Sidonia no Kishi: Daikyuu Wakusei Seneki 04-05
Star Wars, nothing but Star Wars….
Well this time, somehow a lot happened, and yet…not a lot happened all at the same time. In a culmination of the events at the end of the last episode, another giant dogfight occurs between our Sidonia garde pilots and the Gauna tentacle monsters. There isn’t a lot to say about these last couple of episodes story-wise. We’ve seen how hard these battles have been before, and it’s no different here. Tsumugi has been trapped by the aliens and while the other pilots come to give aid, they find themselves having to fight against wave after wave of opposition.
Interestingly, despite her friends’ worry for her and being cut off both physically and in terms of communication, Tsumugi doesn’t sound very concerned. She defers to her “father” as to what to do, and Ochiai actually laughs in response to the Gauna’s trap, having prepared the Chimera with kabi-laced claws, and thus a way for her to beat the creatures at their own game.
However, even after clawing her way out, we see that Tsumugi is severely injured in the process. This is pretty reminiscent of the last time that Tsumugi went out to fight and again had to use her own body as a weapon, injuring herself in the process. Ochiai of course doesn’t give her pain much thought, only telling her it is a reminder that she can be hurt and that the Gauna is the enemy. However, you have to wonder again at the moral aspects of having Tsumugi out there in the fight. She is in the interesting situation of being a living weapon. A weapon is a tool that is used to both attack and defend, and no one particularly cares if a “weapon” gets “hurt”, it’s job is to protect its wielder from harm, no more, no less. It will be interesting seeing how Tsumugi’s status among the people of Sidonia changes and how they actually see her.
You messed up my makeup. You must die.
She is still very much a child, her rage and tantrum against the Gauna is proof of this. Her response to getting injured previously, Tsumugi seemed more shocked that she had been hurt, she didn’t get angry. However, this time, already familiar with the pain, she instead becomes enraged and wants to protect the friends that she has made since her debut. However, her rage is uncontrolled and she becomes reckless and a danger to more than the enemies around her, but allies as well, including Izana.
Ring of Fire
Now I don’t know about anyone else but I think by now the pilots should have realized that the Gauna were going to have some kind of secret weapon ready. Every time without fail, when Sidonia is engaged in a major battle with the Gauna, the creatures have morphed or shaped themselves into some new horror that proves to put Sidonia in an incredible fix, and inevitably it is up to the protagonist Nagate to save the day.
This time was no different, and yet…not.
Surprisingly, while Nagate is the one that takes the risk and dive bombs towards the Gauna Higgs cannon, aiming his propulsor right at the mouth of the creature’s main weapon (somebody’s been watching Independence Day) and destroying the entire structure in a visually amazing explosion of concussive force, he is only one of Sidonia’s saviors this day. Before Nagate could do his suicide run at the thing, the Gauna were actually able to take the pilots by surprise and fire a blast with enough power to destroy all of Sidonia, which would have doomed everyone and prematurely ended this series right here. However, Tsumugi, one part WMD, one part moeblob, who having come to her senses and rescuing an injured Izana was already heading back to the main ship, doesn’t even hesitate as she uses her own body to deflect the beam, saving everyone’s life that day.
What caused her, a being that’s only been alive for a few weeks and has received for the most part, a cold shoulder from the humans of ship of her birth, to sacrifice herself in such a way? Well, one could come up with some sort of lofty, self-sacrificing ideal that she might have been aspiring to, but honestly, I think the answer is something much simpler.
“Great shot, kid! That was one in a million!”
With that infantile/child-like demeanor, Tsumugi also very much holds that innocence and guilelessness that very young children also have. Sidonia is the only home she knows. It is where her father and her friends live. She wants to keep that sense of home, not just the location, but also the people that represent “home” to her, and so thinks nothing of herself as she moves to protect it. I’m sure it also has something to do with the fact that she was created, at least as far as we know, to protect Sidonia, but considering her nature, I’d lean more towards the former reasoning.
But many times, even the most well-meaning sacrifices, have very dire consequences. As a result of her bravery, Tsumugi saves all the people of Sidonia, but pays the hefty price of losing 90% of her body. Izana becomes collateral damage and while she doesn’t die, she loses two of her limbs.
They return home from the fight, and there were quite a few losses as usual, but there would have been a great deal more if Tsumugi hadn’t done what she did. While Izana is able to get back on her feet (both real and bionic) rather quickly, Tsumugi takes much longer to heal. Nagate, who has always had a strong bond with his friends, has developed a strong connection to the Chimera, just like her mother before her. He falls into a depression over her critical condition, that affects both his eating and sleeping habits. But have no fear, for the cutest facehugger in the world ends up being just fine, to Izana and Nagate’s relief. Back to being her moe self, Tsumugi greets all of her friends, and takes all the praise over her heroic deed in stride, and is much more interested in the kitty cat that Izana had promised to bring along before the fighting had all began.
Just call me the “Fullmetal Knight”.
The aftermath of the battle has a very transitional feel to it. For the most part everything is rather normal, everyday,slice of life thing, at least by Sidonia’s standards. There are comedic elements to this episode, like in many of the “down-time” episodes. However, like in almost every one of those times, the comedy just doesn’t work. Sidonia can’t really do slapstick very well, and it comes off a bit forced, but I do have to say that the light, character humor (mostly anything involving Tsumugi) does do well, and I get many a giggle out of seeing her child-like excitability. Also, Izana’s shocked response at Nagate’s night call and asking her if he can move in with her, was worthy of a laugh. We’ll have to see where that’s going to go later on…
Safe behind these windows and these parapets of stone…
There’s a bit of a “Quasimodo-vibe” coming from the adorable Chimera, she’s got the mind and nature of a child, yet because of what she is and the way she looks, she’s unable to truly interact with the populace as she would want to. The people of Sidonia are grateful to her, but there is still a hesitance in regards to being around her, as her only real visitors are still only Nagate, Izana, and at times, Yuhata. Also there is just no logical way that she can live among them considering her size and power, and her friends quickly recognize her loneliness. Especially Nagate who spent practically his entire life alone underground, except for his grandfather, can empathize with how she feels. They are so touched by her plight, that they go through several avenues and maneuverings to eventually allow Tsumugi a way to see the outside world. It’s a very charming moment to see the Chimera be able to see what everyone else has taken for granted, and how happy such a “simple” thing makes her.
And out there living in the sun,
Give me one day out there, all I ask is one,
To hold forever.
Yes, this feels very much like a transitional episode, the battle is over, but another, even bigger one, lies awaiting them. The captain is keeping her course and she seems very interested in making sure that Tsumugi is back in working order. Also, she seems to have some hidden plans as well, using the new tech she’s uncovered. Our secretive captain is becoming even more mysterious. Ochiai and his little minion “sister” didn’t get much screen time, however, after Tsumugi continued to reject his orders during the battle, I’m thinking he’s got some new plans, either in re-configuring Tsumugi, or perhaps having to do with the new being that Placental Shizuka is carrying. He seemed to be concerned about his “daughter”, yet, you never can be too sure with this guy, and I sure as heck don’t care for that creepy, fake smile that “Mozuki” gives every time she’s around.
What’s a nice guy like you, doin’ out on night like this?
You’ll notice that I’ve been calling Izana and Tsumugi “she” rather that “he/she” or “it” as of recently. Honestly as of right now, Tsumugi might not be fully human, but she’s definitely more than a simple creature made in a lab. Izana might be a “third gender” on paper, but either she’s unconsciously chosen her sex and begun crossing over at this point, or she’s really been just an androgynous female all along. Her looks, nature, personality, all scream anime female with barely hidden interests in the MC. There are many times, I’ve honestly forgotten she was a third gender, and have basically permanently been thinking of her in terms of being a female. It would probably be easier if the English language actually had a unisex pronoun other than “one” and “it”, but since we don’t, and “he/she” becomes rather tedious, I’m sticking with “she” until something happens that changes my mind.
Oh, I just can’t stay mad at you, Nagate. Even if you are moving in with me at the very last minute.
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: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
The Gauna battle gave Tsumugi a very crucial lesson to learn if she’s ever allowed to sortie again (Though we all know she will). Her heart was in the right place for wanting to protect friends but her mind misguided. When you let emotions get the best of you, you’re much a threat to the allies as the enemies are. It’s essential to try and keep a cool head at all times. Were she alone, I’d have said she’s free to go berserk as she pleases. At least there was no harsh reproaching towards her I thought was imminent along with Nagate and Izana around to comfort her.
Regarding that. It’s clear Tsumugi’s a Gauna/human hybrid yet I’m puzzled that no part of her anatomy remotely resembles a human like her mother. It’s as though the human DNA is just there to reinforce any possible flaws in the Gauna genetic makeup. So far, I was under the impression there was more than one form she can change into. Because of that, I feel sorry that she can’t.
It’s such pure hearted moments that make the non-humans seem more human than the actual humans.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
It was quite interesting, in that even in her rage, while she did destroy many Gauna, she was also a bit out of her depth and was getting battered pretty badly by them as well. The problem was she didn’t care, and she forgot that her father is there with her and she’s got friends out there too that could potentially get hurt.
In terms of Tsumugi’s hybrid nature, I’m not really sure. Her mother is really a Gauna that has shaped and formed itself to look like Shizuka. And her father, for all intents and purposes, is human. I’m guessing that perhaps, the the genotype of a Gauna is more dominant than that of a human, and so, phenotypically, she appears more like a Gauna. However, like humans, she can’t change her shape like Gauna can, like her mother can. So, she’s basically stuck with the appearance she’s got.
Or humans that are treated inhumanly. Again, the idea of someone like Quasimodo or even Rapunzel, who weren’t allowed to leave their home for decades and finally are able to see the outside world. That’s all they want.
Just being able to go outside and experience the world is something many people take for granted.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Like a trend that’s become commonplace, Funimation is broadcast dubbing all the series in its grasp this season. Meaning: Seraph of the End (Owari no Seraph), Blood Blockade Battlefront (Kekkai Sensen), Arslan Senki, Nagato Yuki-chan no Shoushitsu, Denpa Kyoushi, Show by Rock, Mikagura Gakuen Kumikyoku, High School DxD BorN and Assassination Classroom.
Blood Blockade Battlefront:
•Aaron Dismuke (Fullmetal Alchemist’s Alphonse Elric, Trinity Blood’s Ion Fortuna) as Leonardo Watch
• Phil Parsons as Klaus Von Reinhartz
• Trina Nishimura as Chain Sumeragi
• Ian Sinclair as Zapp Renfro
• J. Michael Tatum as Steven A. Starphase
• Francis Henry as Gilbert F. Alstein
• Monica Rial as Sonic
• Stephanie Young as K.K.
• Josh Grelle as Femt
• Megan Emerich as White
Seraph of the End:
• Micah Solusod(Akatsuki no Yona’s Su-won, Index/Railgun’s Touma Kamijou) as Yuichiro
• Justin Briner as Mikaela
• Eric Vale (DBZ’s older version of Trunks) as Ferid
• Dave Trosko as Guren
• Chris Burnett as Yoichi
• Felecia Angelle as Shinoa
• Seth Magill as Yamanaka
No word on the Arslan Senki cast yet.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Just listened to both BBB and Seraph’s dubs. Both are good, though Sensen’s is a little bit better.
For some reason, neither show knows how to pronounce Mikaela/Michaela correctly, which is weird to me since it’s not that unusual a Western name, but anyway.
It’ll be interesting to see how Arslan turns out.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
This is just a wild guess on my part but if there’s anyone I imagine will be voicing Arslan, the first choice that pops into my mind is Greg Ayres, the voice behind Trinity Blood’s Alessandro XVIII. The characters have a similar vibe to them.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Actually, I was just thinking of Greg Ayres to do Black. Unlike in the Japanese, I don’t think you can have the English VA for White do Black too. It doesn’t work very well in English having females doing males unless they’re pretty young.
Black’s nerdy side would be perfect for Ayres, and I think Ayres could pull off the evil side too.
I don’t think I would do that for Arslan though, Arslan is supposed to be eventually king material, and not a wimpy one either, so I can’t see Ayres doing that.
But maybe Johnny Yong Bosch or Todd Haberkorn maybe? There are so many VAs out there that have pretty good range, it’s hard to match up just one guy.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Thinking again, Johnny Yong Bosch might pull off voicing Arslan or maybe Yuri Lowenthal. Both have mostly done animes under Viz Media’s label like Naruto (Bosch: Sasori; Lowenthal: Sasuke Uchiha) but they’ve worked with Funimation before. Bosch plays Makoto Tachibana in Free! Eternal Summer and Lowenthal played Pip Bernadotte, the mercenary for hire who offered his blood, helping Seras Victoria become a full-fledged vampire who later became her familiar in Hellsing Ultimate.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
For anyone that’s curious, here’s some info going around this Spring 2015 season:
The Spring Anime Series ANN Readers Are Still Looking Forward to Each Week:
1. Gintama
2. Blood Blockade Battlefront
3. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU TOO!
4. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works
5. My Love Story!!
6. The Heroic Legend of Arslan
7. Seraph of the End
8. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
9. Sound! Euphonium
10. Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma
11. Knights of Sidonia: Battle for Planet Nine
12. High School DxD BorN
13. Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches
14. Plastic Memories
15. Nisekoi:
16. Ninja Slayer From Animation
17. The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan
18. Baby Steps S2
19. Utano☆Prince-sama Revolutions
20. The Eden of Grisaia
The Spring Anime Series Japanese Viewers Are Still Looking Forward to Each Week:
1. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU TOO!
2. Seraph of the End
3. Gintama
4. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works
5. Utano☆Princesama Revolutions
6. The Heroic Legend of Arslan
7. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
8. Blood Blockade Battlefront
9. Nisekoi:
10. Sound! Euphonium
11. Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma
12. My Love Story!!
13. The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan
14. Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches
15. The Eden of Grisaia
16. Plastic Memories
17. Kyōkai no Rinne
18. Ultimate Otaku Teacher (Denpa Kyoushi)
19. Hello!! KINMOZA
20. SHOW BY ROCK!!
And for a refresher:
ANN Readers’ 20 Most Anticipated Spring 2015 Anime Series:
1. Gintama
2. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works
3. Digimon Adventure tri.
4. The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan
5. Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru. Zoku
6. High School DxD BorN
7. Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma
8. The Heroic Legend of Arslan
9. Nisekoi:
10. Knights of Sidonia: Battle for Planet Nine
11. Seraph of the End
12. Ghost in the Shell Arise: Alternative Architecture
13. Uta no Prince-sama – Maji Love Revolutions
14. My Love Story!!
15. Blood Blockade Battlefront
16. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha ViVid
17. Ninja Slayer From Animation
18. Sound! Euphonium
19. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
20. Kyōkai no Rinne
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
SHOW BY ROCK!!
The Japanese love their LOLis :3
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Tell us something we don’t know. 😛
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Izana is one of my favorite characters of the show, if not one of recent science fiction. I like how they place her as an “above average” pilot, when her actions honestly do place her way above that curve.
I think we can be excused for seeing the character as female, as the only thing they’ve even done for the “third gender” is call it that and go along their merry way. This has two sides to it, as we don’t know if they have a solid intent to define it, or if they are leaving us to choose what that means. Given that we would have our own opinions anyway (we are otaku/nerds after all!), it’s a safe bet they left it intentionally vague.
What they haven’t left vague at all is Tsumugi’s squeaky toy feels. OMG I love that sound, and am happy they haven’t over used it. Well for the given value of “over use”.