Intro:
“Bang Brave Bang Bravern” released on January 11th, 2024. Produced by Cygames and directed by Masami Obari, the anime falls in the genre of military mecha. Though this author is not familiar with the format of this genre, the anime was intriguing enough to review. This article intends to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the anime and provide insight into the first episode.
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Episode 1 Summary:
The summary of the first episode is that the show focuses on Lewis Smith and Ao Isami. The two meet in Oahu during a Japanese/American joint military training. During the episode, aliens attack, and Isami must pilot a talking mech in order to fight this threat.
Pros:
“Bang Brave Bang Bravern” is an overall well rounded anime with several notable positives. This review intends to discuss these positives in order of noticeability.
Animation:
The combination of 3D and 2D visuals is incredible to look at. It didn’t feel over the top in the way that some anime with this blend feel.
One strength of the animation in this series is the addition of character mannerisms that bring the cast to life.
“Bang Brave Bang Bravern” excels at showing differences in body language between characters. For example, in the bar scene, Isami is closed off whereas Lewis is open and extroverted.
Sound Design:
This author doesn’t usually notice or rank sound design in anime. However, this aspect of the show is impressive enough to deserve its own section of praise. Not only is the voice acting well done, the balance between the sound effects and other audio components is perfect.
Nothing felt drowned out by sound effect noises, as is common in some military anime.
Additionally, the music for the episode ending sets the tone for the vibe of the anime.
Character Development:
So far, the characters in this show appear dynamic. They already have dialogue quirks that make them unique, despite their limited screen time.One example of these quirks shows up in Lewis and his occasional uses of English in his otherwise Japanese sentences. This aspect is important for establishing personalities and forming audience attachment to characters.
With front-running characters in particular, this author takes an interest primarily in Ao Isami.
Whether or not this is because he is the focus of the first episode has yet to be apparent. However, what makes him deeply compelling is the mystery surrounding him.
Throughout the episode, it becomes increasingly obvious that Isami has some form of PTSD. It is not outright told. However, it is apparent in the way he hesitates to shoot and his hands get clammy in certain frames. He also appears to keep people at a distance, implying a hesitance to trust.
This leaves viewers to wonder if Isami has experience with something similar to the first episode’s threat.
It will be interesting to see how these details become fleshed out as the anime continues.
Cons of Bang Brave Bang Bravern:
There is only one noticeable con with the show; it was confusing at times. I understand the purpose of throwing the viewer right into the action for pacing purposes. However, it was difficult for this author as a first time mecha anime watcher to understand certain things. For example the names of the mechas and the sentience and appearance of Bravern. That being said, this problem likely won’t apply to people who are more experienced with the genre. The tonal shift also caught me off guard as it appeared to come out of left field. However, as the show goes on a lot of the initial quirks I mention might iron themselves out.
Conclusion on Bang Brave Bang Bravern:
As a first time mecha anime watcher, I would give the first episode of this anime an 85% score. While it has its setbacks and confusing moments, the anime has the potential to flesh itself out. It still has yet to find its footing. Therefore, time will tell whether the series stands out amongst other anime releasing this year. For those interested, the trailer for the anime can be found here.
