Sakugan!!

Sakugan is a likable and lively spectacle, even though it might not be for everyone judging by the reviews on various other websites. I am lucky enough that it is really right up my alleyway, even though some things help me understand why this anime series may not appeal to some people. My initial impression was that there is an isolated city and huge creatures called "kaijuu" to be fought by giant robots (so kind of like Deca-Dence). It all takes place in an elaborate underground labyrinth. This labyrinth is full of so many secrets waiting for the main protagonists to go and explore it (so kind of like Made in Abyss). The second impression I got is focused on the pacing. It was wild and crazy, plus the strong chemistry between the main two protagonists and their interesting relationship (this time, it reminded me of Gurren Laggan). However, the end result is something else entirely, and I could see why some would label it a wacky family comedy in the first place. The whole anime series stands and falls with the main two protagonists and their relationship. Therefore, your impression of this anime series will depend a lot on whether you like the characters Memenpu and Gugamber. This theme is the strongest one and permeates the entire anime series, making many other things take a back seat. Plus, the two main protagonists are incredibly opinionated and loud, which may not be to everyone's taste. However, in the moments that matter, their chemistry works brilliantly, and I find their relationship likable, entertaining, and believable. This focus, coupled with the frenetic pace of the narrative, also makes some things that are important to the anime series, albeit unrelated to the main two protagonists, feel terribly rushed. Sometimes, the editing is so bad that you cannot understand what is going on or where you just jumped to (like in the episode where they recruit Yuri to the team), or it affects the intensity of some situations that lack impact, power, and depth. By that, I mean, for example, that some of the storylines are supposed to be dramatic and yet fizzle out weirdly very quickly and without any impact (Zackletu). In addition, compared to how the anime's writers have created the dramas with a real depth around the main two protagonists, then those subplots feel somehow less believable, almost slapdash. The last episode was a proper emotional rollercoaster; I had figured out the biggest plot twist two episodes before that. However, I was still satisfied. It all just underlined the main theme of the whole anime series and confirmed that this really is about the importance of family and only after that about anything else. Plus, what some would consider a hackneyed theme is not going to excite everyone; rather, it will disappoint everyone who expected a lot of fight scenes with huge monsters and mysterious adventures in the labyrinth. This is because it is mainly about the relationship between father and daughter. However, they are probably going to give up after a few episodes anyway because they find it boring. I, however, enjoyed the subject matter, quickly grew to like both main characters, and enjoyed all the energy this anime series exuded. It even managed to move me at the right moments. Because of this, I am able to let a lot slide, get past some of the stuff that just does not make any sense, and stop wondering if it is even normal to wait more than half a day in the theatre for a performance that for some reason does not take place, without even thinking of leaving. In summary, I liked Sakugan, and I hope that there will be another season despite the mediocre ratings because it managed to entertain, move, and speak to me. 7.5/10. (23.12.2021) (menos) (más)