 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
666 (Kamigami no himitsu to 666 no shishi)
“Secrets of the Gods and the Beast of 666”
If I learned anything after this week, its that VKC is a tease. A ridiculous, aggravating, but no less amusing tease. Besides the plot which seemingly introduces more mysteries than it solvesa good thingthe show also has a demonstrated proclivity towards fan service fantasy. Sure yaoi baiting is nothing new for anime, but when you tease it this hard against a backdrop of priestly sexual abuse (and drug use) amidst real world accusations, it becomes a little disturbing. Not as crazy as that hilariousand effectivejump scare of course, but something arguably better done without.
Before growing too annoyed at that superfluity thoughthen Id have to talk about the shows love for dark scenesVKCs focus this week was, if anything, on refining its mystery. The suspense and intrigue surroundings the miracles has grown substantially, with everything but the virginal birth having largely been disproven. Stigmata, floating, devil possession? Events explained away by drugs, bodily ailments, and some deliberate lying. I am thoroughly enjoying how VKC is handling this aspect, on one hand continuously showing the devoutness of our two investigators while dichotomously having them engage in acts others might consider heretical. The show may only be pulp fiction (in a sense), but theres an intriguing theological argument here for Corinthians 7:17 and belief in the absence of organized religion. Definitely not bad for an anime all things considered.
The true meat, however, is the solving the mystery and here VKC is quickly making progress. While Nazis and the Teutonic love for all things pagan may be rearing its head in yet another story, to VKCs benefit this well-worn idea is tied in both with bureaucratic machinations and some not so subtle hints towards demonic involvementthe best of both worlds. Added credit for Lelouch playing the demonic beast, definitely the best choice the situation (anyone remember Leopold from Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo? Best choice). The curiosity is how all of these components come together. Our missing virginal baby mama has ties to the cultic secret society (obviously), but we dont yet know how this Heinrich organization factors in. Then theres the spiel about Lord Janus, which screams devil summoning as Janusfor those familiar with Roman mythology knowis not only the god of doorways, but also of transitions and beginnings. Someone clearly wants to usher in a new age, and unlike Ewan McGregors Father McKenna, its not over a link between science and religion.
With all the pieces quickly coming together it should not be long before VKCs first arc reaches its conclusion. I still have my concerns over parts of the show (ex. yaoi bait), but theres no denying VKCs mystery grows more interesting as the weeks wear on. Sure it was a rocky start, but if the show can keep this up and give us one hell of a conspiracy, Im willing to look over a flaw or two. No idea yet if Ill continue blogging VKC through, but given what Ive seen so far, Im definitely considering it. Just have to wait and see what next week brings.
Random Tidbits
The story regarding the Rusburg zeppelin is likely imagined. This zeppelin (LZ128) was the predecessor to the infamous Hindenburg and never actually built. Plus it’s hard imagining how one of those things would escape detection by the Allied airforce in the first place.
Full-length images: 20.
End Card
 |
I think the anime’s still covering LN Vol 1 : The Black Academy, based on the content so far.Later volumes have pretty interesting titles, like Satan’s Judgement (vol 2), Original Sin without Apostles (vol 10) and The Game of Heaven and Hell (vol 7).https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_Miracle_ExaminerPSA for Pancakes: Ep 16 of Re Creators will only air on 29th July – today’s special is just the female voice actors talking with each other. Ep 17 will air 12th August, and then will air normally to the end.
“I am thoroughly enjoying how VKC is handling this aspect, on one hand continuously showing the devoutness of our two investigators while dichotomously having them engage in acts others might consider heretical.”Uhhhh what? Picking a lock is not a “heresy” of any kind. Heresy is when you intentionally deny or subvert a core, fundamental truth of a religion.