[Fish Sandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

I straight up could not find an English translation of the lyrics anywhere, so if anyone has any idea what the song is even about, please, fill me in.

DreamSword, you magnificent jerk, you just had to do it. I try to avoid committing myself to watching this show right now, and then you link that beautiful, beautiful song, and throw out this challenge, and now I've tracked down the show to watch (I'm guessing the license went *poof* when Bandai Entertainment did? It doesn't seem to be anywhere not-illicit right now), and am all caught up to where the thread's at. So enjoy your translation. It's total amateur-hour stuff I whipped up real quick, but consider it my gift to you for getting me to remember how much I freaking love anything Ishinomori has ever made.

Looking for a destiny hikari sagashite
Looking for a destiny, I'm searching for a light

Looking for a destiny donna toki mo
Looking for a destiny, all the time

Looking for a destiny kono mune no naka afureru omoi he to tada zutto mukatteyuku
Looking for a destiny, always heading towards the emotions overflowing in my heart

Fuan dake ga wakariyasuku natte yuku yoru mo
And on those nights where our worries are the only things that seem simple

Kokoro kasanete owaranai kuchidzuke wo
Our hearts overlap in an endless kiss

Onaji you na kanashimi ni tsutsumare umaretekita dakedo
We were born wrapped in the same sadness, but all the same...

Looking for a destiny hikari sagashite
Looking for a destiny, I'm searching for a light

Looking for a destiny donna toki mo
Looking for a destiny, all the time

Looking for a destiny kono mune no naka afureru omoi he to tada zutto mukatteyuku
Looking for a destiny, always heading towards the emotions overflowing in my heart

Tatta hitori ja michi ni mayou toki demo zutto
And at those times where you're lost on your lonely path

Anata wo terasu hoshi wo futari de sagasou
Let's search for a star to light your way together

Sugita kinou no tsumi wo tokihanatsu no wa dekinai keredo
We can't erase the sins of days past, but even so...

Looking for a destiny yume wo sagashite
Looking for a destiny, I'm searching for a dream

Looking for a destiny donna toki mo
Looking for a destiny, all the time

Looking for a destiny kanjiru mama ni kowaresou ni natte mo tada uketome aruiteku
Looking for a destiny, even when it seems like I'm about to break, I'll stay true to my feelings, and keep walking on

Looking for a destiny hikari sagashite
Looking for a destiny, I'm searching for a light

Looking for a destiny donna toki mo
Looking for a destiny, all the time

Looking for a destiny yume wo sagashite
Looking for a destiny, I'm searching for a dream

Looking for a destiny kurai yoru mo
Looking for a destiny, even on the blackest night

Those last four lines repeat as the song fades out, by the way. So yeah, hopefully that's what you're after. You can probably expect me to be around for the rest of this ride.

[DreamSword]

Thank you so much for the translation! Gotta say, the song fits the show pretty much perfectly!

And yeah, unfortunately the license is in total limbo. I remember reading *somewhere* ages ago that Sentai Filmworks had picked it up, but assuming that wasn't just a fever dream on my part they obviously haven't done anything with it.

Still, glad you decided to check the show out! Hope you enjoy the rest of it as we go!

[Fish Sandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Thank you so much for the translation! Gotta say, the song fits the show pretty much perfectly!

Just happy to help! And yeah, listening to it that first time on a whim, it was immediately like "oh wow, this is definitely a theme song for a tortured yet persevering Ishinomori character."

Quote:

And yeah, unfortunately the license is in total limbo. I remember reading *somewhere* ages ago that Sentai Filmworks had picked it up, but assuming that wasn't just a fever dream on my part they obviously haven't done anything with it.

Being into obscure things is a real pain sometimes, huh? It's kind of shocking to hear that in nearly two decades of loving this series, you've never even seen a translation of the lyrics to the ED. Suddenly I have a newfound appreciation for your desire to bring some attention to this show.

Quote:

Still, glad you decided to check the show out! Hope you enjoy the rest of it as we go!

I'll probably start having more to say about it as you go along, but I'm really liking it so far! For the record, I'm also going with the Japanese audio. It blew my mind when I realized Tomokazu "SHINING FINGER!" Seki was Jirou's voice actor near the end of the first episode. I legitimately was not aware he had the range to do a character who needs to come off as gentle and vulnerable, but he's really nailing it. And also, Kenichi Suzumura taught him how to play guitar!

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

I'll probably start having more to say about it as you go along, but I'm really liking it so far! For the record, I'm also going with the Japanese audio. It blew my mind when I realized Tomokazu "SHINING FINGER!" Seki was Jirou's voice actor near the end of the first episode. I legitimately was not aware he had the range to do a character who needs to come off as gentle and vulnerable, but he's really nailing it. And also, Kenichi Suzumura taught him how to play guitar!

I... honestly never would've guessed that Seki was his JP VA. That IS a surprise!

Episode 4: Mirror

The opening of this episode is intense, man!



We get an answer to the ambiguity of Mitsuko's' stance last episode. Deep down, she does care for Jiro, and no, she hasn't gotten over all of the attempts on her life, either(as if it'd be that easy, right?).

Again, probably gonna be an odd thing to call out to alot of you, but I do love how the blood in this sequence looks like actual, you know, blood. Not red water, not black oil, straight up, gooey, crimson red, BLOOD. That's actually really unique for alot of anime of this type. Atleast in my experience.



Jiro meanwhile has found a new hobby; Playing his guitar for anyone willing to hear. I actually got a bit of giggle at how he continues to play even as the old woman scolds her child and drags him back home. And hey, when your guitar playing is this good, why stop?

We also get another flashback to the Mad Machine scene, so, 5, if you count it. Again, I don't, as it's not Mitsuko herself repeating it, and is more to reinforce part of what's keeping Jiro in the state he's in. It's legitimately sad.



Back to Mitsuko, we learn the primary source of her Robophobia and abandonment issues. What's really nice about this is that it's a scene that shows not only a big reason why she is the way she is, but also notes that it in itself is not a good thing, and that she's actively trying to work on it. So many times I've seen stories that expected me to feel sorry for someone for and totally excuse all of their wrongdoings solely via their backstory, but not here. Here Ishinomori shows it's not just what happens to you, it's what you do moving forward that matters most.

Mitsuko is voiced by Lia Sargent, who to me stands out as Dorothy from The Big O, another of my all time favorite anime! (also kinda funny when you consider the plot of Kikaider and who her character is in Big O).

Oh and uh, before moving on, can I just point out how awesome this character design is?



Hahahaha, I love that afro. *Ahem* ANYWAY, we get a cool bit of lore on Gill and his flute. It serves the dual purpose of not only driving Jiro crazy(literally), but it's also a message to his robots; An order to destroy.

We also get to hear Jiro's' Henshin phrase for the first time! "SWITCH ON!" Which I feel like Fourze should totally say(I'm only like 10 episodes in on that so shhh).

The robot this time is a giant ant who shoots acid. Kinda random, but okay.

And the mirror that the title is referring to?



It's brief enough so as to not be overbearing, but it really is the crux of the episode in that Jiro for the first time actually gets a good look at himself. From his physical appearance, to what he's capable of when he becomes unhinged, it's a heavy burden to bear. They even flashback to the guitar scene. So double gut punch. Jeez.

Real quick I wanted to GIF a certain bit of the fight scene, because it was cool.

And to further emphasize how diabolical Gill is, when Jiro refuses to fight what is essential his own brother in the Ant, Gill orders the Ant to kill an innocent girl. Gorgom clearly had an idol in mind when they formed their organization. It's also a subtle clue as to Gill's' true intentions. But I'll leave you to think about that one.

But he's not done there!



Yeah, ordering your own soldier/adopted child to suicide bomb is pretty messed up! And showing the divide between the two, Jiro is horrified by the notion, while Ant sees nothing wrong with it.

I won't dare spoil how this episode ends, but it really all does come together true to its title. "Mirror" really was the perfect title, as well as the perfect symbol to show the theme and plot of the episode. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I basically gave my thoughts on the episode with the bit above, but as usual, lemme know what you guys thought.

[Fish Sandwich]

One thing I found neat about this episode is that in that the preview's narration has the line about how mirrors reflect the truth, which obviously pays off with Jirou getting a good look at his robotic body for the first time, but the motif is actually established right at beginning, when Mitsuko realizes she was crying during her nightmare by looking in a mirror. It doesn't really mean that much, I guess; the implications of her imagining Jirou with human blood are really doing all the talking in that scene, but I still appreciate the consistent theming.

[DreamSword]

My brain actually totally didn't make the connection between Mitsuko's' brief look in the mirror and the title. Nice catch there!

[DreamSword]

Episode 5: City of Rain



The overall message of the episode is right in the opening line: "Please... please remember... I'll always be here... I'll be here... waiting..."

---

Showing that the various robot attacks haven't been invisible to normals, Jiro is currently under suspect of committing various crimes, having been at the scene of nearly all of them and the general public being terrified of Kikaider as well.

Hattori is on the case as usual, but not ones to simply sit around, Mitsuko begins her own investigation, searching yet again through her late father's' files. It's then as Masaru convinces her that they need to do their own search, because after all, Jiro is his brother, and a family should stick together, right?



Masaru is voiced by Barbara Goodson, whom everyone here should know as the voice actress for Rita Repulsa of Power Rangers fame! She's no stranger to voicing young boys either, and as always she does a wonderful job. Anyone who thinks she can only do over-the-top voice acting due to her stint as Rita, check her other roles out. You won't be disappointed.



Something very unique to this episode is that for once, Jiro isn't the one at center stage. The plot of the episode revolves around a kind woman, Miyuki, and a mysterious man she met ages ago, who never even bothered to tell her his name. After taking in Jiro from the rain, Miyuki goes into detail about him, and how he was similar to Jiro in alot of ways.

One thing I like about the conversation they have(and about alot of Jiro's' dialogue this episode) is that it shows that Jiro is learning alot more about the world; becoming more... human.

The man's' name by the way? Toru. He's a criminal, recently hired by the now named evil organization of the story; DARK.

That said, Jiro isn't totally left out here. He has alot of moments of character growth sprinkled all throughout the episode.



The gang's all here to find Jiro, no matter what it takes!

Toru immediately shows his care for Miyuki. When DARK reveals they plan to blow the city sky high, he immediately runs to find and try to save here. It's here that Toru and Jiro meet.

...And anywhere Kikaider goes, well.



The Side Machine gets some good use here; Carrying the injured Toru off to safety from the Yellow Jaguar that's attacked.

Something I like about the exchange Jiro and Toru have is how, for once, it's Jiro who's helping someone to grow. Jiro makes Toru realize just how important Miyuki is to him, and even gets him to volunteer to save the city. Jiro in turn learns from Miyuki and Toru, too. Making him realize that despite all his fears, he does want his family.

Unfortunately DARK has other plans, so Jiro resolves to fight the Jaguar while Toru runs to save the city. Jiro hates fighting his own kind, but he'll do what he must when lives are on the line. Megaman X would be proud.



Also I just really love this shot, okay?

The fight itself is pretty cool. I especially love the bit where they spar amongst the flames. But, I decided to gif this little moment instead, because it shows that rain can symbolize alot of things, and it's very rare I find that rain is seen as a saving grace, more often used as a hazard or setting a mood for sorrow(which this episode also does).

In the end, Jiro opts to spare Miyuki's' feelings and leave her in ignorance about everything that's gone on, and really, I don't blame him at all.

[DreamSword]

Episode 6: Negative Fragments

No GIF this time, unless you guys want me to GIF a specific moment from the episode. I'll do it if you do.

We open to Mitsuko thinking about how Jiro told her that, like most humans, he too has feelings, and wants nothing more than to be a family with her and Masaru. Hattori then comes in, saying that with his investigation into Dr. Kohmyoji comes rather... interesting, news.

...And then Count Dracula attacks.



Needless to say Hattori is no match, and Mitsuko is abducted by the Golden Bat.



Meanwhile with Jiro, he continues to play his guitar, as the events of last episode weigh heavily on his mind. Especially the words of Miyuki:

"If we don't have something to believe in, then life isn't worth living."

It's then that the Bat challenges Jiro to come and save Mitsuko, whom he has captive in an abandoned mansion.

But don't be fooled! Like last episode, Jiro is actually taking a backseat this time. This episode is all about Mitsuko and her family history, to the point that Jiro won't be showing up again for quite awhile!

The episode is nearly all dialogue with very little action. I honestly don't think I can talk about it too much at length without simply retyping the script as-is, but there are a few details that definitely stand out most to me.

First off, Dr. Kohmyoji used to have a son. His name? Ichiro.



Second is probably the biggest one. The details not only concerning the house, Gill, and Mitsuko's' family, but just who exactly the Count is. And I gotta say, the interactions between him and Mitsuko are MORE than enough to carry this entire episode. A big part of that thanks to the actors at play here.



Dracula here is played by Michael McConnohie, who has done a metric ton of voice roles over the years, and when it comes to grandstanding villains, he always does awesome. He too was in Big O, where he also played a character who delivered some harsh truths of the story. Funny coincidence, that.

While they don't go super deep into it(which is for the better, I feel), the conversation the two have touches on alot of things. Like the nature of humanity, the role machines and AI play into everyday life, and the consequences that children bear due to the actions of their parents. It makes for compelling stuff.



It's no wonder Mitsuko is so shaken by the end of it all. And while the Bat has certainly shown himself to be quite different than the Robots that Jiro has fought before, it's interesting to see how at the end of the day, he actually yearns to be just another machine.

[Fish Sandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 5: City of Rain

This one was structured in one of my favorite ways for an episode of a television show. It's got a standalone story with a very concrete beginning, middle, and end, but that smaller story it tells comments on and advances the show's larger narrative. I can picture somebody stumbling upon this one on TV randomly, not understanding the bigger context, and yet ending up being hooked.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 6: Negative Fragments

It also makes sense they wanted to do something a little more divorced from the ongoing plot considering the next episode is so all-in on details, there's not even a fight scene. It manages to get away with being people talking in a room thanks to the things they're saying being legitimately compelling, and also being just as much about the emotions still, rather than falling into the easy trap of becoming one big dry load of exposition. Golden Bat's Japanese VA is freakin' Norio Wakamoto, who's so prolific I probably don't need to explain he does a great job too. And that's good, because I actually haven't personally seen that many things with Norio Wakamoto in them. He was apparently the voice of the Sclash Driver (and related toys) from Build though, so hey, I guess that wasn't the first time his career crossed paths with a half red and half blue transforming hero. Go figure!

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

This one was structured in one of my favorite ways for an episode of a television show. It's got a standalone story with a very concrete beginning, middle, and end, but that smaller story it tells comments on and advances the show's larger narrative. I can picture somebody stumbling upon this one on TV randomly, not understanding the bigger context, and yet ending up being hooked.

Funny you say that because, no joke, back when the show was airing on TV for the first time and I told my cousin about it, this was the first episode he saw. And he immediately got why I was loving it so much.

Quote:

Golden Bat's Japanese VA is freakin' Norio Wakamoto, who's so prolific I probably don't need to explain he does a great job too. And that's good, because I actually haven't personally seen that many things with Norio Wakamoto in them. He was apparently the voice of the Sclash Driver (and related toys) from Build though, so hey, I guess that wasn't the first time his career crossed paths with a half red and half blue transforming hero. Go figure!

I'm actually not surprised Wakamoto is his JP VA, haha. In my circle, the man is most famous for this: https://youtu.be/BAitghFtZmA?t=2244