Strike the Blood – 24 [END]
The eyes are perhaps a sign that Asagi spends too much time working.
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Seriously. They’re glowing. She might want to get that checked out. As far as last episodes go, this had nice closure in terms of relationships. …Only not, because relationships don’t go further than blood sucking on average (and then suddenly, children), but it did okay in Strike the Blood terms. |
Well, I suppose it’s comforting to know that Kojou isn’t out of a job in the future, since people are still creating things that threaten the very foundation of Itogami long after he has children. …Has it seriously only been 3 months since the beginning of the series? I’ve been joking about the city being destroyed every other week in posts before this, since I figured that more time had passed in between arcs, but maybe it was true all along. Assuming that this current story doesn’t take place in between arcs that have already happened, that means that Itogami has almost been destroyed about 6 times in the past 3 months. That seems just a little bit excessive.
Perhaps this is all happening now, in the current timeline, because of the larger overhanging plot that involves the mystery of the 4th Progenitor, but with all of these dire events going on in less than half a year, it’s kind of hard to imagine how the heck Itogami survived before Kojou was around to punch things. If I remember correctly, Kojou only got his powers from Avrora about a year ago (from the beginning of the anime), but there’s still a gap between that time and Yukina joining him. It’s not like we’ve seen anyone else ever protect this island aside from Kojou and the harem, so either everyone decided to attack only within the past 3 months for some reason, or the island security has only recently become useless. …Because seriously, I don’t think we’ve ever seen any of the generic island guard characters ever do anything except add to the body count consisting of people that don’t matter.
We finally have a chance to see one of the characters go all out on an enemy without caring about collateral damage, and Yukina has to stop him. Words cannot describe my disappointment. But on the plus side, seeing Reina and Yukina work together was a cute mother/daughter moment. I’m not even going to ask how/why the whole time loop thing works with Reina bringing Yukina a new Sekkarou. I mean, did the Lion King Organization foresee that she would break it, or what? And does this change events in the future, or is this one of those time travel things where everything is predetermined? Er, in any case, it worked out in the end. Though most of the drama was for nothing, because Yukina isn’t going anywhere, and the whole thing was a misunderstanding. Of course it was. The “reunion” certainly was… something though.
They even made Vatler feel like an awkward third wheel, and he’s the flashy, dramatic one.
Who knows where the dragon even came from, but nobody else seems concerned even though the island was just about finished. By the time that many years have passed, they’re probably used to it. Having Reina talk about Kojou’s “untimely death” at the end was definitely an odd word choice. …Though perhaps this just means that Kojou still manages to die once a week in the future. They didn’t specify that Moegi was also Kojou’s offspring either, but I suppose the novel readers know the truth. Oh, and I guess Mogwai is interacting with Meiga because… who knows. They seem to like making every other male character besides Kojou mysterious. So besides being clueless about Kojou, I guess Asagi has no idea what her AIs are doing either.
But her daughter is cute, so that counts for something. Probably.
Overall, Strike the Blood was okay. It’s not my least favourite anime, nor is it my favourite, but I’d say it falls somewhere comfortably in the middle. There’s no getting away from how generic and rushed it felt. Though I blame a lot of that on how much they seem to have cut out from the story, where it might have been more fulfilling in the original novels. Kojou was pretty dense through the entire run, and the fanservice/relationships went nowhere. Everyone inevitably joined the harem and NOBODY was allowed to leave. On top of that, aside from maybe a few moments between Kojou and Yukina or Asagi, joining the harem also seemed to mean having the relationship stuck in limbo for the rest of the anime. In regards to that and Kojou, it felt like he didn’t much. Of course, he was THE 4th Progenitor and therefore, extremely important, but at the same time, he didn’t ever seem to do a whole lot other than run around and solve the problem at the last moment. They kept saying how powerful he was, but there was rarely ever a full display of that, so it was hard to gauge. Though that’s not to say that Strike the Blood was horrible. Despite being predictable, the arcs were all individually interesting. Likewise, I can’t say that I was ever bored during an episode. Even if Kojou was being an idiot, a lot of the times, it was towards a humorous effect. While I don’t entirely understand it’s popularity, I have to admit that this was good entertainment, and I would cover/watch a second season if it ever came out. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but that’s totally okay.
Well, I’m glad that this anime did well for Silver Link and Connect’s sakes at least. This is Connect’s first anime, and as far as the animation went, it was pretty good. Sure, the animation had its moments, but for the most part, the effects and important parts were nice to look at. Also, the red/green lines they had during the action scenes were interesting. Maybe a lot of that had to do with Silver Link (since they seem to like their filters, detailed backgrounds, and effects), but it seems like a good effort from both studios. Hopefully the sales from this give them enough money to do more ambitious projects in the future, since they do interesting things already.
At least Itogami looks intact from afar.
About Karakuri
University student and the one at Metanorn who's known for wearing glasses. Likes blood, insanity and plot twists, but also plays otome games and adores cute romance anime. It balances out... somehow.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Strike the Blood is over?! Nooo!! This is blasphemy… this is madness!!! Well, I guess there’s sort of a consolation to this since I have all the downloaded episodes on my laptop and external hard drive so they are there whenever I want to go through the series again.
Looks like Reina and Moegi’s future confirmed what Yukina speculated in the first episode when she met Kojou: About him using Itogami Island as a foothold toward building his own dominion. Apparently, vampires can never resist the urge/instinct to create their own territory and society. It’s more than doubled its size and looking at it makes me think of Mina Tepes’ kingdom in Dance in the Vampire Bund and the Empire of the True Race from Trinity Blood. The Akatsuki family must be really something if every one of their members calls each other out by their first names. Poor Kojou.
Yukina’s misunderstanding of her orders from the Lion King Organization was funny and did well to show she got attached to Kojou, making sure all that shipping at the start wasn’t in vain despite other girls coming in. So the Organization’s subordinates have to endure a three day check-up so they don’t become a vampire’s blood partner. That’s very much like the scenario in Vampire Bund where humans that were bitten have a 48 hour window to use a specialized vaccine to reverse the effects of vampirism so they don’t become vampires.
The reaction from everyone, including Reina, watching Kojou drink Yukina’s blood in a rather erotic way, especially with Yukina’s moaning, in front of them was priceless. And he bit her without hesitation. Out of all the girls, he’s fed on her the most. Her blood must be sweeter than the others to the point he became addicted. Natsuki looks kind of jealous that she wasn’t bitten. Maybe next time, Natsuki-chan. 😀
The danger the dragon posed is now gone but the real sense of suspicion is surrounding Mogwai. More and more he shows he is more free willed than the average AI should be allowed. Other than his continuously shady conversations with Yaze and keeping Asagi in the dark, it becomes increasingly apparent that he has his own agendas.
A strong ending to the series. Overall, Strike the Blood was very good series from start to finish and a guilty pleasure. Nothing groundbreaking, using generic elements but entertaining nonetheless, well rounded and one of my most favorites. Each one of the episodes went by so fast and had me wanting the next that it’s unbelievable half a year was spent watching it. Kojou is a cool and likable lead with some faults but that’s easy to overlook because everyone has them in some way or the other and the female characters are great in their own way which is a rare thing to come by. To be honest, there isn’t much that can be used to reproach them. The plot is interesting and gradually evolves with each arc and even though there’s a feel things have been cut out, what’s actually there flows nicely and consistent along with the ecchi element that adds flair, blends in and isn’t over the top. Not to mention both OPs and EDs were great and there was a nice soundtrack to boot. I give Strike the Blood a 9/10. It would be a perfect 10 if some of the material wasn’t being cut out.
It’s not enough! I want more!! In my opinion, the possibility of a second season is strong not just because of how open-ended the finale was or how well the merchandise is selling but how fast the light novels are likely to be released. Strike the Blood began in May 2011 and received an anime adaptation in October 2013, covering 6 of previously 9 volumes, which is just over a two year gap of time and a 10th volume recently got out. Looking at it that way, it wouldn’t take long before announcements are made for a second season confirmation.
So, Karakuri. Are you glad you decided to stick with the series when I persuaded you to hold on a little longer and take an interest when I said the story would get better after you did the First Impression? I recall you saying you dropped the manga because you lost interest with what little plot there was since there weren’t enough chapters at the time. You really seemed to like it, though. Because your StB posts were way more consistent than those for Noragami and The Pilot’s Love Song (Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta).
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
I think I’ll survive without Strike the Blood, Er, good luck to you though, BB.
Well, I guess it shows how close they are…? Plus Kojou is pretty informal, so I don’t think he would mind being called Kojou.
I don’t remember much of Bund, to be honest. Though considering that the Lion King Organization is focused on making Yukina and Kojou the OTP, I don’t think they’d mind Yukina turning. Though maybe that might interfere with whatever magic thing Yukina already has going on.
Yeah, I’m wondering about Mogwai. Plus I think zztop said something about Asagi being unable to die on the island, and this might be a part of that.
I think I would have enjoyed the novels so much more, but I am interested in seeing how STB would end. This was a series I could have fun with blogging, so I didn’t hate it. You were right about the story getting better. …Though to be honest, the only reason I blogged so constantly was because I didn’t have to think to write about this series. Also, timing. My free time this season was around Saturday evenings, and Noragami/Koiuta came out Sunday/Monday afternoons my time. STB came out on fridays, which was convenient. I enjoyed Noragami so much more than this show (though to be fair, I enjoyed Koiuta, less than this).
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
If you’re up for another one of my anime suggestions, I have one in mind: Moon Phase. Though it’s an old show, I’m sure you’ll like it for the story and the characters, particularly the interaction between the two leads. Not to mention, the production’s done by SHAFT. I vaguely remember the Japanese version but since the complete DVD set, I can tell you the English dub sounds great.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
I’ve been meaning to watch Moon Phase for a while, but I guess I’ll move it up the list. Thanks. xD
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Happy to make some suggestions! 😀
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 104 comments
StB’s an enjoyable show for what it is and as long as the viewers don’t try to look beyond that all’s okay. That’s not hard to do either since it’s the type of anime that every experienced viewer should know what to expect from after one arc,making it easy to decide whether to continue watching or not.
I found Tokyo Ravens quite a bit better though : P
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Yeah, Tokyo Ravens was a good series but by personal choice for the recently ended carry over animes, I’d put Strike the Blood and Kill la Kill above it (In that order). Although, that could be my bias talking. Who knows? 😉
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 104 comments
I’m sure absolutely no1 who’d look at your avatar would believe that : )
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Hahaha!! Yeah, I suppose that is a dead giveaway.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Yeah, it’s a good show for face value entertainment. I kind of put Tokyo Ravens on hold in order to read the novels, but from what I saw, they’re about the same level for me. …Though Tokyo Ravens certainly had the better OP1.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
The first Tokyo Ravens OP was good but I found the second was a bit lacking.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
I’m not even going to ask how/why the whole time loop thing works with Reina bringing Yukina a new Sekkarou.
That you have to ask the anime writers. They came up with this new filler. 😛
Having Reina talk about Kojou’s “untimely death” at the end was definitely an odd word choice.
I think Reina was just joking about Kojou’s death. Moegi corrected her about Kojou still being alive, where then she makes that cheeky face at the end. She’s just trolling, Kara!!! And the short story highly implies that Moegi is Kojou’s daughter with Asagi, and Asagi is the Empire’s chief technician.
At least Itogami looks intact from afar.
‘Akatsuki no Teikoku’ directly translates to ‘Dawn Empire’, but remember that Akatsuki is Kojou’s last name.
So ‘Akatsuki’s Empire’,implying that Kojou’ll be the one controlling Itogami a few decades from now. The dragon was probably sent by his future enemies to sink Itogami so no future Empire could ever be formed.
The short story states this Empire is politically independent, with a population of 2 million(compared to the current 500,000), as big as Japan’s Shikoku Island.
Mogwai is interacting with Meiga because… who knows.
What is important to note is Meiga mentioning ‘Cain’s priestess’. Kara, if you know your Bible, then you might know who Cain is. Try and guess which girl close to Kojou could be this ‘priestess’. Perhaps the one who isn’t his sister or whose eyes glow red? 🙂
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
There’s no getting away from how generic and rushed it felt.
At least there’s a somewhat satisfying conclusion re. Kojou’s future. And still better than Magical Warfare’s anime, which I hear condensed all its 7 volumes into 12 episodes, & put in a bad, ambiguous anime-original ending.
But her daughter is cute, so that counts for something. Probably.
Kojou:…This is MY daughter?!(゜。゜)
Yukina: No, sempai. This is OUR daughter!!!(≧σ≦)
Kara, you be hearing Wakeshima Kanon again this anime season. Her new single, killy killy Joker, will be used for the Wixoss card anime OP.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Oh, I realize that she was trolling. There’s no way that Kojou would die for good. It was just a really odd word choice in terms of the conversation.
I think I remember wou saying something about Cain being the person who created the world in the first place, so I imagine that’s important too.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
Spoilers for Kojou’s backstory, the 4th Progenitor mystery, and more!! Be warned. if any detail is wrong then please correct me.
Kojou meeting Avrora:
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The 4th Progenitor’s mystery:
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Future developments:
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POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Heh heh, why couldn’t it take so short a time? Anything goes. What hasn’t happened in 20 years could happen in one day. In Devil Survivor 2, the world was being destroyed and it would’ve taken exactly a week to do so if the protagonists hadn’t intervened.
Really? The people from Attack on Titan had to endure destruction and death nearly on a daily basis. Compared to that, I’d say Itogami Island has it easy though it’s gets into as much trouble as Academy City.
The moment someone becomes a hero, someone with ideals and something to protect, they unconsciously draw in as much enemies as they are able to get rid of them. Kensei and Yuuma, in their respective arcs, caused their trouble knowing full well Kojou was the Fourth Progenitor.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Yes, but the AoT people had a reason for being attacked relentlessly by titans after the start of the anime due to (mild spoilers)
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Remember that there was peace before that.
What I’m saying is that Rudolf attacked once and Kojou stopped him not because it was his job, but because circumstance got him involved. Either nobody attacked the island before that due to luck, or there’s something making them all want to attack now. Nobody seems to be able to defend anything without Kojou, these days. So what I’m wondering is how Itogami is still standing if people were as helpless as they appear to be now.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Reina explained to Kanon and Nina that the dragon is a manmade magical beast created in experiment. It crosses time, distorts space and consumes dragon veins to destroy the land they support. A strategic weapon.
It certainly came from Reina’s time as Moegi said at the end of the episode that her mom located the people who set it loose, and her mother is Asagi.
The dragon sure got to Kojou to make him say something ironic. “Now I know how it feels to fight something that can’t die”. He should go apologize to every villain he’s fought for saying that. 😉
Did any notice Moegi using a reference some would consider from the Fate series? “You know that guy wouldn’t die even if he was killed”. Nice!!
POWUH: 600-699 and LN Enthusiast with 623 comments
This is nothing on Index though. S1 & S2 overall have only been 3 months in the timeline. And 33 volumes overall has only been 5 months.
Touma has it worse than Kojou, facing threats on a weekly basis. Guy can’t take a break.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Ah, see I don’t pay attention to Index’s timeline. That seems equally ridiculous. xD
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
It seems that way because the viewers are, obviously, watching from an external point. It would’ve been a different story if we were actually taking part in their events and notice the time periods.