This week I’m covering a series that I liked for about 3/4ths of the shows run. It’s Kakumeiki Valvrave, or Valvrave the Liberator in English!
Plot Synopsis: The story takes place in an unspecified future date, referred to as the 71st year of the True Era (真暦 Shinreki). Seventy percent of all human beings have migrated from Earth to other planets of the Solar System and a Dyson sphere, constructed around an artificial Sun. The world is divided between two superpowers called the Dorssia Military Pact Federation (ドルシア軍事盟約連邦 Dorushia Gunji Meiyaku Renpō) and the Atlantic Ring United States (環大西洋合衆国 Kan Taiseiyō Gasshūkoku) (ARUS), and a neutral nation called JIOR (ジオール Jiōru?), the Japan and Islands of Oceanian Republic, that has prospered economically. In the same year, the Dyson sphere, built by JIOR, is invaded by the Dorssian military forces.
Plot: The plot gets dark really quickly and pretty much doesn’t stop staying dark except for about a single episode in the first quarter of show. I wished that the show would have had a 3-Cour run because it becomes really obvious that the writers were expecting to have that and the last quarter of the show feels really rushed and leave serious plot holes open at the end. Some very disturbing topics are touched upon and there is a sex scene
Characters: Of the main leads I like L-Elf more than Haruto, but Haruto isn’t bad either. The rest of the cast is very interesting although like I said if feels like certain things were left open due to the lack of a 3rd cour.
Art: The art is very vibrant and bloody, and I’m amazed at how well they used 3D models for the mecha in the show.
Music: The music is great, and I really loved the openings by Nana Mizuki and T.M. Revolution. Now if only I could find the full version of the insert song for episode 5 I’d be really happy.
Overall: If you don’t mind some major plot holes left at the end, you’ll enjoy this wild ride. It will put you through an emotional wringer.
For those who like: Dark Plots, Great Music, Amazing Cast of Characters, Excellent Artwork.
Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above, or major plot holes.