Tag: Action

Ishura Season 1: A Brutal Yet Intriguing Start to a Dark Fantasy Saga

When Ishura dropped its first episode, it didn’t just introduce a new anime—it threw viewers headfirst into a world where chaos reigns and power is up for grabs. The demise of the Demon King has left a vacuum, and self-proclaimed rulers from across dimensions are ready to fight for dominance in the New Principality of Lithia. From the get-go, Ishura makes it clear: this isn’t your typical fantasy adventure. It’s brutal, unpredictable, and packed with enough gore to make even seasoned anime fans wince.

A World of Blood and Steel

The first episode wastes no time setting the tone. Within minutes, we witness the gruesome death of Yuno’s friend, Lucels, at the hands (or claws) of monstrous Golems. The scene is visceral, shocking, and sets the stage for a story where no one is safe. Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to note the show’s unflinching brutality, with one user commenting, “I audibly gasped at the first death—I wasn’t expecting anything like that, especially this early.”

Yuno, the episode’s focal character, is left traumatized, and her cautious alliance with the enigmatic swordsman Soujirou the Willow-Sword adds an air of mystery. Is he a savior or just another player in this deadly game? The dynamic between the two is tense, with Soujirou’s nonchalant attitude toward the destruction around him raising eyebrows. “An entire city just died, and all he cares about is fighting the big-ass robot because it’s fun,” one Reddit user pointed out.

Animation and Style: Hit or Miss?

Visually, Ishura is a mixed bag. The CGI-heavy action sequences, particularly the Golem battles, are grand in scale and fluid in motion. Some fans praised the animation, calling it “insane” and “well-utilized,” while others found the blend of 2D and 3D jarring. The dark, gritty aesthetic fits the story’s tone, though it occasionally makes scenes hard to follow.

The opening theme by sajou no hana adds a layer of hype, though opinions on it are divided. Some loved its intensity, while others felt it was just “alright.” Still, the show’s willingness to embrace its grim atmosphere has won over many viewers.

A Story with Potential (and Pitfalls)

Ishura borrows elements from other dark fantasy series like Drifters and Record of Ragnarok, but it carves its own path with a unique premise. The power struggle between self-proclaimed Demon Kings promises epic battles and political intrigue, though the first episode leaves much unexplained.

Fans are cautiously optimistic. “Strong start. Story-wise, it seems pretty fun,” one MyAnimeList user wrote. “Doesn’t seem insanely deep, but it’s interesting with a fairly unique world.” Others worry about pacing, with some criticizing the lengthy dialogue between Yuno and Soujirou as “unnecessarily long and out of context.”

Final Verdict: Worth the Watch?

If you’re into dark fantasy with high stakes and brutal action, Ishura is worth checking out. It’s not perfect—some characters feel underdeveloped, and the animation style won’t appeal to everyone—but its bold storytelling and relentless energy make it stand out.

As one fan put it: “This was a rocker of a first episode. I’m not gonna get my hopes up, but damn, it’s got my attention.” With 12 episodes in its first season, Ishura has plenty of room to grow—or crash and burn. Either way, it’s a wild ride from the start.

So, grab your sword (or just some popcorn) and dive in. Just don’t get too attached to anyone. In this world, survival is anything but guaranteed.

One Pace [Season 1 Episode 1071-1072]: The Ridiculous Power of Gear 5 and the Return of Joy Boy

If you’ve been following One Piece for years—or even just recently caught up—you know that Episode 1071 and 1072 are historic. These episodes mark the long-awaited debut of Luffy’s Gear 5, a transformation so absurdly powerful and cartoonishly chaotic that it’s been breaking the internet since its manga debut. And thanks to One Pace, a fan project that trims the anime to match Eiichiro Oda’s manga pacing, these episodes hit even harder.

The Hype Was Real

The moment Luffy’s heart started pounding like the Drums of Liberation, fans lost their minds. For over a year, since Chapter 1044 dropped in the manga, the community has been buzzing about how Toei Animation would adapt this game-changing moment. And let me tell you—they delivered.

The episode opens with Zunesha declaring the return of Joy Boy, while Luffy, now fully awakened, stands atop the Skull Dome with his hair and clothes turned white, embodying the Sun God Nika. The Gorosei’s narration, paired with Whitebeard’s iconic OST, sent chills down everyone’s spines. It’s not just a power-up; it’s a mythical revelation that rewrites everything we thought we knew about Luffy’s Devil Fruit.

Gear 5: Peak Goofiness, Peak Power

Gear 5 is ridiculous—in the best way possible. Luffy’s movements are straight out of a Looney Tunes cartoon, complete with exaggerated sound effects and physics-defying antics. Kaidou, the strongest creature alive, gets manhandled like a ragdoll, his eyes popping out of his head in disbelief.

Fans are divided on the tone—some love the Tom & Jerry vibe, while others expected a more serious showdown. But honestly? The sheer joy (pun intended) of seeing Luffy bounce around, laughing like a maniac, is what makes this form so special. As one Redditor put it: “Oda had fun writing this, the animators had fun, Luffy’s voice actor had fun, and I had fun watching it.”

The Animation Debate

Tatsuya Nagamine, the director behind One Piece Film: Z and Dragon Ball Super: Broly, helmed this episode, and the animation is stellar. The fluidity of Luffy’s movements, the dynamic shifts in art style, and the sheer sakuga moments (like Kaidou’s dragon form getting tossed around) are breathtaking.

That said, some fans criticized the overuse of close-up shots and flashing colors, which made certain scenes hard to follow. And yes, CGI Kaidou makes a brief, unfortunate return. But let’s be real—when the episode ends with Luffy laughing like a madman while the Gorosei panic, you know you’ve witnessed something legendary.

The Fandom’s Reaction

The online discourse has been wild. MyAnimeList forums exploded with comments like:
– “This is PEAK fiction. One Piece is currently the best anime.”
– “Gear 5 is the perfect mix of epic and goofy. This felt like being a kid again.”
– “Crunchyroll crashed because Gear 5 broke the internet.”

Even the haters couldn’t deny the cultural impact. Whether you loved the silliness or wanted more action, everyone agreed: this was a milestone.

What’s Next?

Episode 1072 promises even more insanity, with Luffy fully embracing his new power. If you thought this was peak, brace yourself—it’s only the beginning.

Final Verdict: 10/10

One Pace’s edit of these episodes removes any filler, making the pacing tight and the impact unmatched. Gear 5 isn’t just a transformation—it’s a celebration of everything One Piece stands for: freedom, creativity, and unbridled joy.

So, if you haven’t watched it yet, what are you waiting for? The Drums of Liberation are calling.

Written by a fellow Nakama who’s still recovering from the hype.

One Pace [Season 1 Episodes 70-71]: A Streamlined Adventure Worth the Hype?

If you’re a One Piece fan, you’ve probably heard of One Pace—the fan-made project that trims the anime down to match the manga’s pacing. No filler, no dragged-out scenes, just pure, unadulterated storytelling. But is it really the definitive way to experience One Piece? Let’s dive into what makes One Pace special, especially for Episodes 70-71 of Season 1, and see what the community has to say about it.

What Is One Pace?

For those unfamiliar, One Pace is a fan-driven initiative that recuts the One Piece anime to align with Eiichiro Oda’s original manga. The goal? To remove filler, fix animation errors, and tighten up subtitles, creating a smoother, faster-paced viewing experience. Think of it as One Piece Kai—similar to Dragon Ball Z Kai, but for the Straw Hat Pirates.

Episodes 70-71 of One Pace cover a critical part of the Alabasta Saga, where Luffy and the crew face off against Baroque Works. The pacing here is noticeably tighter than the original anime, cutting out unnecessary reaction shots and padding.

Why Fans Love (or Hate) One Pace

The Good:

1. No Filler, Just Story
   Fans praise One Pace for sticking strictly to the manga. As one Reddit user put it:
   “You won’t miss any important plot points by watching One Pace over the original anime.”
   This is especially true for Episodes 70-71, where the tension is high, and every second counts.

2. Faster Pacing
   A common complaint about the original anime is its glacial pacing post-timeskip. One Pace fixes this by cutting fluff. One fan noted:
   “One Pace is 45% faster than the original anime. It’s a game-changer for catching up.”

3. Better for Rewatches
   Many fans recommend One Pace for rewatches. As one MyAnimeList user shared:
   “I rewatched everything with One Pace and enjoyed it way more. It follows the manga 1:1, and the editing is seamless.”

The Criticisms:

1. Missing “Improvements”
   Some argue that One Pace removes not just filler but also anime-exclusive enhancements. A fan questioned:
   “Does One Pace cut out improvements made by Toei, like better-animated fights?”
   The answer? Mostly yes—if it’s not in the manga, it’s likely gone.

2. Editing Can Feel Jarring
   A few viewers feel the cuts are too abrupt. One critic mentioned:
   “Sometimes, the pacing feels rushed, and emotional moments lose impact.”
   However, others counter that the trade-off is worth it for a tighter narrative.

3. Not Fully Complete
   One Pace hasn’t finished recutting every arc (like Wano), which can be frustrating for fans who want a consistent experience.

Episodes 70-71: A Case Study

These episodes are part of the Alabasta Arc, where the Straw Hats confront Baroque Works. In the original anime, this section drags with repetitive flashbacks and stretched-out fights. One Pace trims the fat, making the confrontations feel more dynamic.

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit highlight how One Pace enhances this arc:
– “The pacing in Alabasta was already decent, but One Pace makes it even better.”
– “No more 5-minute recaps—just straight into the action.”

However, some purists argue that the original anime’s slower build-up adds weight to key moments. It’s a matter of preference: do you want efficiency or immersion?

Should You Watch One Pace?

Yes, if…

• You’re new to One Piece and want to avoid filler.
• You’re rewatching and want a faster experience.
• You prefer manga-accurate storytelling.

No, if…

• You love the anime’s extended scenes and filler.
• You’re a purist who wants the “original” experience.
• You’re watching arcs that One Pace hasn’t finished yet.

Final Verdict

One Pace isn’t perfect, but it’s a fantastic alternative for fans tired of the anime’s pacing issues. For Episodes 70-71, it delivers a crisp, engaging version of the Alabasta Saga—free from fluff and full of momentum.

As one fan perfectly summed it up:
“One Pace is for those who want the story without the padding. If you’re here for the adventure, not the filler, this is the way to go.”

So, grab some popcorn (or meat, if you’re Luffy), and give One Pace a try. You might just find it’s the best way to sail the Grand Line.