A Certain Magical Grimoire

Righto. So Chrome Shelled Regios has been pre-aired before it’s official release date and i’ve only recently caught up on it. I feel that i missed quite a lot - the episode’s good blend of action, drama and the not-so-subtle hints of tsundere had instantly caught my attention and i can stand firm and confirm that I will continue watching this series even if my life depended on it. Perhaps much of it has to do with how old-school i am when it comes to steam-punk and magic - Regios portrays it in a way that is distinctively Japanese and yet still keeps elements of old RPG styled fantasy intact with a difference.

The actual episode itself is divided into three distinct parts amidst two different time lines. The first and last ones we encounter sets a trio of men against a gigantic bug that is attacking the city (which kind of looks like a snow globe). Overlooking them are 10 figures whom i guess are ‘teachers’, as it seems like the entire ‘attack’ is an actual real time exercise. We get to see them strut they’re stuff - an interesting array of weapons, attacks and character interaction make the battle sequences pleasant to follow, keeping us prepared for more. I do kind of feel sad for the bug - insects always seem to have it rough don’t they (especially when they’re battle fodder)?

The second section of the episode revolves around the recruitment of one Layfon (something or other…these names are so hard to remember!) to the 17th Platoon. Formerly there for general studies, he gets forcibly recruited by the school council president to military studies after he easily takes down two fighting students AND saves a girl from being crushed. This ‘recruitment’ also involves him being unanimously stripped down by the president’s personal harem and left half-dead for Nina to find. Nina is the desperate leader of the 17th Platoon, supposedly the weakest group on campus, who, after observing his awesomeness, wants him for her group. And she gets him alright. Hooray for her!

Out of all the characters, Feri seems the most interesting one yet. While she’s presented to be a quiet and well behaved little princess, she does have a more…down to earth personality. After all, she does take her frustration out on an empty black hole in a most amusing way only to retract back to her normal quietness after Layfon encounters her. She’s also the younger sister of the council president…and their relationship doesn’t seem perfect either. I look forward to learning about her alot more as the story unfolds.

Unfortunately no opening theme this week as of yet (nor ending, even though there was ending music amidst a slide show of sections of the episode). But screenshots are here as usual. Also, if you’re interested in more Chrome-Shelled Regios, take a look at Jennkei’s impressions of the first episode here at her blog, [*Anime by the Books*]. You shan’t be disappointed.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS