First Impression – Arslan Senki
A tale as old as time…
And while this one doesn’t have anything to do with an Enchantress’ spell or an enchanted rose, it does have something to do with a prince’s transformation. Stories and tales about the hero’s journey and coming-of-age, have been around since the beginning of storytelling. From the ancient story of Perseus to the more recent tale of Simba, Arslan’s grand epic fits right into that vein, as we begin to see a young boy grow to become a legend. This series pretty much has “epic” written into its title, and from the very first shot, you can tell that the scope of this story is going to be huge. The sweeping, sierra vistas, the armies of warriors crossing the plains and hills on horseback, the sword-and-sandal genre isn’t as extremely popular in anime as many other genres, and there are many that can’t get it quite right, and others that fail entirely. However, Arslan succeeds where many others fail, creating just the right atmosphere and characters and settings to allow the series to breathe and come to life.
This shouldn’t be surprising since Arslan started as a set of (still) ongoing novels written by Yoshiki Tanaka (Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Tytania), with this particular series being an adaptation of the manga based on his works, which was adapted by Hiromu Arakawa (Fullmetal Alchemist, Gin no Saji). So there’s a lot of writing talent behind this, and it shows.
We begin in 4th century PE (Pars Era) with the kingdom of Pars, the largest and most powerful kingdom in this fictional world. The crossroads between East and West are through Pars, and its capital of Ecbatana is the greatest center of trade and culture in all the land. Its warriors are renowned, its generals legendary, and they are known far and wide for being unvanquished in battle. The rulers of this powerful nation are King Andragoras III, an unmovable rock both in his persona and on the battlefield, Queen Tahamenay, as cold and as beautiful as diamond, and the heir apparent, Crown Prince Arslan, who is the protagonist of this story.
Arslan , who we see grow up from 11 to 14 in just the first episode, as a character, is about what you would expect from the protagonist at the start of a “hero’s journey” epic. He’s sheltered and naive, not knowing much beyond the land and ways of his birth. However, he does have a sense of interest and curiosity about the world and wants to know more. You can see that unlike his parents, who seem to be perfectly fine with the ancient ways of their culture, Arslan takes time to ask the deeper questions, and is unfortunately not seen as strong by either his parents or the kingdom because of his kind and merciful nature.
It’s very interesting to see how Arslan grows and acts in such an environment. Like many royal families, there doesn’t seem to be much affection given between the nuclear family. Arslan, like any child, craves attention and approval from his parents, but is constantly brushed aside by his conqueror father, and doesn’t receive much more than bare-bones affection from his aloof and impassive mother. However, despite this, Arslan still loves and admires both of his parents and desires to learn to become a great king just like his father. And while the young prince doesn’t necessarily have a strong relationship with his family, he is not without friends and a source of guidance, especially from three sources: his personal sword trainer, the hoary and seasoned Supreme General of the Parsian Army, Eran Vahriz, who is really more of a father figure to the prince than the king himself, Cavalry Captain Daryun, who looks after the prince and guides him in the way of a distant elder brother, and Arslan’s pet hawk, Azrael, who brightens the boy’s day and is his constant companion.
The prince finds his sheltered way of life challenged when he is taken hostage by a very young Lusitanian POW named Etoile. The two boys are the same age, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Etoile is brash and driven, Arslan is thoughtful and innocent. Arslan knows more about the wonders and pleasures of the world, while Etoile is more familiar with its darker secrets. Etoile, as per his culture, thinks of himself as a man and warrior, while Arslan, again according to his own culture, thinks of himself as still a child and not yet ready to go into battle. Arslan’s kindhearted nature is what allows Etoile to escape with his life as the two part ways, but his encounter with the 11-year old Lusitanian has forever changed his life and his perception of the world he lives in.
I liked the juxtaposition of both Arslan and Etoile, their difference in beliefs and cultures clash, but you can’t help but think as you see the two of them run around the city, that in another life, these two could be good friends. It is through these two that we get a true look at the two warring kingdoms in this story. Pars is a rich nation, the center of cultural exchange and trade, and yet despite this, the institution of slavery is still alive and well there. In comparison, Lusitania is a poorer nation, but they think of all men as free and equal, however they don’t accept any who do not believe in their god, and will kill all who do not believe, even children and infants. Both nations, like all nations, have their pros and their cons, but in such classical times as these, such differences lead to constant conflicts and war…
Flash forward three years, and the once defeated Lusitania rises up again from the ashes, stronger than ever. The warrior-fanatics plow through neighboring kingdom of Maryam, causing Pars to take action to defend themselves from the advancing Lusitanians. Pars has come out in full force with hundreds of thousands of soldiers, all of the cavalry captains as well as the supreme general, all of them led by the king himself. This is also Arslan’s first time going into battle, finally being deemed ready, and he’s quite nervous, not only for how he will look in the eyes of his father, but also because something doesn’t feel quite right about this battle. I really like Arslan’s intuitive side here. The way that he can sense what he father cannot, and beyond that, unlike the proud warmonger Andragoras, Arslan is sensible enough to know that his position of royalty doesn’t mean that he is better than those around him, which leads him to more easily listen to the advice of others.
“First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.” Pr 16:18 (MSG)
Unfortunately for the Parsians, their king’s hubris and pride will unfortunately lead to the darkest days the kingdom has ever known. Through an intricately laid plot involving murder, manipulation, treason, and betrayal, the mighty Parsian army finds itself thoroughly defeated. Chaos reigns supreme over the battlefield as the smell of death and blood permeate the mist-filled air. This series is a testament to the well-known fact that while numbers can make the difference in war, a good sound strategy with well-coordinated tactics can be an even greater asset.
Arslan, a greenhorn when it comes to the ways of war, soon finds himself overwhelmed by the swift turn in tide in the war and is understandably shellshocked by all the carnage all around him. Even for one not as innocent as he, seeing your own men burn alive in pools of oil, having boys you knew and befriended lying dead in their own blood at your feet, and taking your first life while fighting for your own, can be traumatizing. At the same time finding out that one of your father’s own trusted captains and advisors (it’s always a royal advisor) was a traitor the entire time, can throw one’s entire world out of whack. Unfortunately, the battlefield is not the best place to wander around stunned, especially when you happen to be the crown prince and the enemy is after your head.
Before Daryun’s arrival, I was quite proud of Arslan and how despite being completely outmatched, stands up to and fights back against the traitorous Kharlan. He shows how despite his meek persona thus far, he’s still a son of Pars and has a warrior’s spirit within him. But of course, he’s still a newbie at all this, and he’s against an experienced captain, so it wasn’t going to go well in the end. But thank goodness the prince has dark guardian angel of vengeance watching over him…
Daryun cuts a stunning figure, dressed in his dark vestments and sleek armor. Infamous among his enemies, he is as deadly as he is dashing. He has sworn to protect the prince, even after having been dressed down and stripped of his rank by the boy’s father. Daryun, is loyal to a fault, protecting the prince with his life even at the cost of letting his treacherous former ally get away. Yet, it is thanks to Daryun’s quick thinking that the he and the boy survive the godforsaken battlefield that has been drenched in their countrymen’s blood. As the unnatural mist clears, it is obvious that Lusitania has won over the Parsians and won handily. King Andragoras is loath to retreat from the battle, but fear for the capital and his wife, the queen, eventually make him see reason. However, even the pitiful number of his remaining forces are taken down in an ambush, where we meet the vicious and enigmatic villain only known as Silvermask, who has quite a lot of beef with the king of Pars.
There is quite a lot going on in just these three episodes, involving our ever enlarging cast, though still focusing on Arslan first and foremost. I enjoy Arslan’s natural progression and character development as he deals with both the good and bad of being next in line to the throne. I like that they don’t try to make Arslan into some kind of tough, unflinching fighter in a single battle. He’s inexperienced and only 14 years old. He falls apart on the battlefield and falls back on his inborn child instincts, calling for help from his father, Vahriz, Daryun, even Azrael; anyone that he naturally relies on for protection, help, and guidance. As Daryun leads him to Narsus’ home, you can tell he’s trying to keep it together, but he’s completely wiped out, tired and worried. It will be fascinating to watch him grow as the plot unfolds, as I have a feeling that the Lusitanians are far from done, and things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
And not only is there the surface trouble that’s going on, but there are very subtle clues that there is some Game of Thrones-level intrigue happening behind the scenes as well. Silvermask’s personal vendetta against Andragoras, Kharlan’s reasonings behind his treachery, Vahriz’s seemingly off-hand comment regarding Arslan’s countenance…it all leads me to think that there is a huge chance that things might not be what they seem at first glance.
Of course I have the advantage of having watched the OVAs from the early 90s that first tried to animate Arslan’s tale. I bought them as a whim years ago and haven’t watched them in a while, but the events of these episodes are bringing back much to my memory unfortunately. I usually try to go into a series as clean as I can, staying away from the source material as much as possible. However, this is one of those times where I was already predisposed, so I just have to make do. I’m still enjoying watching this adaptation and seeing how they expand on the story. I did enjoy the original and OVA character designs over the ones here, but that’s just a bit of personal taste. The music is pretty good though the Opening by UVERworld doesn’t seem to suit this story. The Ending by Eir Aoi is a pretty nice melody though, and full of lovely art and visuals. Beyond that the characters are well realized, the setting is lush and full of hidden depths, the animation is really good for the most part (though there are definitely some CG shots that could have been better), and I have always been one for watching a royal reclaim his kingdom from invaders. However, it won’t be easy for Prince Arslan, and he’s going to need all the help he can get.
About IreneSharda
A Chicagoan biochemist, teacher, and an aspiring virologist, with a love for science only rivaled by my love for movies, animation, and anime. Both a lover of action/adventure and romance, I'm a girl who walks the entire spectrum. Mecha, Sci-Fi, Psychological Thriller, Romantic Period Piece, if it's has a good story, I'm there.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
The biggest mystery now is what exactly King Andragoras did that made Silvermask so vengeful & ruthless, and made Kharlan willing to betray his people.
It must’ve been something major to evoke such disgust with the King and his family.
PS. Apparently Arslan will run for 24 episodes. The Japanese are listing the anime distribution over 8 Blurays/DVDs.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
You’re close. MAL confirms Arslan Senki has a total of 25 episodes. So when it ends, we’ll have gone through a year with two shows featuring sheltered royals in their quest to reclaim their kingdom since Akatsuki no Yona began Fall 2014.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Many people are pointing out the similarities between Yona and Arslan.
And I have to say that I see them too. I didn’t make the connection when I saw just Yona, but seeing the series back to back really make it apparent. I wonder if the writer of Akatsuki no Yona got some of her influence from Arslan?
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Well, you’ve shed light on stories as old as time…perhaps both writers are dipping from the same well?
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I doubt the author for Yona got the influence from Arslan. A 50/50 possibility. How many shows have we seen with undeniable similarities yet the authors haven’t copied from one another at all?
Like Seraph of the End being unfavorably compared to Attack on Titan as though AoT was what gave birth to most aspects it has used. Even the author said his ideas were derived from various places and used concepts. He just added his own personal ideas into the mix.
Whatever was considered original may have been so in the past century and such. That’s why it irritates me to no end whenever someone says this or that is “generic”. It makes me want to say “If you can do better, step up and make your own story then let others judge it”.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
I’m hoping that 2 cour will be enough to get a cohesive story out of this epic. Arslan easily has enough source material to have a series as long as LoGH or even longer. And one thing that I always remembered from the OVA was how it stopped the story short since it just didn’t have the resources to continue. It was so abrupt that it was actually what I remember the series the most for.
I’m hoping this series will go farther than the OVAs did, though considering the pacing, I’m not so sure. I love that their taking their time here, where the OVAs were going at breakneck speed. For comparison, all of episodes 2 and 3 (they skipped over episode 1 in the OVA), takes place in less than 14 minutes of the first part of the series. So, I’m really interested in how far they get.
Unfortunately, who Silvermask is and what his vendetta is against Andragoras, IS one of the the things that I do remember from the OVA, so I’ve already kind of been “spoiled”; however, since I know what it’s like to be spoiled, even accidentally, I won’t be saying anything of what I know. 😉
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Um… who exactly hasn’t been spoiled on what show they’re watching this season?
I can’t believe I just asked that question.POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Oh, me! me!
When I see spoiler, my eyes glaze over the information and I spin that scroll wheel away. Other than, hm… Owari no Seraph (because I read the manga first), I don’t know what’s happening in any of the shows I’m watching. But that’s more because I’m way behind in both manga, so I can’t be spoiled if it’s in my backlog queue ^^
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Well, I betrayed my own vow of abstinence and continued reading the manga for Seraph. I’m completely up to speed now. It was so worth it.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
I thought the manga was actually a lot farther ahead than the English scans, as there are 7 volumes out + magazine chapters. Turns out there are four chapters per volume, so 32 is the last released Japanese chapter. So the English scans are up to date.
Nothing to do now but wait for the next magazine ^^
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Doesn’t matter much since the author is going to use anime to surpass the manga.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Oh really now. I would have thought they’d slow down S1 to fit maybe up to the first 20 chapters, and then have a delay before S2, to let the manga chapters roll in.
I don’t read the anime news so that would explain my lack of knowledge.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
I’m betting on the Silvermask’s parents being killed by the king, or him being his son *~*
No rly, thats the first thing that popped into my mind xDDD Hardcore daddy issues? XDDDD
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Enough to kill him? Then he must have been pretty abusive.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
I don’t think that’s a too hard to be option 😀
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I guess not.
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 33 comments
This is probably the series I’m most interested in this season, the setting is interesting, and I just like the medieval feel it has. It seems it’s going to have some morals dilemmas which I like when not rubbed in your face.
I still can’t believe that Silvermask dude is voiced by Kaji Yuuki though.
I’m glad to hear it’s 2-cour long, Summer seems a bit weak as of now.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
I still can’t believe that Silvermask dude is voiced by Kaji Yuuki though.
You should have seen his old OVA design, Silvermask was a real horny bastard back then. (^-^)
http://ami.animecharactersdatabase.com/uploads/chars/9558-792619225.jpg
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Wow, now I can’t tell which look suits him better. Though his current look makes it easier to see his expression aside from just looking at the eyes.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
The full mask look gives him more Darth Vader-like vibes, and he was pretty expressive with his voice in that series. Also, the eyes can tell you a lot.
I like both looks, though, for plot purposes, I think the full mask disguises his identity more.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
After he tried to jog King Andragoras III’s memory of him in this version over a period of 16 years, I don’t think he’s trying to disguise his identity. It gives the impression he just uses the mask to cover an apparently huge scar across his face.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
I think he was depending more on the event 16 years ago to jog his memory, more so than the way he looked. 16 years ago, Silvermask would have been a child, or at most a teen.
However, there’s a reason, more so than the scar of why he hides his face. And it’s the reason that I think a full mask would benefit over half of one. Let’s just say that when he actually does take it off, Andragoras recognizes him right away.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
He’s become the voice of angry, vengeful, overpowered or perverted characters for so long, it would be hard to believe if someone said he used to play a bunch of spineless, whiny protagonists.
Attack on Titan: Eren Jaeger
The Seven Deadly Sins (Nanatsu no Taizai): Meliodas
High School DxD: Issei Hyoudou
Guilty Crown: Shu Ouma
World Trigger: Osamu Mikumo
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Yeah, hearing Kaji’s voice kinda made me happy. Especially because his role sounds really manly and different from the ones I’ve seen him do.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
There’s still no changing the intonation in his voice that allows you to detect him the moment he starts talking. Same with Kana Hanazawa. Some seiyuus change their voice so well, you wouldn’t know it was them until you check the cast credits for the characters.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
That’s just because you haven’t seen him in roles like Kou Mabuchi in Ao Haru Ride. It took half the season to realize it was him. Plus, you don’t get to be a famous VA unless you have some distinctiveness to your voice, such that people recognize it. Sora Amamiya has all sorts of roles, but I couldn’t pick any of them out. It’s good in some ways, but not for personal branding.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I’ve got Sora Amamiya distinctiveness for you:
Akame ga Kill!: Akame
Tokyo Ghoul: Touka Kirishima
Nanatsu no Taizai: Elizabeth Liones
Aldnoah.Zero: Asseylum Vers Allusia
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
None of them make me say “That’s Sora Amamiya.” That’s my point. You can hear Kaji Yuki, Marina Inoue, Miyuki Sawashiro, Haruka Tomatsu, and many others and say “That’s *person’s name*” even as they make a character individual, distinctive, and excellent. That builds their brand, and makes people want to hear more of them.
Sora Amamiya hasn’t had that yet in anything I’ve seen her in. There’s nothing in those roles that has a common link in the way she plays them. Thus, there’s nothing that says “Oh, I want to see that because she’s in it.” And honestly, there wasn’t anything amazing in what I’ve seen of Asseylum, or Elizabeth, or Kaori, or Mika-tan, or Isla that builds that brand either. Competent? Sure. But there’s a big difference between “Not dragging it down” and “Building it up with your performance”.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Totally agree with you. If u ask me, being able to portray your character perfectly is the most important thing, not just the way you make them sound. Johnny Bosch is the same kind of VA, he never changes the sound of his voice and some make fun of him for that, but he does his job excellently. Oh how I adore his Lelouch….. <3
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
One thing I really like about this show is that both Parsian and Lusitanian society have an element we’d consider reprehensible. Pars has slavery and Lusitanians are religious fanatics who slaughter anyone with different beliefs. However, as bad as slavery is it’s still better than slaughtering non-combatants, including children and infants.
Lusitania has been set up as the villains since they’re the aggressors, but they aren’t all bad as witness their beliefs in freedom and anti-slavery attitude and the one general questioning their killing of innocents.
This is a show with nuance. One side is not all heroic and good and the other side is not all evil. This is setting itself up to be one of the best of 2015. Let’s hope it continues to build on the promise its shown so far.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
If having to choose between the lesser of 2 evils, I’d choose the Parsians. Even if you can’t stop slavery, you could convince them to treat their slaves more humanely,and maybe influence other liberal ones like Arslan.
On the other hand, asking the Lusitanians to lighten up and stop being such religious tight-asses will result in you getting hung, drawn and quartered on the spot…
just like a certain group that prowls the deserts of Syria and Iraq…*cough*IS!*cough*POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
I honestly would take Pars too. There are already whispers of people speaking out against slavery, and all you need is the right leader, like Arslan, to listen to them.
Lusitania’s problems are much more ingrained and would take longer to change, plus they seem to be the more ruthless of the two.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Plus it’s far more difficult to convince people who believe they are right. Trust me, I’ve been there.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
I too like that both sides have their problems, though Pars is probably the better of the two evils.
There is a lot of story to get though, let’s see how they adapt it, but yeah I knew this story would going to be good when they announced it. The source material is so good, they would have to really drop the ball in order to mess it up.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
That’s one of the biggest aspects I admire watching this series so far. It creates a general gray moral area as opposed to the standard black and white area which isn’t as entertaining to see unfold. With that in place, both sides are neither totally right nor wrong without any clear cut answer in sight for resolution. Shiki had it and so did Tokyo Ghoul, one of the reasons I like to bring them up so often despite how long ago they aired. Which is why I didn’t enjoy a show like Parasyte anywhere near I thought I would when it first began.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I see a lot of promise for this show. I like how by episode 2 we already had a huge war that killed off tens of thousands of people. And it wasn’t just to be flashy – it was perfectly timed to be shown after Arslan started to feel empathetic towards Etoile.
There are some interesting twists and turns here, and I want to see how they’ll deal with the hinted-at fact that Arslan is a “bastard child” with only the Queen’s blood and not the King’s…
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
But if that’s the case, then who’s the father?
A certian masked man maybe?POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
I doubt it’s Silvermask, the ages just don’t line up. Silvermask mentions that whatever happened between him and Andragoras happened 16 years ago. Andragoras doesn’t remember anyone that remotely looks like him, and Silvermask isn’t that old looking, or even middle-aged, I’d say in his mid to late 20s, at most early 30s.
16 years ago, he would have been a child or teen, and too young to have a son who would now be 14. Also, the conception time doesn’t work out, since Arslan is 14, and whatever happen to Silvermask happen 16 years ago.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
I would say it’s possible, because if a boy of 11 years went into battle fully prepared to kill, then sex isn’t something that’s out of the question.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
In ancient times in some cultures, male children were already on their way to becoming soldiers at that age. Spartans come to mind.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
In the same vein, as soon as you had your first period, you were legal. 🙂
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
I don’t even know if there was a “legal” back then. Though as I pointed out, Pars and Lusitania both had different ideas of what age to consider a boy an adult, so it would definitely depend on culture.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
That was Lusitania though, not Pars, their idea of adults was older remember? Also, I still think it just wouldn’t add up.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I wish you hadn’t said that. It’s a major spoiler and I just got from finishing episode 3 a few minutes ago.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Just remember that it’s mostly speculation, even on the characters’ side. Vahriz mentions that the prince looks more like his mother than his father. It could mean something, or it could be a coincidence. Many sons look more like their mothers than their fathers.
Also, take my word for it, there is a lot more to this story and all the intrigue involved that hasn’t even been touched on yet. We’re just scrapping the surface right now.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
And it sounds so damn interesting 😀 Can’t wait to see moooore~
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Virgin birth. >_>
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Honestly, dude? *facepalms*
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Yes.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
That feels so out of place.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I don’t think it qualifies as a spoiler. It’s only “hinted-at” and it was in episode 2 or 3 – not 4.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Oh! When Daryun and his uncle questioned who Arslan looked like more between his parents. Well, he definitely got the white hair from his mother.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
If the endcards are any indication, the anime’s been getting a lot of endorsements from the manga’s publishing magazine, Bessatsu Shonen. So far we’ve had:
End 1: Nakaba Suzuki (7 Deadly Sins)
End 2: Congrats message from Tanaka Yoshiki
End 3: Seo Kouji (A Town Where you Live)
End 4: Kumeta Kouji (Sayonara Zetsubou-Sensei)
Wonder who else they’ll bring in.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
What really makes this show work is the Iwashiro Taro music. His work on Gargantia was good. His work on Red Cliff and The Crossing? Even better!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPnx3bGt2OM
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Had to watch episodes 2 and 3 back to back after being so busy with the other series piling up but given how the events rolled, it was a wise move and therefore, worth it. In my opinion, Arslan has a lot of good traits. The one thing I fear is that he may be too naïve and trusting. After the betrayal from a former ally, he may use the encounter to reevaluate some matters.
Even if it meant endangering his image, Daryun was right in suggesting a retreat given most of his suspicions hit the mark. The king should’ve heeded his words but the warmonger was too consumed by pride and valued strength far too greatly. It’s not always the strongest who wins the fight but the smartest. Something fundamental that should consistently be kept in mind on the battlefield and unfortunately, the enemies were the ones who showcased the philosophy and reaped the rewards.
So this Silvermask has a grudge with King Andragoras III and apparently only aided the Lusitanians for personal gain. Otherwise, they’d have a losing battle from the get-go. I’ll go ahead and guess we won’t see any development going his way until much later in the series.
I see you haven’t mentioned any voice actors behind the characters so I’ll let you in on a little secret. Arslan’s voice actor is Yuusuke Kobayashi a.k.a Akatsuki no Yona’s Su-won. Daryun is played by Yoshimasa Hosoya a.k.a Black Bullet’s Tamaki Katagiri, Free!: Eternal Summer’s Sousuke, Valvrave’s X-eins and Attack on Titan’s Reiner Braun.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
To me, Kharlan looked shifty and evil from the start (Never trust a man with a mustache like that) so it was no surprise when he ended up being the traitor. A king who can’t take advice is no good to anyone, especially the advice of someone as loyal as Daryun is. If you only have yes men around you, you are going to end up with a lot of “Kharlans”.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
For me, I’m wary of those with constantly closed eyes, sporting a smile on their face.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Soo…poor Leo? 😛
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
LOL. Okay, let me edit that. Those with constantly closed eyes, sporting a smile on their face while exuding an aura of ill intent.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Leo and Aslan are brothers.
POWUH: 800-899 and Flying Sage with 856 comments
So far so good. I have to admit that episode two seemed to drag a bit for me. But I’m looking forward to seeing the pieces come together, since I can tell by the ED that a good chunk of the team has already met by the end of episode 3.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
The last time I heard music from UVERworld was the first OP “CORE PRIDE” for Ao no Exorcist. This season makes it exactly four years since then.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Well, you’ve heard them more recently than me. The last time I’ve heard them was on the 2nd OP for Bleach, and that was at least 5 years ago.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Long time no see, Metanorn 😀 I’m slowly coming back from my anime burnout 😀 And what a show to have me back 😀
The main reason for picking up this show was Hiromu Arakawa, I’ll admit. This genre isn’t exactly my cup of tea but I’ll watch anything that woman was involved in.
The opening is pretty and I like the song more than I dislike it, though you were right saying that it didn’t really fit. But I’ll be digging the OST when it comes out. Gotta google it later *~*
Am I the only one who thinks Arslan is a little too feminine sometimes? :\ Especially in the ending artwork. I would almost expect a trap, if it wasn’t known for a fact that he’s a boy :\
I’m expecting some great things from this show :3
Btw, the name of that Lustanian boy sounds just like a weapon of one of the League of Legends champions. I found that really funny xD
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Well, here’s a name I haven’t seen pop up for quite some time. Welcome back, Namika-senpai! You’ve been gone for too long! So this show brought you back. What others are you following this season?
I’d say Arslan appearing feminine is in the minority for me. The rest is his appearance reminding me a lot Fullmetal Alchemist’s Edward Elric. Especially the way his hair is tied back.
Fun fact: His name, Etoile, is French for “Star”.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Hehe ^w^ tadaimaa~
Other than this, I havent started much this season. Im also following Kuroko no Basket, but it’s a leftover so I guess it doesn’t count. I’m not really watching much at the moment, aside from some finished shows I’ve wanted to see. Like Shingeki no Bahamut, I started that yesterday and I like it so far. And just finished Aldnoah.Zero.
Yeah, my bff also pointed out that fact. He says that the show itself looks like FMA too much and compared Daryun to Greed 😀
Sounds pretty. Not really suited for a kid that was ready to kill another kid or whomever, but still 😀
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Then you’d better move quick. This season has a handful interesting shows on its own already and some are already 1/3 over.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Now that you mention it, Daryun does look like Greed when he smiles arrogantly when pleased with himself.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
It’s not really a problem for me. I’ve never seen Brotherhood, so I only know the 2003 FMA, and of course Greed looks nothing like Daryun in that one.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Oh, how much I would give to be able to watch Brotherhood for the first time… *wriggles eyebrows* :3
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
He looks a little feminine, but honestly, he’s always looked that way. In past iterations, I actually think he looked even more feminine than here. But the original description of him says that he looked “delicate” and so the animators automatically translate that as “feminine”.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Hmmm. Interesting. So even in looks they try to translate that he’s naive, kind and sheltered. I guess it’s good, but still. being an anime fan and seeing my fair share of traps, it still rubs me the “OMG IT’s A TRAP, ISN’T IT” way 😀