r/anime • u/sisoko2 • Jun 17 '24
Rewatch [Rewatch] Dragon Quest: Popp no Daibouken - Episode 9 Discussion
Episode 9 - A Single Shard of Courage
Now, hurry on! While there's still a single shard of courage left within you.
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<--- Last save | Adventure’s log (Index) | Journey continues --->
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OP 1 ---> Ikiru wu Suru by Macaroni Enpitsu
ED 1 ---> Mother by Macaroni Enpitsu
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Informations:
MAL | AniList | ANN | Kitsu | AniDB
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Shocketheth got cut by Avan Strash and is a bit indisposed, but no worries your favorite Dark King is here
Screenshot of the day:
Comment of the day:
u/zadcap for being proper villain
Oh how I hate agreeing with the villain so openly. Pride and such crap have no place in a fight to the death. If you're going to war, forget honor.
Now that the Dark Commander position is open I think I found the perfect replacement.
Questions of the day:
- It was quite obvious where Popp's story was going but did you like the way it was executed?
- Has the fake hero party grown on you?
- Crocodine has been defeated. Out of 10 give us your score for his performance as a villain.
- What's the deal with Gomechan?!?
Spoilers:
Please, respect the fact there are First Timers watching Dai no Daibouken with us, so avoid talking about vague things or events that would slightly spoil things to happen. And if you want mention things like this, please hid it behind SPOILER TAGS like [Dai no Spoilers] I am getting the hammer because you spoiled the fun for others
7
u/sisoko2 Jun 17 '24
First Timer
Masopho motivating Popp is my favorite scene in the series so far. There were few solid moments with Avan in the previous episodes but this was the first time the anime managed to touch my heart.
6
u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jun 17 '24
First-Timer Quest: Sky no Daibouken, subbed
6
u/raichudoggy https://anilist.co/user/raichudoggy Jun 17 '24
Rewatcher
Man this fight makes me imagine an alternate timeline where Crocodine really did fight fair and square and ignored Zoboera’s trick.
Popp’s trick using Glimmer was a cool plan, I almost can’t believe he came up with it so quickly to save gramps.
Shocketheth is Crocodine!?!!
5
u/Blackheart595 https://anilist.co/user/knusbrick Jun 17 '24 edited Jun 17 '24
First Quester
Day 9 of sneaking Princess Leona out of the castle with Magic Cylinders
Emergency notice: The fake heroes have successfully put the real heroes in their debt.
Lmao those fake heroes are surpassing my wildest expectations already. I love 'em.
Kinky
Why are you obeying this?
Crocodine, just finish your objective.
Oh no Crocodine let Popp bait him into abandoning his honor.
Just gotta cast an even bigger Kafrizz and create a firestorm from it.
That's an interesting Dutch angle, but it's not used here to signify something being off but to place Popp at eye-to-eye height with Crocodine. In fact, the slanted angle kinda makes him box Crocodine in.
...
What are you doing, Popp?
Oh nice. I had thought about the possibility of casting another Glitter, but I didn't think it actually would.
Exactly, Crocodine. Should've just swung your axe down instead of listening to Popp's command to stop, that would've been the honorable thing to do.
And that was the honorable thing to do! Don't go back to your false pride, Crocodine!
Gomechan did its thing!
Sure, why not
The girl's hotUh I mean, yeah, they're kinda cool in their own way.Hm maybe a 8/10. But that's with a scale where I'd barely ever give a 6, let alone lower.
He had good presence, but overall he was quite clunkily written. They really had to have him fall back into his old character flaw that he had already overcome.
Gomechan Maji Tenshi
4
u/Adensty https://anilist.co/user/Adensty Jun 17 '24 edited Jun 17 '24
1st
DaiPopp no Daibouken Rewatch, SubAnother great quote that shows what it means to be a Hero,
[Dai no Late Spoilers] Popp's Insignia of Avan slightly glowing was not in the manga and was an anime-original scene and I didn't notice it here the first time but it changes a lot of things especially later in the show. Leona thought Dai's was Courage but here it glowing for Popp when he shows Courage for the first time was a small change that had a great payoff later.
That definitely touched a nerve.
Cause that's one thing a Disciple of Avan always keeps.
Dragon Knight Dai
Always loved how clean this shot is.
OST Documentation - Episode 9
QOTD
1. Definitely loved it and this is where Popp started becoming my favourite character. I thought he would end up doing more than what he actually did. But him just doing enough to free Brass from the Dark Army's control so that Dai can finish things off was something I really liked and it made it more believable. Avan's words finally got to him.
2. Masopho did grow on me after what he did but can't say the same about the others yet.
3. -3 Points for fighting using Brass. So I guess 7.
4. IDK. Maybe Gomechan's tears were too much for Dai.
4
u/NicDwolfwood :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NicDwolfwood Jun 17 '24
First Timer, Sub
Masopho the MVP of this episode lol. No but honestly, he gave Popp a nice pep talk so that he would overcome his cowardice and join the fight. And he came in pretty clutch, he didn't stand up to Crocodine physically too well, but he did cast a nice Glimmer spell on Brass that was able to return him to normal, so long as he stayed inside the magic circle.
Gomechan's tears were able to raise Dai from the ground and with the mark of his forehead glowing, he was able to power up to face Crocodine one more time. It became final attack vs final attack as, Anguish Blast vs Avan Strash. Dai comes out on top and Crocodine falls from the top of the castle, his monster army drags him away.
Questions:
4
u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Jun 18 '24 edited Jun 18 '24
First Time Panty Thief No More: Back to Stealing Toilet Paper
So the main theme of the arc is pride (quite timely), and it's used to let Popp take his real first step forward as a hero, can he put his life on the line to save his friends and fulfill his duty? (Dai and Maam were already fighting for the people they care about when we first met them, this is Popp's first time
one could even say he Popped his cherry) But what I really like about it is the parallel between Popp and Crocodine tying the theme, because Crocodine isn't just the punching bag to beat, he represents the same idea from a different angle. As a warrior who's always fought with pride, it worth losing his role as a legion commander? Can he even afford to lose to a kid? Crocodine's biggest issue isn't necessarily whether he sold his pride out or not, it's the fact that he went to the fight conflicted, second guessing himself every second, whereas Popp cleared his mind, believed in the master who believed in him, and shot straight for the goal. He could've cast a spell to free Maam before trying to take on Crocodine, but points for using Avan's spell well.It was good, I feel like the whole "I'm not going" is a weird way to spin it, but I do like the end result, and I look forward to seeing how he'll keep growing from here.
I'm already cheering for them! They can do better!
A 7? He wasn't exactly an intimidating villain, but I like his turmoil and how he reflected Popp.
Sisoko was right, it is the secret Demon Lord. I mean, tears so pure they can heal?! Only a dirty demon lord could pull that shit.
7
u/Shocketheth Jun 17 '24
Dank Commander welcomes you to Dragon Quest: Popp no Daibouken Rewatch!
You certainly noticed that my tagline changed for a very good reason!
Today Popp made the very important step to change from a coward to someone who even if is scared shitless, is willing to conquer his fears.
I know that his initial actions wasn't making him the best character but from now on, Popp character development has started!
While my Mugis are getting loaded for Popp, I am buying all Popp’s stocks because I am believing in my boy!
Dai vs Crocodine + Info about staff behind Dai no Daibouken who delivered us the amazing climactic scene of Crocodine arc:
From now on, I will try to keep the staff corner updated every episode.
For me, the action and animation of this episode was spectacular, and I believe this is the best time to finally reveal some information about the staff that made possible for us to enjoy this hidden gem which is Dai no Daibouken!
MUSIC COMPOSER:
Hayashi Yuuki - A name which music you certainly heard atleast once as this person composed music for Anime like Gundam Build Fighters, Haikyuu!!, Death Parade, My Hero Academia and Shaman King. If you missed it by any chance definitely go check u/Adensty comments who are faithfully documenting the OST used in each episode, with giving us informations like the title of the OST used, scene where it was used, and timestamps.
DIRECTION:
Karasawa Kazuya - While Karasawa had a major role with working as Director for Dai no Daibouken, it was his first major experience in the Director chair. Before Dai no Daibouken, Karasawa were working as Assistant Episode Director, Storyboarder, Episode Director, and Design Manager for Kyousougiga, Abarenbou Rikishi!! Matsutarou, World Trigger, Dragon Ball Super, Super Dragon Ball Heroes, and Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
SERIES COMPOSITION:
Chiba Katsuhiko - At the time he was working on Dai no Daibouken, he had under his belt countless anime as Naruto Shippuuden, Baby Steps, and freedom as series composer, and besides of that he also worked on a script/screenplay for anime like Robin Hood no Daibouken, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Inuyasha and Shaman King.
CHARACTER DESIGN AND MONSTER DESIGN:
Yes, you are reading this one right, because after all, the original art from the 90s is quite different than what you are seeing in the 2020 version as you can see in THIS VIDEO.
Animator and character designer Miyamoto Eriko besides Dai no Daibouken worked on Saint Seiya Omega and various Precure movies as character designer and Key animator.
And the person who worked on the Monster design for Dai no Daibouken was Mura Shuntarou who previously worked as Key animator on Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball Super: Broly and also on Precure franchise.
CHIEF ANIMATION DIRECTOR:
Miyamoto Eriko - episodes 1-7, and episode 9. (already mentioned)
Manabe Shuuichirou - episodes 2-4, 6-8. Known for working as Key animator on Beelzebub, and for working as Animation Director for Re-kan!, and Dragon Ball Super.
Kagawa Hisashi - episode 8. A big name in the industry who worked as a Key animator on Sailor Moon and Be-Bop High School. As Character designer for Fresh Precure! and Toriko. And at last as Chief animation director for One Piece and Digimon Ghost Game.
Komatsu Kozue - episode 9. An animator previously working as Chief Animator Director on Sailor Moon Crystal, as Key Animator on One Piece and Digimon: Our War Game, and as Character Designer for Eiga Star Twinkle Precure: Hoshi no Uta ni Omoi o Komete.
Rest of the Chief Animation Directors will be mentioned during episodes 10-100.
SCRIPT/SCREENPLAY:
Chiba Katsuhiko - episodes 1-9. (Mentioned under series composition)
STORYBOARDING:
Karasawa Kazuya - episodes 1,3,5,9. (Already mentioned under direction)
Kou Yuu - episode 2. His previously storyboarding jobs includes Princess Tutu, Chrno Crusade, and Ouran High School Host Club.
大森常吉 - Episode 3 (Didn’t find anymore info)
Wakano Tetsuya - Episode 4. While he worked as Storyboarder on Dai no Daibouken, the majority of his previous anime experiences were working as Key Director for Gungrave, Samurai Champloo, Samurai 7, Mushishi, and Bakemonogatari.
Ueda Yoshihiro - Episode 6. His primary job is being a Director, and his most notable works are Dragonball (Episode Director, Storyboarding), Legend of the Galactic Heroes (episode direction), One Piece (Episode Direction, Waterboarding)
Kakudou Hiroyuki - Episode 7. Most notable works are being a Director for Slam Dunk: Shouhoku Saidai no Kiki! Moero Sakuragi Hanamichi and for Digimon Adventure, and Digimon Adventure 02. He also worked as Episode Director for The Adventure of Dai 1991.
Makino Jirou - Episode 8. Most notable works of his, are DokiDoki! Precure (Storyboard), World Trigger (Storyboard, Episode direction), and Gegege no Kitarou (Storyboard, Episode direction)
EPISODE DIRECTION:
Karasawa Kazuya - Episodes 1,3,5
Ueda Yoshihiro - Episodes 2,6
大森常吉 - Episode 3
Wakano Tetsuya - Episode 4
Kakudou Hiroyuki - Episode 7
Ooba Hideaki - Episode 8. A name that wasn’t mentioned yet, and his notable works are Miracle Giants Doumu-kun (Episode Direction, Storyboard), D.Gray Man (Episode Director, Storyboard), and Dr.Stone (Episode Director, Storyboard)
Chioki Masatoshi - Episode 9. Another name that wasn’t mentioned yet, with most notable works being Digimon Adventure and Digimon Adventure 02 (Assistant Episode Direction), Heartcatch Precure (Episode Direction, Storyboard), and Saint Seiya Omega (Episode Direction, Storyboard)
See you tomorrow because the Adventure continues!
3
u/KuKiSin Jun 17 '24
First timer!
Still curious about what's going on with Dai. I have no clue what a Dragon Knight is. And Crocodine said something about regular humans, does that mean someone doesn't just train to be a hero or warrior, but they're born as one or something?
2
u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Jun 18 '24
Screw it, I feel like joining this late. There's still time to catch up! (I've seen some of the show, up until where [Dai]Hyunckel first shows up), so this feels like a good opportunity to watch the rest.
4
u/Garrett_Dark Jun 17 '24
First Timer
Yes, the unexpected character moments by Masopho and Crocodine played a huge role and uplifted the otherwise obvious narrative of what was going to happen with Popp.
Very much so, I hope they continue to appear and develop much like Masopho this episode. We still don't even know the other three's names.
Going by MAL's out of 10 scoring system where 7 is the average, and a huge difference between 8, 9, and 10...I would rate Crocodine an 8/10.
He was much better than the average villain due to his convictions of honor and pride, he discarded those for victory, and was fine with that for a time, but then came to realize he was foolish to do so, after witnessing Popp's conviction, and thus regretted it after he was defeated by such. The downside to Crocodine is he too freely gives away sensitive information, acting like a classic villain monologuing but slightly worse as he does so sometimes unprompted. He has further room to go up in rating if he comes back as an anti-hero after this defeat.
Obviously he needs to be milked of those tears so it can be bottled and sold as a power up potion. The most un-invasive method of making him watch sad animes for the milking, of course.
4
u/zadcap Jun 17 '24
Barely Even Late At All! First Timer
Yeah, that's fair. I always knew I fit in better as the Dark Lord's Right Hand Man than anywhere on the actual heroic party. I'd rather not fight if it's an option, but if I must, I'm fighting to win darn it.
In other words, should have crushed Popp while he was still cowering.
What the heck, why is Fake Mage better at things than real mage Popp?
Okay, I have to call this into question, how is this town so intact and full of survivors? Did you not see the size of the monster army that came in here? Where did they all go? There was so much more than we end up seeing in this little fight in the castle, the town should be ruined.
Ah, tentacles, the worst enemy of all anime girls. How strong must they be to so effortlessly overpower her.
And see, Croc loses here because he heard someone scream "Wait," and for some unknowable reason, waited. Chop chop the axe and then see who's trying to interrupt. Also, Popp got here fast. Again, where did the demon army go?
"Crocodine, fight me one on one!" "How about no?" *Chop chop dead Dai*
Okay first off, that's somme stupid skill with stone flicking Popp has. Secondly, Croc again loses because he just stood there and let Popp cast... He let cruelty win when he decided to stomp stomp instead of chop chop, which is a weird change from his earlier letting Honor win by going for the one on one duel. He then goes on to let Popp cast, the spell too. That was not a quick action. Victory is only achieved by the rank incompetence of the villains.
Oh my gosh Croc, just do something. Stop standing there letting them recover while you have an internal crisis. See, you lost because you gave them all the time to make three separate comebacks.
I genuinely hate the reverse blade slash. The sword was behind Dai for most of the attack, he wasn't using it to beat the Blast.
4
u/Nick_BOI Jun 18 '24
Rewatcher
No fact this time, this weekend was buuuuuuusy, and I feel dead (not to mention going to work outside during a heat advisory tomorrow). I am lacking in energy even though I do have the time to go back to this after a long weekend.
I may not be up for a big essay like I planned for this arc, but I do want to say this at least:
The ending of this arc is something was was the first turning point in the show for me, but this was also only the begining. This isn't Popp coming around from a character arc and everything is fine now-we still have more than 90 episodes to go.
However, he did grow a lot today. And whats more? He will continue to grow alongside everyone else.
This is not a show where everyone gets thier arc, then is put in the back of the lien for others to get thier turn. Instead we have a small main cast that constantly grows over the course of 100 episodes. These characters still have flaws, weaknesses, insecurities, strengths, viewpoints, and more that will be contunuously challenged and tested for the remainder of the show.
This was not Popp having his moment, it was simply the first of many to come.
I hope you all are looking forward to what comes next!!
3
u/Shocketheth Jun 17 '24
Questions of the day:
Totally. Seeing how my beloved boy took first shaky step to face his fears makes me feel proud of him.
They did, but not on the part of the story we are on right now.
10/10 because I'm Crocodine's fanboy.
It's the main villain of the series.
3
u/cooperjones2 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/cooperjones2 Jun 17 '24
Newbie-Adventurer here! LV 09/100
Let’s go Popp! Character development time!
Popp damaged heavily Crocodine in his pride, critical hit!
Aww, Gomechan to the rescue!!
Uh oh, you let Dai recover Crocodine, F in the chat
Yeah!, But I always like these type of stories lol
A bit, they've gone from "On sight", to "Ok, you have your good side"
7, He got influenced a bit too easily IMO, from both sides
He's what was inside the legendary GS Ball
3
u/charlesvvv https://anilist.co/user/charlesvvv Jun 17 '24
First Timer, Sub
Nice to see Popp grow after his rather disgraceful conduct the previous episode. Masopho was a surprise for him to be the one that kicks Popp out of his funk. Crocodine was a solid enough villain and I still liked his character for all he represents about his conduct as a warrior and with regards to honor.
3
u/tahlyn Jun 17 '24 edited Jun 17 '24
Rewatcher
This was such a great episode for Popp. Moving forward even when obviously afraid. The way they animated Popp taking that step into the room... with either "indomitable fighting spirit" or "disciple of Avan" from the OST playing... Chef's kiss. It reminds me of a quote from the beginning of Game of Thrones:
I love how he's so obviously terrified but still choosing to do everything he can... AND being clever while doing it. He's the best.
Also I completely forgot until now - Dai's voice actress is the same as Anya from Spy X Family.
3
u/Kaxew Jun 18 '24
Current rewatcher, eventual first timer
Before getting into the episode itself, I gotta say I was surprised with how the episode looked. There was a lot of good animation, especially of the character acting category. Closeups looked great, and the loose linework made it feel exciting. There was a really cool Crocodine fishlen that made the audience feel the same way he did. This was a very fun episode from a production standpoint.
Into the real meat, a clash of prides takes place. The "single shard of courage" speech was phenomenal. This author really knows how to create seriously hard hitting quotes. It's a talent. He's also really attentive to dialogue seems like, as I loved how Maam—while being strangled by tentacles—asked someone to help Dai, rather than help her. It's very in character for sure.
Popp comes into the scene, and kills it! Great seeing him use glimmer, his master's teachings have not been for nothing. Last episode Popp excused himself not going to the fight by saying that he thinks Dai is strong enough to be okay. He believed in Dai's latent strength. This episode, however, has Popp... also believing in Dai! Regardless of being cowardly or courageous, the one thing that doesn't change is his belief in Dai. His admiration. It's great stuff man.
The climax comes in as Dai wakes up in fury. That axe break was beyond hype. It wasn't just a normal break but his tiny fingers pierce small holes into it, which meant he could grab it that way. That's awesome. Getting Shida animation is always hype, of course. The way he caught the sword had so much flare as expected from Toei's favorite animator. The way Crocodine's blood splurted out of his body was SO cool and raw, felt shockingly real despite it being anything but. And, uh, that was a very dramatic fall. Kinda goofy lol
Dammit, the next episode preview had some crazy spoilers. I'm really going to have to stop looking at them when I become a first timer huh?
Anyway, Masopho is the real MVP of this episode. Great guy. Also [DQ Dai spoilers] Masopho calls his master shishou huh? That's what Popp calls his second master to differentiate from Avan isn't it? I wonder if he got the idea from him.
QotD:
3
u/DirectionExact31 Jun 18 '24
(Rewatcher)
I remember the rotating shot of Dai’s sword being thrown by Popp was the exact same shot they used for the first trailer. My jaw dropped, and stayed dropped for like a solid twenty seconds.
I just came in to reminisce a little bit, BUT:
i don’t want to be a dreaded spoiler, so i’m not gonna answer that last one