[DreamSword]

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Originally Posted by Enchilada645

What a hell of a journey, huh?

Just one episode left.

It has certainly gone places.

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Originally Posted by Switchblade

I still think Amo should have been the last man standing. Much more complex and interesting character than Kuon.

I mean, logically, yeah, Amo would've won that last fight. But thematically, emotionally? I gotta be Team Kuon on this one.

[DreamSword]

Episode #12: Versus Road

In a fight to the death, what kind of idiot thinks about anything other than victory?

Kuon is that idiot. And as far as Garo is concerned, that's what makes him worthy to wear the golden armor.

There are certainly many parallels between Kuon and Shosetsu. Both are, at their core, doing their best to stick to their core values while standing in a world of ugliness. The key difference, however, is what they do when faced with the end.

Shosetsu gave into despair and temptation. And soon would become the very type of monster that he swore to rid the world of. But Kuon? His heart has been wounded in a way that might never fully heal, certainly. But even then, he still tries to value the sanctity of life. Shosetsu no longer does.

It speaks volumes of Kuon's' character development that, in the end, he outright denies Azami any sort of satisfaction. Sure, she claims the Veil for herself, and she's yet to pay for her crimes. But Kuon outright giving her a non-answer when she's looking for even more fuel to make him suffer? That interaction is one that'll nag at her mind for the rest of her life.

The battle was long and difficult in more ways than one, and while Kuon is now Garo, he just doesn't want anything to do with that life. Atleast not now. Maybe in the future he'll find reason to leap into action again. Heck, given what we see of him, that's almost a certainty. But after all that's happened, having a constant reminder of all of the bloodshed isn't going to help anything, and he leavs the Garoken in the frozen wastes.

And speaking of that fight, the climax is our first Makai Knight duel, and I really dug how unique it was in comparison to literally every other fight in the GARO franchise. Garo's' sword is certainly mighty, but Kuon is no trained swordsman. But you know what he's always been good at? Throwing hands. Seeing a Garo who simply results to brute force was certainly a sight, and it's the sort of throwdown that alot of people who dislike the ending of Kamen Rider Kuuga were likely hoping for.

It's such a shame that this show is likely to never get a follow up. While I am overall satisfied with the ending, it's the sort of thing where I for sure would love to see more of this particular universe. Heck, I'd even settle for figuarts of VR Garo and Veil. And hey, maybe me, as The Only Versus Road Fan, will be lucky enough to see something come out of the 20th Anniversary of GARO come next year.

In the end, I really like this show. It's not perfect, but I had a great time watching it. And that's frankly all that matters.

[Enchilada645]

I'll admit it would be nice to revisit this world since it's got a pretty unique setting. Though considering how this show went in terms of setting and where it ended, I think it being a fun little experiment is probably the best we're going to get.

That said, given this is the finale and I remember finales a lot more often. I can talk a bit more about things. Mostly the two parts I remember the most, Veil vs. Garo and Azami and Kuon's final words to each other.

One, the fact that we get to see Garo dropkick and suplex someone? Immensely satisfying, especially since Shosetsu had it coming. Also Kuon just punching and breaking Veil's sword? Also incredibly satisfying.

And then Azami trying to be like "Oh well it's time for us to be locked in eternal struggle" with Kuon's response being "No, I don't think I will" and wanting to just live in order to live? Real good stuff. Dude should take up bartending after making his way out of the mountains, ngl.

But yeah again, Versus Road? Pretty solid story, has some GARO related stuff, but it's just missing something for me to rank it any higher than being solid. And screw it I'll post my Tier List of GARO media for all to see.

[Switchblade]

I really didn’t care for the finale. I do not like the Versus Road Garo design with all of the glowing blue lines and I absolutely hated the big final battle being all CGI. On top if that, the show left us with a massive unanswered question: who’s going to take care of Amo’s dog now?

[DreamSword]

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Originally Posted by Enchilada645

I'll admit it would be nice to revisit this world since it's got a pretty unique setting. Though considering how this show went in terms of setting and where it ended, I think it being a fun little experiment is probably the best we're going to get.

I could see that. Especially since this was apparently TTFC exclusive? Still, even like a one-off special would be cool to see in the future.

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But yeah again, Versus Road? Pretty solid story, has some GARO related stuff, but it's just missing something for me to rank it any higher than being solid. And screw it I'll post my Tier List of GARO media for all to see.

Such a shame you have no interest in Crimson Moon. I will definitely vouch for it!

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Originally Posted by Switchblade

I really didn?t care for the finale. I do not like the Versus Road Garo design with all of the glowing blue lines and I absolutely hated the big final battle being all CGI.

The CGI aspect I didn't mind, especially since we've gotten stuff like Red Requiem that does the same.

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On top if that, the show left us with a massive unanswered question: who?s going to take care of Amo?s dog now?

Yeah, it's a shame that they just outright ignored the best character in the show.