Those who care about using their precious thing to its fullest become attackers.
― Riyo Reaper
Sometimes the best anime are the ones that you never thought you would have watched.
If you were like me, your TikTok feed was filled with edits of Team Akuta’s leader, Enjin. So naturally, I wanted to know more about this good-looking anime character.
And after the first episode, I was caught up in real time with the rest of the season.
I had to remind myself that Rudo Suberec (the main character) is only 15. He is placed in an unknown environment against his will.
What I love about this show is that it keeps reminding viewers of Rudo’s youth. It also highlights that he is from The Sphere. His customs and ideology are different from those of The Ground.
It’s nice to see mentors like Zanka, Gris, and Enjin talking to Rudo in a supportive manner. They do not put everything on his shoulders. This approach allows him the space to grow and learn as a giver and as a person.
Besides being extremely good-looking, Enjin is this generation’s big brother.
Think of Gojo Sataru (JJK) and Kakashi Hatake (Naruto).
Even Enjin said it best during the trash beast arc; he is the one who brings everyone together. His relationship with his team has demonstrated his respect as a leader. He is also valued as a person. The other cleaners want to confide in him.
One of the favorite moments with Enjin is when he was talking with Rudo after the incident with Amo. Enjin was able to let Rudo express his feelings. Rudo never knew how to deal with emotions on the Sphere. Enjin also shared with Rudo that not everyone is perfect. He revealed how he himself isn’t perfect in his own life.
Rudo used this tactic. He was trying to cheer up Remlin. This was after she messed up with Zanka’s protection charm.
Rudo has had great character development in season 1 in terms of being level-headed when going into a fight. Don’t get me wrong, Rudo has a lot to learn. It’s reassuring for him to understand this. He doesn’t need to bear the burden of getting back to The Sphere alone.
This show is influenced by black culture, and you can’t tell me differently.
The music used, which is heavy on that NOLA bounce, plays a significant role. Having black voice actors voice black characters adds authenticity. The language used resonates with the audience. These are reasons why many black people in the anime community gravitated towards this show.
And I know some people thought some of the language was out of place. They also believed that Jabber, Semiu, and Corvus aren’t black people. However, if the creator of the show says they are, then they are!
What was very unique about the show was the Power Source. Finding new ways for anime characters in the Shonen genre to have level-ups will always amaze me.
For example, One Piece has devil fruits. Naruto has chakra and clan-specific powers. JJK has cursed energy. Fire Force has pyrokinesis.
There is something personal and sentimental in Gachiakuta. This is evident in having the power scale in the form of a jinki or vital instruments.
To value an inanimate object to the point where it becomes an extension of you is beautiful. Every giver takes extremely good care of their vital instruments, especially Rudo and his 3R gloves.
One of the overall themes and messages of the anime is clear to me. Trash is never just trash. What is trash to you can be valuable to someone else.
Rudo has carried that theme from episode one. With the use of his 3R gloves, he is able to reuse trash. He sees their full potential and uses them in battles.
As a fan of Kei Urana’s previous work with Fire Force, I am eager to explore this anime. I need to know more. And I can’t wait for season 2.
Nadine Bourne's Blog 