Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is a post-apocalyptic anime that has gained a lot of attention since its release in 2016. The series follows the story of a young engineer, Ikoma, who creates a new weapon to fight against the Kabane, zombie-like creatures that threaten humanity. Alongside the mysterious Mumei, Ikoma and his friends embark on a journey to save humanity from the Kabane and uncover the truth behind their existence.
The anime has received both positive and critical reviews from fans and critics alike. Some praise the series for its unique setting, fast-paced action, and well-developed characters, while others criticize it for its similarities to other popular anime such as Attack on Titan. In this review, we will provide a character analysis, compare the series to other similar anime, and give our overall conclusion on whether Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is worth watching.
Throughout the series, we will analyze the characters’ motivations, relationships, and development to understand their significance in the story. We will also compare Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress to other anime in its genre to determine its unique qualities and similarities. Finally, we will provide our overall conclusion on whether the series is worth watching for both fans of the genre and newcomers to anime.
Positive Aspects
Animation
The animation in Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is one of its strongest aspects. The character designs are detailed and unique, with each character having their own distinct look. The action scenes are well-animated, with fluid movements and dynamic camera angles that make the fights exciting to watch. The Kabane, the zombie-like creatures that the characters fight against, are also well-designed, with their glowing hearts and metal frames making them stand out from other zombie designs in anime.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, who is known for his work on other popular anime such as Attack on Titan and Kill la Kill. The music is intense and epic, with a mix of orchestral and electronic elements that fit the show’s steampunk setting. The opening theme, “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress” by EGOIST, is also a standout track, with its catchy melody and powerful vocals.
Plot
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has a unique and interesting plot that sets it apart from other zombie apocalypse stories. The show takes place in a world where humanity is forced to live in walled cities to protect themselves from the Kabane. The main character, Ikoma, is a Kabaneri, a human with Kabane virus in their system who can fight against them. The show explores themes of survival, trust, and humanity’s will to live in the face of overwhelming odds. The plot is well-paced, with twists and turns that keep the viewer engaged throughout the series.
Criticism
Pacing Issues
One of the main criticisms of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is its pacing issues. The anime has a tendency to rush through important plot points, leaving viewers confused and unsatisfied. This is especially evident in the first few episodes, where the story moves at a breakneck pace, making it difficult to keep up with the characters and their motivations.
While the pacing does improve in later episodes, it still feels uneven at times, with some scenes dragging on for too long while others are over too quickly. This can make it hard for viewers to become fully invested in the story and the characters.
Unresolved Plot Points
Another criticism of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is its unresolved plot points. The anime introduces several interesting concepts and plot threads, but fails to fully explore or resolve them.
For example, the anime hints at a deeper backstory for the main character, Ikoma, but never fully delves into it. The same can be said for other characters, such as Mumei and Biba, whose motivations and pasts are left largely unexplained.
Additionally, the anime introduces several plot threads that are never fully resolved, such as the origin of the Kabane virus and the fate of certain characters.
Overall, while Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has its strengths, it is not without its flaws. The anime’s pacing issues and unresolved plot points can detract from the overall viewing experience, leaving some viewers feeling unsatisfied.
Comparison
Attack on Titan
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has often been compared to Attack on Titan. Both anime shows have a similar post-apocalyptic setting where humans are fighting against a monstrous threat. However, the two shows have some notable differences.
- The kabane in Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress are zombie-like creatures with less intrigue than titans from Attack on Titan. The anime focuses less on the threat of the kabane and more on the social tension.
- Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has a much faster pace than Attack on Titan. The action scenes are more frequent and intense.
- The characters in Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress are more likable and relatable than those in Attack on Titan. They are not as one-dimensional and have more depth to their personalities.
Overall, while both anime shows share some similarities, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has its own unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre.
Guilty Crown
Another anime that Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has been compared to is Guilty Crown. Both shows have a strong focus on the power of music and its ability to affect people.
- The characters in Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress are more developed and relatable than those in Guilty Crown. The relationships between the characters are more complex and nuanced.
- Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress has a more consistent tone than Guilty Crown. Guilty Crown often shifts between being serious and being overly melodramatic.
- The animation quality in Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is consistently high throughout the series, while Guilty Crown has some noticeable dips in quality.
Overall, while both anime shows have a similar focus on music and its power, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress stands out with its well-developed characters and consistent tone.
Conclusion
After analyzing the positive aspects, criticism, character analysis, and comparison of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, it is clear that the anime has its strengths and weaknesses. The anime is visually stunning, with excellent character designs and animation. The use of CGI for the iron trains is solid, and the Japanese voicework is similarly good.
However, the anime has its flaws. The plot can be predictable and the character development can be lacking. Some viewers may also find the pacing to be slow at times.
Overall, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is an enjoyable anime that is worth watching for its stunning visuals and action-packed scenes. However, it may not be for everyone, and some viewers may find its flaws to be too significant to overlook. If you’re a fan of zombie-busting adventures, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is definitely worth checking out.
