I told myself that I wouldn’t be writing episode reviews anymore. But Rentarou, Enju, even Kayo… I just couldn’t help it. Who knew that Black Bullet would be so tragic?
Episode 3
Rentarou is the only main character I know that suffers so much in the first few episodes. I had a feeling it was way too easy to obtain the case even if it was right in front of them but the outcome of the fight between Rentarou and Enju against Kagetane and his Initiator was horrifying. I didn’t expect Rentarou to be stabbed that badly. When he passed out, I was so worried. It was only the third episode, so it was impossible for the main character to die so soon, but still, I’ve never seen a main character getting so injured at the start of an anime. If it was nearing the end of the anime, it makes sense, but not so soon.
I liked this scene at the end of episode 3. It showed the trust between the two partners. They supported each other no matter what and believed that they could do well in their mission.
Episode 4
Episode 4 was appalling. Rentarou and Enju foght against Kagetane and his Initiator again. This time, Rentarou was much stronger than before. Kisara revealed that while protecting her from a Gastrea attack years ago, Rentarou lost his right arm, right leg and left eye. After going through an operation, he now has artificial limbs made of Varanium. This enabled him to get past Kagetane’s Maximum Pain. I was frightened when Rentarou jabbed himself with five tubes of AGV. They provided regenerative abilities like the Gastrea, but they carried a 20% risk of death. Fortunately, it was a success. At the end of the battle, Kagetane fell into the sea. His signal was lost, suggesting that he was dead. But was he, really? I felt that he died too quickly.
When the alarm was raised, I was expecting Kagetane to jump out of the sea. However, it was reported that a Stage 5 Gastrea was nearby. I was disappointed when I heard this, but it also shows that Black Bullet isn’t predictable. I think that it’s a good sign. While seeing my predictions come true, I feel a sense of accomplishment, as if I’ve gained intelligence. On the other hand, if an anime is too predictable, it’s not as exciting. Some examples of anime with extreme plot twists are Death Note and Durarara. Watching anime with plot twists are thrilling because unexpected things happen when you least expect them.
Rentarou… I was dumbfounded when he yanked his arm off as a source of Varanium. I think that it’s selfless how he did that to save everyone else. It was an artificial arm, so it’s not as if Rentarou hasn’t lost an arm before, but for him to forcefully pull it off was a different matter. It definitely hurt. In addition, he had to shoot the Stage 5 Gastrea himself.
“Satomi-san, from here on out, if you get lost in the darkness, follow the compass in your heart and go towards the light. Please save this world…” – Kayo
It’s heartrending to see Kayo asking Rentarou to kill her. She wishes to die as a human, hence making that request. Rentarou, having few friends, hesitated before agreeing to do so. He didn’t have much of a choice. If he let Kayo continue living, she would turn into a Gastrea, so he would still need to kill her. It was only a matter of time. Kayo died protecting Rentarou and Enju, highlighting the theme of self-sacrifice which seems to revolve around Black Bullet.
Black Bullet successfully managed to trigger my emotions. I’m starting to like Rentarou and Enju more. As for the ending of the episode, I’m quite worried about Enju, with her corrosion rate of 42.1%. Rentarou doesn’t want to tell her so that she won’t worry, but what’s going to happen? As for the preview, I’m eager to know about what happens with Rentarou and Enju’s job. Will they actually assassinate Sentenshi-sama?
Watch Black Bullet episode 4 at http://www.animeultima.tv/Black-Bullet-episode-4-english-subbed/