Deca-Dence is a series set in the distant future, insect-like creatures called Gadoll have force humanity towards extinction. The first episode, Ignition, introduces us to Natsume, a girl who tragically loses her father and right arm to the Gadoll. Deca-dence is the name of a massive fortress that humanity lives in. Natsume is given the role of Tanker, a job she doesn’t want. She prefers to be a soldier, but her right arm is considered a disqualifying factor. Instead, Natsume is stuck hanging from the side of Deca-dence, cleaning vile Gadoll remains off the side. This is a job that she is expected to do for five years. Understandably, Natsume isn’t pleased with her lot, although she gets used to it.
Her boss is Kaburagi, a rude and somber armor repairer. He wants to live the rest of his life peacefully and can’t comprehend why Natsume wants more. Despite, her traumatic experiences Natsume still wants to fight. Eventually, the Deca-dence is attacked by a massive swarm of Gadoll. They range from small to gargantuan, with the largest being the size of the Deca-dence fortress. We get a glimpse of how humanity fights the Gadoll. Called Gears, they use sphere-shaped backpacks to fly. Then the Gears impale the Gadoll with metal rods and absorbs the green blood the shoots out. As this battle is going on, Natsume, Kaburagi, and their colleague Fennel fall off the side. Kaburagi is left with no choice but to fight against the Gadoll.
He tethers himself to Natsume and proceeds to dominate the Gadoll with his skills. Elsewhere, the General Minato and his crew ready the mass driver cannon that’s shaped like a fist. The Giant Gadoll charges at the Deca-dence fortress, the cannon fires, launching the fist into the stomach of the Gadoll. Defeated, the Gadoll falls apart leaving humanity to collect the remains. The first comparison Deca-Dence brings to mind is Attack on Titan. The parallels are obvious. Humanity besieged by a non-human species that resulted in near extinction, the use of gear that allow for flight, and the need to hide behind walls. That said, the series seems to have a different tone. However, that may change in future episodes.
Natsume and Kaburagi seem rather typical so far. However, I’m curious to see why Kaburagi quit. His story is likely tragic, but I wonder how terrible his past is. The animation of Deca-dence is pretty good, however, the CGI isn’t impressive. You can see where 2D animation starts and the 3D begins. It’s not terrible but could be done better.
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