Revisions - First Thoughts

Revisions - First Thoughts

Posted on 16 May 2019

Settling in for the latest Netflix Original Anime, the series certainly starts with a terrific opening theme by The Oral Cigarettes called Wagamama de Gomakasanaide. They've supplied tracks for Noragami Aragoto and Sakurada Reset, and their alt-rock style sets an excellent tone. 

The series opens with our young hero-to-be Daisuke. Ever since he was rescued 7 years prior from a kidnapping by a mysterious woman named Milo, Daisuke has been preparing every day for an impending disaster he's been convinced is incoming. Adamant that he alone can protect his friends as Milo predicted, he's become a fight-happy white knight, much to the chagrin of his classmates. His dream comes true as his school is transported into a dystopian nightmare - be careful what you wish for, Daisuke!

The series is directed by Gorō Taniguchi, who is no stranger to mecha anime - his long list of credits includes Planetes, Code Geass and Infinite Ryvius, not to mention episode direction and storyboarding on several Gundam Series, including Gundam X, G Gundam and Gundam Wing. Essentially you can assume he's a safe pair of hands for this series, and his sure-hand is certainly evident during the first shocking mecha attack which quickly dispatches several of Daisuke's classmates in gruesome fashion. I've seen a lot of mecha anime over the years, but this show hits very hard indeed -  after what seems like an Earthquake, Daisuke and friends head to the roof to be confronted with a strange robot with an emotionless face. The skyline is a desolate wreck, and nothing is explained, but amidst the chaos the first unfortunate victim, recoiling in terror on the ground as the threat looms over her, is picked up and squashed between the mech's fingers - it's a shocking and gruesome moment and suddenly the sense of danger is very real indeed. The school counselor bolts, abandoning her students to the tender mercies of their attacker, other students jump off the roof to their doom rather than tangle with the monster, it's chaos writ large and the director certainly wastes no time in establishing the threat.

The series is very sharp, with lovely little details such as wear on hardware and damage to, well, pretty much everything. It's a beautiful show to look at and every freeze-frame is gorgeous. Even small details, such as cloud movement and haze effects add to the immersion. The String Puppets (good guy mechs) are nicely realised with Iron Man style interfaces bringing an air of familiarity - sadly episode one ends with Daisuke strapped in and ready to ride, but the credits are rolling just as you're ready for some retribution on whatever the Revisions are. 

The English dub works well, and while I always lean toward the Japanese soundtrack, I found the work laid down by the Western cast to be emotive and fluid. I loved the music, when the action finally kicks in the show unveils a pretty kick-ass soundtrack, with frantic samples and off-kilter arrangements that convey the sense of urgency perfectly. Everything from animation, direction, music and casting gels. This is the good stuff.

These first thoughts pieces are designed with one question in mind - do you want to know more? In this case the answer is a resounding "hell yes!". Episode one is a gripping thrill-ride, and by the end I was cursing at having to stop and write this up rather than watch the next episode (which I'll be doing very shortly). 

I'm looking forward to exploring the world, characters and technology of this series, and if you're a fan of mecha, join Taniguchi-san's wild ride. This is why you hire a seasoned director! 

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