Content Warnings For This Episode of Bang Brave Bang Bravern:
This episode features depictions of torture, which will be mentioned here. If such content is upsetting, proceed with caution.
Summary:
Bravern explains that Earth is in peril, as well as how he feels about Isami. Meanwhile, Isami is being tortured by military officials for information. As aliens attack again, Bravern attempts to fight them. However, he finds himself unable to fight properly without Isami piloting him.
Once Isami is rescued from being tortured, he breaks down over having to pilot Bravern. However, he realizes it is his only option to save Oahu. The episode ends on a cliffhanger with Lewis finding a girl passed out on the beach.
Overall Thoughts:
The tonal shift and choppy pacing remain a noticeable aspect of the anime. Scenes tend to clash as the show switches between Bravern fighting and Isami being waterboarded. The anime has not mastered tonal shift yet, as evidenced by this episode. However, the character development of this episode is one of its strengths.
Viewers get to see the friendship between Lewis and Isami develop. Additionally, insights into Bravern’s emotions are a highlight of this episode. The extent of the content focused on the latter concept was immense. As such, it deserves a review section dedicated to it.
Bravern and Isami:
Bravern, for lack of a better word, is obsessed with Isami. It wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to say Bravern even loves Isami. This episode is, in fact, partially dedicated to the obsession Bravern feels for Isami. For example, he explains his adoration in ways that are clearly euphemisms for sex.
” He came inside me” and “It was my first experience” are both actual lines said by Bravern when talking about Isami. Bravern is also shown to be clingy towards Isami and won’t let anyone else besides Isami pilot him. The episode itself is even called, “Isami?! You’ll Be Here Soon, Won’t You, Isami?!”. With this in mind, seeing how this dynamic develops will be fascinating. While Bravern is attached to Isami, Isami wants nothing to do with Bravern. There are several instances throughout the episode where Bravern asks Isami to pilot him, and Isami refuses.
Considering the moment of Isami breaking down over having to pilot Bravern again, their development as a team sparks interest. There is also the unexpected element of Bravern openly having feelings for Isami, which makes things compelling.
Fan Reception of Bang Brave Bang Bravern So Far:
Overall, fan reception on this show has been rather mixed. For some, the constant tone shifts are jarring. Many of these same fans consider the show to mock other mecha anime. Others have called it mean-spirited.
On the other hand, many fan circles take interest in the unfolding relationship between Bravern and Isami. Charmed by the show’s campy demeanor, these fans like Bravern as a character and want to know more about his obsession with Isami.
This author remains on the fence about the show, considering its status as incomplete. While there are a few setbacks, waiting to see how the show develops is probably best. Bang Brave Bang Bravern’s biggest weakness is its pacing and tone. Switching back and forth from serious scenes to fast-paced action does not do the show any favors. The hope is that this issue with tone will get better over time. However, this author is not going into the show with those expectations.
“Bang Brave Bang Bravern” ’s overall strong point is its characters. Every character is distinct and memorable, which includes the background characters. One example is the mechanic girl who appears in both episodes. The show still has time to shine, so this author is giving it the benefit of the doubt.
For those who are curious, episode two can be found on CrunchyRoll.
