English Dub Review: Pop Team Epic “Vanver – A Game in Another Dimension\ By Space Cat Company{“

The girls are at it again.

Overview (Spoilers Below)

A Game in Another Dimension: Vanver:

A hero and his party try to summon a spirit to defeat the demon king but end up summoning Popuko and Pipimi. They’re unimpressed, considering the show isn’t even finished yet since they poured the whole budget into the first episode. Popuko demands that they do interpretations, and it’s enough that in the real world, the voice actors demanded that the script is changed. (In the male version, the voice actors get so angry that they steal the producer’s glasses and play catch with them). Sadako from The Ring appears, silently, and underneath the chairs are Popuko and Pipimi. (In the male version, Popuko and Pipimi are hiding in Kayako’s (from The Grudge) mouth.)

This is a jab at skewed budget fantasy anime like Hyperdimension Neptunia, as well as parodying the ad-libbing that voice actors have to do at times.

Score

9/10

 

Love Me* Pop Team Epic

The design team makes two felt dolls of Popuko and Pipimi, and then the dolls perform a pop idol sequence onstage.

This part wasn’t translated, and having subtitles for the viewers that don’t understand Japanese would have been nice. But wow, the amount of work that would have gone into making those dolls.

Score

8/10

 

Pop Team Epic Omikuji:

On New Years, Popuko and Pipimi take rapid-fire pictures of their fortunes.

Score

9/10

 

Speech Bubble:

Popuko says that whenever she sees a jagged speech balloon, she dies. Pipimi is surprised, which kills Popuko. Her angel appears and dies to another speech bubble. The angel’s angel appears, and dies to yet another speech bubble.

Score

8/10

 

Instagram:

Pipimi orders a bowl of ramen, and tries to take a photo of her Instagram. Whenever she tries to take a picture, Popuko shoves her hands in front of the camera.

Score

8/10

 

Bob Epic Team (2):

Popuko and Pipimi play hide and seek. To hide, Pipimi dissolves into the background and turns into a news ticker.

Score

7/10

Growing Up:

The girls are both laughing when Pipimi interrupts, asking Popuko what she’d do if suddenly Pipimi grew up tomorrow. Popuko remains paralyzed by the thought for the rest of the evening.

Score

8/10

 

Other Skits:

When Popuko asks to go to Japan’s Machu Picchu, Pipimi denies her, saying that the backgrounds haven’t been drawn for that sequence yet. Popuko rapidly plays the xylophone on a pair of skis, and concludes with a ski jump.

 

Best Sketch: Vanver

Worst Sketch: Bob Epic Team (the first one)