Grendizer U Ep #5 Review: Maria Fleed Arrives With Upgrades!
Since the review of the first episode, I’ve complained about the animation quality of the series, and also criticized the opening’s visuals. And, to my surprise, the film crew has somewhat improved these issues in the latest episode, especially the opening animation. Along with these improvements came the appearance of Duke Fleed’s younger sister – Grace Maria Fleed.
The biggest highlight of episode 5 is the upgraded opening. A lot of things in the opening of episode 5 are improved compared to the opening of episodes 1-4: adding effects, beautifying some old images, adding some brand new epic cuts – all these changes are beautiful and is a big plus in my eyes. Three new cuts, the scene of Grendizer exiting the Spazer and launching a Screw Crusher Punch, the 360-degree scene of Mazinger Z and Grendizer facing back to back with surrounding enemies (this scene reminds me of the opening of Gurren Lagann) and the fully animated in 2D scene where Grendizer use Space Thunder, all of them are *chef’s kiss*. However, the thing that attracted my attention the most was the new segment of the Mazinger angels, using new stock footage, much more dynamic and energetic than the old opening. Those fight stock footages give viewers a glimpse into the animation quality to come, and give hope for the anime’s action element.
You can also see that the animators also put extra effort into character animation, such as the close-up shot of Maria at 1:00 which has the best shading ever compared to previous episodes, and some of the action scenes has a bit of more flair. Regarding the 3D animations for the saucer beasts and Grendizer, it seems that the colors of the models have been made bolder than in previous episodes, making their textures stand out more and overall look better. However, all this makes me worried about the production: changing the opening and editing the 3D models only has two meanings, either Fukuda and team are doing their best to bring the best to the audience, or they’ve presented an unfinished product just to be in time for release. Really hope it’s the first scenario.
In terms of plot, episode 5 was an ok episode (thank god Okouchi is back), Maria Fleed appeared and she was naughty, that’s all, nothing bad and not much to say. I like the humor in this episode, as well as the fact that Okouchi lets Maria change her view of Kouji and the Earthlings through contact with the culture, people, and kindness of the Earthlings (although I would have liked more if this process takes place over a longer period of time). Besides, although it’s a bit late, I just noticed that Fukuda actually added SEED mode to the anime smh. The only thing I found annoying in episode 5 was the scene where Duke, Maria and Kouji returned to the base to play yo-yos after defeating the enemy, instead of looking for Hikaru, who had just confronted Cassado. It felt like they forgot about Hikaru’s existence lol.
Episode 5 of Grendizer U shows that director Fukuda and his team listen to viewer feedback and strive to do the best they can possible. This, along with Ikiro Okouchi’s return to scripwriting, giving viewers a natural and calming plot, made me have good feelings for this episode. However, some signs make me worried about the anime’s production, so perhaps it’s still too early to celebrate the improvement in this episode.
//Getter Andy//
//Getter Andy//
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