburagi ordering Natsume to return to Deca-dence. She isn’t ready. However, Natsume is determined to battle and save Pipe. As she enters the fray, she is horrified by the violence. Natsume flees to regain her composure. She takes a deep breath and returns to battle. Natsume springs into battle, flying through the magnetic field, piercing Gadoll with spears. She gets noticed by the Gears in the surrounding area. Kurenai compliments her for the fight, and Natsume is understandably pleased to meet her idol. Kurenai welcomes her to The Power. 

The largest battle in Deca-Dence history

The next “event” is the “Freezing Cold Snow Battle,” Kaburagi is told that the event is actually “impossible to clear.” Defeating an alpha Gadoll is considered impossible even for S-class Gears. Massive casualties are expected, particularly from A-Class and under. The plot of the story of the event features chosen heroes of which Kaburagi is chosen to be one. Mindy, Mundy, and Mendy are introduced to Natsume. At first glance, these three feel like red shirts. Later, Kaburagi warns Natsume that the upcoming battle isn’t for a Gear of her level. He tells her that “it’s won’t succeed, and peace will never come.” Natsume refuses to give up and Kaburagi sabotages her equipment. However, her motivation hasn’t disappeared and she joins the crew.

The battle begins

Natsume and her squad head out into the blizzard. Natsume isn’t taking the upcoming fight seriously. The S Rankers dominate the battle, as they notice that a lot of lower ranked gears are dying. As Natsume’s squad arrives at the location of the alpha, they witness the results of a massacre. The Gadoll alpha spots them and they charge. The squad quickly notice that the alpha is attacking the tanks. Enraged, Natsume rushes in and is saved by one of the tankers. She takes on the alpha alone, she manages to stab it with a needle. However, the alpha removes the needle and heals. Before it can hit Natsume with her needle, Kaburagi arrives. 

He pierces the alpha with two needles, forcing the Gadoll to use a smokescreen shrouding its position. Kaburagi pulls Natsume out of the zone and tells her to abandon her squadmates. Kaburagi’s negativity is once again in contrast with Natsume’s hope. After the tankers sacrifice on her behalf, she’s motivated to “push herself to the limits.” Kaburagi battles the alpha while Natsume escapes with her squad. Kaburagi begins to break his limit but is warned that if he kills the Gadoll it will “affect the storyline.” In a stunning show of skill, Kaburagi kills the alpha. As the fog lifts, the nest is revealed. 

The death of Kaburagi

However, a massive Gadoll appears. Kaburagi had made the situation worse by breaking the rules and now must be punished by the system. Meanwhile, the Gadoll displays its powerful pressure beam. Kaburagi notices that the Gadoll is “unfinished.” He charges in and attacks, distracting the Gadoll in the process. The Deca-dence Cannon lands the finishing blow. Just when we expect a peaceful ending, several massive Gadoll arrives. Natsume collapses at the impossible situation they find themselves in. Natsume and Kaburagi switch worldviews, with the former feeling helpless while the later hopes for the future. Finally, Kaburagi meets with Hugin who demands Kaburagi repeat the words “There is no place for bugs in this world.” Instead, Kaburagi says “Bugs are needed.” 

Hugin appears to kill Kaburagi with a laser beam. Deca-dence continues to surprise. Kaburagi’s change of heart was predictable, but his apparent demise wasn’t. However, is it real? His Cyborg body wasn’t destroyed. I predict that he hasn’t officially been killed yet. This episode does highlight the differences between the Gears and Tankers. It would seem reasonable that there would be a sense of comradery among them. However, the Gears seem to look down on them so much so that they don’t even value their lives. This dynamic could become toxic. Finally, Natsume has changed her perspective and has become more negative. I doubt this change will be permanent but what will it cost her short term?

 Deca-Dence Episode 3: Recap and Review

Top 5 Anime Vampires

Dio Brando from Jo Jo Bizarree Adventures

Dio Brando

Brando is the main antagonist of Part 1 and 3 of the series JoJo Bizarre Adventures. A vampire and Stand user, Dio is responsible for Jonathan Joestar’s death and the ability of the Joestar family to use Stand power. Abused by his father, Dio became manipulative, violent, and lacks empathy. His Stand, The World, is a “humanoid Stand that specializes in melee attack,” it’s capable of stopping time. 

Mikaela Hyakuya

Mikaela is turned into a vampire by Krul Tepes, like Yuichiro Hyakuya he possesses the seraph gene. He was abandoned by his parents and was taken in by the Hyakuya orphanage. After becoming an incomplete vampire he develops fangs and pointed ears, he becomes complete after drinking Yu’s blood and his eyes turn red. Unlike other vampires, Mika doesn’t view humans as livestock. He also maintains his love of family. 

Shinobu Oshino 

Shinobu is a former human child named Laura who was cursed into causing anyone in her presence to commit suicide. She was turned into a powerful vampire named Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade. She was the only daughter of a noble family and was famous for her beauty. Wishing that people would see her for what’s inside, she was granted her wish by a witch. Unfortunately for Shinobu, her inner beauty was more alluring. This lead to people committing suicide including her parents. The witch warned her to avoid people. 

Alucard

The main protagonist of the Hellsing series. Alucard is the most powerful weapon of the Hellsing Organization. He’s considered to be the most powerful vampire in the series. Alucard can appear as whatever he wishes, although he typically appears as a young man. Alucard is extremely cruel when he fights, often disabling and humiliating his opponents before shooting them. Alucard is also arrogant which can lead to him being taken by surprise in battle. Alucard is envious of humanity. Unlike himself, humans endure old age and death. He becomes enraged when Anderson stabs himself with Helena’s Nail, as he saw it as making the same mistake he made. As a vampire, he has super strength, speed, reflexes, endurance, regeneration, shapeshifting, telepathy, and many more abilities. 

D

Vampire Hunter D is a dhampir (half-vampire/half-human) that travels searching for Nobility. D is superior to most dhampirs, this is hinted at as being due to a connection to the Sacred Ancestor and experimental crossbreeding. D is considered so gorgeous that men and women are attracted to him. He’s described as being “between 17-18 years with a milky white complexion, a powerful frame, and a low voice.” When D drinks blood he transforms into a full vampire. Emotionally, D is largely emotionless, regardless he’s selfless. Like most immortals, D hasn’t aged and is over 10,000 years old. He can regenerate, survive nearly being destroyed, has superhuman strength, speed, durability, reflexes, stamina, and is a genius. At some point, D developed the ability to alter reality. D also has a symbiotic left hand that talks and have supernatural powers. 

Top 5 Anime Tropes I Hate

Fire Force Episode 4 & 5: Recap and Review

Inca refuses Shinra's help in episode 4 and 5 of Fire Force.
Inca wants to be thrilled

Company 8 battle a horde of Infernals

Episode 4 and 5 of Fire Force are no stop action. Obi suspects that Haumea is releasing Infernal Bugs, creating a massive number of Infernals. Company 8 struggles to contain the outbreak, with Infernal appearing at random, it becomes difficult to get the sisters in place to pray. Meanwhile, Maki locates Haumea and sends Arthur to distract her. At the same time, Shinra and Charon continue their battle over Inca. When Shinra tells her that she will be safe with him, she rejects his offer of safety. Inca hopes for a life of thrills. Shinra is confused. 

Vulcan detects a demon Infernal. A rare type of Infernal, demons are horned sentient Infernal’s, with high strength and durability. The only two demons in the series were defeated by members of Company 7. When the Infernals overwhelm Vulcan and Hinawa they’re rescued by Lieutenant Karim. Elsewhere, Shinra is rescued by Toru Kishiri from the 5th and Juggernaut from the 2nd. Their interference allows Shinra to escape. However, Charon grabs him as he reaches a captured Inca. Company 2 and Company 5 arrives with reinforcements easing the burden on Company 8. Meanwhile, Arthur finally reaches Haumea, and she’s not pleased to see him. 

Shinra tries to use Corna (Sign of the Devil)

Finally, Shinra and Charon battle again. However, Shinra’s heat does not affect Charon, he prepares to use “Corna.” As the Companies get a handle on the Infernals, the demon remains. Episode 5, Corna (Sign of the Devil), centers on the defeat of the demon. Fire Force highlights the fact that the Second Generations are not inherently weaker than the Third Generation. The second generation can only manipulate already existing flames, while, the third generation can create and manipulate them. Logic would dictate that successive generations would be more powerful, however, I think Fire Force balances the power levels in this series well. 

Lieutenant Hinawa explains that one strategy of the second generation when facing the third is to use their flames to fight them. By concealing the generation to which they belong, they can catch the third generation “off guard.” Shinra releases this as he fights Charon. However, he still has the same problem, his flames don’t work. Inspired by his conversation with Obi, Shinra uses Corna, becoming the first person to harm Charon. Maki and the other faceoff against the demon. Licht creates a strategy to “kill two birds with one stone.” Using the second generation from the 2nd and 5th platoons to gather flames at the center of town. He believes that using the wind and air currents can create flame hot enough to destroy the demon. 

Licht plans for a firestorm

Maki standing in the center creates a vortex, Licht calls a “firestorm.” As Hinawa lures the demon to the firestorm, Vulcan arrives with the Matchbox. Using the cannon on top, Vulcan and Obi knock the demon into the vortex. Trapped, Hinawa can use the flames from the firestorm to accelerate the velocity to the missile he’s controlling. As the demon reaches the top of the firestorm, its core is pierced by the missile and it explodes. Lieutenant Karim freezes the remaining firestorm leaving a pillar of ice. All that remains the Evangelists. 

These two episodes focus on what the Fire Force does best, high octane action. Each episode successfully balances the many fights that are occurring simultaneously. However, I think it took too long for Shinra to figure out the problem with facing a second generation. That said, I liked the fact that Fire Force reminded us that even with all the new powerful characters, the second-gen. can match them. I still believe that Inca is going to join the Evangelist, especially with Shinra offering her safety. Finally, the humor in Fire Force is flat. Tamaki’s clumsy fanservice and Obi’s inability to aim were ridiculous and distracting. The next episode will likely focus on Arthur more and the conclusion of Charon verses Shinra. However, I don’t think that either fight will result in a conclusion. 

Fire Force 2, Episode 3: Recap and Review

The God of High School Episode 4: Recap and Review

Mira gets engaged

Well, this episode of the God of High School turned dark. The fourth episode titled “marriage/bonds” decentralizes the tournament. Instead, it focuses primarily on Mira and later Daewi. While walking home Mira is approached by Oh Seong-jin. A successful businessman and martial artist as her to marry him out of nowhere. Even more shocking is that Mira agrees. Seong-jin instantly comes across as suspect. This episode does very little to convince us that he’s sincere. Mira revealed early that her goal is to bring Moon Light Sword to prominence. Feeling responsible for ensuring that Moon Light Sword has a future she sees marriage as being the only way to accomplish that. 

Daewi feels too outside to intervene. However, Mori doesn’t care. He believes that she’s making a mistake and aims to stop her. Furthermore, he thinks correctly that Seong-jin is tricking Mira. At the alter, we get a flashback of Seong-jin with the mysterious cult. It’s revealed that they want the “holy sword that can rule God himself,” and the “hand that can draw out that power.” This is the reason he wants to marry Mira. Elsewhere, Mori and Daewi encounter Seong-jin’s bodyguards. Daewi mostly does the work and intercepts Seong-jin’s attack. Mira remembers how she’s struggled with the burden her father left her. 

Seong-jin escapes and Daewi crushes Mira

She remembers that he told her that “your technique will make your life play out as you wish.” Finally coming to her senses she tells Seong-jin that she can’t go through with it. He instantly flips out revealing his samurai Charyeok. He attacks Mira with it, cutting her across the abdomen. She seems unharmed and defeats Seong-jin with her Moonlight Style No.6. Despite this defeat, he escapes with the moonlight sword. However, Mira believes she no longer needs it. The last 5 minutes pivot dramatically to Daewi. He watches as his friend dies. This dramatically changes his stoic personality to a more brutal one. 

First, he beats up the bullies from the store after they mock his friendship. Then he continues his brutality against Mira shocking everyone including Mori. The fight is quick, with Daewi hitting Mira in the wound she sustained earlier. As she bleeds, Daewi continues to pummel her. The ref finally intervenes as Mira lies in a pool of blood. He walks past Mori and says “see you in the finals.” Mira is likely to be fine considering the healing of nanomachines, at least physically. However, I don’t know how she going to take Daewi’s violent assault. Mori seems to have taken it personally. Daewi’s mental state is understandable his behavior regarding Mira is not. Despite this, I don’t think Mori will be willing to hurt him. 

The God of High School, Episode 2: Recap and Review

Elsie rescues Eden Zero, Asta and Yami face Dante, and Gigantomachia rampages

Eden Zero – Chapter 103: Clash of the Cosmos

Shiki and the members of Eden Zero are still bewildered over Ziggy’s heel turn. Ziggy threatens them with death, the orders Captain Connor to “sink the ship.” After hesitating, he begins his assault. The members of Eden Zero prepare for impact. However, Eden One’s ether cannon penetrates their shields with ease. Shiki finally gives the crew orders to attack. Captain Connor uses small bee battle drones and the Eden Zero responds with unmanned fighters. However, one of the four dark stars Wizard uses his Divine Lightning to destroy them. 

The crew and the Eden Zero are now in the range of the main cannon. With the armor down to 40% and energy levels decreasing the crew panic. Suddenly, the bee drones begin exploding. To everyone’s surprise, Elise and her ship the Skull Fairy appear. With Elise providing a distract, Witch Regret uses the opportunity to dodge the blast. Fearing doing battle with Elise, Ziggy orders Captain Conner to withdraw. As Eden One leaves, Elise tells Shiki that she’s one her way to talk about Ziggy. 

The biggest concern of Shiki is his mindset. Always viewing humans and robots as fundamentally good, it was always going to be difficult for him to understand that his grandfather was evil. Would he be able to command his crew to safety and make difficult decisions? So far it seems that he’s at least will to protect them from harm. It clear that Ziggy and his crew will become a problem for the future as none of the Eden Zero crew is strong enough to handle them yet. I wonder what Elise will say. 

Asta with his right devil arm in Chapter 258.
Asta with his right devil arm

Black Clover – Chapter 258: A Captain’s Duty

Asta and Yami attack Dante. As they approach him, Dante attempts to block them with a large piece of Earth. The duo has no trouble cutting through the rumble. Yami severs Dante’s arm, meanwhile, Asta attacks. However, Dante quickly counters, leaving Yami to kick Asta out of harm’s way. Dante regenerates his arm while Asta charges at him once more. This time Dante teleports away. Predicting his trajectory, Yami attacks him with the spell Death Thrust. This blows a hole in Dante, however, he quickly restores himself. He lands a hit on Asta, who recovers and charges again with Yami at his side. 

With Asta’s anti-magic, Yami believes that all they need to do is have Asta hit Dante. Asta laments his weakness compared to Yami. He feels helpless, decrying his six months of training as “worthless.” Dante, on the other hand, is excited, noting that “everything they do if an offering to his pleasure.” Asta calls out to the devil within. He asks the devil to “lend him some power,” and the devil agrees on the condition that he can take a part of Asta’s body. As Dante launches his Gravity Singularity spell, Asta dispels it, with the devil has taken over his right arm. 

Asta’s deal with the devil seems likely to become an even larger issue. I wonder if their relationship will function as the one between Naruto and Kurama. At first, there was hostility and even psychical harm, even though Kurama lived inside Naruto. It appears that the dynamic between Asta and the devil inside him is similar. Furthermore, is the sacrificed body part permanently lost, or is the devil take over temporary. Asta’s desperation could lead him into making more deals with the devil and it could cost him too much. 

My Hero Academia – Chapter 278: Disaster Walker

Gigantomachia continues to rampage while carrying the other villains on his back. Mt. Lady tries valiantly to stop him but is bulldozed by the hulking figure. Earphone Jack realizes that he’s heading towards them. Meanwhile, Geten, Cementoss, Re-Destro, and Edgeshot are involved in a melee. Re-Destro stops the other heroes from advancing, as the villain move forward to begin their “revolution.” Kamui Woods and Midnight swing through the trees to reach Gigantomachia’s face. However, they are interrupted by Dabi, who dowses them with his blue flame. 

Midnight crashes to the ground after being hit with debris from Mr. Compress. Hoping to put him to sleep Midnight think of Creati. She informs Creati that she needs to put Gigantomachia to sleep with an anesthetic, despite doing so being illegal. Creati comes up with a plan, using Earphone Jack and Tentacole’s Quirk to determine Gigantomachia’s location, she hands her friends an anesthetic. They prepare to face the oncoming enemies. 

It seems implausible that this plan will work. If the heroes can’t stop Gigantomachia from moving then how will the get him to consume the anesthetic. Maybe it’s airborne and he’ll inhale it? I don’t think Mineta’s Quirk could work on him, and Creati seemed to have used too much of her power. Mt. Lady seems like she could at least delay him, but so far he’s tossed her around like a ragdoll. Gigantomachia doesn’t appear to be a direct threat, but that may be part of the problem. If he’s not distracted by fighting them, then he’s free to focus on reaching Tomura. I can’t see him being stopped, but maybe slowing him is all they will need. 

My Hero Academia Chapter 277: Recap and Review

Deca-Dence Episode 3: Recap and Review

Natsumi struggles to master battling Gadoll in Deca-Dence Episode 3
Natsumi struggles to master battling Gadoll

Let’s begin your training

Deca-Dence Episode 3 opens with Kaburagi reviewing the moment Natsume “dies” and her chip malfunctions. Kaburagi throws her into the deep end. They practice on a Gadoll called Spoonwormer’s. Small and pink, the Spoonwormer is fairly weak. Kaburagi gives a tutorial that both educates Natsume and the audience. He explains that it’s important to force the Gadoll to activate their zone. The Gadoll appears to do this instinctively. Within this zone, a magnetic field is generated, making gravity unstable. The round tank lets he wearer see waves. The goggles permit Gears to see Arteries of the Gadoll, which carries oxyone. 

Oxyone is the main source of energy that powers Deca-dence. It fuels almost everything, including the attacking and riding of the Gears. The tank automatically fills with oxyone. Killing mid-size Gadoll requires bleeding them out. Natsume doesn’t take to battle the way you might expect the main character. However, she has another limitation, her arm. 

It’s not your weakness it’s your strength

Natsume’s arm features only three “fingers” making gripping difficult. This is especially problematic when trying to use the regulator lever, that’s used to adjust oxyone usage. Despite the difficulty, she refuses to give up. Kaburagi takes her to a weapons store. He creates a new artificial arm for her that has five fingers, a hose valve, and a compressor. Natsume will be able to use needles with. While returning home the Gadoll attack, destroying the ground. Natsume and Kaburagi rush after Pipe. Meanwhile, the Gears prepare for battle. 

After episode 2, I wondered what Deca-Dence would focus on. I didn’t expect more surprises but was curious about how they would respond. This episode focused on Natsume’s training while explaining the world more. We learn how humanity lost its way, how difficult battling Gadoll is, and Kaburagi’s tendency to save “bugs (Natsume and Pipe).” This behavior is going to become a problem for him in the future. In the meantime, Natsume will get a chance to fight for real. 

Deca-Dence Episode 2: Recap and Review

Kiado shocks, the Harry Potter Challenge, and Little Witch Academia

The three main protagonists from Little Witch Academia
The three main protagonists from Little Witch Academia

Kaido stuns the Pirates in chapter 985 of One Piece

Jay over at RJ Writing Ink reviews the latest chapter of One Piece. After a two week hiatus, the series returns with a shocking moment. As Kiado puts the end to “Wano” and begins his new “Onigashima Plan” this arc is making a dramatic turn. Together with Big Mom, Kiado plans on “seize the Ancient Weapons, conquer the world, and gain the One Piece.” That last part is certain to get Luffy’s attention. This chapter has a lot going on. Kanjuro’s clashes with the Scabbards, Nami, and Carrot are captured by Big Mom, and Luffy rushes to save Momonosuke. 

Check out the review. 

The 30 Day Harry Potter Challenge

Megan from the Geeky Gal blog is one day 21 of the Harry Potter challenge, which asks “What edible treat(s) would you like to try in the Wizarding World?” She tried several Harry Potter inspired treats at Universal Studios in Orlando, from “the Pumpkin Juice, to the Butterbeer, Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizzbees, and Every Flavor Jelly Beans.” Megan will release the full list of 30 after she finishes. Until then I encourage you to read her list. 

A Little Witch Academia review

If you have been reading this blog long enough then you know I love Little Witch Academia. Originally a Kickstarter, the series began with two short films, Little Witch Academia and Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade. Two years later it became a series on Netflix premiering in 2017. The Traditional Catholic Weeb loved this series as well, stating that “LITTLE WITCH ACADEMIA IS ONE OF THE GREATEST ANIME THAT GOD HAS BLESSED ME WITH THE PRIVILEGE OF SEEING.” The review is well worth the read. Check it out and if you haven’t seen Little Witch Academia the series is still on Netflix. 

Anime Movie Review: Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade

Fire Force 2, Episode 3: Recap and Review

Inca, the fifth pillar in episode 3 of Fire Force
Inca, the fifth pillar

In episode 3 of Fire Force, the fifth pillar emerges. So far the series has revealed the first pillar, Hitohashira-me, the second pillar, Haumea, the third, Sho, the fourth Shinra. We are now introduced to the fifth. Her name is Inca and she has an odd view of life. Inca can “see” the path of flames that allow her to avoid them and to locate future fires. She uses her ability to “predict” when they will break out, then extorts the victims. Her antics haven’t gone unnoticed. She was known for arriving at scenes before the Fire Soldiers. They correctly deduce that she must be the fifth pillar due to her unique powers. 

After experiencing the Great Fire, Inca decides to value life above all else. However, she appears to love being surrounded by danger. Inca is selfish, greedy, and a bit sociopathic. When she learns that a “sea of flame” will engulf an entire area, she becomes excited. Regardless, both the Evangelists and Fire Force pursue her. Charon and Haumea are the first to locate her. However, Charon is unable to convince her to join. Charon is an interesting character. He can be menacing in one moment and absent-minded in another. 

Charon also seems very comfortable with violence, brutally killing Inca’s friend Sancho. Overall, he’s a rather hulking figure. Shinra eventually encounters Charon in this episode. While being immuned to all of Shinra’s attacks, he’s able to overpower Shinra with powerful kicks. Unfortunately, their fight isn’t completed. Shinra appears outmatched and I don’t like his chances. Regardless, the question is which side will Inca choose. Based on her behavior, I think she’ll join the Charon and the Evangelists. 

Fire Force 2, Episode 2: Recap and Review

Celebrating the 7th Anniversary of blogging at Otaku Orbit

Mob Psycho 100 celebrating
Mob Psycho 100 celebrating

There was a time when I was afraid of writing for the public. I didn’t think I was smart enough or a good writer. Regardless, this blog has done well since 2013. Today marks my 7th-anniversary blogging on WordPress. To celebrate, I created a list of 7 things I learned while blogging. 

Here we go:

  1. I learned to be a much better writer. On way to become better at something is to do it frequently. Having read some of my older posts, I use to be a terrible writer. Poor sentence structure, grammar, and word choices. I’m not saying that my writing is perfect now, but it’s much better than it uses to be.
  2. Joining a larger anime community. I was initially afraid that nobody would read my blog let alone comment. However, over time I started to receive likes and comments. Some bloggers were more active than others and unfortunately some stop blogging. I have fallen short of the kind of interaction that I wanted but I’m working on it. 
  3. I expanded my anime tastes. Before this blog, all my anime favs were largely shonen. Part of the reason I want to blog was to watch different anime. While most of the anime is still popular among fans, the genre’s were different from what I found typical. Particularly, series like Yuri on Ice, Made in Abyss, and Haikyuu. 
  4. Willing to be critical. I was afraid of being criticized for some of my thoughts. However, being critical of someone else can be even harder. It’s not like MAPPA would read my blog or care, but being will to be negative can feel daunting. It’s important to be clear and kind, as your being critical. 
  5. Reignited my love of comics. I abandoned comics after discovering anime and manga. It wasn’t that I didn’t love Batman or the X-Men but comics were too inconsistent. Unlike in the manga, American comic books can have multiple artists and writers. This leads to inconsistent art styles and storylines. Despite this, I reestablished my love of comics. Many comics still have consistency issues, but I could find a more consistent series. Pepe Larraz art rocks. 
  6. Increased my knowledge of animation. Anime is nothing without good animation. Opinions vary on what makes animation good. Generally, I believe Sakuga animation is best. However, before writing this blog I was ignorant of the term. If you want to learn more read this blog and you will understand. 
  7. I’m a better blogger. This should be obvious but I’m a much superior blogger than used to be. I understand more about SEO, blogging on schedules, keywords, and content quality. My posts are longer (they use to be one sentence) and more sophisticated. I have learned to use social media to promote my blog (except Facebook, I haven’t figured it out yet). Like my writing, I still need to improve. I’m eager to learn. 

Thank you for reading. Let’s hope I can blog for 7 more.

10 More of My Favorite Anime OP’s

Deca-Dence Episode 2: Recap and Review

Natsume tries to blackmail Kaburagi in Deca-Dence Episode 2.
Natsume tries to blackmail Kaburagi

I don’t think I’ve ever had the experience of having an anime switch it up the story so abruptly before. I watched the first half of this episode in a daze. Deca-Dence episode 2, “Sprocket,” reveals that the world in episode 1 is a simulation. Run by the Solid Quake corporation, Deca-dence is a “colossal entertainment facility,” it’s not a virtual world, but one that takes place on the continent of Eurasia. Players become “gears” becoming customizable avatars. Then players join together to hunt Gadoll. I took a second viewing to be certain whether the “humans” were the “Gear” or the cute little robots, it’s the humans. Regardless, at the General Corporation Chimney Town, players gather to play.

Each player can gain experience and reach the top rank. Kaburagi was a top ranker 7 years ago. While traveling to battle Gadoll, Kaburagi’s hunting party discusses removing the natural limits placed on players in-game. This prevents the damage received for effecting the players in the real world. However, if you cheat and modify yourself, you can gain strength. Doing this is obviously against the rules and could result in “being scrapped.” In the first episode, one of the pressing questions was why did Kaburagi hate “war”? It turns out he aided his friend Mickey in cheating the game. Before this, however, Mickey reveals that he’s questioned the system. The robots are property of the corporation and as such is subjected to being replaced. 

Deca-Dence Episode 01: Recap and Review

Kaburagi’s a tool for the system

Unwilling to return to a replaceable robot again, Mickey begs Kaburagi to help him. Kaburagi does so with the condition that Mickey will only use up to 20%. Elsewhere, we are introduced to Hugin and Munin. Together they are task with riding the system of “bugs.” One such bug is Mickey. Exposed as a cheater he’s scrapped and Kuburagi is arrested. In exchange for his life, Kuburagi is forced to work for the system. He will be an armor repairer during the day and a “recovery agent,” at night. Some humans are considered dangerous to the corporation. Somehow humans have been “chipped” and Kaburagi is told that he should recover the chips and report bugs. Deca-Dence focuses on the system and the power of the corporation. 

Defeated, Kaburagi resigns himself to be a tool of the system. He’s given 175 years until he will be scrapped. We return to the Deca-dence world were Kaburagi learns that Natsume is a “bug.” The system considers Natsume to be dead. Therefore, she exists outside the system. He decides to teach her to fight to “see how a bug would survive in the world.” The first episode of Deca-Dence gave the impression that it was a series similar to Attack on Titan. This series made a fool out of me. The willingness to drop this bombshell in the second episode is impressive. Attack on Titan waited for the third season to reveal the secrets of its world.

I thought the first episode was pretty good, but now this series has been elevated. However, this early reveal robs it of any emotional heft. We barely know these characters so it’s difficult to care about them. Deca-Dence takes some risks but I think that it will all be worth it.