Black Rock Shooter: Dawn Fall [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Black Rock Shooter: Dawn Fall – A Nostalgic Yet Flawed Ride

Introduction
Black Rock Shooter: Dawn Fall (2022) is the latest addition to the Black Rock Shooter franchise, a series that has evolved from its Vocaloid origins into a full-fledged sci-fi action anime. Set in a dystopian 2062, the story follows Empress, one of the last surviving guardians, as she battles Artemis—a rogue AI hellbent on eradicating humanity. The anime promised high-stakes action, emotional depth, and a fresh take on the beloved franchise. But did it deliver? Let’s dive into what fans had to say.

The Good: Nostalgia and High-Octane Action

1. The Music – A Blast from the Past

One thing fans unanimously praised was the soundtrack, especially the inclusion of the original Black Rock Shooter song by supercell (featuring Hatsune Miku) in the finale. Many viewers, like Comment 3, admitted they “cried when the song played”, calling it a nostalgic punch to the gut. Others, like Comment 55, reminisced about their teenage years, proving that the franchise’s musical roots still hold power.

2. The Mad Max Vibes

The post-apocalyptic setting, with its barren wastelands and relentless battles, drew comparisons to Mad Max: Fury Road. Comment 5 described it as “a SF version of Mad Max”, praising the non-stop action and survivalist tone. The show’s willingness to embrace chaos—meteors crashing, cities burning, and characters fighting against impossible odds—kept some viewers hooked despite its flaws.

3. Character Designs and Moments

Fans had mixed feelings about the characters, but some stood out. Lunatic’s manipulative villainy (Comment 47), Norito’s glow-up (Comment 28), and the tragic fate of the original Dead Master and Strength (Comment 41) sparked discussions. Even if the writing was shaky, the designs and emotional beats resonated.

The Bad: A Messy Narrative and Questionable Choices

1. Pacing and Plot Holes

The biggest gripe? The rushed ending. Comment 11 lamented, “The story ended too fast,” while Comment 48 criticized the lack of a proper final battle. The 50-year time skip left many confused, and the abrupt conclusion felt unsatisfying. Comment 35 summed it up: “Weird that it got cut, since the last fight we saw was them losing 50 years ago.”

2. Unnecessary Subplots

A controversial addition was the “rape institution subplot” (Comment 32), which many felt added nothing but shock value. Others, like Comment 19, argued that the show “felt held back” by such distractions, suggesting a tighter focus on the AI war would’ve worked better.

3. Mediocre CGI

While some appreciated the CGI for action scenes (Comment 52), others found it jarring. Comment 56 wished “Studio Orange had animated it instead”, citing Bibury’s inconsistent quality. The blend of 2D and 3D didn’t always mesh well, making certain scenes feel cheap.

The Verdict: A Love-It-or-Hate-It Experience

Black Rock Shooter: Dawn Fall is a divisive entry. For some, like Comment 30, it was “better than the original season”, offering a darker, more mature take. For others, like Comment 53, it was “an embarrassment to the IP.”

Final Thoughts:
– For Fans of the Franchise: The nostalgia, music, and callbacks might make it worth watching.
– For Newcomers: The messy plot and uneven execution could be a turn-off.

Would I recommend it? If you’re a BRS fan craving more content, give it a shot—but temper your expectations. As Comment 58 put it: “Wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re familiar with BRS.”

And hey, if nothing else, that ending song still slaps.

Rating: 6.5/10 – Flawed but fun for the right audience.

What did you think of Black Rock Shooter: Dawn Fall? Did the nostalgia hit hard, or did the flaws ruin it for you? Let’s discuss!