Kissdum ~Engage Planet~ Episode 2 – “Robot arms mechanized!”

Note: I have updated the Spring 2007 Blogging list if anyone wants to know what T.H.A.T Anime Blog will cover. Of course, the list will change and expand/contract accordingly. Crusader and Shokkeru, both of which covers a bit of episode commentary, will also update their list soon enough and you can tell who is blogging what in the list as well. Hope you like it!

Signed, Impz

With Aiba infused with the power from the “Death Book”, the monsters continued to be relentless in their pursuit to exterminate these monsters. However, why are these creatures here in the first place and what is this battle about?

Who is the Necro Diver and what is the purpose of this being? Kissdum Episode two starts off just as explosively as episode one, but there are some things that might be a little unacceptable and confusing. Yet, it is still waiting…

Summary in a chunk

Iburi and Masaki were survivors of a huge blast caused by the monsters as they were still tracking on the news about the “Death Book”. On the other hand, after the huge explosion, the other party members in N.I.D.F seemed to have escaped any serious injuries. Rukina tried to shake up Aiba, with him surprised how he actually survived. Rukina apologized with tears that she was desperate to keep him alive, which was why she stabbed the “Death Book” into him. Aiba did not know what Rukina meant, and she added that he needed to hold the burden. The military was also getting ready for a major attack on the monsters, as the rest are equipped. Demon suddenly appeared and threatened to kill Rukina, asking her to explain the situation with the monsters.

She explained that they found a relic from ancient times at the area of the sinking ship twenty years ago, and it seemed that the relic created such monsters were a mission that men had to face since the start of creation and once if they lost, the species of men would disappear. The military was also completely obliterated by the monsters. The members in N.I.D.F found the story told by Rukina to be unbelievable, but the truth was glaring with the monsters appearing. Aiba suddenly heard a continuous voice calling him to be awakened, as he looked strained, with his muscles foaming and his eyes glowing a deep shade of red. As he cracked his fist onto the wall, it seemed that the monsters had found them.

The N.I.D.F tried to repel them as they protected the two (Rukina and Aiba) but was clearly outmatched. One by one, they were eaten up or defeated by the monsters. As Aiba himself was consumed, and Rukina too, Nanao lamented that he was not chosen to be the user of “Death Book” and he would be able to protect Rukina. However, the power in Aiba awakened as his left arm turned into a huge mech weapon as he fired at the monster. However, the monster had those flies that were not only the sense but the eyes.

The voice told Aiba to find the head fly that controlled everything, and it would destroy the monster inevitably. He found it and fired a great shot to hit, even though he felt that it was an impossible shot. He then jumped toward the huge monster, inserting his mech weapon in and destroying it as it disappeared and changed back to a normal hand. At the end of it, Barada, the voice of the girl, appeared and critiqued his attempt as pathetic, as everyone was in awe how Aiba completely changed with the power of the “Death book”.

Thoughts

The show is inherently confusing and is probably impossible to watch without the subs. In fact, even with the subs, this show is so confusing that I am often waiting for some time to formulate what in the world passed by me for the next 20 minutes of this anime. The story starts off rather well, but I must say that the character relationships are very confusing. I know someone told me that Rukina and Aiba are a couple, but it almost feels queer that they have very little vibes of romance but it’s perhaps logical in such a messy situation.

I personally really felt that the meaning of the monsters and why the monsters exist is given more time and explanation. I found the whole reason flimsy and the irony that even Rukina saying it’s absurd makes me feel a bit underwhelmed. I am expecting something much more than that, and I am not sure currently whether I will experience anything different. However, I have confidence that this series will address this slightly messy story telling.

The action of this episode is clearly top notch and I have absolutely no complains. This is perhaps my action series of the spring season and it is a good thing that the main focus is not really on action, but also on drama as well. I also found the fluid movement of the war activity that is eventually futile by the military to be a well constructed animation, especially on the whole scale attack of the monsters in action. I also found the slow and disturbing defeat by the N.I.D.F as they were attacked and swallowed one by one by the huge scale monsters.

A few questions still are in my head.

1. Rei – This character is so out of place in the series that I wonder whether she is human or not. In a total flood and avalanche of waves, the only thing she complains is that she is in a swimsuit. If she is an attempt to be a comedy piece, it is not working at all.

2. Nanao – This guy gives me a strange vibe and I have a feeling that he will one day have a mental breakdown considering how reliant he seems on Rukina. Do you think he will soon fire on his group mates soon?

3. Iburi – Why did she call Rukina a traitor and ordered the rest to attack Rukina at will? It makes no sense whatsoever.

Anyway, I will wait for a few more episodes before handing down the verdict of this series.