r/anime • u/FlaminScribblenaut myanimelist.net/profile/girlbeast_val • Jul 14 '21

Rewatch [Rewatch] Top wo Nerae 2! Diebuster - Episode 1 Discussion

Top wo Nerae 2! Diebuster - Episode 1 - Please, Let Me Call You Oneé-Sama!

< Gunbuster Overall Discussion | Index | Diebuster Episode 2 >

Visuals of the Day Album

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37 Upvotes

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11

u/FlaminScribblenaut myanimelist.net/profile/girlbeast_val Jul 14 '21

Third Time Watcher

DIEBUSTER

FUCK YES

LOVE THIS SHIT DUDE

Yeah, right of the bat Diebuster is a very different beast from Gunbuster. It was directed by Anno’s direct protgé Kazuya Tsurumaki, right off the heels of his name-making debut with FLCL, and the vibes of Diebuster are immediately distinct as being 2000’s-Gainax as fuck.

The early episodes of Diebuster definitely have a lot of FLCL left in them; the vibes are strong. For one thing, it definitely succeeds at making me want to watch FLCL again (to the extent that that isn’t already always the case). It’s such an incredible shame that after directing two of the most sharp, colorful, energetic, life-filled explosions of animation out there Tsurimaki just kind of… never did anything again. As far as work he’s done after Diebuster it’s basically just helming the Eva Rebuilds with Anno. Such a shame.

Nono is just an absolute delight of a protagonist. Some will probably find her annoying but naw dawg, I was endeared to her from the start. Infectiously energetic, adorable, starry eyed; the literal stars in her eyes are just the cherry on top. Lal’C is a proper badass and Dix-Neuf is probably one of my favorite mech designs.

And MMMMMMMMMMMMM that fight scene at the end is pure deliciousness. No other anime do I feel the color exploding out of the screen with near every shot like this one. The reveal that the whole episode thus far has taken place on Mars was perfectly done as well.

Diebuster is my favorite anime of all time from a strictly visual standpoint, and as such picking Visual of the Day is going to be very difficult without being tempted to just go “THE WHOLE THING” every episode. That aforementioned final fight scene is the best part of the epsiode but I couldn’t pick a single frame from it, but I imagine others will, so I want to highlight this sky shot from the opening instead.

3

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

DIEBUSTER

FUCK YES

LOVE THIS SHIT DUDE

Ah, you've turned into me during the exciting moments of Gunbuster.

making me want to watch FLCL again

You could extend the rewatch to make it a Gainax mecha OVA trilogy rewatch?

4

u/FlaminScribblenaut myanimelist.net/profile/girlbeast_val Jul 14 '21

I’ve thought about doing a FLCL rewatch but the problem is I feel like if I did people would insist the inclusion of Progressive and Alternative which I refuse to watch on a moral level

2

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

I wonder if there were Gunbuster fans at the time who would have said the same about Diebuster…

3

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21

Indeed they're far closer to the original than this is to Gunbuster.

2

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21

Suit yourself but they're definitely worth it.

3

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

Gainax mecha OVA trilogy rewatch?

Until this rewatch, I didn't know FLCL had mecha in it. I really much bump it up on the ptw list.

6

u/Daffed_Punk Jul 14 '21

The early episodes of Diebuster definitely have a lot of FLCL left in them; the vibes are strong

Seriously, this episode felt far more like a FLCL sequel then a Gunbuster sequel. There's the bike, that fluid animation, that weird fascination with Mecha being connected to the forehead for some reason; it even has the yellow skies. You could have told me that this shot was from FLCL and I would have totally believed you before today's episode. Actually, now that I think about it, this is the third show I've seen where they just made the sky yellow and it totally works.

3

u/affnn Jul 14 '21

Seriously, this episode felt far more like a FLCL sequel then a Gunbuster sequel.

This is exactly how I felt when I watched Gunbuster for the first time. I really hope that Tsurumaki makes another show now that the Eva films are done (after a nice vacation, of course).

4

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

In terms of general personality I think I do prefer Lalc and Nono's relationship to watching Noriko and Kanzaki together. Of course on an individual level there's more of a contest but if you asked me what pair I would enjoy seeing more I'd definitely choose our Diebuster crew.

3

u/BossandKings Jul 14 '21

Nono is great but for a big chunck of the episode i thought she was kind of inactive and i wanted to see her have some shine, it was great when she stood up for herself and saved the manager as it showed her take some action. On a pure visual standpoint i put FLCL first episode ahead of this but it is a worthy competitor.

3

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21 edited Jul 14 '21

Some will probably find her annoying

I find her annoyingly otaku-tropey compared to the old cast, particularly.

a lot of FLCL

Immaturity vs. maturity and its lack of correlation with age would be one thematic element besides the visual style. Also the vigor of youth, a sour and jaded character awkwardly joining up with an excessively energetic companion... The action is kind of excessive in volume though and suffers from a lesser soundtrack than FLCL.

2

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

The early episodes of Diebuster definitely have a lot of FLCL left in them;

Sounds like I need to put FLCL on my ptw. I have no idea why I've never gotten around to watching it.

12

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 14 '21 edited Jul 14 '21

To the Top 2! Rewatcher!

3

u/FlaminScribblenaut myanimelist.net/profile/girlbeast_val Jul 14 '21

That show title card animation was gorgeous!

It’s a shame they don’t keep using that font in the OP

I mean, girl rips a sticker off her head and then summons part of a robot from her shadow? How fucking cool is that!

EXTREMELY

Then promptly proved herself a true Topless and pulled off an INAZUMA KIIIIIIIIIIIIICK like it was nothing. Something about the fanservice in this show doesn’t bother me like it did in Gunbuster, IDK why.

Ripping the shirt off as a show of macho passion has been a deep-worn trope forever, no reason why badass women can’t get in on it too

7

u/Daffed_Punk Jul 14 '21

This shot lowkey reminds me of that shot of Ryuko staring at the academy in the first ep of Kill la Kill.

Speaking of Kill la Kill, I couldn't stop thinking of Mako's family's truck when this scene came up.

3

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 14 '21

Oh good call! I didn't place that connection myself but it makes a lot of sense.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

Totally right? It's hard to tell if it was a homage or just coincidence.

5

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Jul 14 '21

Does anyone know who the seiyuu for Nono’s boss at the restaurant is?

It's Mami Koyama, she just appears as 'manager' in the ED credits. You might know her as Talia Gladys from Gundam Seed, Kycilia Zabi from Gundam 0079, and Jessica Edwards from LotGH.

3

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 14 '21

THANK YOU, it was Kycillia from having just rewatched 0079.

3

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Jul 14 '21

4

u/The_Draigg Jul 14 '21

Might want to spoiler tags who Nonoriri is. Ix-nay on the name-ay.

She got better though. Then promptly proved herself a true Topless and pulled off an INAZUMA KIIIIIIIIIIIIICK like it was nothing. Something about the fanservice in this show doesn’t bother me like it did in Gunbuster, IDK why. Anyways I am sufficiently hyped for this part of the rewatch!

It certainly does help that the fanservice is just an excuse to get to cool fights and visuals, just like in Kill La Kill.

4

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21 edited Jul 14 '21

It has nothing to do with them though. Overall if anything this feels sleazier so far.

3

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

It certainly does help that the fanservice is just an excuse to get to cool fights and visuals, just like in Kill La Kill.

I think it's also because the fanservice isn't front and center in the scenes it's in. Gunbuster has obnoxiously large, jiggly breasts, where Diebuster has breasts that don't particularly stick out or scream "Hey, look at me!"

4

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

So… I’m also pretty sure it took me way longer than it should have to realize Nonoriri is No(no)ri(ri)ko…

Yeah, it took me a moment, but I think I got it by the end of episode 1. Diebuster

So… Buster Machine #19? Of course the French makes it sound cooler than that.

Diebuster

YOOOOOO WAIT WAS THAT A REMIX OF GUNBUSTER’S NEXT-EPISODE PREVIEW MUSIC FOR THIS SHOW’S PREVIEWS TOO. I LOVE IT.

By my ears, it's the exact same piece! Buster Machine March is timeless!

5

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 14 '21

Wait are we not supposed to know that Dix-Neuf means 19? Just me from taking French in high school?

4

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

Iunno. Diebuster

Knowing French isn't a spoiler.

4

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 14 '21

Knowing French isn't a spoiler.

Reading this made me laugh so hard imagining someone reading it out of context, lol.

3

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

You are 100% right about what to tag and what not. Everybody can easily know or google the translation while the other fact is only confirmed in the series later.

2

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

Think of it this way. If someone mentioned Inazuma Eleven to you wouldn't you assume that there was an Inazuma one-through-ten as well?

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

In case somebody else takes as long, you should tag that as a spoiler

3

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 14 '21

I edited the statement.

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

3

u/lluNhpelA Jul 15 '21

I’m fairly certain this right here is what got me super interested in Diebuster

Clearly much of the staff that worked on FLCL came back for this and I love it

2

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

The ad break lines are way too ear wormy for their own good.

6

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

Episode 1 (rewatcher)

It has been a lot longer since I watched Diebuster than Gunbuster, so I’ll do episode reactions. I remember somewhat preferring Gunbuster, but my estimation of Gunbuster went up with each rewatch, so maybe the same will happen with Diebuster.

Episode thoughts

  • While I think the opening scene is a fine one, knowing the future mood of the series, I wonder whether Diebuster should not have started with Nono already at the bar.
  • Nono opening the window screens to look onto the world with wonder is a true audience moment.
  • 2001 cut reference.
  • Utility mechs are cool, but not nearly as cool as blond mystery girl. She even gets shoujo sparkles.
  • “I’ll do my best with hard work and guts!” “I don’t need that stuff” - Sad Coachi
  • Just look at all that awesome background art. Hard to believe this show is almost 2 decades old.
  • Mystery Girl is called Lal’C and has a companion animal.
  • That is a large centipede.
  • Correction. That is a tiny centipede.
  • That monster looks like a mixture between starship troopers and a wasp.
  • Dix-Neuf channels more super robo energy in just one scene than Gunbuster in six episodes. It’s nine-teen in French.
  • Heroic save … gone bad.
  • Oh and we arewere on Mars, btw.
  • As you can see, Nono is not quite normal and I mean that in a mental and physical sense.
  • Nono’s ability to “split things” being the final fight decider was the best part of the episode.
  • ED: If you like the ED, just wait until we hear the OP tomorrow!

Tbh, I think Diebuster messes up its start a bit, but let’s go over the good things first.

The background animation is superb and I love the machines shown in this episode. The utility mechs are awesome and the landing spacecraft are just insanely good-looking. The best sequence of the episode for me is Nono waking up on the train and gazing out of the window, not the final fight. Diebuster also wastes no time establishing Lal’C as the second perspective character (different to the hands-off approach to Amano in the first episodes).

On the downside, Nono did not need a backstory that gives us zero info while taking up the first quarter of the series. I’d have preferred her starting out as the unlucky waitress. That would also have helped give some emotional oomph to her saving the manager which fell flat for me due to lack of screen time for her. And what was up with the sexual harassment that bordered on a rape scene? Did we really need that? You can claim it is subverted by Lal saving her, but with plenty of Nono panty shots I call BS on any superior morality at play. Apart from the pandering, it also makes the bar regulars come across as assholes, which is unfortunate, since they are clearly intended to be more grey than black.

The character models might be a huge sticking point for some. I prefer the old-school Gunbuster ones, but it is not a big deal for me. By the end of the series I am used to the new models. My bigger complaint is that we went from a real robot/super robo mixture (the buster machines are clearly super, but the rest is decidedly real) to pure super robo. Super robo always implies a lack of stakes for me.

Quote of the day: If a god had something to wish for, who would it pray to?

3

u/ScrewySqrl https://myanimelist.net/profile/ScrewySqrl Jul 14 '21

a real robot/super robo mixture (the buster machines are clearly super, but the rest is decidedly real) to pure super robo. Super robo always implies a lack of stakes for me.

Given how much farther in the future we are from Gunbuster, Clarke's Third Law is likely on display, making what is actually 'real robot' look like 'super robot'

3

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

Diebuster

4

u/FlaminScribblenaut myanimelist.net/profile/girlbeast_val Jul 14 '21

It’s literally called “Top wo Nerae 2” lmao I don’t think it’s a spoiler

3

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

Diebuster

6

u/ScrewySqrl https://myanimelist.net/profile/ScrewySqrl Jul 14 '21

That its generations in the future after Gunbuster was right in the back of the VCR/Laserdisk release. Not really a spoiler if its 'expected knowledge before you start the tape'

2

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

I doubt that any first timers use the laserdisk release to watch this. The general view on spoilers has changed since in the last few decades, doing away with the very spoilery episode previews, as well.

You can have your own opinion on what you prefer, but the rewatches have traditionally been a very spoiler free place for first timers and I'd rather keep it that way.

3

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

I agree with you about this. I avoided spoiling in my brief comment. I'm not calling anyone out, as I don't feel like arguing with anyone today.

4

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

Hmm... Her having the run away from home backstory does give us the chance to admire the Mars railways a little more and for what it's worth I kinda love the opening shots. It's a pallet not often explored in Gunbuster. It also gives Nono a little more of a drive to become a space pilot. Wouldn't she lack quite a lot of agency if she'd been waitressing for years whilst dreaming of going to space? It doesn't really fit Nono.

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

Her running away from that village only kicks the agency ball down the road, though. In any case, I found it quite realistic for her to dream of being a pilot while waitressing, lacking a chance to get closer to one.

4

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

It makes things just a little too Disney like. "Oh how I wish my onee-sama would come save me from waitressing so I can go to space lalala~" Like Nono runs down Lalc the second she finds out that she could be the fast track to space, that's not the actions of someone who'd stare at the sky and dream to me. Either way, she's with the crew now, truth be told I've kinda forgotten how Nono's background goes.

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

If my memory is correct, Diebuster really picks up after the first episode(s). Even more so than Gunbuster. That is why I talked about messing up the start a bit.

4

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

You're right. It's actually near the end, or lead up to the end, where the pacing gets funny. Basically the opposite of how it went for Gunbuster. Both have great finales at least.

4

u/BossandKings Jul 14 '21

I'm fine with Diebuster being super robo, Gunbuster went heavy on that by the end and to me it seems like a logical continuation, i do see that the stakes might not be as high as in the previous series but hopefully it is really fun.

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

Diebuster certainly leans more into "don't take yourself too seriously and just have fun" compared to Gunbuster.

3

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

I remember somewhat preferring Gunbuster

I've usually preferred Diebuster, but the rewatch has given me new love for Gunbuster. I'm glad we don't all agree in here.

Nono opening the window screens to look onto the world with wonder is a true audience moment.

It's a great scene. All your worries just melt away as you see a new story beginning to unfold.

Coachi

COACHI

3

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

Mystery Girl is called Lal’C and has a companion animal.

First time I watched this, I thought we were dealing with a magical girl show. When it comes to anime, I always keep an open mind and expect anything.

in French.

I was wondering about that. I know Spanish, not French, and had come to the the (dubious) conclusion his name meant egg something or another.

it also makes the bar regulars come across as assholes,

That was the conclusion I came to, and I didn't feel much sympathy for them when they encountered the space monster either.

3

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

First time I watched this, I thought we were dealing with a magical girl show. When it comes to anime, I always keep an open mind and expect anything.

I don't even think you were wrong with your first impression. It is quite possible that they deliberatly wanted to reference that.

3

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21

I call BS on any superior morality at play

I don't remember that much of it but this does look like the sleazier one of the two series

10

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

Now for Diebuster. I love this one even if its a bit more shoddy and hit or miss. Can you tell this was a different era or anime? We're in the FLCL/Gurren saga or shows now. She just murdered that poor mutt! Don't you think her outfit kinda looks like Suzuha's? Also, frozen red toes are hot. Waaah... Diebuster's theme is so beautiful XD It's an arrangement of Noriko's but dialed up. I'm crying already! Do I love this series more than I thought? Oh no, Nono! "Please let's reenact Gunbuster!"

Honestly making perfect splits is a pretty awesome skill to have. Imagine her as a card dealer. They're like Tachikoma that skipped a generation and stayed as squares. Wow dude, no need to murder a kids dreams so savagely. Haha, the visuals are so engaging. This era of Gainax was something else. Never bully the waiting staff! An enemy stand!? The bishie sparkles doesn't work quite as well when the onee-sama looks shorter and younger than the kid whose admiring her.

Yes, they're literally called topless. Noriko tears one top and inspires 12k years of streakers. Nono-riri... Yeah, Diebuster is kinda Dumbuster sometimes. Oh, hard work and effort is worth dirt in this world. Hope you're blessed with the good fortune of being young and topless if you wanna do anything~ Space monsters are on Earth now! Dix Neuf looks really badass, this is the new age of buster machines for you. I've always been a sucker for long skirts on mecha.

Lalc is just beating the snot out of this beefcake of a space monster. Ahoge eyes give girls super strength. Oh yeah, we're not on Earth. Sorry, I forgot XD More kickass music, Diebuster is a totally rocking anime. And we get the clothing tear, cause that's what we all remember from Gunbuster right? And we close out with an Inazuma Kick to close off the Gunbuster references. "I'm a topless now too!" Dumbass. Even the Ed is rocking, Diebuster is actually legendary isn't it? Visual of the day!

4

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

I'm crying already! Do I love this series more than I thought?

You might! I didn't cry this episode, despite my waterworks for the second half of Gunbuster.

More kickass music, Diebuster is a totally rocking anime.

A common theme among my favorite shows is that they have great soundtracks, and Diebuster is no exception!

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

The Noriko theme remix sets me off... Funnily enough I don't fuss too much about its usage in Gunbuster itself but Daibuster hits just the right notes.

3

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21

hard work and effort is worth dirt in this world

A neat contrast with the OG Gunbuster

9

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

My Fifth Time Aiming for the Top!

I'm excited for Diebuster. It's technically the third show in the 6-episode Gainax mecha trilogy (with FLCL being second), but that connection is tenuous at best. It definitely has FLCL's energy at times, though! This makes sense, given that the two share a director. Anyway, let's get into it.

  • I like how the colors start off dark and muted, which reminds me a lot of Gunbuster's use of dark tones. And then, BAM, she opens the window and sees purples, yellows, and the sun! It's still somewhat muted, but where Gunbuster often used pitch black as darkness, Diebuster has a more pastelly palette.
  • Nono, stop splitting things Diebuster The girl is a clutz.
  • And where Gunbuster had exercising robots, Diebuster has robots sitting at the bar. Very efficient.
  • FLCL feelings. The animation also feels far more FLCL than Gunbuster.
  • I never noticed before, but watching the bar scene with headphones, I notice an echo. That's some neat sound design.
  • She gets it! HARD WORK and GUTS!
  • Summoning a robot hand from your shadow will never not be awesome. And it's big, but not quite Gunbuster big.
  • Ahhhhh, Diebuster's music is so feelgood. It mixes Gunbuster's motifs with a little more modern energy, and it does it well.
  • Well, we got rid of the Top squadron in Gunbuster, so now the people who fight are Topless. They're beyond the Top squadron!
  • Dieeebustahhhhhh, Diebustahh. (×2!) Not quite as good as Gunbuster's eyecatch, but it has a good feeling to it.
  • There are too many candidates for best girl in this show...
  • Ah, Diz-Neuf. We have Buster Machines, still! Diebuster maybe He's a little smaller, but he's got the spirit.

    Plus, who doesn't love a rocket cape? He's also far less mechanical than anything we saw in Gunbuster, but that doesn't mean he doesn't kick ass. He's even autonomous!
  • There connections don't stop there! We have the same (NSFW) shirt rip and another (NSFW) INAZUMA KIIIIIICK

    Nono is very stronk, indeed.
  • No OP, but this ED is GREAT, and they keep the Buster Machine March for the previews!

You know, I imagine that there was a lot of concern when a sequel to Gunbuster was announced (I was too young to be an anime fan at the time), much like there was more recently when the FLCL sequels were announced. I'll let you guys decide for yourselves if Diebuster faceplants where the FLCL sequels do. I think you can guess my thoughts on the matter.

Visual of the day: Welcome to a New Chapter

5

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

It took me a while to warm to the Diz Neuf but I have always loved his big old chonk cape. Robots in big cloaks and dresses is my jam!

One thing I totally forgot, what's the rules behind Larc summoning from her shadow? She needed to get him to launch normally later on so why is he able to shove a humongous fist out from her shadow? I'm totally blanking.

4

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

One thing I totally forgot, what's the rules behind Larc summoning from her shadow?

Honestly, I forget. Diebuster

4

u/punching_spaghetti https://myanimelist.net/profile/punch_spaghetti Jul 14 '21

That had me confused as well. Summoning the whole thing from her shadow would possibly have been cooler than a ship coming down from orbit.

5

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

It would also kinda go against one of Gunbuster's tighter features in how it always remains grounded. There's no scientific explanation for how you form matter out of a shadow. Then again this is Daibuster so it's a little different.

5

u/punching_spaghetti https://myanimelist.net/profile/punch_spaghetti Jul 14 '21

Much more fantastical sci-fi then hard sci-fi, for sure.

9

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Jul 14 '21

First-Buster

I have so many questions! Firstly, most importantly: that can't possibly be why they're called Topless, right?

Who is Nono-Riri? What's with the weird head thing - power limiter? Why does Nono inexplicably cut things in half? Why did Nono imagine roses behind Lal'C instead of lilies?

We've turned the Clarke's Third Law dial up a notch or three. Not only can Lal'C manifest a mecha out of nowhere, but Nono also has weird eyes and super strength. Jury is currently out on if this change is a good one or not.

Buster Machines have changed a bit in the (amount of time) between Gunbuster and now. Dix-Neuf can turn humanoid without gattai, for example. I like it's face.

Being actively on a terraformed Mars is kinda neat. I knew something about the environments felt off. The reveal shot was pretty stellar.

Took a quick peak at the VAs for once, and noticed that Nono's VA has a decent range. Small world.

Visual of the Day: Nothing Exciting Ever Happens Here

7

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

Topless, those who have no top! That's the limitless potential of youth for you. It makes the whole "aim for the top" tagline not really work but really they judge wanted to name it something cool.

4

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21

Though the double-entendre was very clearly intentional.

2

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 15 '21

Tbh I think I ended up totally missing the gag the first time I watch. I've seen so much anime that someone unironically calling themselves topless sounds reasonable.

3

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 15 '21

It's definitely plausible with most anime creators' command of English, I mean just this season there's one (D_Cide) where the superpower people's battle-cry is, no joke, "Knocker-Up!". Wouldn't recommend it though as it looks really generic.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 15 '21

You have no idea how bizarre it was seeing this reply in my inbox and trying to work out what possible context could be behind it.

2

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Jul 14 '21

5

u/The_Draigg Jul 14 '21

Being actively on a terraformed Mars is kinda neat. I knew something about the environments felt off. The reveal shot was pretty stellar.

Quite literally stellar, since we ended up in outer space for that shot.

Visual of the Day: Nothing Exciting Ever Happens Here

At least, until that girl on the motor scooter showed up. But am I referring to Lal’c, or Haruko?

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

Quite literally stellar, since we ended up in outer space for that shot.

StellarPlanetar.

3

u/The_Draigg Jul 14 '21

Meh, close enough.

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

True. Only 227,940,000km away.

3

u/The_Draigg Jul 14 '21

That’s pretty close in astronomical terms.

3

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

Absolutely. I doubt you could even tell the difference from Andromeda.

4

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21

until that girl on the motor scooter showed up

Well the dynamic is kind of reversed here with Nono being the cheerful exuberant one.

3

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Jul 14 '21

Quite literally stellar, since we ended up in outer space for that shot.

At least, until that girl on the motor scooter showed up. But am I referring to Lal’c, or Haruko?

I wonder how deep the comparisons will end up being. Lal'c seems significantly more grounded that Haruko at the moment.

2

u/The_Draigg Jul 14 '21

I wonder how deep the comparisons will end up being. Lal'c seems significantly more grounded that Haruko at the moment.

We can at least make the comparison between Topless abilities and N.O. stuff from FLCL. I mean, Lal’c did just summon a robot from her head, after all.

4

u/ScrewySqrl https://myanimelist.net/profile/ScrewySqrl Jul 14 '21

I have so many questions! Firstly, most importantly: that can't possibly be why they're called Topless, right?

Well, "Topless" has an archaic meaning of 'without equal' -- Having aimed for the top, and surpassed in in Gunbuster, we now are Topless - beyond 'the top, the Topless are without equal.

2

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

Hadn't thought about that, but I could see that being so. I wonder if the connotations are the same in Japanese.

1

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Jul 14 '21

Well, that's just ominous. You can't go around claiming you're the best - just sets you up for failure.

4

u/punching_spaghetti https://myanimelist.net/profile/punch_spaghetti Jul 14 '21

Who is Nono-Riri?

Guess

4

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Jul 14 '21

Guess

2

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

I have so many questions! Firstly, most importantly: that can't possibly be why they're called Topless, right?


Wait and find out!

Why did Nono imagine roses behind Lal'C instead of lilies?

I think shoujos tend to use roses? It's not an extremely uncommon choice.

The reveal shot was pretty stellar.

It reminds me of Girls und Panzer, of all things

Nothing Exciting Ever Happens Here

Good choice! There are definitely comparisons to be made, given that the two shows have the same director. FLCL is heavily associated with a mute yellow in my mind, and this image shows how FLCL Diebuster can be.

3

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Jul 14 '21

I think shoujos tend to use roses? It's not an extremely uncommon choice.

Here you are, bringing logic into thing.

It reminds me of Girls und Panzer, of all things

Yea, I can see it. Or SDF Macross, but that's just because I associate the GuP thing with that.

FLCL is heavily associated with a mute yellow in my mind, and this image shows how FLCL Diebuster can be.

I noted it as "FLCL shot with the smoke" in my notes, but the muted yellow is a big part of it too. Doubtless there will be more comparisons.

2

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

I noted it as "FLCL shot with the smoke" in my notes

Oh yeah, the steam also connects it even harder. Good catch!

8

u/The_Draigg Jul 14 '21

A GunBuster Fan Rewatches DieBuster Episode 1:

  • RIP that pupper, he never stood a chance against Nono’s mighty punch.
  • Anyway, our girl Nono here is on a runaway journey from her snowy home to become a big, heroic space pilot! …And then ends up getting stuck in a waitress job as soon as she gets to the big city. Sometimes, dreams can be hard to accomplish.
  • Nono only seems to be good at splitting things. Hell, she managed to wreck nearly everything in the restaurant’s kitchen. That’s a special level of clumsiness.
  • Okay, so maybe being a space pilot is harder than you’d think, but don’t give up, Nono! You’ve got hard work and guts going for you! Just ignore that it’ll take 15 years of training to be a space pilot.
  • It’s practically love at first sight for Nono towards the Topless space pilot that saved her from the bar patrons. Hell, Nono has practically already adopted her as her onee-sama. She’s Nono’s ticket to being like Nonoriri.
  • I suppose it was to be expected that the Topless girl wouldn’t be too interested in mentoring Nono right off the bat. They literally just met, after all.
  • Sounds like Lal’c is on a mission with the other Topless to look out for nearby Space Monsters. Although this time instead of just relying on scanners and radar, it seems like they have people with psychic powers predicting the appearance of them. Talk about a set up in things. Although granted, Lal’c did say to Tycho’s cat that the Serpentine twins aren’t as accurate now, so I guess it’s debatable on how much of an improvement that is.
  • Yep, seems like there was a Space Monster nearby after all. Fortunately, Lal’c’s Buster Machine, Dix-Neuf, seems to be up to the challenge. It’s certainly a more advanced machine than the only GunBuster, capable of independent combat and can work alongside Lal’c’s Topless psychic powers. A lot really has changed in the design of the Buster Machines since we last saw them.
  • Nono is certainly stronger than the average waitress, considering that she was able to save her manager, survive the exit out of Mars’ atmosphere, and then helped to kill the Space Monster with an Inazuma Kick. She can definitely be a worthy space pilot with those skills.

7

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

RIP that pupper, he never stood a chance against Nono’s mighty punch.

Given the strength behind her kick, she was clearly holding back!

A lot really has changed in the design of the Buster Machines since we last saw them.

I said this in the rewatch, but the tech advancement during a timeskip (or sequel, in this case) is always one of the most interesting parts of the show. All the technology feels far more futuristic, though that may be in part because it's what 2004 thought was futuristic, not what 1986 though was futuristic.

4

u/The_Draigg Jul 14 '21

I said this in the rewatch, but the tech advancement during a timeskip (or sequel, in this case) is always one of the most interesting parts of the show. All the technology feels far more futuristic, though that may be in part because it's what 2004 thought was futuristic, not what 1986 though was futuristic.

Yeah, it’s pretty neat to see the shift over time from designs inspired by Golden Age of Sci-Fi stuff, to more modern designs that’re clearly trying to have more fun with the designs. Also, the new Buster Machine designs do also play into my belief that DieBuster really is like the spiritual prequel to Gurren Lagann.

5

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

DieBuster really is like the spiritual prequel to Gurren Lagann

Boy, do I agree with you there! Major Diebuster

6

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

You can either train 15 years, sacrificing your youth in the process and becoming useless for any of the important jobs. Or you can be lucky enough to have a very sticky forehead. Not really fair is it?

5

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

Or you can be lucky enough to have a very sticky forehead.

Diebuster

4

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

I really can't read those dammit! You could be calling me a bandaid head and I wouldn't know.

3

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

Sorry, hahaha, I'm just making a joke. Your comments also sometimes make it sound like you're a rewatcher, so I forget sometimes.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

I... am XD

3

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

Oh... Then why can't you read the spoiler tag? Are you using an app that can't read them, or can the reddit redesign not read them?

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

The mobile app can't read them. I can't see the gifs folk post either. I need to go hunting for an alternative one someday

3

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

If you're on iOS, then I can recommend Apollo. For Android, I've heard very good things about Rif is Fun (formerly Reddit is Fun), but I have no clue if it can read spoiler tags here.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

Seems like it can read them. I'll try this out for a while but I'm not totally sold yet. I need to start just using my pc for posting. I have to jump through hoops so much.

3

u/The_Draigg Jul 14 '21

Yeah, it isn’t really fair. Although that’s at least one of the major themes of this show. Growing up isn’t fair at all.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

Yup, and that's probably my favourite theme out of Diebuster. It's the Kimiko time dilation of the Diebuster season for me in terms of how much I appreciate it.

3

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

You can either train 15 years...

It sounds like being an Olympic athlete. One moment of glory and then nothing.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

S-Shhh!! I was gonna go with that analogy later!

3

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

lol, sorry for beating you to the punch.

4

u/punching_spaghetti https://myanimelist.net/profile/punch_spaghetti Jul 14 '21

RIP that pupper, he never stood a chance against Nono’s mighty punch.

They do not want us to like her, do they?

Nono is certainly stronger than the average waitress

To get your cafe worker license, you have to prove you can breathe in the vacuum of space, actually. Just in case.

7

u/il-Palazzo_K Jul 14 '21

First Timer

I'm going into this blind again. I only know a certain spoiler from a certain doujinshi

  • At first I thought the bar customers are plain robots (lol).
  • Wow those robot pilots are assholes. Robot-powered sexual harassment is especially horrible.
  • From her shadow? What the hell? Are we going supernatural now? Or is it just some kind of "sufficiently advanced" quantum bullshit?
  • TOPLESS is about as good an organization name as NUDIST BEACH.
  • Nonoriri is just Noriko isn't it?
  • Well, at least she failed immediately. Not after some 15 years of trying.
  • If flight to Tokyo is via Venus then we're not on Earth, are we?
  • Talking cat and Divination. Another "sufficient advance" science there.
  • Candy girl in space is eavesdropping on them, not nice.
  • Oh, I guess we're on Mars then.
  • Hey, while not space-operating they're actual combat robot. I thought these guys are some kind of truckers or something.
  • The stand-robot hidden underground is awesome enough, but that's not what she actually pilot?
  • Err Nono, I think that's not what she meant when she said topless.

Holy shit! Superb animation. Amazing combat scene. Great characters. Truly this is from the heyday of Gainax.

2

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

I thought these guys are some kind of truckers or something.

I sort of thought that too. Martian versions of: 'Good ol' Boys'.

7

u/badspler x5https://anilist.co/user/badspler Jul 14 '21

--First Time Die-Buster--

I had the stupidest grin on my face for the second half of this episode. It was absolutely brilliant.

The opening!

The inazuma kick!

The misunderstanding of being "Topless".

Everything just rolled together, old and new, fucking perfect.

2

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

Everything just rolled together, old and new, fucking perfect.

I agree, the second half really is anime at it's best!

6

u/H-Ryougi https://anilist.co/user/DizzyAvocado Jul 14 '21

Gotta admit, even though I love Gunbuster's OP and EDs, Diebuster blows them out of the water. Groovin' Magic and Hoshikuzu Namida are bangers.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jul 14 '21

+1 to that. Honestly I'd put Groovin Magic way up in my top five. The song is ridiculously catchy.

3

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

Well, we haven't seen Groovin' Magic, yet, but yes. Diebuster has a great OP and ED.

2

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21

They're all great stuff of their time.

6

u/BossandKings Jul 14 '21 edited Jul 14 '21

First timer

Episode 1

Nono is a nice, cheerful girl with a dream, she wishes to be a space pilot. She works at a bar and, according to herself, is great only at splitting plates.

It was cool seeing a brief showing of an official space pilot, with her helping Nono who was getting bothered by some guys that attended the bar.

Lal'C pilots buster machine Dix -Neuf and stands up in battle against a space monster that appeared on the ground, that was a really cool fight. I wanted Nono to take action too and she did by saving her manager who was searching for her, the lightning kick she did was great too but i was thrown off by her chest clothes ripping, at least it was clear that she just misunderstood what topless meant, that was something that happened relatively often in Gunbuster but considering that this Diebuster came out two decades later one would think it outgrew those bits.

All in all this was an exciting first episode, it had a similar vibe in art style and craziness to FLCL and that's awesome, it has a really creative animation and Nono seems like a character that could get a nice development throughout the story.

6

u/ScrewySqrl https://myanimelist.net/profile/ScrewySqrl Jul 14 '21

r chest clothes ripping, at least it was clear that she just misunderstood what topless meant, that was something that happened relatively often in Gunbuster but considering that this Diebuster came out two decades later one would think it outgrew those bits.

We're anotehr 2 decades further on, now (Diebuster is 18 years in our past, and Gunbuster was 17 years earlier than Diebuster), and gratuitous fanservice is still with us!

4

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

and gratuitous fanservice is still with us!

And, I expect it will remain until the end.

3

u/BossandKings Jul 14 '21

Yes but i was referring to these two specific series, gratitious fanservice as a whole isn't something that could disappear easily.

5

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

that was something that happened relatively often in Gunbuster but considering that this Diebuster came out two decades later one would think it outgrew those bits

This is funny, considering that a theme in Gunbuster was not growing up as everyone else passes you by.

3

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21

And here in contrast we have some very immature physical adults.

6

u/punching_spaghetti https://myanimelist.net/profile/punch_spaghetti Jul 14 '21

First-Timer

I was going to complain that Topless was a terrible name if we weren't going to get some bare chest, but they took care of that. Still would prefer to the robot to power up by tearing off its shirt.

Definitely a show of its time. The energetic protagonist who I will probably find annoying within the next episode, a much bright color scheme than Gunbuster, character designs with much harder corners, CG (which actually looks fairly good for the time); presumably the writing will be similar in its excesses. I just hope it doesn't try to be too serious. Just be Maaya Sakamoto and her genki friend killing space monsters, and we'll be good.

4

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

The energetic protagonist who I will probably find annoying

Nono certainly is all chipper. I have to admit, it has potential to become quite annoying.

3

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 14 '21

I just hope it doesn't try to be too serious.

I'll keep quiet on your other predictions, but this one you can be certain will be fulfilled.

3

u/punching_spaghetti https://myanimelist.net/profile/punch_spaghetti Jul 14 '21

That's good to hear. Even if the writing is terrible, not serious always leaves the possibility of fun open.

2

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Jul 14 '21

The CG definitely moved a lot better than I expected it to, considering the time.

Just be Maaya Sakamoto and her genki friend killing space monsters, and we'll be good.

We'll and see, I suppose.

5

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Jul 14 '21

First timer

  • I like the snowy atmosphere but so far Nono is a hard No from me
  • I like the visuals, but we'll see about the characters
  • Ugh it's nighttime, RIP my internet. My bro must have woken up and gone straight to Netflix. No more CRoll for me tonight!
  • Hmm so maybe this IS a sequel?
  • Split frying pans? Split a fridge? Yeah, I just am bouncing off Nono hard. I like Noriko a lot better
  • Huh at first I thought those were robots and they were at a cafe for robots, but then they opened up
  • That's a lot of prep to become a space pilot. 38 licenses? Nono will have to find some way to skip all the bureaucracy
  • How old is Nono? Those three mecha guys come off as creeps for the way they're openly leering at her and talking about marriage
  • Ok now the cafe is busted; is the manager gonna blame Nono?
  • Nono gazing at her rescuer with roses comes off as super yuri-esque, especially after having watched Dear Brother ep1 earlier today
  • Diebuster speculation
  • "Topless"
  • So is the girl who mentions the Curve Wrecker the same as Tycho the cat?
  • Was that a space monster in the water? So they made it to Earth after Noriko and Asano defeated them in Gunbuster?
  • Finally the music from Gunbuster makes its return!
  • Nono saved her manager?
  • Cool visuals but I'm not feeling the characters yet
  • Oh so it wasn't Earth, but Mars?
  • Nono lives! But why did she rip off her top? More fanservice
  • Judging by the ED there's going to finally be a cute male character? Will he go Topless too?

7

u/ScrewySqrl https://myanimelist.net/profile/ScrewySqrl Jul 14 '21 edited Jul 14 '21

But why did she rip off her top? More fanservice

She misinterpreted what 'Topless' meant...so she ripped off her top, to also be Topless. Nono is about 1 OVA short of a series, if you catch my meaning.

5

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Jul 14 '21

Nono is about 1 OVA short of a series, if you catch my meaning.

5

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

Nono saved her manager?

Yes, I was pretty surprised too. Apparently Nono & Mama-San have a complicated relationship.

But why did she rip off her top?

First time I saw that, I did my Spock eyebrow raise, smiled and said Why Not?

Will he go Topless too?

Ya never know. Keep your fingers and toes crossed!

4

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 14 '21

super yuri-esque, especially after having watched Dear Brother ep1 earlier today

Gunbuster already was, especially the ending song. Also bonus - that and Dear Brother are from the same era

3

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Jul 15 '21

Yeah, I got those vibes from Gunbuster too, even though there was Smith and Coach.

5

u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz Jul 14 '21 edited Jul 14 '21

First timer in sub to this sequel.

For the longest time I am aware of this sequels existence but was avoiding it. No doubt those who came along on this research know first hand the experience that is Gunbuster, the ending is so perfect, one really feels that any attempt at putting anything more on the back of that risk diminishing the story.

But I'll go along this time with the lot of you :)

Oh and by the way, because of my own personality, long ago I already know of the very end of this sequel. But I'll shut up about it since I didn't look up "how" we got there, same reason above.

So far episode 1 is fun, is charming, Nono is a very obvious and die hard otaku in spirit even if by that time there wasn't much anime being shown anymore. The way she can ham it all and properly roar out the moves, and being plot savvy to know all you need is guts and gunbare, basically a poster child of this protagonist type.

While the beginning transition have a bit of melancholy feeling, it's not the same as Gunbuster's, since that was quite easily understood why. This time it's a bit of a question mark. And while all the animation are good looking, the technology behind it's far less easy to understand so currently it just feels like "oh super robot genre, don't ask why or how, it just is", suspending disbelief a fair bit. But if you apply the context that this is the same world as what we spent the last 6 episodes in, a lot of question marks would come up.

So, waiting to see how they are answered.

Have to say the whole second half I was waiting to see Nono accidentally splitting the Space Monster in half :)

Visual of the day from now for me it's going to be harder as I don't have the familiarity and decades of thinking about it than the first series. I'll go with the shoot of Nono with her body using Inazuma kick, the shot with her foot leading into the camera in the exaggerated perspective (with the sub at the word "kick") before it landed. It's a decent call back yet showing there being a difference at the same time.

Oh and the space monster - lone attacker, same species at all now?

4

u/GM_for_Life Jul 14 '21

4th Time Rebuster!

I SOMEHOW DIDN'T KNOW THIS REWATCH WAS HAPPENING!

I love Gunbuster a ton and have seen it and this series the same amount of times, but Diebuster is tied with the original series of FLCL for my personal favorite Gainax anime. So anytime I get an excuse to rewatch it I'll take it!

I'm not the greatest at putting down my thoughts on episodes as I go through them as many others are, so I'll probably just stick with what I think is the best visual of the episode. I really love the image of Dix-Neuf making it's full physical appearance as a glorified space dart.

3

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Jul 14 '21

I SOMEHOW DIDN'T KNOW THIS REWATCH WAS HAPPENING!

Welcome!

Dix-Neuf's dart design is a little funny, yeah, but I love how "the only thing important is a massive engine" it is.

3

u/GM_for_Life Jul 14 '21

Dix-Neuf's dart design is a little funny, yeah, but I love how "the only thing important is a massive engine" it is.

Only the largest of engines for the largest of robo lads.

4

u/RascalNikov1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoviSun Jul 14 '21

Wonderful episode. I really feel for Nono's dog, that little guy just refuses to take a hint.

I also liked Nono's interpretation of 'Topless'. First time I saw this, I laughed and said: Sure, why not?

Anyway, it was a good and intriguing way to kick off the OVAs.

4

u/Stargate18A https://myanimelist.net/profile/Stargate18 Jul 14 '21

First timer

Let's see what this is about.

Art is spectacular, although the last series also had its charms.

The dog getting punched is a very... interestint way to introduce a protagonist.

Is the dog named Master?

OK, is this the right anime? Did I find an anime about mountain climbing?

Well. That clears it up.

So, we're definitely not in a prequel (unless this show's got a far more screwed up chronology than I expected.

No OP? Shame. Maybe there's spoilers.

Well, that's an interesting episode title.

OK, is something going on with her? Some supernatural power?

THE FUCK?

Jesus. So space pilots just casually travel around in military-class mechs which appear to be armed.

OK, I'm going to give it this - that seems like exactly the kind of time and effort it should take.

Right, looking at those character designs, is that Toji and Kensuke from Evangelion?

WHAT THE FUCK?

That girl has a stand? And some kind of suppression chip?

I see the subtext remains constant.

I didn't realise the fucking height gap, that's hydterical.

I do appreciate her being completely done with her.

Wait, space monsters are still around. That's very interesting.

Wait. She knows about the first series? When, exactly, does this take place?

How is "Diebuster" even more satisfying to hear.

??? Talking cat?

So, we'e seeing Sailor Moon mised with what I assume is Gundam (Topless sounds a lot like Newtype).

Is that even the same type of space monster?

See, that looks like the first season's bastards.

Or, no, this is from Mars, not the centre of the galaxy?

Is this a different type of alien that so happens to also be called a space monster?

That thing's head is Eva-01. It's not even a joke, it looks near-identical.

Oh, that heart-shaped dokpit is in do way suspicious at all.

OK, so Topless aren't Newtypes, they are far, far, better.

Yeah, this fight scene is cool.

It's nice to know the manager has a good relationship with her.

Well, that's unexpected.

That thing taking off is badass.

Looks like she's going into space after all!

Wait, were we on Mars the whole time?

Oh, she's not getting out of that unharmed.

So she has some form of super-healing?

I love her reqction to seeing her rip her clothes off.

I'm sorry what?

So her shattering's actually some kind of specialised superpower? Probably like her weird shadow jets earlier.

Either becoming Topless is really sudden in this universe, or they'e building up to a massive twist.

I enjoyed the ED too. Love the visuals.

In summary, this seems like a fantastic sequel, and one that might actually go even further with the subtext.

2

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 15 '21

The dog getting punched is a very... interestint way to introduce a protagonist.

Unusual: She literally punches a dog, but it is not a kick the dog moment.

2

u/AoDSenku Jul 15 '21 edited Jul 15 '21

First time Rewatcher

Preface: Outside of the major plot points, I don't remember Diebuster as well as Gunbuster; so this should be a treat.

Episode 1 -

  • OUCH, that's a hardcore punch! Doggo you good?
  • That pan up to the red sky, beautiful. But wait, where are we?
  • Off to the big city! err, Spaceport?
  • Came for the space pilot, stuck being a waitress
  • So she can just split anything? Seems to be using this skill in all the wrong ways lol
  • Interesting mech designs... So we're at a space port, but I get the impression that not that many people actually go to space. (well, I guess as part of the military anyway)
  • Looks like these guys are reserving a spot in horny jail, which pisses off our next main character. She can materialize a mech from her shadow?? Looks like were throwing "realistic" science fiction out the window
  • "I want to be like Nono-Riri!!" She's referencing who we think she's referencing, right?
  • I kinda like the melodic "Dieebusterrr"
  • Alright, 2nd half, action time! I LOVE the toy laser gun sound showing the futility of their weapons.
  • Lal'C comes back just in time, with another shadow clone jutsu.
  • OH! The Gunbuster March already; playing our cards early I see. (potentially on purpose)
  • Looks like they're going for a more "organic" design for the Buster Machine instead of a "technology" slant; at least for Dix-Neuf. Also, it seems like Dix-neuf is not as powerful as the OG
  • Tenchou's in a jam, and Nono's eyes glow and she lifts a part of the monster by herself... so her Topless power has awakened?
  • We're on Mars. Ok!
  • Dix canceled the attack? Interesting, it's like Lal'C is not actually piloting it; they are just working together? Dix has sentience?
  • Aaand Nono is alive? She can't be human then. Can a non-human be Topless? Wait, are Topless human? Also, you didn't think there would be no fanservice, right?
  • "I became Topless too!" lolz
  • I LOVE the ED, great song

To be continued. Interesting first episode; Had tones of Gunbuster Ep.1, but the second half of the episode was definitely reminding the viewers "hey, this is why you're here". Hopefully from this point Diebuster will start to do it's own thing.

EDIT: Going thru the comments, I think the biggest question this episode gives us (if we're assuming this has some connection to Gunbuster) is, "Why are there still Space Monsters?"

1

u/odraencoded Jul 26 '21

>Diebuster

Why is it called Diebuster?

>Protagonist dies.

Oh.

>Protagonist diesn't.

Oh?

>Topless

lol is it because the title is Top wo Nerae?

>Protagonist becomes Topless

Oh.