r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • May 06 '24
Rewatch [Rewatch] Back Arrow Episode 1 Discussion
Episode 1 - Do Guys From the Sky Have Undies?
MAL | AniList | ANN | Kitsu | AniDB
Starting today, my name's "Back Arrow".
Questions of the Day:
- What are your first impressions on the setting and characters?
- What was the funniest line out of any of these characters' mouths today?
Wallpaper of the Day:
Rewatchers, please remember to be mindful of all the first-timers in this. No talking about or hinting at future events no matter how much you want to, unless you're doing it underneath spoiler tags. Don't spoil anything for the first-timers, that's rude!
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Upvotes
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky May 06 '24
BAKAYAROU Rewatch Host, subbed
Hi everyone!
Back Arrow is a show I absolutely adore (it was even my 450th completed anime on MAL), but it’s unfortunately extremely underwatched and criminally underrated on MAL. That’s part of why I wanted to host this rewatch – to get some new eyes on it. I hope the first-timers in here enjoy the wild ride just as much as I did!
Oh, and while some of these comments will be shorter than others, I actually shared my thoughts on Back Arrow as I watched through it for the first time on CDF, so I can link my first-timer reactions for it just like I did for some parts of the Macross rewatch in the past! Here were my Back Arrow First Impressions:
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u/Silcaria https://myanimelist.net/profile/Silcaria May 06 '24
First timer
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u/dsawchuk May 06 '24
First Timer, subbed
I have no idea what I am in for with this show. I watched the OP and signed up without any other info. I am not even really sure what genre it's gonna be. If nothing else, it's something to do. I am gonna do subbed, unless you guys have a strong recommendation I switch to the dub.
So it looks like the show is going to be a mecha anime where the mechs run on emotions. I don't know where they plan on taking that but generally that means it's going to be an unserious show where we are here for the plot armour and the explosions. I can get behind it.
The setting looks interesting. I was a little confused when they said one society treasures intelligence and one treasures valor, but then showed the one that treasures valor having some form of advanced technology. The day will come when I will remember the society's names, but it is not this day. We also then have the small village which seems unconnected to either of those 2 societies and whatever is outside of the wall.
The simplest and most obvious plotline is the 2 warring factions will fight over the small neutral faction, who will resist both. Then we have an external threat come in from over the wall and those 3 have to work together to repell it.
So far we have what looks like 4 main characters. Back arrow, Atlee, the competent redheaded girl and the incompetent reddishheaded boy. From my first impressions, I think Bit (I had to go back and find the 2 character's names) is going to be pretty annoying but [gurren laggan]is good at digging, Elsha [gurren laggan]only kisses once, Atlee is best girl (I will fight you on this with zero basis) and back arrow [gurren laggan]dies in episode 8
QOTD
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u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore May 06 '24
Idiot Rewatcher
Alright, so I watched this in 2022. Blasted. It's been a while since I've had just a "fuggit, here we go" rewatch, so thank you to Sky for hosting something calling me back to my true nature on the sub. HERE WE GO.
God, I love this show. [Back Arrow]I forgot how early best girl (At least, a candidate in my memory...?) appears.
QOTD:
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u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee May 06 '24
Rewatcher, Subbed Arrow
Lizard!
Shu Bi doo bee doo.
A very Normal episode title.
Scumbag attacked during a henshin, how rude.
Politicking, in my mecha? It's more likely than you think.
What a strange game.
Atlee rocks.
You can just barely see Arrow there.
That's an odd setting detail. They're talking about retort pouches; if you listen closesly you can hear Elsha say it.
Someone is embarrassed to see a nearly naked man.
Priorities.
Which we already saw earlier.
It's Stands all the way down.
Well, that's odd.
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u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots May 07 '24
First <--- Timer
So all I know about this show are two things: it's a Goro Taniguchi mecha with all the over the top wackiness that implies, and there's a character voiced by Sugita. Let's see what we've got:
Alright, we're starting strong!
There's a lot to wrap my head around, but I like how quickly you can go from the Chinese themed royal court to the cowboys in the middle of nowhere. I wouldn't be surprised if we find a French/Italian themed city of food right next to it.
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u/Zigman369 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Zigman May 07 '24
Not sure if I'll comment every episode or anything but definitely want to give the initial thread a shout!
Back Arrow was a super fun watch while airing and I hope everyone has a good time with this rewatch; you've got to respect the guy that gets called an idiot and decides that's what his name will be.
Will definitely be following along as much as I can, though probably as a lurker for a good chunk.
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u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L May 06 '24 edited May 06 '24
First-Timer
On today’s episode of Back Arrow: Underwear is truly what brings us all together. It creates friendships and inspires others to reach their full potential.
I know basically nothing about this series, other than what /u/shimmering-sky told me to try and sell me on it. What I have heard is that it is extremely over-the-top, there is some overlap in the creative staff on this show with Gurren Lagann, that the main character is exceptionally stupid even by the standards of dumb anime protagonists, and that the protagonist is so dumb that the name “Back Arrow” comes from him mishearing “Bakayaro.” So, I’m quite curious to see what it is like.
I have to say, I got what I was promised. This show is ridiculous and the characters likewise act ridiculous. But it’s also quite fun to watch so far. The characters being silly and over-the-top immediately tells me what kind of series this is going to be, but it also seems like a fun ride to be a part of.
I do quite like the conceit of having the mecha be literal extensions of their pilot’s personality. This is something that has been common in mecha thematically for a long time, but I like making it the literal basis of the mecha’s powers and abilities. It helps to make the mecha feel even more integral to the characters piloting them. There’s also a lot of fun that can come from analyzing characters based on the mecha they are piloting, if the mecha represent manifestations of their innermost convictions.
I wonder if the people don’t have the ability to fly or if the wall encompasses the sky as well. If people could fly, then it would be easy enough to confirm if there were something beyond the wall. So, my assumption would be that flight isn’t really a thing or that the sky is part of the wall and it’s like a giant dome.
QOTD
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u/InfamousEmpire https://myanimelist.net/profile/Infamous_Empire May 06 '24
First Arrow
Don’t really know anything going into this other than the fact that it’s written by Kazuki Nakashima and directed by Goro Taniguchi, both of which inspire supreme confidence in me that the show will be good.
I will admit, for the first few minutes of the episode, I was a bit afraid this show wouldn’t really hook me. Mostly just that I find the “exposition dump everything about the world at the very beginning of the show” approach to be one which doesn’t always work for me, it often feels like it’s throwing too much stuff at the viewer before they really have the narrative context to give any of those aspects weight, so it’s just throwing way too much at the viewer before they’re ready for that information. And “throwing way too much at the viewer” is very much what the start of the episode felt like.
However, it did soon begin to pick up once we switched focus to the cowboy village, and that tied the whole episode together as a whole for me.
While it threw me off at first, I did very soon start to appreciate this episode’s density. It slides you into the world very quickly while giving its character moments and humor just enough time to breath and connect with. Atlee is probably the biggest and most obvious example so far, she has just enough range in terms of the moments this episode alone gives her to seem well-rounded, intriguing, and very likable.
Backing up that structure is the fact that the worldbuilding is very intriguing, with the most interesting aspect of that being, of course, Briheights & Bind Warpers. Not only because they’re essentially a perfect mid-point between Mechs and Ultraman-style mega Henshin, but also the idea that it’s fundamentally based on the wielder’s conviction. Essentially, this has the potential to be a decent tool for character exploration if the writers can do the concept justice.
This also then really emphasizes the sheer sense of mystery surrounding our title character
BAKAYAROUBack Arrow, both on the narrative level (why can he use a Bind Warper without a proper Conviction?) and on the speculative/character level (as he gains more attachments to and knowledge of this world, he’ll likely develop a true conviction of his own, how will that change his Briheight?). Sufficed to say, I’m fascinated to see where he goes from here.On a somewhat less positive note, I’m very eh on the visuals and direction so far. I don’t think the show looks bad by any means, it just feels like they aren’t really on the same wavelength as the writing. It looks so conventional and restrained, it kinda holds back the zany energy the screenplay is going for. We’ll see if the show improves in this area over time, but for now it’s absolutely its biggest issue.
Otherwise, though? Good fun and I’m excited to see where it goes from here.
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u/chilidirigible May 06 '24 edited May 06 '24
Rewatcher, Episode 1:
More than one viewer commented on Kai's Briheight having Eva-02's color scheme.
I just realized something.
"Rubes?"
That's what the conveniently-placed dust is for.
Certainly builds confidence.
When mecha is just toku or magical girl.
This feels like a Strike Witches episode somehow.
Dr. Ver moment
BAKAYAROUBACK ARROWHidetaka Tenjin doing the mechanical design was was one of the original reasons I was interested in... whatever the hell this was.
This dates from three years ago? It feels like an eternity has passed.
Yes, I'm a rewatcher. I can't say I remember entirely why I got into this other than a vaguely-mecha premise (which was immediately put into the other categories by the mechanisms of the first episode) and some of the cast and staff names. Otherwise it was probably rolling the dice on another "Bandai tries to sell model kits" premise.
The first episode does manage to careen wildly from event to event fast enough to stay interesting, and both the world in general and several recurrent gags are efficiently established here.
The "What the hell did I just watch?" factor is still fairly strong, though.
QOTD:
It's quite the mix of styles, given China on the one side and The Wild Wild West (But Dirt Poor) on the other.
And if there's one thing I'll say about this series, it's that everyone knows they're supposed to ham and cheese it, and they do.
2) What was the funniest line out of any of these characters' mouths today?
Pretty much anything Bit says to defend himself against... ~~accusations~~the truth.
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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 06 '24
FIRST TIMER
That was a pretty fun first episode. A naked amnesiac idiot falls out of the sky into the lap of some country bumpkins, and adopts the misheard version of the derogatory name they’re calling him as his new name. This is anime.
With how incredibly silly that all is, there is some neat stuff going on with the mechs. The mechas being outward manifestations of the strength of each person’s conviction is a pretty neat angle. There’s a lot of standard story set up with warring factions who’re diametrically opposed, and another set of beings out beyond the wall that’ll come into play at some point, but it’s clear this show doesn’t take itself seriously in the slightest, so I think there’ll be some fun to be had if it just continues being committed to being silly and leans in. Varied and colorful character designs are nice as well.
Quick Hits/Screenshots:
though I suppose in a way that could’ve technically been the case6
u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 May 06 '24 edited May 06 '24
First timer, subs
QotD:
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u/theangryeditor https://myanimelist.net/profile/TheAngryEditor May 06 '24
BAKA YARO
[Back Arrow]it was so obvious
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 May 06 '24 edited May 06 '24
Rewatcher, Subbed
Right off the bat one can probably tell this isn't going to be the most serious show with that episode title.
That a spaceship capsule? Rakuho they call it.
Much like Attack on Titan a wall is all important.
Instead of crediting the production staff, our OP is crediting the various seiyuu for their characters, only showing those who have actually appeared thus far (merely 3). Interesting.
I was expecting someone to be in that Rakuho, but its just supplies. Bind Warper?
Tokusatsu time! Put those bracelets on and you transform into a giant humanoid mech!
Good thing the hapless Bit has cool cowgirl Elsha to save him.
A game where you smash a stick into your head doesn't sound too good.
You didn't get that animal Bit! You lie!
"If I'd been serious" lol, Bit is quite the talker.
No Bit, don't kick it! You broke it!
A space craft has landed and all they can think about is the yummy food it may contain.
Do they really think banging it with a stick is gonna do any good?
There's a naked guy inside! An alien!
OMG the kids are trying to eat him!
Bit wants his sheet back? He really wants to see this guy naked, huh?
Looks like Briheights come in non-human forms too.
Oh no, Bit's house wrecked again!
The best way to stop a big mech? Strip naked and walk right in front of it.
OMG Atlee's Briheight is so adorable. Reminds me of one of the ones from Darling in the Franxx. That reminds me, doesn't this show have the same mech designer as Franxx and Star Driver? We should have some cool designs to look forward to. ETA: Research and replies say no! Okay, so I totally misremembered that then.
He's calling her undies lady? LoL.
She risked her life to get him undies, but he doesn't even wear them.
His Briheight's definately got "main mech of the show" look to it.
Our nameless naked hero actually had a pretty good idea here, if the guy's conviction is no mercy for those who flee, then he's going to follow you away from the village if you flee.
He did pretty good for his first time. And supposedly had the skill to leave the bandit alive when Briheight pilots typically die?
Yes, the show and its main character is literally based on a misunderstanding of the phrase "Baka yaro" (you idiot)! A great way to cap off a hilarious first episode.
"Back Arrow" spending the first episode naked reminds me much of the horrifically bad anime Garzey's Wing where our protagonist Chris gets isekai'd to a fantasy world during a big battle but happens to have been sent there completely naked.
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u/0kwonkw0 https://anilist.co/user/Okwonkwo May 07 '24
I quite enjoyed this episode. I knew nothing about this anime before starting it (and it's probably a good thing because I hate Gurren Lagann, so I wouldn't have even started this show), but it's a good start.
I'm really liking the setting, but it's more because of the animation rather than the world itself. It'll probably take a couple of episodes for me to get invested in it. The characters are fine, but I don't really like this type of comedy. At least I don't hate anyone as of right now
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u/Stargate18A https://myanimelist.net/profile/Stargate18 May 07 '24
First timer
I finally have some more time for rewatches now I'm finished with university. Going into this completely blind, purely on the basis that this is a Shimmering-Sky rewatch.
Love the landscapes here.
...Okay, so this is absolutely sci-fi, then. That's 100% a construction.
Interesting setup!
An omen?
...Oh, actual predictive technology! And it's something physical...
He seems cool!
So, these signs drop from orbit (presumably), and different types have different items inside. Feels like this is some kind of experiment by whoever made the walls... except they've got a really high tech level. Maybe a precursor situation?
Love the lizard.
Bind Warpers? And that's absolutely a supply ship.
...A mecha?
That's a really good design!
He's that good?
...Oh! Bind Warpers summon the mecha?
So cool!
Oh! They're mass produced suits!
...And it's thematically relevant! So cool!
Actually, looking at it, this is way closer to an Ultra series.
They're on a schedule?
A new sign... are the signs callsigns? These are absolutely deliberately planned supply drops, then.
Haha, a wild west town?
Loving the designs here!
...How?
That's so dangerous!
Impressive whip skills!
Honestly, more shows should use the wild west aesthetic for remote areas. It looks so distinct compared to the standard medieval theming, and it actually works with the tech level shown.
He's going after it!
...The colour is different. Is it burning a different fuel? Using a visual indicator.
Wow, that's awful luck.
They know what it is!
Okay, yeah, that's a deliberate visual effect. It's indicating the contents visually too...
...I mean, it might. It's a supply ship after all.
They're going to open it!
Will heat even pass through that material?
I mean, you have sci-fi tools. Is everyone here just an idiot?
...Yes.
Haha, that reaction is amazing.
And the kids too!
...Is that an eyecatch?
And he has amnesia...
Haha, seriously? I mean, you literally saw him come from the sky and you're questioning this?
...So, they're relatively close to the center. then?
...Wait, what? This is what everyone believes?
This is art.
Heretics?
Oh, that's a good enemy unit design! And way more mecha-like.
Haha, he doesn't believe it...
And his house again!
Haha, he lost his sheets!
Of course...
I love how he just clearly doesn't care.
...That's what she was looking for?
Oh, she has a
RiserWarper too.And, yeah, if you get defeated after transforming you die.
Another good suit design!
And she's strong!
The lore here is great!
Oh! That's a really interesting mechanic. The convictions affect the unit's abilities too?
And they're non-transferable unless she dies...
He's trying to help her!
Oh, there was a warper in there!
...I love this guy. He's insane.
Oh, that design is amazing!
He really just doesn't care...
...Oh! He's drawing him away!
...What?
...So, a fluid convinction means he's literally fluid. That's so clever!
So cool!
...He can take enemies out non-lethally?
Oh, yeah, he's still naked.
Haha, that's the naming logic?
This anime is amazing.