SSSS.Gridman - Episode 2 (Review)
By: EyeSpyeAlex
Missed my last review? Check it out here!
Warning! Major spoilers ahead!
SSSS.Gridman episode 2 picks right up where the previous one left off. Yuta, Utsumi, and Rikka are stunned to find that none of their classmates remember the kaiju attack from yesterday. Even more strange is that several of their classmates are missing and no one remembers who they are. The trio sets out to investigate this and are joined by a mysterious man named Samurai Calibur. Not only does Samurai Calibur know who Gridman is, he is able to modify Junk to improve Gridman’s connection to the real world.
But this isn’t a show about mysteries. We’re here for the monsters, and we’ve finally found the person creating them. Akane, a student in Yuta’s class apparently has a penchant for crafting kaiju. She and her computer friend Alexis work together to bring her latest creation to life. Once the kaiju is in our world, Akane makes sure it has its sights set on her homeroom teacher. The homeroom teachers’ crime? Bumping into Akane and not apologizing.
Sensing a kaiju, Yuta quickly assimilates with Gridman and prepares for battle. Unfortunately for the duo, this kaiju is much tougher and quickly overpowers them. Enter Samurai Calibur, who transforms into a sword for Gridman to use. Armed and dangerous, Gridman quickly defeats the kaiju. The next day, the trio arrives at school to find once more that their classmates remember nothing.
The Review
This latest episode managed to work out most of the kinks I commented on in my last review. The animation was much smoother this time around. This was especially appealing because I could focus on how beautiful the background of each scene is. On top of that, the fight scene between Gridman and the kaiju was much brighter, which made it easier to see and focus on the action.
One thing I especially liked about this episode was the homage to the magical girl genre. In order to assimilate with Gridman, Yuta taps his wrist cuff and calls out to Gridman. What follows is a magical assimilation sequence before Gridman emerges in the real world. It really made me laugh, so kudos to Studio Trigger for that.
This episode also gave us a glimpse into who is creating the kaiju, but not why. Akane and Alexis seem like they’ll shape up to be a formidable set of villains for Yuta and Gridman. It will be interesting to see who is pulling the strings in their relationship; Akane or Alexis.
Despite some really awesome fight scenes and plot development, this episode of SSSS.Gridman still has some faults. The pacing is still a little wonky, with the kaiju fight almost seeming like an afterthought. Going along with that, it feels like the creators are rushing through material. It feels incredibly early to know who exactly our villain is and for Gridman to have a mysterious acquaintance. Hopefully the upcoming episodes give these plot points the time to grow.