Licensed + Crunchyroll Darling in the Franxx [Archive]

Stark700

2017-07-05, 06:33

Key visual
http://i.imgur.com/KrzG1JW.jpg?1

Official site is working now too:
http://darli-fra.jp/

Staff info:

Director: Atsushi Nishigori (Idolmaster, Gurren Lagan)
Assistant Director: Toshifumi Akai (Magi, Granblue Fantasy The Animation)
Series Composition: Naotaka Hayashi (Steins: Gate, Plastic Memories), Atsushi Nishigori
Character Design, Chief Animation Director: Masayoshi Tanaka (Your Name, Anthem of the Heart)
Mechanical Design: Shigeto Koyama (Rebuild of Evangelion, Big Hero 6)
Action Supervision: Hiroyuki Imaishi (Kill la Kill, Gurren Lagann)
Animation Production: TRIGGER, A-1 Pictures

Source
http://manga.tokyo/news/studio-trigger-a-1-pictures-darling-in-the-frankxx-reveals-staff-pv-visual/

Stark700

2017-09-06, 10:39

New key visual
http://i.imgur.com/7W0y9xX.jpg?1

Stark700

2017-10-18, 10:36

New CM.

Premieres for January (Winter 2018)
https://twitter.com/DARLI_FRA/status/920674735578419203

New key visual is also out
https://i.imgur.com/XobKZ0h.jpg?1

Roxanne

2017-11-15, 07:25

The new visual
https://scontent-sof1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23519040_2060913544146155_2438392080188843899_n.jp g?oh=2995216ca5d7b23980d366525cf7e5de&oe=5AA5F5F3

Stark700

2017-11-15, 12:02

Story:

The story is set in the distant future. The land is ruined, and humanity establishes the mobile fort city Plantation. Pilots produced inside Plantation live in Mistilteinn, also know as the "birdcage." Children live there knowing nothing of the outside world or the freedom of the sky. Their lives consist of battling to carry out missions. Their enemies are mysterious giant lifeforms known as Kyōryū, and the children pilot robots called Franxx to face off against them. For the children, riding the Franxx proves their existence.

A boy named Hiro is called Code:016, and he was once known as a prodigy. However, he has fallen behind, and his existence seems unnecessary. Not piloting a Franxx is the same as ceasing to exist. One day, a mysterious girl known as "Zero Two" appears before him. Two horns grow out of her head.
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-11-15/darling-in-the-franxx-anime-reveals-new-visual-story/.124056

Stark700

2017-12-13, 19:41

Premiere date and OP theme song

https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-12-13/darling-in-the-franxx-anime-reveals-january-13-premiere-opening-theme-song/.125247

Stark700

2017-12-14, 16:12

Looks like Funimation got this

https://www.funimation.com/blog/2017/12/14/simuldubs-coming-funimationnow-winter-2017/

Stark700

2017-12-14, 16:18

Crunchyroll will also be streaming it.

http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/12/14-1/crunchyroll-adds-darling-in-the-franxx-to-winter-anime-season-plus-six-more-titles

AB079

2017-12-15, 13:12

It has been announced that Darling in the Frankxx will get a manga adaptation which will start serialization on January 14, 2018. This manga will be illustrated by Kentaro Yabuki, most famous for his previous works like To Love-Ru and Black Cat. The official website has also confirmed that Mika Nakashima and HYDE will perform the opening theme song of the show, titled “Kiss of Death.” The anime will premiere on January 13, 2018.

https://preview.ibb.co/iA6cs6/ddd.png

KleenexGhost

2017-12-16, 15:32

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DRINF6OU8AASuFj?format=jpg

Stark700

2017-12-21, 16:35

qWhTQ_eF8Z4

LAboy 456

2017-12-25, 09:00

PV 2:

KNIS0mVawhc

AB079

2018-01-12, 11:03

https://twitter.com/Spy_0taku/status/951761432324001792

Is confirmed that this will have 24 episodes, this is looking good so far.

Stark700

2018-01-13, 12:34

Episode 1:

This was a really interesting episode. The world building looks nice and I'm really interested in most of the characters, especially Zero 2.

The monsters in this series reminds me a little from God Eater. The visual looks over the top especially for the mecha but I really like the style of it. Zero and Hiro had some entertaining character chemistry although I'm really curious to know more about the others.

Right now, this show is listed as 24 episodes (might be 2 cour split?) We'll have to see but very exciting stuff so far.

bakato

2018-01-13, 12:39

Typical girl meets boy in giant robot complete with bathing scene. Animation is gorgeous as you'd expect from trigger. Not sure how I feel, but definitely worth watching.

AB079

2018-01-13, 13:03

Typical girl meets boy in giant robot complete with bathing scene. Animation is gorgeous as you'd expect from trigger. Not sure how I feel, but definitely worth watching.

I though exactly the same, the same cliche scene once again. The setting of this series is interesting enough to keep me watching this tho, there are lots of characters incoming it seems and I hope the series does a great job with the fighting scenes.

On another hand I hope Hiro doesn't go full Beta MC with Zero Two, considering she's not the usual dumb Main Heroine at all.

On a side note.
The first chapter is out and is exactly the same of the first episode with more details and the amazing designs of Yabuki, no censorship btw.

bakato

2018-01-13, 13:17

I though exactly the same, the same cliche scene once again. The setting of this series is interesting enough to keep me watching this tho, there are lots of characters incoming it seems and I hope the series does a great job with the fighting scenes.

On another hand I hope Hiro doesn't go full Beta MC with Zero Two, considering she's not the usual dumb Main Heroine at all.

On a side note.
The first chapter is out and is exactly the same of the first episode with more details and the amazing designs of Yabuki, no censorship btw.

I'm pretty sure this first episode established 002 to be the man in this relationship.

AB079

2018-01-13, 13:43

I'm pretty sure this first episode established 002 to be the man in this relationship.

Agree, hopefully things change since we have 24 episodes to see what's going to happen.

Anyways, that was a really good start overall, the fight was pretty intense too.

Mad Pierrot

2018-01-13, 13:44

So the mecha is some kind of Vandread but combined with in some sort of "Shinga Bishojo" ala Star Driver?

Still, they touched a lot of mecha cliches to see in the whole rookie pilot among others. Hard to judge the series with only one episode that got at least a good pacing

Kanon

2018-01-13, 14:26

That was a rather generic first episode for a mecha series, and all I could think about during the swimming scene was how hot it will look in the manga (apparently it's out, I have to check it out).

Still, it wasn't bad by any means. Waiting to see more.

serenade_beta

2018-01-13, 14:51

Pretty generic first episode, but I guess it wasn't bad.
...Or maybe I'm just saying that because it is Trigger and I am hoping it will get interesting.
Anyways, not bad, but not necessarily good first episode. (Which actually may not be bad considering this season)
For some reason, Zekrom and Solgaleo appeared in the episode, but I didn't really see Necrozma yet and no one was using Pokeballs, so I'm kinda confused about their appearance.

Mad Pierrot

2018-01-13, 14:58

The beginning made me fear why Yabuki was chosen to draw the manga. There might be a lot of nudity.

Tenzen12

2018-01-13, 14:59

This us weird, various design looks like they would fit into eighties, premise sound like borderline porn mecha parody. Yet it's played perfectly straight and it somehow works:eyespin:

So far heroine does it for me, she certainly have unique personality yet unlike similar situation she is neither pushy, bland nor annoying. For once I can see why would MC be fascinated by her, though it helps that in the end he jumped in is not because her or some heroism but because it was something he seek for himself.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-13, 15:19

Damn, this was so generic. Not that I was expecting anything original but this looks like they were just ticking boxes with the most overused tropes.

Animation was good but I can't keep watching just for that.

Wandering Soul

2018-01-13, 15:26

Not much to say, but that it was a generic first episode for a mecha. It wasn't bad though, and the setting seems like it will be interesting, so hopefully things pick up from here.

foxbox360

2018-01-13, 16:42

captain earth meets kill la kill in a nutshell.

Mad Pierrot

2018-01-13, 16:49

captain earth meets kill la kill in a nutshell.

You should check one of these days Star Driver. The mecha transformation from Darling is quite similar with the MC even shouting "Ginga Bishonen!!" every time he uses it. :D

Also, I think Star Driver's director was also behind Captain Earth

Requiem-x

2018-01-13, 17:48

Every little thing shown in this show I've seen before, honestly, you can connect all the scenes to a previous anime.

But who cares!? It was AWESOME!!! :D:D:D I want more!!! :D:D:D

Seriously, that was great from beginning to end, it looked great, 02 is awesome, and as many characters as him I've seen before, Hiro never bothered me at all throughout the episode. In fact, if there's one thing that bothered me is how FRANXX are apparently the evolution of Tauburn. Seriously, look up Star Driver.

Best premiere of the season to me, and definetly looking forward to more.

Oh, and I also appreciated we were told right away 02 is special because she's part monster (I think the subs kinda flubbed the name there).
It would be stupid not to bring it up after all she said. The worldbuilding was nice, and as usual, society might be a little messed up. You know, children treated like disposable soldiers, leaders show up SEELE style.

KPSJ

2018-01-13, 18:09

this will be in the talks of best anime of 2018

Kazu-kun

2018-01-13, 18:22

That's pretty sad, actually. lol

bakato

2018-01-13, 18:38

The Trigger style threw me off, but now I've realized this is totally Pacific Rim. Two people pilot a mecha to fight blue-blooded Kaiju.

DemonneoPT

2018-01-13, 19:52

It's made by Trigger so it's a must watch for me, even tho mecha is not my favorite cup of tea (with a few exceptions, of course)! Their art and animation are pure joy to my eyes.
Sure, the boy meets girl is a familiar cliche, but i'm curious to know more about everything else related to those monsters, the main girl (loved her personality already) and how the world became that way. Kinda disappointed at the male MC tho. His design and personality were a bit weak for my taste. Maybe they wanted to make him a total opposite from 002 but still... who knows, maybe it will grow on me eventually.

AB079

2018-01-13, 20:10

One thing this series has is the benefit of the doubt, this is a trigger show, the same studio that delivered Kill la Kill, LWA, Inferno Cop and other shows that ended on being really good ones. A-1 delivered some good stuff and some mediocre series too, so there is a chance for something bad.

Yes the first episode is relying heavily on cliche stuff all over the place but we must wait a bit before judging it because it can be something incredibly good and fun. 24 episodes is enough to do that.

Chichiryuushintei

2018-01-13, 21:23

A little too moody for my tastes, but at least it isn't boring.

Sageblink

2018-01-13, 22:19

You should check one of these days Star Driver. The mecha transformation from Darling is quite similar with the MC even shouting "Ginga Bishonen!!" every time he uses it. :D

Also, I think Star Driver's director was also behind Captain Earth

I was like "Oh, that's a female Tauburn". And was secretly hoping this would be somehow related to Star Driver. :D
KIRABOSHI !!

DragoonKain3

2018-01-14, 00:22

I honestly really didn't care about how cliched this was. It's been such a long time since a proper mecha tv series, that it could have been the third rehash of the original Mobile Suit Gundam and I'll still love it. XD

What really impressed me was the 2d mecha action. I honestly thought only Sunrise does those nowadays, so I'll forgive the designer for basically just making a female Tauburn. :heh:

That said, those shorts with that long sleeved uniform just looks... EEEWWWW.

Irenesharda

2018-01-14, 00:29

This was pretty good, there is a lot that is very similar to most mech anime starts, but the animation, the direction, and the soundtrack is pretty good. The male MC is your usual main character in a mech series, but I like him a little better than many other MCs, there is a hidden strength to him and I think he complements 002 very well. 002 is also rather refreshing as well. She's strong but simple, she's not your usual tsudere female heroine, she and the her male partner really seem to have a connection.

The amount of flower references in there series would make a botanist squee in delight. I'm interested in seeing if that's just a theme or will it have more meaning later on.

I like that both the male and female MCs did a very good job of both of them carrying the episode. She is the strength and he is the heart. He doesn't seem to be a weakling either. There is a reason that he was told he could stay while the other girl was being forced to leave. I'm liking what I'm seeing and I'll be interested in seeing what happens next.

That said, those shorts with that long sleeved uniform just looks... EEEWWWW.

It IS weird, though not unusual in terms of uniform style. I have about 5 Japanese male students in grades 5 and 6 who have this style of uniform. White shirt, long sleeve navy jacket top, and shorts. It's really weird to me, since it's winter now and the temperature here has gotten to freezing and lower, and the boys bundle up in coats, and yet still wear shorts? Having come from northern states in the US and having to deal with brutal winters all my life, I can only raise an eyebrow and the interesting look.

Lukes YGO & WS on YT

2018-01-14, 03:10

I only knew about this recently because it was announced as an upcoming set for WS so I thought I might as well give it a watch to see if it's any good.

We aren't supposed to lick ourselves clean, that's a cat.

He just picked up her underwear without even bothering to check what he grabbed.

Well at least she thought it was funny, actually after that next scene she is a crazy girl.

I had a feeling he would want to get in there and fight with her, he got a kiss after all.

Oh wow it evolved, glad the doctor explained why.

It was interesting enough to make me want to watch more.

orion

2018-01-14, 03:13

I liked how the first episode gave both MCs' perspective about the Jian.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-14, 03:36

The problem with this first episode is not only they used mecha-cliche, but they also add the use of power-fantasy LN adaptation cliche between the MC & the girl. Like, seriously, is grabbing panties like an instant reflex thing that anime boys do when they notice a pile of female clothes which are obviously left there by someone who is still bathing near the spot? If they do that then don't blame anyone who accuse them of being perverts when they catch them with the panties still on their hands.

I just hope the following episodes are better. They need to be better after this one cliche-ridden episode. Not even Gundam Wing is this tropey. And that's back in the freakin' 90s. I want to like this anime, but they better start to bring me the goods. At least the art is nice even though the Whatever-saurus reminded me of the Kaijus from Pacific Rim.

Also, many people brought up Star Driver, but I'm actually reminded of the one from Gunbuster 2: Diebuster six years prior to Star Driver:
http://static.skynetblogs.be/media/37519/90-thumb.2.gif
http://i.imgur.com/tCOxgIh.jpg

Westlo

2018-01-14, 05:10

Really enjoyed the first episode, don't really care that it hit several tropes and cliches, originality is no guarantee of quality, and if I wanted originality I wouldn't be watching anime in the first place.

Typical girl meets boy in giant robot complete with bathing scene. Animation is gorgeous as you'd expect from trigger. Not sure how I feel, but definitely worth watching.

Episode 1 animation was pretty much all A-1.... might get more Trigger heavy episodes later but Sushio was like 1 out of 20+ key animators...

This is pretty much Nishigori's iDOLM@STER team with an injection of other talent and help from his ex gainax buddies at Trigger.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-14, 05:24

Really enjoyed the first episode, don't really care that it hit several tropes and cliches, originality is no guarantee of quality, and if I wanted originality I wouldn't be watching anime in the first place.It gets hilarious when even anime-fans are calling out how cliche and tropey it is. When that happens, you know you've done something.....not exactly right. Kill la Kill certainly didn't get the same complaint as this.

But again, it's only the first episode. This show can easily turn a lot better afterwards like Argevollen did.

There's also this funny quote regarding the awfully cliche "I encounter a naked girl"-scene:
Never once have I nonchalantly picked up a pair of a stranger’s panties. Never once have I seen someone swimming so casually then automatically assumed that they’re drowning after just five seconds of them disappearing from eyesight. But how else would we get this scene?

Kismet-chan

2018-01-14, 06:02

Every season, there's always at least one show that comes along that has people crawling up from out of the woodwork to defend its list of tasteless, tired anime cliches. Most of the time they're either harem or "cute girls doing thing x" series... This winter, it seems like we can add this to the list. :rolleyes:

I wasn't expecting some mind-blowing masterpiece. I don't think anyone going into this was that naive. But there's bad... and then there's bland. Bland is arguably worse than bad, because at least bad is often memorable. And if this doesn't pick up in a couple more episodes, it's not going to be lingering on anybody's mind. Which would be a massive shame because I like the style of the show and the setting has potential. So I hope it gets better... and fast.

koti

2018-01-14, 06:33

Best episode of the season so far. Good animation and direction, nice mecha and character design. The whole premise, although generic, was well executed and I found it interesting.

The beginning made me fear why Yabuki was chosen to draw the manga. There might be a lot of nudity.
Why do you say "fear"? I can't wait for it. :cool:

Gan_HOPE326

2018-01-14, 06:47

The problem with this first episode is not only they used mecha-cliche, but they also add the use of power-fantasy LN adaptation cliche between the MC & the girl. Like, seriously, is grabbing panties like an instant reflex thing that anime boys do when they notice a pile of female clothes which are obviously left there by someone who is still bathing near the spot? If they do that then don't blame anyone who accuse them of being perverts when they catch them with the panties still on their hands.

My impression was that he was flabbergasted because no one's supposed to bath in there, so the scenario was puzzling to him at first. Which would match with 002 simply wanting to bathe despite her being explicitly told there was no place to do so. And the picking up the panties was probably just a moment of "wait, is it a girl?" surprise.

The drowning part, yeah, kinda silly, but I guess he wanted an excuse to just join her already :rolleyes:.

Anyway, yeah, the episode was very trope-y. I wouldn't say this was LN type fare, this stuff dates way back before LNs, where do you even think LN authors picked it up to begin with? It all felt very typical mecha stuff if anything. Whether it'll go anywhere interesting from here... too early to say, yet, I guess.

Faux Mecha

2018-01-14, 07:22

seriously, the MC's mecha looks dangerously similar in design with Tauburn of Star Driver which is by studio Bones, minus the Ginga Bishounen jokes.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-14, 07:32

My impression was that he was flabbergasted because no one's supposed to bath in there, so the scenario was puzzling to him at first. Which would match with 002 simply wanting to bathe despite her being explicitly told there was no place to do so. And the picking up the panties was probably just a moment of "wait, is it a girl?" surprise.Of all her clothes, he had to grab the panties, and he had to keep holding it long enough until the owner of the clothes pointed out how perverted he was for holding it the whole time. I hate this cliche which came mainly from rom-com manga & anime which then bleed to harem-fantasy mangas/LNs and their anime adaptations.

The drowning part, yeah, kinda silly, but I guess he wanted an excuse to just join her already :rolleyes:.Boy it would've been so much more refreshing if he just strip and join her in the lake :naughty:. Not many male MCs do that.

Anyway, yeah, the episode was very trope-y. I wouldn't say this was LN type fare, this stuff dates way back before LNs, where do you even think LN authors picked it up to begin with? It all felt very typical mecha stuff if anything. Whether it'll go anywhere interesting from here... too early to say, yet, I guess.The main tropes being used here is certainly not bad in itself. I mean, Gundam Unicorn is a freakin' excellent show and it used the same trope at the start between Banagher & Audrey only for the show to grow better and better from there. You know what's ironic? Gundam Unicorn anime is an adaptation of a light novel of the same name :heh:. But Franxx seriously need to better their execution. And ditch the harem-ecchi trope. Mecha show don't need those unless you make it totally hilarious like in Full Metal Panic!, Vandread & Evangelion.

Gan_HOPE326

2018-01-14, 07:42

I don't think this is going to be harem-ecchi, I DO think it's going to rely heavily on sexual symbolism but more leaning on the pseudo-philosophy angle than the harem LN-ish angle. We'll see anyway.

Irenesharda

2018-01-14, 07:43

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-14, 08:20

I honestly don't understand that whole trope, what is so wonderful about panties? Why is there this weird obsession with holding them for so long? It is it a male thing? I've had to wash my brothers underwear before, and believe me, I have absolutely no desire to hold on to the underwear of the opposite sex (especially used ones) for any lengthy amount of time. :p
That whole scene was honestly the only one I could have done without. The only thing that saved it was that 002 didn't behave like most anime girls do and basically laughed it off.Normal guys might drool in excitement when they see a hot girl in (hot) underwear and normal guys might find used panties as turn-on during sexual foreplay or intercourse, but I think you have to be on "another level" to solely enjoy the novelty of used panties just for the sake of it. I sure as hell don't behave that way. That "other level" might be what many people call as "perverts".

Galaxian

2018-01-14, 08:28

Was I the only one reminded of Dominic and Anemone from Eureka Seven? :heh:

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-14, 08:45

Was I the only one reminded of Dominic and Anemone from Eureka Seven? :heh:For me, not really. The interaction and the chemistry is quite different.

DemonneoPT

2018-01-14, 08:59

Of all her clothes, he had to grab the panties, and he had to keep holding it long enough until the owner of the clothes pointed out how perverted he was for holding it the whole time. I hate this cliche which came mainly from rom-com manga & anime which then bleed to harem-fantasy mangas/LNs and their anime adaptations.

Boy it would've been so much more refreshing if he just strip and join her in the lake :naughty:. Not many male MCs do that.

The main tropes being used here is certainly not bad in itself. I mean, Gundam Unicorn is a freakin' excellent show and it used the same trope at the start between Banagher & Audrey only for the show to grow better and better from there. You know what's ironic? Gundam Unicorn anime is an adaptation of a light novel of the same name :heh:. But Franxx seriously need to better their execution. And ditch the harem-ecchi trope. Mecha show don't need those unless you make it totally hilarious like in Full Metal Panic!, Vandread & Evangelion.

I completely agree with this. Like i said before they made the male MC way too weak, boring and letting him do the same ecchi stuff we see in every harem show these days does not help it either. In contraste 002, even tho she was in the same cliche situation, she managed to stay fresh and interesting. Like you said, if the guy just stripped and joined the girl in the lake, it would immediately be a massive improvement from what we had. They would still have their funny and fanservice moment while avoiding the same old bs we usually see in harem stuff. That's the type of stuff i expect from Trigger, besides the cool art style and animation.

drawr

2018-01-14, 10:00

This premiere made me feel like I saw this show before. I don't think much is original at this point, but something about this gave me serious deja vu. I think generic ideas when used well can be fun, but aside from zero-two's energetic and mysterious character(which is probably a really simple puzzle anyway) I couldn't be less interested in anything happening. The main character, whatever his name was, is so painfully boring to hear and watch. I guess it doesn't help several other premieres also had mcs just like him. I know the point of a lot of these types of shows is for people to love the girls, but you can still make the mcs fun too, you know? Go hog wild and give them more than one personality trait, even.

Cosmic Eagle

2018-01-14, 10:29

Also, many people brought up Star Driver, but I'm actually reminded of the one from Gunbuster 2: Diebuster six years prior to Star Driver:
http://static.skynetblogs.be/media/37519/90-thumb.2.gif
http://i.imgur.com/tCOxgIh.jpg

Yeah, 02 can easily pass as Nono's long lost sister

wuhugm

2018-01-14, 10:30

That Frankxx is Tauburn from Star Driver lol :heh:

https://i.imgur.com/Ibn4qaR.jpg

So why were her partners all dead?
Is that kiss a requirement or what?
The other pairs don't do that

Roxanne

2018-01-14, 10:32

Zero is my favorite girl character in the series <3

AB079

2018-01-14, 11:20

Holy shit, the manga adaptation of Darling in the Franxx will get a 127 page special chapter in the next Shonen Jump issue. It's said that will cover the first and second episode of the anime.

Mistyclear

2018-01-14, 11:21

Wow it really is from star driver, it looks practically identical—except apparently the machine moves it’s mouth, looks like it talks (although it’s actually the the horned chick). Wonder about the connection between her and the robot.

Haak

2018-01-14, 11:44

I actually enjoyed this first episode. Yeah, okay there are few problems with the writing: The secondary characters treated like fodder, the entire naked swimming scene, the betamax MC that doesn't understand why a girl kissing him would make his heart race, the sexual motifs of the show in general...okay there's a lot of problems for sure but I still enjoyed it and that's all that matters. :heh:

orion

2018-01-14, 11:53

Normal guys might drool in excitement when they see a hot girl in (hot) underwear and normal guys might find used panties as turn-on during sexual foreplay or intercourse, but I think you have to be on "another level" to solely enjoy the novelty of used panties just for the sake of it. I sure as hell don't behave that way. That "other level" might be what many people call as "perverts".

But...if Hiro had acted "normal", then he prob would have been killed by her. The way its animated is that he held onto the panties by "mistake".

For all we know, it could also be a part of his training. He's a designer child soldier. Behaviors that normal guys have are prob not within the realm of possibilities for his short life.

What's worse is the lady in the beginning facing those monsters was 02.

wuhugm

2018-01-14, 11:57

Calling it now, Zero Two has succubus like power of absorbing life force by kissing

Which means she literally sucked his previous partners dry :heh:

blakstealth

2018-01-14, 12:36

Strelizia <3

Mad Pierrot

2018-01-14, 12:48

Calling it now, Zero Two has succubus like power of absorbing life force by kissing

Which means she literally sucked his previous partners dry :heh:

Well, the premise did call her "Partner Killer" so you might right

James Rye

2018-01-14, 13:10

"with Klaxosaur blood", just which one of her parents was a huge pervert f@cking a Klaxosaur? xD

So how exactly are those two-pilot robots working? Why is a male and female needed? How can that robot transform and gain boobs? Lot of questions I hope the next couple episodes gonna answer.

Also poor Naomi, looks like she got killed, didn't even made it through the first episode~

Gan_HOPE326

2018-01-14, 13:25

Zero Two being a vampire of sorts was basically spelled out. Guess Hiro will be super resistant though. She's probably a genetic experiment or something.

And my money's on Naomi still being alive.

Solace

2018-01-14, 15:08

This was incredibly generic. I had a lot to say but I realized I'd just be stepping into nostalgia territory so I'll just say this is a good example of dissonant fanservice and move on.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-14, 15:13

I'm glad I'm not the only one who saw this as nothing more than a bunch of overused an uninteresting tropes put together.

CptChaos

2018-01-14, 17:18

I was sure the best animated first episode would be either Violet Evergarden or CCS, but this surpassed both. Very good start, and the music is also something else. I really liked the main theme since one of the PVs and can't wait to hear it fully.

Applehell

2018-01-14, 18:51

The good: Really nice animation and artstyle. It certainly has a lot flair and solid direction going for it. While not particularity unique herself 002 and at least checks boxes in one of female types I like. She probably gonna end up hard carrying this for awhile.

However

The bad:...

This was incredibly generic. I had a lot to say but I realized I'd just be stepping into nostalgia territory so I'll just say this is a good example of dissonant fanservice and move on.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who saw this as nothing more than a bunch of overused an uninteresting tropes put together.

Like them with I too felt that this episode was too perfunctory which made hard for me fully enjoy. Everything that happened could be seen coming 500 miles away and nothing does plot-wise set's apart from most mech series. I'm already dreading the pair and monster of week formula that's gonna be spinning the wheels for awhile since no real define plot-line has been other than background premise of humans fighting off invader "x".

Still I give it 3 episodes to see if can quickly establish itself the beyond style and be something more interesting than it is now.

Kanon

2018-01-14, 18:53

alex_drian

2018-01-14, 19:07

A pretty generic beginning but have potential. MC works and heroine is good. The Trigger animation is always a delight (except for InoBato shit) and is a plus is the worst cases (again, except for InoBato). I find interesting the design of the enemies, machine-like. For now, I can forgive the romcom shienanigans in favor of the plot. I wait for the rebellion of the kids in some point of the 2nd cour and if they have the courage for kill to some of the couples. Also, is only a guess and I don't have nothing for back it, but I wait for bitch moments of Kokona-like girl. Overall, I need one or two more episodes for a proper judgment, but I will stick with this one.

germanturkey

2018-01-14, 19:23

rather the interesting show. the episode felt like it was 10 minutes long. it's got me hooked in for at least a few more episodes.

Twi

2018-01-14, 19:38

The manga gave us a better look at the cockpits. They're arranged so it looks like they're having sex doggy style. I'm curious to see what actual piloting will be like. Haven't watched any trailer so I don't know if any of that was already revealed.

:twitch:Is it like Star Driver or Goddanar?

AB079

2018-01-14, 19:45

:twitch:Is it like Star Driver or Goddanar?

Just search for it, is easy to find considering how much people spammed the image. Chapter 1 is already out and covers like 80% of episode 1 with more explanations and details.

By the way, the fan arts are coming fast as fuck, mostly nsfw and femdom obviously.
https://twitter.com/ya_y_a_ya/status/952232810030424064
https://twitter.com/xxhrd/status/950362855198507014
https://image.ibb.co/eC5Zwm/fff2.jpg
https://preview.ibb.co/hfPip6/ffff.jpg

----------

This is probably what Kanon is talking about.
https://preview.ibb.co/cAa696/1515963702391.png

Applehell

2018-01-14, 20:01

Yeah, saw them that over twitter too and to no surprise all of them are about one specific character. :heh:

wuhugm

2018-01-14, 20:03

blakstealth

2018-01-14, 20:18

Just noticed that everyone's Franxx's look like their female pilot counterpart

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-14, 20:49

Also, many people brought up Star Driver mecha, but I'm actually reminded of the one from Gunbuster 2: Diebuster six years prior to Star Driver:
http://static.skynetblogs.be/media/37519/90-thumb.2.gif
http://i.imgur.com/tCOxgIh.jpgYeah, 02 can easily pass as Nono's long lost sisterI know right? :p

But...if Hiro had acted "normal", then he prob would have been killed by her.Umm….wat? :twitch: If Hiro acted like a normal guy, he would never touch that panties and wouldn’t give off the impression of a pervert to 02. Why would 02 kill him then?

The way its animated is that he held onto the panties by "mistake". Almost every rom-com harem MC grabs the heroine’s panties or boobies by some kind of mistakes or accident. That’s the trope. That’s what makes it cliché. That makes you question why they shoehorn that tired antic in this anime. Nobody will think it’s good except for the lowest common denominators.

For all we know, it could also be a part of his training. He's a designer child soldier. Behaviors that normal guys have are prob not within the realm of possibilities for his short life.God I hope so. I hope there’s an actual logical reasoning for everything in the show aside from “That’s how anime works. Boys will automatically grab used panties the moment they laid their eyes on them”.

Malicre

2018-01-14, 21:21

002 has that rape face at the end when she says "found you darling" i was like woah lol......

AB079

2018-01-14, 21:58

Here is something that was posted on another place.

https://imgur.com/a/dIBbD

Twi

2018-01-14, 22:27

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-14, 22:53

Looking at it, it really does look like a mix between Godannar and Star Driver. You've got the partner system, the suggestive poses and nudity, the transforming mech, and the art-style. On the one hand, those are two of my favorite mech series outside of Gundam (I'd add Valvrave, but the ending killed it for me).Man, how I wish this series can start as over the top as Godannar. That anime started right off the bat with the wedding of the MCs which then disrupted by the invaders attack and then the bride & groom went off to fight them with giant robots. That opening act was so ridiculous it actually works! :D

Twi

2018-01-14, 23:18

The over-the-topness even factored into the main plot. It was glorious.

SeaDoor

2018-01-14, 23:26

^Agree. This will be entertaining if the don't shy away from being OTT. Kind of gives me a vague memory of an older outlandish mecha series. Don't remember the name of it but it's main mecha was called something like the Galactic Pretty Boy.

Cloudedmind

2018-01-14, 23:29

FlareKnight

2018-01-15, 02:14

This was pretty fun. I'll keep on watching :).

ArrowSmith

2018-01-15, 02:25

Didn't like the character designs or the combat. Dropped.

CalicoCat

2018-01-15, 10:38

I liked. I mean, fully accepting of all the comments about reuse of well-worn tropes, but there was something in the overall feel that resonated with me. Something in the opening scenes, perhaps, or the way that what could be the Jian actually resolves into the transport coming through the clouds. And that score! Particularly the theme that plays during the opening and when Strelizia transforms...

In terms of the design, I’ll admit to not knowing a bunch of the series that people have referenced, but would I be too much of an old-timer to say that the first thing that came to mind when I saw Strelizia was Five Star Stories? With that head-gear, surely she’s the Knight of Gold’s (Mk. I) moe little sister? :D

Trung-t-rung

2018-01-15, 11:29

Never really like Trigger shows but the first ep was decent, grasped me better than Gurren Lagann's 1st one.

Interestingly enough, Hiro has a lot of room to grow but I like the set up for him. Used to be a leader(implied to have give all the kids their names) but lose his confidence after failing the test with his initial partner(arguably metaphor for failed arranged marriage?)

There are also a lot of fucked-up implications in the episodes. Such as the children having no names, being recruited from orphanages and disposed off if not useful and seemingly having no knowledge of normal behaviors(Hiro having no idea of what a kiss is). Not to mention possible human experiments regarding 02 having klaxosaur's blood.

Twi

2018-01-15, 12:34

Yeah, the implications weren't lost on me, but its supposedly an post-apo. world, so I kind of considered it normative of the setting seeing as they weren't tripping over it so much. Kind of like Made in Abyss, only with less chibi-looking characters.

We'll see if the suffering is on par later.

CalicoCat

2018-01-15, 13:51

Hahahaha... I'm such a dunce. Apologies if everyone else has spotted this, but I'll spoiler it, just in case.
The children all have names based around their numbers (including Miku, sweet, sweet 39-san: you might have dyed your hair, but I'd recognize those twintails anywhere... :D)
But I couldn't get what Zero-Two's name should be, until:

Zero-two... Zero-Ni...0-Ni...Oni

Bwahahah… Well played, Trigger & A1, well played!!

nfsac

2018-01-15, 14:48

The episode will air on AT-X on the 16th (tomorrow) I wonder if they will show it uncensored?

Twi

2018-01-15, 21:34

The anime was Star Driver.

I just did some looking around. The Show's Designer (Shigeto Koyama) is the same as the mech designer from Star Driver, Gurren, Eureka Seven, and Eureka Seven AO, among others.

Sinestra

2018-01-16, 10:49

I just did some looking around. The Show's Designer (Shigeto Koyama) is the same as the mech designer from Star Driver, Gurren, Eureka Seven, and Eureka Seven AO, among others.

Figures i knew i recognized that style. The min it transformed Star Driver started flooding right back into my head.

nfsac

2018-01-16, 10:51

This series gonna produce so many Femdom doujin... Zero-Two is a natural predator :p

IceHism

2018-01-16, 12:29

I just see zero two and the only thing that comes to my mind is medb in her warden costume from fgo.

Beginning is w/e. I was entertained by the end and the romance though. If only the mc stripped and swam with her and it would have saved the pool scene. It'll be fun at least even if this show had no originality.

dniv

2018-01-17, 06:00

Giving this the 3 ep rule. I love trigger, but this isn't written by trigger. :heh: I need to see if all the seriousness can work for me even though I dropped Kiznavier after a few eps... Still, I want this to work out, it seemed solid. I want the main plot to kick in before judging it since it seems interesting. :heh: Glad to hear this has 24 eps to get better. :heh:

Faux Mecha

2018-01-17, 12:50

so are there any joke fan arts involving the comparisons between the designs of Tauburn VS Strelizia being made? :heh:

Gan_HOPE326

2018-01-18, 04:59

The episode will air on AT-X on the 16th (tomorrow) I wonder if they will show it uncensored?

I don't see that happening, the scene was not censored in a "removable" way, like with white mist or black bars, it was just set up in a way that 02's nipples and other naughty bits wouldn't happen to be on display. They would need to redraw it entirely for that, and it doesn't make much sense. If you want the nipples, go read the manga :heh:.

nfsac

2018-01-18, 05:59

So Blu-ray version only I assume?

Gan_HOPE326

2018-01-18, 07:12

So Blu-ray version only I assume?

No, I'm saying there probably will be NO "uncensored" version at all. Because this wasn't censored at all. The scene was simply shot in a way that nipples were not visible.

ScrewySquirrel

2018-01-18, 16:50

Episode 2 preview:

https://streamable.com/ca4ab

they really aren't subtle with the sexual innuendo. lollipops and bananas and that piloting position

Kazu-kun

2018-01-18, 16:59

It's just fanservice.

Twi

2018-01-18, 20:35

002 sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the others, but it makes her more endearing.

Arya

2018-01-19, 06:06

Ok, I agree with anyone about being incredibly generic, but dont' know if it's because these days it seems I can't find mecha's anymore or because they did a very good job with direction (especially the mood) and world building, but I found it quite enjoyable. Not intriguing because of course every-single-scene was telegraphed by miles away :heh: What helps is that the MC is not annoying nor wimpy, so it's a big plus. And 002 is also well balanced, not a (modern) tsundere nor a fish out of water (PAW mecha's attempt comes to my mind). That's surely the biggest selling point for me.
What I'm a bit skeptical is the ecchi tones but I think I can tune my self to it. In the end Cross Ange was far more bold being still highly entertaining and funny.
In that regard the holding panties didn't make roll my eyes too much because, I mean, just few second prior that scientist grabbed Misato('s role) ass :heh:. Still if I had to say, the writers justification seemed to be that Hiro was so absorbed by 002 aura to forget about her panties. Only when called out he remembered about them.

So well, since the main characters are above average let's hope the plot to be equally good, so, first thing first, no monster of the week plz (hello E7 AO)!!!

Twi

2018-01-19, 08:46

Monsters of the week were the least of AO's problems.

Vaans

2018-01-19, 08:56

Good first episode. I like it. The Robot really looks like the mecha from Star Driver with eyes and mouth. I wonder if 002 is really a partner killer they're talking about. Yeah, I saw her partner wounded, but it doesn't really explain it.

Anyway, the cliche and generic stuff doesn't really bother me unlike other people. Its just the first episode. So who knows what the future will be.

orion

2018-01-19, 09:36

Episode 2 preview:

https://streamable.com/ca4ab

they really aren't subtle with the sexual innuendo. lollipops and bananas and that piloting position

But it does show that for some reason 002 requires a lot of sugar and eats what may be raw meat.

Also, that female pilot uniform and positioning looks like the female pilot is becoming part of the mecha and not just a co-pilot. :uhoh:

Arya

2018-01-19, 09:48

Monsters of the week were the least of AO's problems.

well, yeah, I agree, but that was where it all begun (surely you can make a decent show even with a MoW structure, or more widely with an episodic structure but for me it's not a good sign anyway).

ScrewySquirrel

2018-01-19, 10:41

given that its a Trigger show, I expect
a) shoutouts to previous anime galore every episode
b) a complete shift in focus around ep 12

DevilHighDxD

2018-01-19, 16:09

Had anyone looked up for infos about Strelizia? It a type of flower and I was quite surprised on the symbolism behind it.

ScrewySquirrel

2018-01-19, 16:29

Atelier Emily did an article about the flower symbolism

https://formeinfullbloom.wordpress.com/2018/01/13/parasites-in-darling-in-the-franxx-and-robot-name-flower-meanings/

Stark700

2018-01-20, 12:33

Episode 2 is out

At this point, I think it's obvious that Zero 2 is the only character compatible for Hiro as part of this Frankxx project.

Seems we got two rivalries already....Zero 2/Ichigo and Hiro/Zorome. Also, I think Ichigo has an obvious crush or something on Hiro. Hope to see some background story about her. Zero 2's personality is pretty amusing to watch. The way she teases Hiro and others makes her stand out even more in this show.

The action felt pretty toned down this week considering it's a mock battle. Also, I think Zorome is going to have trouble finding a partner if he's going to act like a brat.

DragoonKain3

2018-01-20, 12:39

In this episode of 'My not-so-little-mecha can't be this cute'...

Huh, so Hiro is basically reverse Shinji. If Shinji won't pilot the robot even if his life depended on it, Hiro is the one who will pilot the robot even if it kills him.

Which means 02 is Asuka? Sorry Rei (Ichigo) fans, looks like Asuka wins this time. :heh:

Seriously speaking though, lots of NGE similarities. From synchronizing, to the 'council', heck even when Hiro was frantically clicking his controls in his vain attempt to move his disabled unit reminds me of a certain scene in that classic series.

One interesting tidbit is that it seems 02's makes her partners grow up faster. Which is evident that everyone looks like a teen, except for her partner who was pretty much an adult before he got offed. If there is a timeskip, it would be interesting to see Hiro to be much older than the rest of the cast, and they could tie some of the drama in there.

Disappointed with the OP/ED though, but it might jsut be me because both doesn't feel like a mecha song. XD

G0rd0

2018-01-20, 13:17

so how many pushover Mc do we have this season

ValvraveTruth

2018-01-20, 13:25

Ichigo jealousy to the max. Zero Two simply just chill, she knows Ichigo can't win over Hiro. Sum it up Zero Two forever main wife upperhand:)

As for Hiro? Sigh, he is sexually attracted to Zero Two thats why he become ED with other girls.

Mad Pierrot

2018-01-20, 13:30

It's close to Kill la Kill but I don't think Darling has more fanservice.

AB079

2018-01-20, 13:35

Ichigo Status: 100% friendzoned and destroyed.

Zero Two is the only one that can make Hiro feel like he can fly again, she knows that pretty well and also knows that Ichigo has no chance at all despite her efforts.

Gan_HOPE326

2018-01-20, 13:35

Well, there we have it, the sexual innuendo singularity. I think it's hard to make something more explicit than this without it being actual hentai. Starts from the OP with 002's obsession with honey (ahem) and only goes down from there :heh:. This show is shameless.

AB079

2018-01-20, 13:38

This pretty much sums up the episode.

https://preview.ibb.co/fe2mZG/1516471456789.jpg

Kunagisa

2018-01-20, 13:40

Ichigo's doing it wrong.

She should be the one piloting and Hiro should be the control panel, which is why 02 was able to go FABULOUS MAX on the guy.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 13:48

Ichigo's doing it wrong.

She should be the one piloting and Hiro should be the control panel, which is why 02 was able to go FABULOUS MAX on the guy.

Reversing the roles would be way too clever for this show. Most likely he couldn't pilot with Ichigo simply because he's not sexually attracted to her.

sikvod00

2018-01-20, 14:07

Atelier Emily did an article about the flower symbolism

https://formeinfullbloom.wordpress.com/2018/01/13/parasites-in-darling-in-the-franxx-and-robot-name-flower-meanings/
Thanks for the link. I actually follow her on Twitter and know she writes flower analysis for Anime from time to time, but missed this one.

This part specially stood out to me:
Again, Darling in the Franxx is not subtle. Heteronormativity is forced — and the series hints that Hiro’s timid personality wasn’t masculine enough for the stamen role — with children put into pairs of the opposite sex in order to pilot robots together. There are too many floral references for this to be a series of coincidences, but it’s up to the series itself to say something about them, otherwise they’ll remain interesting but fairly meaningless trappings.

wuhugm

2018-01-20, 14:30

Kiss for Power UP!!!.... Not!!!~

Lol~ That was awkward~

KleenexGhost

2018-01-20, 14:42

Gan_HOPE326

2018-01-20, 15:18

Wanna see where this goes with Ichigo. I get that she wanted to help Hiro show his potential, it just got wrapped up in the mix of jealousy. She can’t help but feel she got one-upped by 02.

“You were awful”

Ouch:heh:

Look, if he can't even get it up after she kisses him, it obviously won't work between them. They should just move on and find new partners.

kari-no-sugata II

2018-01-20, 15:33

Hmm. While a lot of ep 1 felt generic, I think this ep showed some nice development. Ichigo spent most of the episode setting herself up as a rival heroine but despite going for broke she crashed and burned. I felt quite bad for her. What will she do now? Despite being the leader, she seems to have a rather fragile side. Anyway, she's kinda lost the "right" to pair up with Hiro now. Will she try to push other girls to pair up with Hiro to protect him from 02?

Anyone get the feeling that Goro (the calm glasses dude) is going to be Hiro's real "rival" or at least someone who will cause Hiro some real angst later down the line? I suspect he'll struggle with calming Ichigo down at least.

In ep1 we saw Hiro decide to board the robot relatively easily when he had the chance. In ep2 while he continues to be a "low tension" type person he still repeatedly makes it clear that he wants to be a pilot - that he feels worthless without it. So while he does come across as a bit of a wuss I think this is a misleading. He's fairly pro-active but has a more subdued personality. He's not the hot-blooded type at all but he's not passive either. He is lacking in confidence though.

02 continues to be interesting. She does rather go against the grain in many ways - she "fails" to slap (or even be embarrassed with) Hiro seeing her completely naked in ep1. In ep2 she doesn't get clingy or unreasonable with regards to Hiro possibly teaming up with other girls. Well, I guess she's confident in Hiro's personality but even so, she's quite mature about it. So overall she's a curious mix of a childish personality that does what she wants and a mature person who accepts things as they are.

It's interesting that she can apparently pilot by herself. One thing that had occurred to me with all the plant references is that, compared to animals, hermaphroditism is far more common in plants - it's still rare but it's still occurs about 10% of the time apparently. So 02 might be a bit of a hermaphrodite - she is a "bokukko" after all.

I also wonder just what happened in the cockpit in ep1. We're being kept in the dark about the details for now. I wouldn't be surprised if Hiro gets a bit downhearted when he finds out the details. For example, it seems likely that 02 was the one doing the actual piloting. Or maybe the surprise will be different - we see that there's a certain amount of mind merging going on so perhaps what happened is that there was very close synchronisation between 02 and Hiro and they effectively piloted together. That might explain why Hiro doesn't remember anything.

PS There is a page up explaining certain keywords:
http://darli-fra.jp/keyword/

APE = institution that governs humanity.

Adults = evolved humans. Children = those called by code numbers.

Klaxsaur = generic name for the giant monsters that are attacking mankind

Stampede mode = the state where the pilot loses control of the Franxx, the shape becomes deformed and it goes out of control.

The 13th Plantation "Cerasus" = the 13th plantation, to which the main characters have been assigned.

Parasite = generic name for those who board and control Franxx

Pistil / stamen = female pilots are called "pistil", male pilots are called "stamen"

Franxx = A robot weapon developed by humanity to fight Klaxsaurs.

Positive pulse / negative pulse = When riding a Franxx it is necessary for the pilots to synchronise with the Franxx, and this is how the signals sent by both pilots are referred to.

Misteltein = Commonly referred to as the "birdcage". The section in the plantation where the children live.

Lukes YGO & WS on YT

2018-01-20, 15:39

The opening was incredible.

That looked very unhealthy to eat.

Not surprised we already got a jealous boy & girl or 2 around.

Not surprised either that those 2 failed, only Zero Two is compatible with Hiro.

I don't feel sorry for Ichigo at all, complete jealous stuck up girl only doing it for her own selfish reasons, she got what she deserved, and at the end of it all had the nerve to call Hiro awful.

Hopefully they let Hiro pilot with Zero Two sometime, I want to see those 2 beat the living hell out of Zorome, they will shut him up for good.

Anh_Minh

2018-01-20, 15:42

One interesting tidbit is that it seems 02's makes her partners grow up faster. Which is evident that everyone looks like a teen, except for her partner who was pretty much an adult before he got offed. If there is a timeskip, it would be interesting to see Hiro to be much older than the rest of the cast, and they could tie some of the drama in there.

Why can't her old partner just be older? I don't think Hiro's squad are the first generation of pilots or anything. Just the latest iteration in their neck of the woods.

Well, there we have it, the sexual innuendo singularity. I think it's hard to make something more explicit than this without it being actual hentai. Starts from the OP with 002's obsession with honey (ahem) and only goes down from there :heh:. This show is shameless.

It was already explicit when they named the pilots after sexual organs (of flowers).

DevilHighDxD

2018-01-20, 15:45

Basically Hiro can’t get hard for Ichigo to work. What a way to reject a girl, hack even Ichigo tell Hiro to take it slowly. Also Zero-Two for waifu 2018.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 15:54

I wouldn't blame everything on Hiro. Ichigo didn't seem all that into it either.

kari-no-sugata II

2018-01-20, 15:56

PS There is a page up explaining certain keywords:
http://darli-fra.jp/keyword/

APE = institution that governs humanity.

Something I noticed on a re-watch. All the "big wigs" in their weird getup have faces that resemble particular apes. LOL

Requiem-x

2018-01-20, 16:03

So, in today's episode, our hero fails to get it up despite the best attempts of a long time friend after her current partner agreed to her showing him a good time.

Laser shooting neuroi dinosaurs? What could you be talking about? :heh:

Ok, while the references and visuals were awkard at first, by the end I was just enjoying myself, specially that last bit, and we even got some more bits of worldbuilding and characterization for the others as well, so a good episode indeed.

Kiss for Power UP!!!.... Not!!!~

Lol~ That was awkward~

I actually thought they'd pull it off at the end :heh: 02 must've given him a hell of a time.

“You were awful”

Ouch:heh:

Oh, this is going to be a fun one.

I wouldn't blame everything on Hiro. Ichigo didn't seem all that into it either.

They were both forcing it for their own reasons. I do appreciate its not just Hiro's fault, by the way.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 16:08

It should noted the translation is adding quite a bit of innuendo to the dialog. I don't appreciate this.

Blueknight78

2018-01-20, 16:27

omg, why we aways have to have that "bitch" broken third wheel love rival, that ichigo is getting what she diserves, hiro is not "her possession" she can stop to be a jerking with him, you already have your partner you know..., i really hate that sort of character just to be there to be the obligatory hidrance and worst cuz this can even damage her "bound with her real currently partner" if she keep being like that, just accept which you lost and move out bitch, stop to make this serie look "generic" with your "generic behaviour please".

this episode just make hate that bitch.

Also that annoying hot headed brat is another problem omg, what a pain in ass that guy along with ichigo become the "annoying bitch duo".

Haak

2018-01-20, 16:40

Man, I was really giving it the benefit of the doubt in Episode 1 but after Episode 2 I'm quite happy to turn against it. The ridiculous sexual themes are just way too over the top and even worse when the show tries to be so serious about it. I really don't need so much symbolism and pondering on horny teenagers being horny. Even Aquarion Evol managed to get a better rhythm and that show was all over the place.

And taking a perfectly nice character and dragging them through the mud just isn't a good story for an entire episode. It's like a repeat of Just Because. Why does anime feel an incessant need of giving us bad third wheel love interest roles?

Sakuratsuki

2018-01-20, 16:47

This pretty much sums up the episode.

https://preview.ibb.co/fe2mZG/1516471456789.jpg

Yep, this summed it pretty well. :heh: Interesting to see how it develops from here and on, seems like Hiro is only capable to pilot a Franxx with Zero two I wonder why. And Ichigo poor girl though.

Mitsuru is really annoying someone needs to put that dude in his place as soon as possible. :uhoh: Looks like those typical shady persons who will stab his friends easily in their backs if he gets the chance.

Gan_HOPE326

2018-01-20, 16:48

The thing about APE that makes me think is, in Italian APE (and in Latin, apis) means "bee". The pilots are called "stamen" and "pistil" and there's a lot of floreal imagery. Bees pollinate flowers. Could be a coincidence. Could be not.

Blueknight78

2018-01-20, 16:54

Y And Ichigo poor girl though.

Honestly i don't feel bad for her, she is getting what she asked for, she was being annoying the whole episode forcing herself into hiro, trying to say who must be his partner while him wanted to ride again with 02 and being almost the same asshole as like the asshole brat, they both can die together for me, they really make a perfect asshole couple.

another note why even "non frankin" vehicles have "ass controlls", even when he was piloting that little mech the controlls where like a ass lol.

nfsac

2018-01-20, 17:01

The intro pretty much confirms Zero-Two has a beast form. During the prologue of episode 1 we see her walking on the snow but with much bigger horns. During the intro it seems Hiro was also there but wearing a snow coat.

_Ninja_

2018-01-20, 17:40

Ichigo's doing it wrong.

She should be the one piloting and Hiro should be the control panel, which is why 02 was able to go FABULOUS MAX on the guy.

Given how they are deliberately keeping suspense there clearly is something different about how he did it with Zero Two.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 17:50

Blueknight78

2018-01-20, 17:55

I don't think so. Like I said before, the show isn't clever enough to reverse their roles in the cockpit. Besides you can see that 002's combat suit has the monitor helmet and butt handles just like the other girls.

well having it and "using it" are 2 different things(this is just the default uniform, this means which any woman will be using it), the scene showed she huging hiro and the cockpit closed it don't looked like she was going to the "basic position to pilot it, i think which probably you can also "pilot it in another way".

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 17:57

You're reaching. The evidence suggests there's nothing different about the way they were piloting it.

konart

2018-01-20, 17:59

I honestly want to write how disappointed I am, but I can't.
Even though the trailer made it pretty clear that the whole show will most likely be mediocre clusterfuck of tropes and cliches, they still managed to make it worse.

Star Driver made some attempts to convey similar themes without making the whole thing to look like... this. (reference NSFW link https://twitter.com/outrunton/status/954833148944224258/photo/1)

PS: And OMG, no matter how much of a Evangelion fan I am - this is a bit too much already, lol.

PPS: 02 is love though and so is the ED.

Haak

2018-01-20, 18:10

Honestly i don't feel bad for her, she is getting what she asked for, she was being annoying the whole episode forcing herself into hiro, trying to say who must be his partner while him wanted to ride again with 02 and being almost the same asshole as like the asshole brat, they both can die together for me, they really make a perfect asshole couple.

Tone it down, dude. None of them deserve to die.

And besides, Ichigo is the squad leader so she's allowed to give orders. It's not like she was going overboard either. She isn't petty enough to hate on 02 without reason or for her horns like the other girl did. The steps that she's taken to put a distance between 02 and Hiro obviously have a hint of jealousy to them but her formal rationale were also backed up by higher authorities both times. And given 02's history with partners, Ichigo does have a right to be concerned about Hiro's safety. It may be based on intuition but I doubt you'd take issue with her actions if she saw what happened to 02's last partner.

orion

2018-01-20, 18:18

well having it and "using it" are 2 different things(this is just the default uniform, this means which any woman will be using it), the scene showed she huging hiro and the cockpit closed it don't looked like she was going to the "basic position to pilot it, i think which probably you can also "pilot it in another way".

02 didn't have to get into her module for the vehicle to power up. Just those 2 in the seat was enough.

Hiro couldn't be in the female portion as he did not have a connecting suit with the spinal cord attachment.

SeijiSensei

2018-01-20, 18:24

Given how they are deliberately keeping suspense there clearly is something different about how he did it with Zero Two.

I don't think this is a very difficult question. He got aroused when kissing Zero Two and not when kissing Ichijo. Intriguingly, she didn't seem as unaware of the concept of kissing as Hiro did. She knew what it was, got out of her seat, and kissed him. As Kazu-kun said, it didn't seem to click for her either.

I had fun discriminating between the A-1 and Trigger sequences. In episode one, the scene inside the giant hall where the celebration took place looked very much like the scenes in Kill la Kill's Honnouji Academy, down to the anonymous faces in the crowd. But the most obvious differences appear between the ordinary-life scenes and the action sequences. A-1's work is, as always, very well crafted with attention to detail. One example I noticed was when Hiro and Zero Two were riding up an escalator. The director made sure to include a line in the escalator wall every so often where there would be joins between adjacent metal sheets. What A-1 doesn't usually have is flair. For that we have Trigger. The fight against the Klaxosaur looked like it came from Imaishi and company as did the scene between Zero Two and Hiro entering the mecha.

I found all the sexual innuendo amusing for a while, but I don't think they can build an entire show just on that and adolescent romantic jealousies. Let's go hunt some Klaxosaur!

Blueknight78

2018-01-20, 18:38

02 didn't have to get into her module for the vehicle to power up. Just those 2 in the seat was enough.

Hiro couldn't be in the female portion as he did not have a connecting suit with the spinal cord attachment.

yeah that is why when i saw the second episode it really make how 02 and hiro control the mecha look totally different from what it was here, they where basically hugging each other when the mecha activated his combat mode, them it's means which they really do it in a different way, even the cockipt of they mecha looked different, they even told which 002 mecha is a "very special one", that could means which he could work different from the others.

RDNexus

2018-01-20, 18:46

I rolled my eyes upon the scene with the pilots' positions inside their Franxx.
It couldn't be any more sexually explicit and denominative of male dominance.

Applehell

2018-01-20, 19:02

lmao, I'm impressed this managed to somehow be even more sexually charged than Kill-a-Kill and that had people getting naked every episode. :heh:

At least wasn't a couple/monster of week-fest I had expected it delve into by the 2nd episode.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 19:03

Well, to begin with using the doggy position to symbolize sex is pretty retarded when they go about compatibility and teamwork. That's the most self-centered sex position of all. The one that has less to do with two people opening up to each other and more about getting a quick fix for yourself with no regard for your partner.

But of course, in the end the real reason they put the girls like that is to show off their butts to the audience.

Kanon

2018-01-20, 19:04

Blueknight78

2018-01-20, 19:10

That was already more interesting than the first episode. Ichigo tried to "take back" Hiro, but she failed spectacularly. This will obviously negatively affect her, but I hope she won't become too bitter. She's a bit bland compared to Zero Two though, so that could be a good thing.

Hated Zorome (?)'s attitude. What the hell is his problem exactly, and why does nobody call him out on how big a dick he is? I have an idea as to why he hates Hiro with a passion, but I hope I'm wrong.

As expected of a mecha anime MC, Hiro is special. He didn't suffer any side effect after piloting with Zero Two, whose partners usually age rapidly and die after only piloting three times (I wonder how many died). As for the reason he can only connect with Zero Two, I too think it's simply because he's in love/attracted to her, and not because of some role reversal. Evidence that suggests Zero Two's position in the cockpit is the same: when she's piloting alone, her mech is on four legs.
she was not piloting "alone" she was with the guy, he just finally dried to death, and mecha position could had affected both not just her, if how he stand make a diference, i'm still waiting to proper see both piloting together to ble clear if they do in the same way as the others.

I think 02 must be a sort of "succubus", based on her look and the way her partners dying so fast.

And based on second episode now i know why they hired the to love ru darkness guy to draw the manga, the serie really fit something which could come from him.

James Rye

2018-01-20, 19:16

LOL! I just realized this episode that the handling for the boys to use are ON THE ASS OF THE GIRLS! Even the training unit had the handling shaped like a butt! What a crazy good insane amazing idea! XDDD

Looks like Gorou and Hiro are best buds, Gorou seems like the kinda guy you want to have as best friend. Supportive, calm, harmonic, always a smile on his face and somebody who worries more about you than himself. He's a true bro according to the bro code.

Too bad for Ichigo. Man, that was crushing watching how he said he felt nothing (but guilt) and her reaction to it. :C
Interesting that girls can sort of handle the piloting by themselves albeit it seems to be quite crude and short-lived for Ichigo. Nothing like when 02 (aka 0-Ni = Oni) did it after kissing Hiro. I wonder if either Hiro is the perfect partner for her as in that he won't die or that he is just the most she can suck out of energy to transform yet he still gonna risk his death sooner or later.

Also that grave with the flower... did Naomi really survive or does Hiro think the part about her being in the hospital was a lie? The grave he made seems to suggest the later.

"You were awful."
As a pilot or as a kisser, Ichigo?^^

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 19:19

The grave was for the bird.

James Rye

2018-01-20, 19:38

The grave was for the bird.

Totally forgot about that one. Well, guess since Hiro meet Oni he gives zero shit about other girls or his former partner then.^^;

Wandering Soul

2018-01-20, 19:39

That entire sequence was pretty cruel for Ichigo. I guess the difference is that 02 was more confident in what she was doing, not to mention that Hiro was attracted to her, while with Ichigo it's more like two kids that don't really know what they're doing.

kari-no-sugata II

2018-01-20, 19:46

It should noted the translation is adding quite a bit of innuendo to the dialog. I don't appreciate this.

Hmm. I didn't get that feeling. If anything the translation felt slightly plain to me.

Were there any lines that particularly stood out for you in this regard?

Hated Zorome (?)'s attitude. What the hell is his problem exactly, and why does nobody call him out on how big a dick he is? I have an idea as to why he hates Hiro with a passion, but I hope I'm wrong.

He just seems that type. He refers to himself as ore-sama after all. He and Miku are the extrovert (loud) and competitive pair.

Ichigo and Goro seem to be the "serious" (student council-type) pair. I'm not sure what else they have in common though (they both like Hiro!? lol)

Kokoro and Futoshi seem to be the calm, accepting, kind pair.

Ikuno and Mitsuru seem to be the introverted and sarcastic pair.

As expected of a mecha anime MC, Hiro is special. He didn't suffer any side effect after piloting with Zero Two, whose partners usually age rapidly and die after only piloting three times (I wonder how many died). As for the reason he can only connect with Zero Two, I too think it's simply because he's in love/attracted to her, and not because of some role reversal. Evidence that suggests Zero Two's position in the cockpit is the same: when she's piloting alone, her mech is on four legs.

I wonder what Hiro's background is. He seems to be special in some way but it seems he was also brought up in an orphanage like the others.

Twi

2018-01-20, 19:47

Honestly, I'm not taking this show seriously at all, so I had a good time watching for a laugh for once. Yeah, the double-talk probably had more to do with the translations, but honestly that adds to it for me. It's not going to be for everyone, but honestly its not trying to be all that subtle so I don't need to think too hard and can just enjoy the ride.

Mind you, it might get deeper later, but by then I'll be invested. I mean, I can sort of understand Hiro's need for a purpose and having a girl like that being the one to take charge of the relationship. She helps him gain some self-confidence, all while most of the others just can't relate to him or give him the emotional stability he needs to perform.

Shame about the childhood friend, but they rarely ever win in this sort of show and there's just no chemistry.

James Rye

2018-01-20, 19:49

Yeah, 02 is basically the experienced, dominant partner taking away all his nervousness and even twisting that nervousness into excitement like teasing him about not knowing what a kiss is. I guess this means though that there are pilots who can connect to lots of girls or girls who can be pilot by many guys, then again it is probably the best to have a couple that trust in each other as partners and you can get that only by training and working together a lot. Swiping partners all the time would hardly be good to build up trust. Which is probably why that stuck-up guy asked Ichigo why she wants to be Hiro's partner when she already got Gorou. Thankfully Gorou's not the jealous type, seems more easy-going so I think in future piloting sessions his part will be less of a problem whereas Ichigo will probably still wreck her brain around it why she couldn't connect with Hiro messing with her ability to connect with Gorou. Could be wrong, but she seems to be the stubborn type who tries to go through the wall with her head then just giving up.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 20:12

That's a problem with the logic of the show. The old dude who created all this tech (Dr. Frankxx?) clearly knows the kids are supposed to love (or at least being attracted to) their partners to achieve maximum compatibility and whatnot. Problem is, no one else in charge seems to know this or are simply acting like idiots for the sake of the plot. They don't even teach the kids what love or sex is to begin with.

Twi

2018-01-20, 20:28

The fact that they don't know what a Kiss is, or Darling as a terminology, makes me wonder just how isolated they were. Or if this was a global thing after the end of the world.

Edit: Actually, one thing I wonder is why did they tell the kids that 02 had monster blood in her? That seems like something you tell on a need-to-know basis.

orion

2018-01-20, 20:34

That's the problem with the logic of the show. The old dude who created all this tech (Dr. Frankxx?) clearly knows the kids are supposed to love (or at least being attracted to) their partners to achieve maximum compatibility and whatnot. Problem is, no one else in charge seems to know this or are simply acting like idiots for the sake of the plot. They don't even teach the kids what love or sex is to begin with.

Maybe love isn't needed. Love introduces psych interferences which can decrease syncing. They just need the pilots to connect platonically enough to operate the mecha.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 20:42

Maybe not necessarily love, but sexual attraction seems to be the key here.

serenade_beta

2018-01-20, 20:44

lol, so in other words, this is like a "more expensive-looking"
version of Kenzen Robo or the such? :heh:

Anyways, it was pretty funny. The whole sex-related... everything and the protagonist not being able to get erected and then Ichigo saying he sucked at sex. :heh:
So what now? You already have a partner you had sex with and you tried to make out with another guy you like, but he already experienced sex so amazing (he seems to have been using an ona-hole until then) that he can't go all the way with you? :heh:
Gonna kill her? :heh:

Anyways, that was pretty stupid. Funny, but stupid.

ScrewySquirrel

2018-01-20, 21:00

The show is so sexual it's almost a farce

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 21:10

Being sexual is okay but this show comes across as somewhat hypocritical about it. It's like it's denouncing the adults in the story for using the kids' sexuality for their own convenience (to fight and such), while the producers are doing the same thing with the fanservice, which kinda defeats the point. lol

Twi

2018-01-20, 21:12

When did it denounce the adults? I think we're the ones doing that.

Maybe not necessarily love, but sexual attraction seems to be the key here.

Considering the perverted old man who played grab-ass last episode was the one who designed the robots, probably. Maybe they turn the libido into fuel to pilot the robots like Star Driver to an extent.

blakstealth

2018-01-20, 21:15

The sexual vibes of this show really amuse me

Arkard

2018-01-20, 21:17

When did it denounce the adults? I think we're the ones doing that.

Considering the perverted old man who played grab-ass last episode was the one who designed the robots, probably. Maybe they turn the libido into fuel to pilot the robots like Star Driver to an extent.

Yeah... I don't think the design of the male piloting is a coincidence what with said ass grabbing. :uhoh:

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 21:21

When did it denounce the adults? I think we're the ones doing that.

The kids are explicitly told their whole meaning in life is to pilot the robots (which are apparently fueled by their sexual desires) and if they can "get it up," they are disposed off like it was gonna happen to Naomi and Hiro in the first episode. The show might not spell it out be it's clearly showing what the adults are doing isn't right. And then the show does the same thing when it fetishizes the characters’ sexuality for the purpose of selling BDs.

You can't have your cake and eat it too, A-1. That's not nice.

Twi

2018-01-20, 21:23

^ Honestly, that's kind of the state of the world. If you can't work, you're useless. It was the same in that series about the Filth Beasts, I think. Can't remember the name. Anyway, we don't know enough about the setting outside of the plantations or everything to take a good enough grasp.

On another thing, I found manga compresses some of the scenes, like the face licking. She instead does it while in the mess hall.

James Rye

2018-01-20, 21:27

Maybe not necessarily love, but sexual attraction seems to be the key here.

I think it is trust and passion, or empathy for the other one, showing you care, ease them, show them you are there for the other one.
Like Hachi, the APE leader, said; trust has a direct consequence on the handling on the mecha. When Zorome said he wouldn't mind't piloting Ichigo, Miku was ticked off and despite her not actually wanting to fall down (her yelling at ihim to "get it up" xD) they both fell because the trust between them was shaken or even broken for a moment. And I think empathy is the other thing, like when Gorou asked Ichigo is she is fine or when Kokoro eased her partner that he didn't suck but did fine or when Ichigo tried to do the same for Hiro, telling him to just concentrate on connecting and she will take care of the rest though I think doing so might have had the opposite effect on way-to-hard-trying-and-easily-frustrated-Hiro.

So I think it isn't necessarily love or erotic/sexual attraction but more like a partnership, a "marriage" so to say, where sex ofc plays a part in it but only a part, it is not the whole deal. I think what Hiro's real problem might be is that he focus too much on himself, on piloting and not enough on his partner. Like he couldn't remember anything from that time in Oni's FranXX but he was still 100% sure that he did piloted it and that was pretty much all he cared about. Same when Oni came for brunch, all he was going on about was the piloting, not her or spending time with her or how to spend it, something she wanted to do with him which was the reason why she visited his house to begin with, to be close to him, eat together with him. Basically Hiro is focusing so much on the "sex" part aka the/his performance in a Mecha that he loses the whole big picture which is his partner. And Oni is such a dominant character that she can make him letting her become his whole picture. "Wham" so to say. XD

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 21:28

^ Honestly, that's kind of the state of the world. If you can't work, you're useless.

That's not the problem. What bothers me is how the show is shooting itself in the foot by defeating its own point.

I think it is trust and passion, or empathy for the other one, showing you care, ease them, show them you are there for the other one.

What made the trick for Hiro was a simple kiss with a hot chick he was clearly attracted to. Not sure if that's all that's needed but it seems to be the main thing.

orion

2018-01-20, 21:32

The kids are explicitly told their whole meaning in life is to pilot the robots (which are apparently fueled by their sexual desires) and if they can "get it up," they are disposed off like it was gonna happen to Naomi and Hiro in the first episode. The show might not spell it out be it's clearly showing what the adults are doing with the kids isn't right.

But they haven't denounced the adults and we prob haven't been shown the full extent of what is being done. The OP is hinting that it's pretty bad. EVen that caretaker who is an adult is one of them ("Nana" = 7).

James Rye

2018-01-20, 21:33

That's not the problem. What bothers me is how the show is shooting itself in the foot by defeating its own point.

I think we are still missing a part here to fully get why the adults are doing what they are doing. Why call the children "parasites", why not even give them a name, why not educate them properly about sex or what "darling" means? English should still be a thing even when the world is in a state like this. What do the numbers mean? Why are there no single digits expect Oni? How are double digits "Elite" and would a "99" still be an elite or not? Are there really less than 1000 children of which a couple like Hiro and Namoi turns out incompatible and are just thrown away? Seems really wasteful for something so important to fight the Kraxosaur-monsters.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 21:37

But they haven't denounced the adults.

They didn't spell it out but it's implied anyway. What with the guys in charge being depicted as a shady bunch of hooded old geezers and their treatment of the kids as expendable assets.

Twi

2018-01-20, 21:40

That's not the problem. What bothers me is how the show is shooting itself in the foot by defeating its own point.

Mmmm... You said it yourself that the show isn't being clear about, so it might be you drawing cues from past experiences rather than the show being at the point where they're denouncing the adults.

Then again, it might just be my own thoughts blinding me to it because they haven't been subtle at all with the themes, so I'm expecting a blunt missile to the face where we see the kids bloodied and battered trying to survive like Iron Blooded Orphans. I think its more a statement of the world because it's like how the kids in Made in Abyss operated, the society they're in just that messed up.

That being said, I see where you're coming from though and I'm the last person who'd defend A-1 because we know they go for the appeal over deeper content. But Studio Trigger has done some things here that shows there's ground for it, because considering some of the other elements shown there's been some actual thought put into the shows themes.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 21:43

Well I'm making some assumptions too, but it's not rare for anime shows to betray their own themes, specially if story and the need to sell end up at odds with each other like it seems to be happening here.

We'll have to wait and see I guess.

Endscape

2018-01-20, 21:44

It was unusual to see a MC in a mecha series so into piloting right from the start, but considering the innuendo, it makes perfect sense. :heh:

This episode felt so much more sexual than the average fanservce filled show. It simultaenously made me a little uncomfortable at some points and made me burst out into laughter at others, so I'll give them kudos for that.

Looking forward to seeing where the show will go next.

orion

2018-01-20, 22:15

Malicre

2018-01-20, 22:30

Honestly i hope that is the end to the love triangle.

Blueknight78

2018-01-20, 22:56

Honestly i hope that is the end to the love triangle.

i also hope that, this bitch need to stop "butt" into others peoples business and focus on her own, she is the third broken wheel why she would keep being a annoying specially now since the mc made clear which she is not his type and he just want 02, gonna really terrible if they keep pulling her in a pointless and crap love triangle or make stupid harem for the sake of perve harem/love triangle otaku maniacs, this serie already enough filled with a lot of cliche to keep pulling that pointless one.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-20, 23:01

Episode 2 amuses me for reasons that many already said. Good job, show, I'll keep on watching.

Well, to begin with using the doggy position to symbolize sex is pretty retarded when they go about compatibility and teamwork. That's the most self-centered sex position of all. The one that has less to do with two people opening up to each other and more about getting a quick fix for yourself with no regard for your partner.The reason they used doggystyle to symbolize sex is probably simply due to the fact that other sex positions are not good for piloting. You certainly can't position the pilots in Missionary or 69. I guess the Oath, Ice Cream, Iron & Frog positions are do-able but they are still more awkward than doggystle for piloting. And if you positioned them like F-14's two-seater, you lost the symbolism.

Also, as someone with firsthand experience, I disagree that doggystyle disregard the partner totally. Many women actually like the position and ask for it. Also, it's all down to how you execute it to make your partner happy ;). You can do the Concubine, Scorpio or Flatiron :naughty:. All of them are doggy variations that makes your female partner comfortable while enjoying the intercourse.

But of course, in the end the real reason they put the girls like that is to show off their butts to the audience.You don't say! :heh:.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-20, 23:18

The reason they used doggystyle to symbolize sex is probably simply due to the fact that other sex positions are not good for piloting.

That's besides the point. They could symbolize sex in a million of different ways and imagery. They don't really need the sex poses. That's just fanservice.

Twi

2018-01-20, 23:23

Anyone else crack up when the Shouta's mech stopped working because the girl he was with took offense to him claiming he'd pilot Ichigo's mech?

Malicre

2018-01-20, 23:27

i also hope that, this bitch need to stop "butt" into others peoples business and focus on her own, she is the third broken wheel why she would keep being a annoying specially now since the mc made clear which she is not his type and he just want 02, gonna really terrible if they keep pulling her in a pointless and crap love triangle or make stupid harem for the sake of perve harem/love triangle otaku maniacs, this serie already enough filled with a lot of cliche to keep pulling that pointless one.

This episode was almost borderline cringe with the love triangle.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 00:17

That's besides the point. They could symbolize sex in a million of different ways and imagery. They don't really need the sex poses. That's just fanservice.But nothing speaks "blatant sex symbolism" better than body positions. And since this is Trigger, they need to be blatant and in-your-face obvious :D.

DragoonKain3

2018-01-21, 00:18

Reversing the roles would be way too clever for this show. Most likely he couldn't pilot with Ichigo simply because he's not sexually attracted to her.
See, I can't decide whether the reason why Hiro can't partner with 'normal' people because he is 'not normal' like 02 (whether he is half-lizard or tainted with lizard blood/genes I dunno), or that simply because he needs to be the bottom. XD

Why can't her old partner just be older? I don't think Hiro's squad are the first generation of pilots or anything. Just the latest iteration in their neck of the woods.

Show (IIRC it was the council) explicitly said that Hiro is resistant to the rapid aging process that 02's partners have experienced. There mus be a reason why he was kept in the academy rather than sent back to the orphanage like Naomi was supposed to be, and I suspect the council knows why Hiro is 'special'.

Shame about the childhood friend, but they rarely ever win in this sort of show and there's just no chemistry.
What? If Ichigo and Hiro are childhood friends, all of them are (apart from 02). The only indication these guys knew each other is that they were discussing Naomi going back to the 'orphanage'. And considering everyone calls the head figure 'papa', I'm pretty sure all of them are from the orphanage.

And why do I have a sneaking suspicion that Hiro and 02 met when they were kids, and that's a big reason for their compatibility. Hiro having a previous encounter with Klaxsaurs and being tainted by their blood may be one reason why he can't pilot with the others for too long, and his compatibility with the half-klasxaur girl. Of course this is speculation, but I'm sure they will expand why 02 instantly recognized Hiro and exclaiming "Mitsuketa!" in the pilot episode.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 00:22

But nothing speaks "blatant sex symbolism" better than body positions. And since this is Trigger, they need to be blatant and in-your-face obvious :D.

First, this is an A-1 project, not Trigger's. The latter are just helping out here and there. Second, they don't really 'need' to be blatant. They are blatant because it's convenient for fanservice purpose. Actually, a little subtlety would make for a better show. It might not sell as well as the current thing though.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 00:32

First, this is an A-1 project, not Trigger's. The latter are just helping out here and there. Second, they don't really 'need' to be blatant. They are blatant because it's convenient for fanservice purpose. Actually, a little subtlety would make for a better show. It might not sell as well as the current thing though.Wasn't the credits written as "Trigger / A1" or did I remember it wrong? Also, no matter which party dominates, you know that both have tendencies for fanservice. Now they are working together, in a mecha genre. I sure as heck expect a lot of fanservice from that fact alone. I just hate the harem-ecchi tropes & cliche from episode 1 and I'm glad they seem to tone that down.

Subtlety will most likely make for a better show, but is the show even aiming for subtlety in the first place? I think "blatant & obvious" is the name of the game so far :p. I'm just grateful that it's not cringey and grating like Highschool DxD or other power-fantasy series that requires the MC to lewd the heroines for power.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 00:43

Wasn't the credits written as "Trigger / A1" or did I remember it wrong?

For what I can tell most of the key names in the staff are more related to A-1 than Trigger.

Subtlety will most likely make for a better show, but is the show even aiming for subtlety in the first place?

My point is all this crap is unnecessary and actually hurt the show in many ways. It doesn't matter what they're aiming for.

I'm just grateful that it's not cringey and grating like Highschool DxD or other power-fantasy series that requires the MC to lewd the heroines for power.

So we have to be grateful because it's not a 10 but a 8 on the crap scale, I see.

You know, let's end the discussion here. The more I think about it the more crap to bitch about I find and I don't want to shit on the tread more than I already did. :heh:

Twi

2018-01-21, 00:53

And why do I have a sneaking suspicion that Hiro and 02 met when they were kids, and that's a big reason for their compatibility. Hiro having a previous encounter with Klaxsaurs and being tainted by their blood may be one reason why he can't pilot with the others for too long, and his compatibility with the half-klasxaur girl. Of course this is speculation, but I'm sure they will expand why 02 instantly recognized Hiro and exclaiming "Mitsuketa!" in the pilot episode.

You know, that's a possibility and it might explain why he was given special permission to stay despite Naomi being shipped off. He just chose to leave until her transporter got destroyed. The fact that he was supposed to stay right when she was arriving is another thing, but the other men in masks didn't seem to know that or they wouldn't be complaining.

And, though this is my own opinion, I think it'd lose something if his compatibility issues were biological instead of psychological.

Speaking of biological, does anyone else thing 02's sweet preferences has to do with her biology. She's constantly eating sweets if anything, like a lollipop when she was watching Hiro work out by the train. Considering the flower themes, I was thinking it was something like a bee that transports pollen between Pistil and Stamen, and that she might be able to work with women as well given how she licked Ichigo and her voice was the one that came out of the robot the first time.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 01:00

For what I can tell most of the key names in the staff are more related to A-1 than Trigger. The show still looks like the works of both to me.

My point is all this crap is unnecessary and actually hurt the show in many ways. It doesn't matter what they're aiming for. What their aiming for actually matters. Just like how shows like Mushishi is aiming to be slow and atmospheric (and episodic), you can't critisize the show for being slow & episodic. Same case for blatant sexual symbolism. As for hurting the show, I certainly don't see it. In fact, if they don't do (or overdo) it, the show might lost one of its major appeals for me :p.

So we have to be grateful because it's not a 10 but a 8 on the crap scale, I see.Eh, I don't think so. The way I compare both shows is like this: Franxx is like "in-your-face sex symbolism" and DxD is more like "in-your-face sex/ecchi". I don't know about you, but I like the former more than the latter ;).

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 01:15

The show still looks like the works of both to me.

You're seeing what you want to see. The names in the credit don't lie.

What their aiming for actually matters. Just like how shows like Mushishi is aiming to be slow and atmospheric (and episodic), you can't critisize the show for being slow & episodic.

You can if being slow and episodic actually hurts the plot or the themes of the show. It depends.

Same case for blatant sexual symbolism. As for hurting the show, I certainly don't see it. In fact, if they don't do (or overdo) it, the show might lost one of its major appeals for me :p.

It's cool that you like it. But I'm talking about how it defeats one of the points the show is apparently trying to convey.

Eh, I don't think so. The way I compare both shows is like this: Franxx is like "in-your-face sex symbolism" and DxD is more like "in-your-face sex/ecchi". I don't know about you, but I like the former more than the latter ;).

So a 8 instead of 10 in the crap scale. Doesn't make any different to me though.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 01:31

You're seeing what you want to see. The names in the credit don't lie.Yes, and both studios still do fanservice like I said before. Maybe the so-called "A-1 crew" decided to go with more of Trigger's blatant-ness and input. Who knows? What we can see on-screen is the obvious Trigger influence.

You can if being slow and episodic actually hurts the plot or the themes of the show. It depends.

It's cool that you like it. But I'm talking about how it defeats one of the points the show is apparently trying to convey.We haven't seen the entirety of Franxx' bigger plot and themes. We're still very early in the show for you to make that judgement. None of the immediate plot and themes are hurt by the sex symbolism so far.

So a 8 instead of 10 in the crap scale. Doesn't make any different to me though.It's more like a different concept with same sexual feature to me. It can't be simply explained with numbers. But you can define it however you want.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 01:38

Yes, and both studios still do fanservice like I said before. Maybe the so-called "A-1 crew" decided to go with more of Trigger's blatant-ness and input. Who knows? What we can see on-screen is the obvious Trigger influence.

It's not like A-1 is alien to fanservice. In fact I'd say butt shots are kind of their specialty. SAO is full of them.

We haven't seen the entirety of Franxx' bigger plot and themes. We're still very early in the show for you to make that judgement. None of the immediate plot and themes are hurt by the sex symbolism so far.

I'm may be making some assumptions but my point was sound enough considering what we've seen so far. But we'll see.

It's more like a different concept with same sexual feature to me.

It's just fanservice.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 01:43

It's not like A-1 is alien to fanservice. In fact I'd say butt shots are kind of their specialty. SAO is full of them.So, blatant fanservice, right? This is no different, and the concept of the show actually strengthen it. Throw in sexual symbolism and you get the idea. Kill la Kill anyone?

I'm may be making some assumptions but my point was sound enough considering what we've seen so far. But we'll see. That's right. We'll see ;).

It's just fanservice.Even fanservice has variations :heh:.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 01:49

the concept of the show actually strengthen it.

Look at it the other way around. The concept of a show featuring some shady organization using kids and their sexual desires for their own purposes doesn't get strengthened by shoehorning fanservice to sells BDs. It actually defeats the point. This is exactly the sort of show that would benefit from a more subtle less gratuitous approach because it actually deals with sexuality.
Even fanservice has variations

Different smell. Same crap.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 02:05

Look at it the other way around. The concept of a show featuring some shady organization using kids and their sexual desires for their own purposes doesn't get strengthened by shoehorning fanservice to sells BDs. It actually defeats the point. This is exactly the sort of show that would benefit from a more subtle less gratuitous approach because it actually deals with sexuality. I don't think using kids' sexual desire so that they can pilot the giant robots is necessarily wrong if that's the only way for humanity to survive the Klaxosaurs. But we'll see how things will unfold regarding that. And if you gotta do something regardless, why not make it looks cool and sexy? Especially when the show is not aiming for subtlety.

Different smell. Same crap.Hey, at least you don't use simple numbers anymore. So that's a tiny step in the right direction :heh:.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 02:10

I don't think using kids' sexual desire so that they can pilot the giant robots is necessarily wrong if that's the only way for humanity to survive the Klaxosaurs. But we'll see how things will unfold regarding that.

We do need to see a bit more, but so far the show doesn't seem to paint them in a good light, considering they're depicted as a bunch of shady old geezers treating the kids as disposable assets. We're not talking Gendo Ikari here. These guys aren't portrayed with that sort of ambiguity as far as I can see.

And if you gotta do something regardless, why not make it looks cool and sexy? Especially when the show is not aiming for subtlety.

There's nothing cool and sexy about a bunch of 14 year old kids in the doggy position, to be honest. It's just gratuitous crap. The only one who's kinda cool and sexy is 002 because she's in command of her sexuality to some extent. The other kids have no idea what they're doing, or more specially what the adults are making them do.

shadow1296

2018-01-21, 02:15

whether this is A-1 doing or triggers doing,(i am going to go with trigger as they are the only ones who have this crazy of a concept) this series is going to have a lot of fanservice i just hope we can to the fun mecha action part soon because i really need a good mecha to come out of japan soon, and knights and magic and gundam IBO did not fill that void as much as i'd hoped they would

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 02:21

We do need to see a bit more, but so far the show doesn't seem to paint them in a good light, considering they're depicted as a bunch of shady old geezers treating the kids as disposable assets.So far, I think they treated the kids not much worse than how the best governments treated their best soldiers (or maybe athletes). And in this setting, the kids are basically just that. And there's also the fact that the entire humanity seem to be cornered with not many alternatives left.

There's nothing cool and sexy about a bunch of 14 year old kids in the doggy position, to be honest. It's just gratuitous crap. The only one who's kinda cool and sexy is 002 because she's in command of her sexuality to some extent. The other kids have no idea what they're doing.Meh, it's anime-relativism. The exaggerated shot of the bodies look like the shape of mature women. Thank god this is not Strike Witches that's full of loli/underage bodies with exposed (kiddy) panties and (kiddy) swimsuit crotches :uhoh:.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 02:23

So far, I think they treated the kids not much worse than how the best governments treated their best soldiers (or maybe athletes). And in this setting, the kids are basically just that. And there's also the fact that the entire humanity seem to be cornered with not many alternatives left.

You have to look at the whole portrayal, how they appear as a shady and mysterious organization and such. It could be just misdirection but chances are they're actually a bunch of self-entitled assholes.

Meh, it's anime-relativism. The exaggerated shot of the bodies look like the shape of mature

That's just a rationalization to avoid the issue.

Thank god this is not Strike Witches that's full of loli/underage bodies with exposed (kiddy) panties and (kiddy) swimsuit crotches

It's actually worse than Strike Witches because this show deals with sexuality while exploiting it at the same time. Strike Witches is a fanservice fest but they're more straightforward and honest about it.

Diluc

2018-01-21, 02:26

The manga version btw has out and i WAY love the manga Zero two than anime version:p

seiftis

2018-01-21, 02:33

Since she is ZeroTwo... i'm wondering who is ZeroOne and what happened to him.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 02:35

You have to look at the whole portrayal, how they appear as a shady and mysterious organization and such. It could be just misdirection but chances are they're actually a bunch of self-entitled assholes.They're basically higher-up politicians. Being shady is just natural :heh:. I personally will look more at how the kids are treated in this desperate times of the setting (given all the treatments they receive are necessary for humanity's survival).

That's just a rationalization to avoid the issue.

It's actually worse than Strike Witches because this show deals with sexuality while exploiting it at the same time. Strike Witches is a fanservice fest but they're more straightforward and honest about it.I simply don't think so or I think the contrary.

The manga version btw has out and i WAY love the manga Zero two than anime version:pOf course you are :D.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 02:45

They're basically higher-up politicians. Being shady is just natural.

Not every anime depicts their higher-ups this unambiguously shady. But whatever flips your boat. We'll see soon enough anyway.

I simply don't think so or I think the contrary.

Sure. But the point makes sense either way.

_Ninja_

2018-01-21, 02:58

I don't think this is a very difficult question. He got aroused when kissing Zero Two and not when kissing Ichijo. Intriguingly, she didn't seem as unaware of the concept of kissing as Hiro did. She knew what it was, got out of her seat, and kissed him. As Kazu-kun said, it didn't seem to click for her either.

None of the others seem to lose their memories though. I am not saying it's just that they sit in a reverse position. But something is different. Also given how all her other partners die.

I don't think so. Like I said before, the show isn't clever enough to reverse their roles in the cockpit. Besides you can see that 002's combat suit has the monitor helmet and butt handles just like the other girls.

It's not that clever. Not any more than other sexual innuendo in the show. It's kind of obvious actually. Just that they may not go for the main male hero being "the bottom".

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 03:05

Not every anime depicts their higher-ups this unambiguously shady. But whatever flips your boat. We'll see soon enough anyway.Indeed, but if the kids in the mechas are the only things that are standing between humanity and Klaxosaurs and there's really no better alternative, we can't really blame the adults for exploiting the kids' sexual desires to get things done (if that's really the case), except those who went too far in exploiting the kids. The kids depiction in Gundam IBO comes to mind as an example of how adults can be such dicks to kids. We'll see with this one, but so far, they're treated rather reasonably in this setting.

Sure. But the point makes sense.As well as my point. Why do you think many people were surprised when they first realized that the Sailor Scouts' age are ranging between 14 to 16? That's simply because anime depictions often don't look their age :heh:. On one hand, what appears on-screen as characters with mature and hot bodies are actually underage girls, and on the other hand, we have petite girls with childlike bodies who are actually mature women :eyespin:. That's why I just throw them into relativism (except for realistic characters).

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 03:05

None of the others seem to lose their memories though. I am not saying it's just that they sit in a reverse position. But something is different. Also given how all her other partners die.
It was implied they die because piloting with her makes them age faster. It was stated they didn't find signs of aging in Hiro though, so it looks like he's immune to her "curse" somehow.

Indeed, but if the kids in the mechas are the only things that are standing between humanity and Klaxosaurs and there's really no better alternative, we can't really blame the adults for exploiting the kids' sexual desires to get things done (if that's really the case), unless those who went too far in exploiting the kids. The kids depiction in Gundam IBO comes to mind as an example of how the adults can be such dicks to kids. We'll see with this one, but so far, they're treated rather reasonably.

You know they could have the kids fight without exploiting them, right? It doesn't matter if they're doing this for humanity's sake. The way they go about it is wrong.

As well as my point. Why do you think many people were surprised when they first realized that the Sailor Scouts' age are ranging between 14 to 16? That's simply because anime depictions often don't look their age :heh:. On one hand, what appears on-screen as characters with mature and hot bodies are actually underage girls, and on the other hand, we have petite girls with childlike bodies who are actually mature women :eyespin:. That's why I just throw them into relativism (except for realistic characters).

Fanservice is just fanservice. I personally don't think there's anything inherently wrong with it unless it's at odds with what the show is about or trying to say. You can't have your cake and eat it too. And again, there's nothing sexy or cool about these kids being forced into sexual positions when they don't even understand what sex is about. That's just pitiful. And the fact their pitiful ignorance is used as fanservice is pretty shitty stuff.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 03:24

You know they could have the kids fight without exploiting them, right? It doesn't matter if they're doing this for humanity's sake. The way they go about it is wrong. How? The anime still haven't shown us any other alternatives that can make the kids pilot their robots well other than what we're shown so far. Or are you talking about meta-reasons?

Fanservice is just fanservice. I personally don't think there's anything inherently wrong with it unless it's at odds with what the show is about or trying to say. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Although I still don't find anything sexy or cool about these kids being forced into sexual positions when they don't even understand what sex is about. That's just pitiful. And the fact that they're use their pitiful ignorance as fanservice does rubs me the wrong way.Again, relativism. The witches in Strike Witches (some underage) are also "forced" to expose their panties to battle aliens when the writers can simply make them wear more decent outfits, and you deemed that show to be better. It's all relative.

And the odds that you're talking about simply isn't there (yet?).

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 03:30

How? The anime still haven't shown us any other alternatives that can make the kids pilot their robots well other than what we're shown so far.

The kids don't necessarily have to do anything different but it would make a difference if they weren't treated as disposable slaves and also if they were properly educated so they would actually knew what the fuck they're doing instead of being ignorant puppets.

Again, relativism. The witches in Strike Witches (some underage) are also "forced" to expose their panties to battle aliens when the writers can simply make them wear more decent outfits, and you deemed that show to be better. It's all relative.

You're missing the point. I was taking about being forced in-universe. I deemed Strike Witches better because it's perfectly normal to show off their crotches for them in-universe. It's only fanservice for the audience but inside the story is perfectly fine. In this show on the other hand the characters suffer a double exploitation. They're exploited by the shady organization in-universe and they're exploited as fanservice for the audience. The latter cheapens the point they're making with the former.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 03:54

The kids don't necessarily have to do anything different but it would make a difference if they weren't treated as disposable slaves and also if they were properly educated so they would actually knew what the fuck they're doing instead of being ignorant puppets. We still don't know what they do to kids who can't pilot. Even Hiro's first female partner who failed seems to received a proper medical treatment when injured.

And the kids know what they are doing. Education-wise and academic-wise, the only things that are mysterious to them (so far) is the secret behind the aptitude test and how can a person like 02 exists. You can categorize both points as top secret need-to-know matters.

You're missing the point. I'm taking about being forced in-universe. I deemed Strike Witches better because it's perfectly normal to show off their crotches for them in-universe. It's only fanservice for the audience but inside the story is perfectly fine. In this show on the other hand the characters suffer a double exploitation. They're exploited by the shady organization in-universe and they're exploited as fanservice for the audience. The latter cheapens the point they're making with the former.And you think the witches in SW aren't universally forced to fight with flashing their panties? You really think that they won't cover their crotches if given the choice? :heh:

So far, Hiro's friends in Franxx aren't forced to perform sexual deeds to pilot their robots. Ichigo kissing Hiro in this episode is solely Ichigo's decision in which Hiro only innocently offered the idea of it (which still makes sense given his experience). The adults didn't really force the kids to make out or anything (so far). 02's sexual method is presented as the exception rather than the rule (so far). The piloting positions are silly, but who knows? Maybe there's an in-universe explanation for it. If not then you can file that into "writer's whim"-category like the panty-thing in SW.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 04:02

We still don't know what they do to kids who can't pilot. Even Hiro's first female partner who failed seems to received a proper medical treatment.

First episode clearly suggests those who can't pilot are disposed off. We need confirmation but we can't ignore those hints. And the kids are not properly educated and not given any choices either. They're actually indoctrinated into believing piloting the robots is their whole meaning in life.

And you think the witches in SW aren't universally forced to fight with flashing their panties? You really think that they won't cover their crotches if given the choice?

I never got the feeling that they felt ashamed about it. They seemed perfectly fine with it, or rather the concept of feelings ashamed by showing off their panties just didn't exist in their world as far as I can see. And more importantly, they weren't forced to become witches. They didn't need to show off their crotches if they didn't become witches and they had that choice.

So far, Hiro's friends in Franxx aren't forced to perform sexual deeds to pilot their robots.

The position they're forced into is sexual in and of itself.

Ichigo kissing Hiro in this episode is solely Ichigo's decision

Yes, but Hiro pretty much said it was necessary for him to be able to pilot, and they know they have to produce results or they run the risk of being disposed off. Don't forget last episode Hiro himself was almost taken away.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 04:21

First episode clearly suggests those who can't pilot are disposed off. We need confirmation but we can't ignore those hints. And the kids are not properly educated and not given any choices either. They're actually indoctrinated into believing piloting the robots is their whole meaning in life. So, we need to know what this so-called "disposed off" actually means. Do they use those orphans for labor, or kill them and use as food? :heh:

I never got the feeling that they felt ashamed about it. They seemed perfectly fine with it. Yes, because they can only use their witch machines with full potential that way. And the world already (long?) accepted that the witches wear such outfits, just like how the piloting positions in Franxx is already established in its world and the kid-pilots are fine with it.

The position they're forced into is sexual in and of itself.It is established in-universe (like SW's panty-machines) and nobody made a fuss about it (like SW's panty-machines).

Yes, but Hiro pretty much said it was necessary for him to be able to pilot, and they know they have to produce results or they run the risk of being disposed off. Don't forget last episode Hiro himself was almost taken away.Hiro seem to be overly obsessed with piloting. Even his friends thought that Hiro's initial decision of leaving the Plantation once he deemed unable to pilot as something extreme. He was given the right to stay and (what seemed to be) accommodated living with no outside pressure to leave the Plantation. Still, I wanna see what other career options the non-pilot orphan kids can get in this setting. Considering the post-apocalyptic setting, maybe not much, but they're still something.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 04:29

So, we need to know what this so-called "disposed off" actually means. Do they use those orphans for labor, or kill them and use as food? :heh:

I don't know, but none of that sounds fun to me.

Yes, because they can only use their witch machines with full potential that way. And the world already (long?) accepted that the witches wear such outfits, just like how the piloting positions in Franxx is already established in its world and the kid-pilots are fine with it.

They can't be fine with it when they don't even know about sexuality. On top of that they don't even have the choice to not pilot. They are told piloting is all they can do and they're disposed off if they don't do it. The witches on the other hand can choose not to become witches. They have that choice. And their lack of shame is not due to ignorance.

He was given the right to stay

To try piloting again. They probably thought he still had some potential.

Cosmic Eagle

2018-01-21, 04:40

ED animation is pretty interesting.....Wouldn't mind a spinoff of everyone in present day life. Nice OP too

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 04:51

I don't know, but none of that sounds fun to me. I don't think their worlds have a lot of choices regarding that. Maybe orphans are treated worse.

They can't be fine with it when they don't even know about sexuality. On top of that they don't even have the choice to not pilot. They are told piloting is all they can do and they're disposed off if they don't do it. The witches on the other hand can choose not to become witches. They have that choice. And their lack of shame is not due to ignorance. Eh, you chose to be offended in the way they arrange the piloting seats. But considering the setting, it might not be such a big deal (for the kids and adults) and won't count as exploiting anything. They might consider this the equivalent of "first-world problem" in their world :heh:. And again, we're still waiting for more explanation. Also, we still haven't seen the adults treating the kids in a sexual offense kinda way. In contrast, we only have Professor Grabass who harassed a perfectly mature woman so far :heh:.

To try piloting again. They probably thought he still had potential.Maybe.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 04:59

I don't think their worlds have a lot of choices regarding that.

I don't think there's any valid reason to treat the kids like slaves. Even if they need them to pilot, there's better ways to go about it. But I already said that.

But considering the setting, it might not be such a big deal (for the kids and adults) and won't count as exploiting anything.

The kids don't have the choice to decide whether it's a big deal because they're ignorant about sexuality.

Also, we still haven't seen the adults treating the kids in a sexual offense kinda way.

They're making them drive their sexually-fueled machines while keeping them ignorant about sexuality and without giving them the choice to not pilot. That's bad enough in my book.

Irenesharda

2018-01-21, 06:09

Watching this episode, I'm reminded of why I couldn't really get into Kill la Kill either. Being from the kind of household I'm from and the people I grew up with, I've never been that comfortable with overly blatant sexual symbolism or content and while I have very little experience with Trigger or A-1, I'm beginning to get the idea that they seem to specialize in this very fanservice-y area.

I really wish they would tone it down though. It's just personal for me, but I can't really find all the innuendo that funny or interesting. It just makes me cringe and want to fast forward. Somehow all I can think of as I watch them try to pilot, is how uncomfortable that position looks for the girls and what would happen if whatever secures them unlatches during a fight, and simply from their position alone, they would shoot right through the front of their own mech and be crushed thanks to inertia. :(

I actually am really liking the plot though, and the world building and what's going on in the background. I wish I could just fastforward all the awkward bits and get to those parts. :p

I feel sorry for Ichigo, but something tells me she's going to appreciate this upset later, as I feel like some sort of "Luke and Leia" reveal might come and she finds out that she's actually Hiro's sister. :eek:

The fact that their code numbers are one number off has me suspecting this. They are the only two in the series with code numbers in sequential order (015 and 016). Also, they sort of look a little alike, both with dark hair and bluish-green shades of eyes. And being his sister, like any sibling, you do share an affinity of a sort. But it's not the same kind that a lover would have.
It would also be the reason that 02 didn't really come down the hard on the girl and didn't feel her as a threat of any kind and why she even said she "liked her". She probably has a similar, if completely different, taste her her "darling".

02 herself is sometimes a bit annoying, but I still like her to a degree. Hiro's pretty cool too. I'm glad he's so gung-ho, though I hope he can find his own self-worth and not feel like he's worthless if he can't pilot or if he's not with 02.

EDIT:
Zorome is also the current most irritating character thus far. I can see why his code number is 666. :p

Malicre

2018-01-21, 06:36

You guys were saying they come from an "orphanage but still human" from what i took away from the first 2 episodes is that they are cloned or genetically altered humans born in test tubes and "orphanage" is just a code word, like in the first episode when the chick was leaving and being sent home, it felt like she was being killed because she was no longer useful.

Thats just my opinion.

Gan_HOPE326

2018-01-21, 06:53

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 07:01

Okay Kazu-kun, you made this big deal about the doggy-seats and you claimed that it’s a form a sexual exploitation by the higher ups that you take offense to. My question is: How are the higher ups of a post-apocalyptic world even exploit this kind of thing? To be exploiting means you fully use what you have to reap the ultimate benefit out of it (which isn’t wrong when done right). Now, aside from making the kids being able to pilot the Franxx well (which is a good thing), what other (evil) benefits that the higher ups will reap from the doggy-seats exactly?

So, we have this scenario where kids are forced to pilot (in hetero pair) mechas that can save humanity in cockpits with doggystyle seats. What can be exploited from that? Do the higher ups sell the cockpit footage to the horny masses to get billions of cash? Do they made a reality TV show out of it? Do they release porn mags out of it? Do the higher ups jack off to footage of kids in full-body suit doggy-piloting their mechs in battle? Does the doggy-seats gave them more opening to sexually harass the kids? How? Do they just find the entire thing amusing in a trollish kinda way? None of those scenarios are shown to be true so far. You’re welcome to give some input of your own for this case. I personally think that the doggy-seats are more sexual exploitation (aka. fanservice) by the show mostly for the audience instead of for an in-universe party.

Note:
If Professor Scope-eye McGrabass was the one who designed and built the Franxx and he made the cockpit that way for the lulz, that means the exploiting blame can be put entirely on him :heh:. I imagine the higher ups only gave the seal of approval to what he proposed as the best method to fight the Klaxosaurs without fully comprehend why it had to be that way. And the designer’s fetish doesn’t mean the entire higher ups are guilty for “exploiting” the kids by using the doggy-seats.

I don't think there's any valid reason to treat the kids like slaves. Even if they need them to pilot, there's better ways to go about it. But I already said that.

They're making them drive their sexually-fueled machines while keeping them ignorant about sexuality and without giving them the choice to not pilot. That's bad enough in my book.It’s not valid nor justifiable. Then again, this is a post-apocalyptic world under fire from giant alien-dinosaurs. Social values can work differently in this kind of setting especially when it involves the survival of mankind.

The kids don't have the choice to decide whether it's a big deal because they're ignorant about sexuality. And that’s a big deal because........?

In the grand scheme of things, how much the kids being aware of sexuality is such a trivial matter compared to the survival of mankind. And it’s not like they are sexually harassed or anything (so far). And they still seem to be aware about the idea of intimacy and skinship. If they don't, those pilots wouldn't made such a big deal when 02 was being lovey-dovey with Hiro.

EDIT:
In this case I'd say sexual symbolism is more a staple of the mecha genre. Evangelion aside, if you've seen more recent stuff like Valvrave, Star Driver or Captain Earth, you know the trend has gotten increasingly over the top and ridiculous. So this is just the natural culmination of that :heh:.Some Mazinger shows & manga themselves are sexually-charged. And Mazinger is one of the pioneers/progenitors of mecha anime.

drawr

2018-01-21, 07:06

This show's fanservice feels counter intuitive in a way I never saw before. I don't mind fanservice at all, I enjoyed Kill la Kill for the most part and some series I follow have such elements. But all characters have never been completely ignorant of what sex/sexuality was in them, so maybe that's why I find this show odd.

The tragedy in the show is that these children are being used as essentially commodities from a young age and need to work until they die. For some reason, the adults force them into a series of sexual metaphor codenames and yet none of them know what sex or a kiss is. They feel useless if they cannot do this work. The girls seem to only exist in the cockpit to connect(have sex with) with the guy/show off their ass to him(arousal?). There is even a disembodied ass in the dummy machine to replace the girl while the guy practices. The girls(and only them) experience orgasm, but don't know what it is. And the show will likely make a statement on how bad the adults exploiting these poor, ignorant children are. Even though it's all done to titillate the audience. Is it trying to pull an evangelion? I don't get the vibe it has as much self awareness. Even compared to aquarion.

Yet when it has a scene where this issue is clearly causing one the characters(Ichigo) serious emotional plight, it can't stop shoving the camera up her ass. When things get serious and the character is clearly emotionally distraught it doesn't work for me. I mean overall, the show has a very serious tone but with the ridiculous set ups it's hard to take seriously.

Gan_HOPE326

2018-01-21, 07:29

I don't think the fact that the symbolism is sexual is supposed to be something that the characters themselves are super aware of - everyone seems to play this completely ridiculous setup with an absolutely straight face, so we probably should just take it at face value. I do think that the "child soldiers" angle in general will be meaningful, because frankly the APE and other upper echelons seem shady as fuck and will probably turn out to be villainous or something.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 07:29

I personally think that the doggy-seats are more sexual exploitation (aka. fanservice) by the show mostly for the audience instead of an in-universe party.

Using the kids and their sexuality to pilot the robots without giving them any choice is the in-universe exploitation. The higher-ups don't have to get anything else from this.

If Professor Scope-eye McGrabass was the one who designed and built the Franxx and he made the cockpit that way for the lulz, that means the exploiting blame can be put entirely on him :heh:. I imagine the higher ups only gave the seal of approval to what he proposed as the best method to fight the Klaxosaurs without fully comprehend why it had to be that way. And the designer’s fetish doesn’t mean the entire higher ups are guilty for “exploiting” the kids by using the doggy-seats.

They're all the same shit as far as I'm concerned.

It’s not valid nor justifiable. Then again, this is a post-apocalyptic world under fire from giant alien-dinosaurs. Social values can work differently in this kind of setting especially when it involves the survival of mankind.

Even then, it's still not a valid justification.

And that’s a big deal because........?

Not having a choice is the big deal.

On a side note, do we even know how much of humankind is still alive anyway? All we've seen are the kids, the geezers and military grunts. Is there any civilian population left?

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 07:39

Using the kids and their sexuality to pilot the robots without giving them any choice is the in-universe exploitation. The higher-ups don't have to get anything else from this.

They're all the same shit as far as I'm concerned.

Not having a choice is the big deal. So now you dropped the "sexual exploitation"-angle and focus on "not having a choice"-exploitation? If so, then get your complaints in line. There are many mecha stories where the protags don't really have a better choice other than piloting the mechs (sexual seats or otherwise. It's not like anyone will have a look at and jack off to the cockpit footage or sell them in this kind of universe) :heh:. Even some of the best mecha stories have their protags forced to pilot the mechs (initially).

Even then, it's still not a valid justification. *insert Spock's quote here*

On a side note, do we even know how much of humankind is still alive? All we've seen are the kids, the geezers, and military grunts. Is there any civilian population left?Things don't really look promising.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 07:49

So now you dropped the "sexual exploitation"-angle and focus on "not having a choice"-exploitation?

No, I'm pretty sure I was focusing on both from the start.

There are many mecha stories where the protags don't really have a better choice other than piloting the mech

Generally they do have a choice. Take Evangelion for example. Every time Shinji refused to pilot the Eva the world was at risk of getting blown up yet no one ever forced him to do it. Most shows are like that because it's more interesting when the heroes decide to fight on their own accord.

Things doesn't really look promising.

That's what happen when you're led by a bunch of shady old geezers.

Irenesharda

2018-01-21, 07:52

TBF, at this point Trigger almost has more NO fanservice shows than fanservice ones, despite their fame.

Fanservice-y Trigger shows:
* Kill la Kill
* Darling in the FranXX
* Some episodes of Ninja Slayer

Non fanservice-y Trigger shows:
* Kiznaiver
* Space Patrol Luluco
* Little Witch Academia (OVAs and series)
* Inferno Cop

Trigger shows no one gives a flying fuck about or remembers:
* When Supernatural Battles Become Commonplace

So yeah, it's 4 to 3. And Little Witch Academia alone was so wholesome you could show it to your 4 year old daughter without a hint of shame. In this case I'd say sexual symbolism is more a staple of the mecha genre. Evangelion aside, if you've seen more recent stuff like Valvrave, Star Driver or Captain Earth, you know the trend has gotten increasingly over the top and ridiculous. So this is just the natural culmination of that :heh:.

Hmm, I've seen Kill la Kill, one episode of Kiznaiver and one of Space Patrol Luluco. I didn't get into either of the two latter shows, and Kill la Kill took me years to complete (though when I finally did finish it, I really enjoyed the 2nd half more than the first).

I do watch a lot of mecha series, but I guess it never felt this overt before. I watch mostly Gundam which I watch mainly for its plot, battles, and at times character relationship, and that series doesn't often go into over the top sexual tones.

Valvrave I liked a lot until the very end, but I like that show so much for the over the top nature of simply it's desire to shock you and give you a twist at every turn, that it overrode the sexual stuff and honestly I think a lot of it was blown out of proportion by the fanbase.

Captain Earth bored me from start to finish. It always felt like it was trying to do something awesome and just kept failing. I didn't notice anything in that series either, but perhaps I was just so bored it was in the parts I just kept fast forwarding through. :rolleyes:
I've never seen Star Driver.

I think the one mecha series that I've started and had such blatant sexual overtones that I couldn't finish the series was Cross Ange.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 08:04

No, I'm pretty sure I was focusing on both from the start. And now your "sexual" (aka. doggy-seats) one doesn't really have ground in-universe.

Generally they do have a choice. Take Evangelion for example. Every time Shinji refused to pilot the Eva the world was at risk of getting blown up yet no one ever forced him to do it. Most shows are like that because it's more interesting when the heroes decide to fight on their own accord. Mobile Suit Gundam and its spiritual remake, Gundam SEED, have their protags (Amuro Ray & Kira Yamato) piloting the Gundams first time for their own survival as well as their friends. But shortly after that, they are forced and basically coerced into joining the Earth military to continue to pilot the Gundams to eliminate the enemies. In Kira's case, he was even forced at gunpoint. The Earth Federation/Alliance exploited the hell out of Kira and Amuro pretty much during the first half of the story. But their stories actually gets more and more interesting from that point as both Amuro & Kira gradually made their own choices after numerous heart-wrenching and enlightening experiences during the first half of the wars. Yes, character development is actually possible even if you initially make the MC a follower of the authority. At this point, Hiro's place is still the same as when Kira & Amuro are still following the military's orders. The difference being, Hiro is more initially fired-up to pilot the mechs.

That's what happen when you're led by a bunch of shady old geezers.That's one factor, I guess.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 08:20

And now your "sexual" one doesn't really have ground in-universe.

It does. The Dr. himself said it's necessary for male and female to become one. I don't think he's talking literally but it's clear sexual compatibility is the key to get the best synchronization. They need the kids and their sexuality to make the robots work, and they're forcing all this shit on them.

At this point, Hiro's place is still the same as when Kira & Amuro is still following the military's orders. The difference being, Hiro is more initially fired-up to pilot the mechs.

I think what makes it different in this case is how they indoctrinate the kids to think piloting is what gives their lives meaning. It's some really twisted shit. It reminds me to how African miners were indoctrinated to believe they would get cursed if they took diamonds from the mines. They were poor and uneducated so they could be easily convinced of shit like that. It's the same with these kids. The adults exploit their ignorance to warp their sense of self worth in order to serve their own purpose. The kids end up believing the only way to get self-validation is by piloting.

Now that I think about it, this reminds me of Asuka. Only in her case her sense of self worth got screwed up by the circumstances she went through as a kid. The kids in this show are actively getting brainwashed.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 08:36

It does. The Dr. himself said it's necessary for male and female to become one. I don't think he's talking literally but it's clear sexual compatibility is the key to get the best synchronization. They need the kids and their sexuality to make the robots work, and they're forcing all this shit on them. I was mainly talking about your "doggy-seats" complaint. And what you said above means that the higher-ups are basically still doing it for humanity's best interest, not due to some lewd/perverted sexual benefits. Do the higher ups have selfish goals in mind? Frankly, all politicians like them do, but at least their main goal in training the kids are somewhat justifiable. Those space-dinosaurs needs to be fought. If most of the adults can't do it but the kids can, sent the kids to war. Better that way than humanity's extinction.

I think what makes it different in this case is how they indoctrinate the kids to think piloting is what gives their lives meaning. It's some really twisted shit. It reminds me to how African miners were indoctrinated to believe they would get cursed if they took diamonds from the mines. They were poor and uneducated so they could be easily convinced of shit like that. It's the same with these kids. The adults exploit their ignorance to warp their sense of self worth in order to serve their own purpose. The kids end up believing the only way to get self-validation is by piloting.

Now that I think about it, this reminds me to Asuka. Only in her case her sense of self worth got screwed up by the circumstances she went through as a kid. The kids in this show are actively getting brainwashed.I actually think the indoctrination aspect makes it more interesting. It will make the protags' realization and reaction about what the higher ups were doing all this time more juicy.

orion

2018-01-21, 08:47

I was mainly talking about your "doggy-seats" complaint. And what you said above means that the higher-ups are basically still doing it for humanity's best interest, not due to some lewd/perverted sexual benefits. Do the higher ups have selfish goals in mind? Frankly, all politicians like them do, but at least their main goal in training the kids are somewhat justifiable. Those space-dinosaurs needs to be fought. If most of the adults can't do it but the kids can, sent the kids to war. Better that way than humanity's extinction.
.

But you need to keep some around for continuing the human population. We've only seen the professor and clones so far. Makes u wonder if there are non-cloned humans left when the settlements are called "plantations".

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 08:48

I was mainly talking about your "doggy-seats" complaint. An what you said above means that the higher-ups basically still doing it for humanity's best interest, not due to some lewd/perverted sexual benefits.

The doggy shit is part of it but it's obviously more than this. Also the higher-ups don't have to be some perverted bunch or anything like that. If I force a girl to have sex with other people for money (and I take the money) I'm definitely exploiting her sexuality even if I'm not doing anything lewd myself. They're doing the same thing with these kids. They don't have to literally have sex but their sexuality is key to get the robots working all the same. And it doesn't matter if this whole thing is for humanity's best interest. The kids are getting screwed either way.

If most of the adults can't do it but the kids can, sent the kids to war. Better that way than humanity's extinction.

That's easy to say if you're not one of the kids getting exploited.

I actually think the indoctrination aspect makes it more interesting.

I'm not saying it's not interesting. But the show cheapens the whole things by exploiting the characters outside the narrative as well. That what happens when you try to have your cake and eat it too.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 09:19

They doggy shit is part of it but it's obviously more than that. Also the higher-ups don't have to be some perverted bunch or anything like that. If I force a girl to have sex with other people for money (and I take the money) I'm definitely exploiting her sexuality even if I'm not doing anything lewd myself. They're doing the same thing with these kids. They don't have to literally have sex but their sexuality is key to get the robots working all the same. And it doesn't matter if this whole thing is for humanity's best interest. The kids are getting screwed either way.

I'm not saying it's not interesting. But the show cheapens the whole things by exploiting the characters outside the narrative as well.The way the in-universe higher ups exploit the kids' sexuality is different from how the show does it. They're like exist in different wavelengths. For example, the higher ups do not stare at or focus on the girls' asses or boobs like the show did. The higher ups focus more on the psychological sexuality more than exploiting physical sexuality like the show does. To me, the latter doesn't ruin the former. The show's message and theme are still intact. Just like how Gundam shows' message of "war is hell" is not ruined by the cool and colorful robots and intense action (which is also a form of fanservice for mech-fans). Why? Because the characters are still miserable thanks to the war.

That's easy to say if you're not one of the kids getting exploited.Nothing about this whole thing is easy, but desperate times need desperate measures. And it's the leader's job to make the difficult decisions. Even the idealist Emiya Shirou finally admitted that he can't save everybody when he became hero Emiya (before summoning).

But you need to keep some around for continuing the human population. We've only seen the professor and clones so far. Makes u wonder if there are non-cloned humans left when the settlements are called "plantations".I think they keep some around. I doubt the sent all their kids to die in battles. That's like bad long-term plan :heh:.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 09:36

The way the in-universe higher ups exploit the kids' sexuality is different from how the show does it. They're like exist in different wavelengths. For example, the higher ups do not stare at or focus on the girls' asses or boobs like the show did. The higher ups focus more on the psychological sexuality more than exploiting physical sexuality like the show does. To me, the latter doesn't ruin the former. The show's message and theme are still intact.

Take the moment when Ichigo was distressed and feeling sorry for herself for example. You're supposed to feel pity for her but it's kinda hard when the camera hovers on her ass or makes it seems like she just got a dicking. :heh: But yeah, I get it. You don't think this ruins the scene. Good for you, I guess.

Nothing about this whole thing is easy, but desperate times need desperate measures.

Again, that's easy to say when you're not the one getting exploited.

Twi

2018-01-21, 09:38

I've never seen Star Driver.

Heresy!

I kid. But the show's not really to action-y and mostly slice of life in that one with robot battles, though at times there are darker plots like the whole ground hog day thing and the ending. Has a great sound track too.

And then there's fabulous man this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5NTMFraP2Y

Sixth

2018-01-21, 09:43

So is this Anime of the season? Haven't watch it yet but I am curious to hear you guys opinion on it.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 09:47

It's not even actually good, let alone anime of the season. lol

It's kinda fun though.

Irenesharda

2018-01-21, 09:55

Heresy!

I kid. But the show's not really to action-y and mostly slice of life in that one with robot battles, though at times there are darker plots like the whole ground hog day thing and the ending. Has a great sound track too.

I think it just came before I got into mecha and no one ever mentioned it to me after I started, so I just never really thought to try it. I think the first time I had heard of it was on here. :p

What's it about?

Also, if you think that's bad, listen to this...*whispers* I've never seen Evangelion either.

*runs away from the angry mob* I'm sorrrrryyyyy... lol. :heh:

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 09:59

Take the moment when Ichigo was distressed and feeling sorry for herself for example. You're supposed to feel pity for her but it's kinda hard when the camera hovers on her ass or makes it seems like she just got a dicking. :heh: But yeah, I get it. You don't think this ruins the scene. Good for you, I guess.Yeah, that's a "Highschool of the Dead"-moment right there :heh:. Things get serious while boobs and asses are still flashing on-screen. It's not for everybody, but it definitely works for me (and others on the same wavelength) as I adore HOTD :D.

Again, that's easy to say when you're not the one getting exploited.Then what do you want me to say? That all leaders who sacrifice the need of the few to save the need of the many in very difficult times where you can't save everybody are automatically assholes? Sometimes, things aren't that simple, and we still need to see more of the Franxx higher ups to properly judge them.

What's it about?Don't let others ruin it for you. You'd better coming into the show blind ;).

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 10:04

Yeah, that's a "Highschool of the Dead"-moment right there :heh:. Things get serious while boobs and asses are still flashing on-screen. It's not for everybody, but it definitely works for me (and others on the same wavelength) as I adore HOTD

Good for you, I guess.

Then what do you want me to say? That all leaders who sacrifice the need of the few to save the need of the many in very difficult times where you can't save everybody are automatically assholes? things aren't that simple, and we still need to see more of the Franxx higher ups to properly judge them.

You keep going on about the leaders and whatnot but I'm pretty sure the show wants the audience to sympathize with the kids instead, you know. The leaders aren't even proper characters. They're just a faceless shady organization.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2018-01-21, 10:12

I guess you have some special tastes. More or less the same with those who enjoy HOTD. And last time I check, there are legions of them :cool:.

You keep going on about the leaders and whatnot but I'm pretty sure the show wants the audience to sympathize with the kids instead, you know.You don't say! :rolleyes:

The leaders aren't even proper characters. They're just a faceless shady organization.That's possible, but as I said, we need to see more. We still don't even know what their entire plan is.

Twi

2018-01-21, 10:17

Don't let others ruin it for you. You'd better coming into the show blind ;).

Yeah, this. It's funnier that way.

Kazu-kun

2018-01-21, 10:36

More or less the same with those who enjoy HOTD. And last time I check, there are legions of them

I guess there are people who think everything is better with gratuitous among of butt regardless of whether it fits the scene.

That's possible, but as I said, we need to see more. We still don't even know what their entire plan is.

It's like this is your first shady organization. :heh:

Dragon_Slayer_X

2018-01-21, 10:40

I would like to ask a genuine question here. Why are MC in recent animes treated so badly at the start? I mean we can also have a balanced MC with limitations who can go through development and make the story interesting. Instead most of time it's either too op or too useless route.........Hiro could have been shown with a limit instead of being mostly useless and the story wouldn't have changed much in my opinion.

I don't care much about alpha or beta or whatever, but the bad treatment really is getting annoying or old tbh, of course development and stuff will happen later but it makes it quite hard to sit through the first few episodes. As this is a 24 episode show, Hiro would probably get this treatment until episode 4-5 before being useful.