First Impression – Black Bullet
Let’s go bug hunting.
Greetings and Welcome to another Metanorn First Impression. It is I, the skylion. I am joined by Karakuri for this tag team, and we are going to hit it with Black Bullet!
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Yay, it’s my turn to test out the newbie- I mean, uh, blog with skylion. (…He’s not really much of a newbie anyways, since he’s been here so long.) So how did Black Bullet fare?
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![[HorribleSubs] Black Bullet - 01 [720p].mkv_snapshot_09.37_[2014.04.08_18.59.57]](https://i0.wp.com/metanorn.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/HorribleSubs-Black-Bullet-01-720p.mkv_snapshot_09.37_2014.04.08_18.59.57.jpg?resize=650%2C366)
Enju commands attention
Can I get an aspirin?
Skylion// This is the show I was really psyched about. So much that I downloaded the 480p file to my tablet and watched it on the bus ride back home. I was so glad I did! I loved how they started off with the action right from the get go. Nothing like giant bugs in combat with fighter jets to command your attention. It was so pretty. We had two good fight scenes, and both were pulled off quick and dirty.
I think perhaps the most chilling thing about the gasrtea is not how rampant they spread, the ferocity in which they fight, nor how completely they take over the host and transform them to hideous beasts, but the legacy they leave in such a calamitous wake; the Cursed Children.
It’s bad enough that humanity is doomed to fight back up to the top, but to carry the prejudice they have towards their own progeny is horrifying. Enju would be nothing more than a typical over clingy ten year old girl, but despite the curse, she wants to see her situation as a blessing. She genuinely wants to protect the people she loves with her powers.
![[HorribleSubs] Black Bullet - 01 [720p].mkv_snapshot_05.29_[2014.04.08_18.52.40]](https://i1.wp.com/metanorn.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/HorribleSubs-Black-Bullet-01-720p.mkv_snapshot_05.29_2014.04.08_18.52.40.jpg)
Karr seems to think he’s a threat. But just look at that smile!
Karakuri// Maybe I’m just missing something in translation, but there didn’t seem to be that much urgency, considering that some giant horrifying bug that turns people into other giant horrifying bugs was in a civilian area. If anyone came across the first bug, nearby pair who could have really killed it had already run off with more important things to do (because shopping is serious business). Likewise, nobody seemed to care about the EXTREMELY suspicious masked guy who announced that he was going to destroy the world. …Shouldn’t that normally merit some concern? Shouldn’t the only people capable of defending the city be better paid? Shouldn’t people not discriminate against the only thing preventing them between being human and being horrifying bug things? Other than that though, the world building seems really interesting. It took a while for the episode to explain what exactly a gastea was (like, they were obviously bugs that attacked people, but why was Enju special?), but they explained things eventually. The animated scenes look pretty great (the loli’s twintails!!!) too, so no complaints there.
RUUUUDE! These bugs don’t fight fair at all!
Kinema Citrus has grown wonderful field of animation in this show. The character designs are so full of life; nice clean lines, and tons of personality. Director Masayuki Kojima, whose work I must confess I only know from Magical Shopping District Abenobashi commanded some good action scenes with plenty more to come. Series Composition is handled by Tastuiko Urahata, whose best known work in my opinion is Haganai and Haganai NEXT, but has worked on the Saki, Strike Witches, and Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere franchises, to name but a few. But props go to and awesome voice cast with Kaji Yuki bringing us his not at all cringe inducing voice work, he’s a lot more mellow. But Rina Hidaka (Tamako Market’s Anko, Last Order SAO’s Silica, Hozuki Ferrari from Galilei Donna, and Inu x Boku’s Ririchiyo-sama) is threatening to steal every scene.
All the Cursed Children really need are some eye drops.
You are the Prey and they are the Hunters! Queue the Music!
So in conclusion we got a great glimpse into the action the series will bring, and a hint of the underlying fear in the show’s narrative. I’ve only read a bit of the LN’s first volume, and all the available scanlations, but if the staff can deliver on the material, this show will have a ton of potential realized. Kara?
…Honestly, my first thought that came to mind while watching this was how everyone’s hair looks so unique. Some of it was iffy (I don’t know how I feel about Kisara’s), but I don’t think I’m going to get over how adorable (and nicely animated) Enju’s twintails were. Er, I think I’ve already expressed my thoughts on the animation and story already. The exposition was alright, and spread pretty evenly throughout the episode to avoid the “infodump” feeling. I could probably make some joke about a Kaji Yuki character fighting for humanity within walls again, but I already make enough arm jokes.
![[HorribleSubs] Black Bullet - 01 [720p].mkv_snapshot_10.14_[2014.04.08_19.00.55]](https://i1.wp.com/metanorn.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/HorribleSubs-Black-Bullet-01-720p.mkv_snapshot_10.14_2014.04.08_19.00.55.jpg)
Yeah, so this happened!
EXTRA ENJU CUTNESSSSSSSSSS!
About Tag Team
We live, laugh, enjoy and strictly believe on "more the merrier". When together, we usually come up with very chatty, conversation-based episodics and interesting posts.
POWUH: 600-699 and LN Enthusiast with 623 comments
All them loli caps.
Must…contain…myself…Must…not…ravage…loli…boobs ftwKidding aside, I liked this first episode.
The story isn’t original of course but what matters to me is the execution.
There are some big questions left though like where did these monsters come from(Aliens? Failed experiments?), why only lolis become Cursed Children, and who is that masked man but that’s expected to a premiere. I’ll just chalk the lack of concern over the last one as an adaptation failure as there was probably something in the LN about investigating him. Someone snapping back his neck should be a thing of concern after all. I doubt he’s a normal occurrence in that world as well.
I did hear that there were some hilarious parts that were removed but I still laughed at some of the comedic parts.
It’s a decent start and looking forward to more.
Any bets that Rentaro will lose his arm sometime soon? Or would that be a given already considering his seiyuu lol.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
The adaptation is a lot cleaner than some of the gore in the manga, that is for sure.
I let Kara take that bet.
The first chapter, the only one I’ve read, hasn’t even mentioned Kagetane, so I don’t know how that turns out. I’ve got the LN on back log, ::glances as back log:: Wow, that’s a big pile!
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
From seeing the trailers to the episode, I enjoyed it and i could see myself sticking with this one for now, i mean who dosn’t like lolis fighting to save the human race right? nothing was mentioned about what that scientest/doctor lady cooked.. i couldn’t help by think they ate some of that spider.. but /shivers! Anyways Im hoping this series will be a good watch this season, I liked the animation and character designs, and the story is quite neat sounding, hopefully we are all in for a treat with this one.
Rentaro losing an arm… Hmmm id wanna take that bet!
And Enju Stay Cute my loli friend..
Lastly… Welcome aboard skylion! may your words flow and be awesome!
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
If Sumire words are to be trusted, those purple/white (in the LN) things are the remains of a donuts retrieved frm a corpse stomach. *pukes*
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Ah, I see you’ve read more than me. I think this one might move to the top of the heap.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
I only read through the whole first volume of the first LN. Past that and I will be on the same situation with you guys. (Provided I haven’t went and finish the second volume by then)
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
BakaT only has three chapters of four in the first volume translated. I got like about three pages in and never got back to it. The manga reads quicker.
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
ooh.. thanks.. now im kinda wanting to stay away from donuts.. but a certain loli wouldn’t like that…
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Think about that thorgrim. That LOLi would not mind at all if you stayed away from donuts.
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
ooh thats soo true, I must rethink this stratage if I want to see the wild Mr. donut lover..
(I think im going off topic and creating spam.. ill keep it down!)
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Well, there may be a useful prospect in that. At least that person would be prepared for anything if famine were to suddenly strike.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
And welcome to Metanorn throgrim, thank you.
It might be stuff from a corpses stomach, or it may be spider bits. Which is best, and how does one prepare them? I don’t think Sumire has the chops of a Martha Stewart, no matter how fresh the lemons.
Who doesn’t like LOLis fighting to save the human race? Best Rhetorical Question EVAR!
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
cooking spider bits.. nah.. ill leave that topic alone.. the thought of it is enough to keep me away.. now for some biscuits and gravy! XD
Lolis are the best defence right?
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Think of it as exotic cuisine and it might ease the reluctance to try it out… Who am I kidding?! There’s no way I’d willingly eat that!!
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Finally my IRL bro leaves a comment xD
Black Bullet was awesome! I love the world and the OP YESSSS FRIPSIDE <3
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
OP was fantastic! But I can’t wait for the full ED, cause FK YA Yanagi!
POWUH: 500-599 with 519 comments
I loved the OP too. *_* Really gets you pumped up to watch the show.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
The OP was too good. “black bullet” by fripSide. Did anyone feel the first few seconds of the intro, the chorus, sounded like Attack on Titan’s second OP “Jiyuu no Tsubasa”?
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Not until you pointed it out, specifically. I got more of the AoT vibe from the ending shot I posted above.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Yeah, I had that same feeling looking at the monoliths but was also reminded of the seven sakura pillars from Yozakura Quartet: Hana no Uta
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I so wanted to make that comment, but I thought AoT was a stronger comparison. I don’t know if the varanium monoliths will “bloom”.
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
It’s not like I did it for your or anything Bakaa!…
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Bro is total tsundere….
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
Only on Fridays/saturday mornings..
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
The tsundere alarm was tripped!! The radar is showing a big one!! Who would have thought it would actually come in handy? I should patent this. 😀
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
lololoolol
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
This seemed like a good role for Yuki Kaji, much like his role as Yukine was. I think he’s doing a lot better with the more serious roles lately.
I liked the show enough, although my favorite character was Yui Horie’s Kisara. I just found her so entertaining. I also really liked the mood shift that Enju had when she encountered the guy who was infected. It was nicely sincere, without any malice. She really felt genuinely sorry for the man.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
One of the best parts, really.
POWUH: 500-599 with 519 comments
So much loli. XD
Meh, I don’t mind. Enju is a cutie.
I agree with there being no sense of urgency. Oh snap, a bug has disappeared into the city somewhere. Meh, let’s ignore it and do other things, like eat bean sprouts for dinner. Yeah, other than that, I have no other complaints about the episode.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Bean sprouts r srs bzns.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
The reasoning given is:
“Since the Gastrea only contains spider DNA instead of birds/flying bugs, other companies should be able to deal with it soon. If the target is above category 3 then the other Civil Agency should come and ask our (Kisara company) help ady. Not to mention that there isn’t any biohazrd alarms.”
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
And there also the possibility of the governments withholding information/alarm.
Anyway since they obviously don’t have any information so Kisara will go around to snoop for information while Rentaro went and consult Sumire.
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
hmmm im getting a ga rei zero Feel suddenly, basicly its a its a job for the grounded team!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Probably overconfidence in handling the situation is why their priorities are so messed up. If there’s some kind of biohazard, stomp it out immediately. It’s going to be too late if it becomes widespread to the point it can’t be contained. Actually, such a setting is reminiscent of Resident Evil: Apocalypse.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
One of these days, I’m going to start a search on all anime that has a title that starts with “Black”. I’ve noticed there’s quite a few of them. By the way, Mushibugyou called. They want their giant insects back. 😉
Black Bullet was one of the series that piqued my interest this season because of its premise and it had an acceptable start off. Post-apocalyptic settings in the distant future. You got to love them. So the victims either become a monstrous abomination or end up as an infected byproduct. Neither is choice I’d wish on anyone.
I commend Enju for being optimistic in spite of being an outcast. Not many people can handle such a situation without finally having a mental breakdown. And she’s considerate of those enduring their last moments as a human without mocking them, showing she’s not a spiteful person. I do hope she doesn’t continue to be clingy of Rentaro. Any more and she’ll come off as another Yaya from Unbreakable Machine-Doll.
People are ungrateful and hypocritical by nature. When things are nice and easy, they’ll discriminate until kingdom come but when to going gets tough, they’re ready to kiss the feet of those targeted with so much prejudice. Another unpleasant fact about humanity.
Aww, you’re forgetting Strike the Blood’s Nagisa Akatsuki and Accel World’s Yuniko Kouzuki.
Hopefully down the road, they’ll explain the Cursed Children in more detail. Even if they’re frozen in a child-like state for who knows how long, I find it odd that all their ranks just happen to female. Does the Gastrea somehow have an ability to tell what gender the unborn baby is when it attacks the pregnant mother?
POWUH: Novice (36-50) with 44 comments
I don’t think the Gastrea has the ability to tell the gender when it attacks the pregnant mother, maybe it attacks at random, but only the pregnant mothers with females happen to have the child evolve. I like the concept a lot.
Personally, if this anime is anything like shingeki no kyojin, those walls of black metal protecting their them won’t hold for long.
If the all breaks it is gonna be utter carnage. I wonder what’s gonna happen?
Also the masked dude, he was pretty bad-ass. Who was he?
I would read the manga to find out. But I make it a point not to read the manga until the series is other or before it is even registered as an upcoming anime.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Suspicion breeds fear, and reasoning is on slippery purchase there.
Oh, I didn’t forget any of Rina Hidaka’s voice roles, just picked out the favorites.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Based Vivid-Taku.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Hellz Bellz, I made posted this on the wrong page. It’s meant for Is The Order a Rabbit?
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Loving the VAs, they match the characters very well. Out of tall the premiere episodes I’ve seen so far, a little more than half of the 31 I’m checking out (I added Shogun because the sidekick’s hair was awesome so I just had to see it), this one was one of the better ones. I’ll definitely be following this one.
So many lolis waiting to be
adoptedturned into initiators!On a different note, why do so many anarchists wear those masks with smiley faces? Is there some kind of inside joke?
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
This is why: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
It might be more this. But it did start with Fawkes.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Hmm, good to know, thanks~
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Glad to see you enjoying it, hope to have you commenting on it as we move along with the season.
Anarchists just love masks, eh.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Hmm, it’ll be hard… I generally check out the premieres asap to decide what I’ll follow, but because of my backlog and typically the sheer amount of new shows, I’m very rarely current with any of the airing shows. So by the time I get around to watching an episode, the blog post is already dated. About the only time I’m on equal footing with everyone else is during season premieres. So that’s why I’m typically lurking most of the time.
┐(￣ヮ￣)┌
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Yeah, sometimes I feel like I am running to stand still in keeping current. Best to ya.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Yeah, masks like “V” from V for Vendetta. And if masks don’t do it for them, they go with makeup like Heath Ledger’s Joker from The Dark Knight.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Well, Black Bullet was much better than I was expecting. The main characters were really nice and I liked the premise. The guy is normal average protagonist, but I like the big bro/little sis relationship he has with the loli girl, even if she wishes it was something more. 😛
I like the side characters, and the evil masked guy was an interesting threat for later episodes. I like the plot and am interested in what may happen next in this world.
I’m amazed the loli didn’t bother me, but she comes off rather cute than annoying, so I was glad of that.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Yeah, sometimes a LOLi is overplayed; Mashiro from Engaged to the Unexpected was a bit to much, even for me. But Enju is cut from much more earnest cloth.
I’ve spoiled myself for the show by reading the source material, so I know quite a bit more about her.
Needless to say, I am very anxious to see how well they play her off in coming episodes.