[DreamSword]

Episode 17: The Slant Lined

Have you been feeling as though Vanishing Line hasn't had enough action?

Well in your FACE, because this episode is nonstop action from start to finish in what can only be described as Mad Max: Garo.

And yeah, it's a real good sequence of events from start to finish. El Dorado decides to take the fight to Garo as they send a legion of Horrors at our heroes. Mostly possessed cars, but some kite-esque Horrors too.

Highlights include Sword becoming Garo in mid-air, Sophie getting to shoot a Mado Gatling Gun, Gina showing off her sick driving skills, and Luke meeting up with the party to go full Devil May Cry on the oncoming hoarde. And then there's Zaruba...

Zaruba displays far more heroism and empathy here than he did in either of the previous two anime: Talking Sophie down when she's upset, and then proceeding to perform the ultimate sacrifice when Knight shows up while everyone else is busy fighting a gigantic Horror. And I won't lie, his death did hit me pretty good. Not bad for a talking ring/bike.

Although, the exact logistics of what happens after that leaves me a little confused. Sword absorbing Zaruba's' soul into the Golden Armor to upgrade it... was that really an option all this time? Is Zaruba no longer needed to help keep everything functioning properly? I mean, given he'd been able to be transferred into a bike I guess not, but after the rules established by Carved Seal of Flames and Crimson Moon it kinda threw me off a bit.

Still, the emotional impact is there, especially if you've been watching the anime in release order like I have. And I think the episode really works overall.