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Based on the manga series written and illustrated by Kei Urana, ‘Gachiakuta’ (ガチアクタ) follows young protagonist Rudo’s (voiced by Aoi Ichikawa) quest for revenge, after he is falsely implicated for the murder of his beloved adoptive father Regto, and thrown to his death in ‘the pit’, a massive dumpsite below the city. However, Rudo survives the fall, finding himself in a ghastly world laden with trash heaps, monsters, and strange groups of people.
Also Read: Gachiakuta Episodes 1-2 Review: ‘Trash-Filled’ in the best way!
Titled “Ground,” Episode 3 of the anime kicks off with a new character, Enjin, trying to convince Rudo to join his crew, known as The Cleaners. Enjin quickly explains that the group is made up of Givers, individuals who can channel power through ‘vital instruments’ to defeat trash beasts. Rudo, of course, has only one thing on his mind: vengeance. He wants to return to the surface (known as the ‘Sphere‘) to punish Regto’s killers. But until then, stuck in the Ground with little understanding of how his powers work, he might just have to join Enjin’s organization.
Dusty, gritty, and fast-paced, Episodes 3 and 4 of ‘Gachiakuta’ give viewers a swift lowdown on the strange new world Rudo now inhabits. The Cleaners are eager to have him on their side, as Enjin identifies him as a ‘natural’ Giver, someone with the rare ability to turn anything into his vital instrument, even if he doesn’t yet know what triggers his powers. Although, it seems to be a mix of rage, angst, and desperation.
These new chapters introduce and tease a bunch of fresh characters in ‘Gachiakuta’, the most entertaining of the lot being Zanka and Riyo, powerful Givers closely tied to Enjin. Zanka’s first encounter with Rudo is ridiculously hilarious, with the two clashing in a combat that ends with embarrassment-induced tears. The second-half of episode 3 is funny as hell, even though it relies on childish potty humor to get laughs out of the viewer.
The blue-eyed Zanka and red-haired Riyo’s character designs are flashy and slightly flamboyant, more fitting for a bright magical fantasy series than a dark dystopian action anime. But the dash of color they bring to the bleak, dying, trash-filled world of the ‘Ground‘ is a welcome contrast. Their weapons are pretty cool too, especially Riyo’s, but if you haven’t read the manga, I’ll keep the details under wraps to preserve the surprise.
Packed with funny face-offs, and nail-biting fights with trash beasts, episodes 3-4 of ‘Gachiakuta’ are engaging, with killer music, and vivid animation that perfectly complements its dystopian-action-fantasy themes. Rudo already experiences some character growth in these chapters, leveling up emotionally, as he actually tries to understand people and cool it with the angry outbursts for once.
Episode 4 ends with a mysterious cliffhanger, where a new sinister character makes inquiries about the new kid in town.
Watch Gachiakuta on Crunchyroll.
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