#SDarling in the Frankxx

[nalanimated]

2018 Winter Anime First Impressions: SDarling in the Frankxx, Beatless, Killing Bites, Hakumei and Mikochi

Thoughts and Ratings Below

SDarling in the Frankxx In every anime season a little mecha must rain down from the heavens. A little fanservice must be doled out. Darling in the Frankxx is this series this season and I am happy to say that while it may not feel like the most unique narrative in the world, what it does it does really well.

Following a young would-be pilot(s) and serialized rather than humanized creatures that form partnerships to operate FRANXX entitled humanoid mecha, it provides dynamic character relationships that don’t immediately fall to the monotony of typical reactions and interactions. The designs feel clean cut even if it is reminiscent of previous works. (In fact mecha-loving aficionados could probably point out every influence previous series have had on this, but we’ll leave it to them.) The quality of imagery is fantastic. So while there might be too many nods here for some people, there is a reason these themes are being drawn upon.

For me, Darling has a lot of building blocks to be a truly solid series. If Eva and Eureka have stayed in your library, this might peak your interest. Rating: 3.75 of 5

Beatless In a world where technology has invaded every aspect of our lives, where androids are commonplace, there exist battle-ready versions up for claim. Arato’s accidental partnership with one of these throws his otherwise regular life into a bit of a tailspin. His overly zealous little sister that he takes care of couldn’t be happier.

A mix of a learning to be human and battle anime, my lack of enthusiasm for this series stems more from the unfortunate timing on my part to having watched it directly after FRANXX. The other series has a much more compressed feeling and very serious tone that makes the mishmash of Beatless seem a little frivolous. If anything it just feels too familiar, too standard. Then again, I have to also admit that robo-girlfriends really aren’t something I feel very strongly about either way.

So it’s hard for me to feel like I can judge this series very accurately. Arato and his relationship with his sister are enjoyable. The designs and style are decent though not spectacular. That’s the best way to describe this series: decent. I don’t see it rising to the top of my list, but if this is your genre it will due its seasonal duty. Rating: 3 of 5

Killing Bites I expected a lot from Killing Bites. I love animal people. I love action anime. I like older casts. The premise of Yuyu getting dragged into a crazy world because he’s the one decent guy who gets thrown in with a bunch of idiots who get what they deserve appeals to me. Political intrigue and power struggles are quite fun when done right. And badgers are pretty awesome, setting aside my much more fluffier Hufflepuff status even. So this should be right up my alley, right?

Well yes and no. The opening scene is pretty brutal. If you have any triggers dealing with rape or sexual assault, run away now. I admit to Hitome’s justice feeling somewhat gratifying. I like that Hitomi isn’t soft and sweet with just this ability to be deadly, even if I actually find her a little too brash for my personal tastes. Her personality doesn’t feel out of place. She is a fighter. She is a killer. She is instinctual. And I expect a series like this to be full of male fanservice, so I’m not going to hold that against the series.

If you’re here for battles and gratuity Killing Bites is for you. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial this pilot isn’t going to give it to you. So maybe it’s my own fault I’m not falling over this series with glee. It’s what I should expect of it. I was just hoping for it to take that next step. Rating: 3.25 of 5

 Hakumei and Mikochi You know the past few seasons, even this one in particular; have provided some pretty cute if not distinct cute girls/friends meets slice of life series. Some of those have stood out significantly. Hakumei and Mikochi take on that style in a world that would have made “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” a lot more accommodating. Following two micro friends in their daily lives, we get to know their little hidden world.

Now that in itself isn’t terrible. What disappoints me was that I was anticipating something more along the lines of last season’s “Girl’s Last Tour”. Not the post-apocalyptic setting, of course, but I thought these girls were few and far between. Instead we’re introduced to an entire mini-city. While this is still fun, there are a few less obstacles the girls may have to face.

That’s where the pleasure of this series comes from, seeing how this little world works. The pilot does a good job of introducing personalities. It shows that those who exist in this world have their entire own mythos and civilization. I’ll take this as an indication that some real thought has been placed into this world and admit to intrigue for further installments. By golly is it also pretty!

It’s not a loud series, but it feels like a vast world for something so small. With pleasant production values Hakumei and Mikochi could be the perfect series to leave you with the cozies. Rating: 3.5 of 5